Category: Blog-Intuition

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Sitting in the Mall. Ho Ho Ho No.

I was back at the Apple store. In the mall. During holiday shopping season.  

For someone who doesn’t shop much nor go to the mall during holiday season, here I was (again) at the Apple store. Second round of checking out why only one of my Air Pods worked. My original pair was fading and only the left pod worked. So I purchased a new pair only to discover that the right pod didn’t connect. 

A cheerful Apple Elf set me up with an appointment with a Genius who would resolve my issue. 

Any time I can work with a Genius, I’m in. Although I balked when told I’d have to wait over an hour for the next available smarty pants. Truth be told, I panicked a bit. What was I going to do in a mall for over an hour with all of these shoppers? Realizing the absurdity of my response, I accepted the gift of an appointment and set off to complete my one errand. I quickly remembered what I learned in my college marketing class.

Macy’s is filled with bright, shiny objects. All of which are arranged to call your name.

“Look at me! Pick me up! Take me home!” I found it fascinating how my mind was seeking something to buy, even as I ran the gauntlet of perfume bearing ladies wanting to spray me. After all, an hour to kill in the mall was an invitation to browse. Yet, I didn’t need anything and I didn’t fancy the lure of buying something for a quick oxytocin hit.

If browsing was out, perhaps I could get some extra steps in by walking the mall.

I knew that was a thing, mall walking. Unsurprisingly I had a full body shudder and a big fat no to that suggestion. Starbucks beckoned with the sound of blending and shaking, seemingly in rhythm with the holiday music. Another no. So, I stood still and waited to discover how I’d spend my hour. 

A gentle voice from within suggested a preposterous idea. 

“Why not sit on that couch over there?” In the midst of strolling shoppers, a small oasis of artistically positioned couches beckoned. With a seat that was not only free and calling my name, but facing the Apple store.

And then, I remembered.

This Season is Sacred

 

I sat down. Smiled at my neighbors who didn’t notice ’cause they were on their phones.



I breathed deeply as I tuned into the loving vibration that underlies all of life. Sacred in every moment and every movement.

Once connected, I radiated love and appreciation. 

I mean I littered the shit out of that busy mall. Spewing light, joy, and smiles in every direction.


Once I felt the momentum had a life of its own, I checked out my neighbors.I shared a smile with my couch mate, a slouching teen in a hoodie, as we laughed at a serious toddler stalled in the midst of the moving crowd. It was entertaining and refreshing to notice how a parent let a kid be curious and people slowed down for some sweet, humorous interactions.

With more time on my hands, I shared my holiday party photos with some “love you” texts.

Here I was in the mall, on a couch, absorbed in my phone, grinning like a maniac. I had this lovely warm feeling inside. Kinda like how the Grinch felt after he encountered that little genius, Cindy Lou Who.



“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”



My time on the couch was complete. I took my LightBody into the cheery Apple store and met my Genius. Turns out the right pod was kaput. As she went off to get my replacement, it struck me.



My left pod, representing the Feminine, was active. Inviting me to become still, be receptive, and nourish myself directly from the Source of all things Sacred.



My right pod, representing the Masculine, suggested I tune out the outer world with its bright, shiny lure. So I could turn within to explore what was happening beneath the surface. Apparently, it took my failing Air Pods, two trips to the mall, an hour wait, and an empty couch to help me sit still and soak in the Sacred.



I hope you hear that inner call to let the glitter of the Season be delightful without obscuring the obvious.



Life is Sacred. All the time. Enjoy all the beauty, meaningful connections, and love you can radiate this holiday. Have fun giving and receiving your presents, stuffing your face, and laughing with strangers. When the going gets tough as loneliness or family stress surfaces, drop into the Light that always radiates.

Its nourishing Presence knows that YOU are already shiny and bright.


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

There’s nothing wrong with shopping in the mall. I did my own research on that couch and watched happy people laden down with bags. Radiating happiness and laughter. Lots of shiny and bright couples and families. I also noticed some stressed out ladies (head down, walking fast). I bet they have “a list” and aren’t enjoying being the only elf in the family. And the expected crying kids and frustrated parents. That’s a given in any mall. Just remember this. Buying stuff that costs more than you can afford to please your sense of obligation or boost your self perception isn’t the greatest gift you can give yourself. 

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New Andean Energy Medicine Sessions

20 years and 11 months. That’s all it took for me to deliver this empowering healing tradition to you!

Life has a funny way of spiraling around. Waiting until you’ve unloaded enough of the conditioned BS you learned and lived. Opening you to that next wonderful opportunity. And then letting it germinate for just the perfect amount of time. In my case, years! 

My spiritual adventure began in earnest when I stepped onto the Andean Medicine Path 20 years ago. 

It was such a foreign concept for me who was raised Catholic, trained to think scientifically, and launched into mainstream healing with psychology. It was so familiar to my Soul and made a shit ton of sense to me, even when that awareness baffled me.

I’m forever grateful to Alberto Villoldo for his books which introduced me to his work.

And for my friend, Janet, who prompted me to make the epic journey to Manhattan for sessions with Alberto and other Four Winds teachers. For those women I’d gather with to informally study the Beauty Way and all of the foreign, familiar teachings from Peru and the Q’ero Medicine Men and Women of the Andes. Forever grateful.

Then my Soul put that down and introduced the Angels.

 I learned there are different doorways into the healing potential of One great thing where you may align with the powerful energy and Mystery that is behind all healing traditions and spiritual explorations. I meandered around the Angelic Path for years until I was redirected to study Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine. Wow, did that blow my early training out of the water. And, better yet, align quite well with the shamanic and Angelic paths. 

All of these Paths wove together throughout the years, then bowed to the Sacred Feminine Mystery in Her wondrous emergence.

I recognized that familiar adventure of diving deeply, working directly with the etheric teachers, and sharing the wisdom gained via my classes and retreats. So, I wasn’t at all surprised when a few years ago, I was encouraged to teach the Andean Medicine Wheel Path. After all, I had been using that Sacred Map for almost 20 years in my own life and found it practical and empowering. You’d think I’d predict was was coming my way next. Nope.

I was blindsided at the beginning of 2022 when my Soul invited me to study the Andean Medicine Path in earnest.

Thank goodness I had experience listening to my Soul and trusting my capacity to LEAP without knowing where I would land.

I'm thrilled to bring you such a rich variety of healing techniques in the tradition of the Q'ero Medicine People from Peru.

 

I’m offering an introductory discount of $50 for every Andean Energy Medicine healing session booked by 12/15/22.

You may experience sessions in person at Soul Sanctuary or remotely via ZOOM. I’ve found that live and remote sessions are equally powerful. When all your work is guided directly by the Lineage of Healers (etheric and living), these masters have no difficulty reaching through any vessel (including my own) to interact powerfully with your energy body. 

There’s a lot to explore with these healing techniques. I’ll simplify it with a few words: love, beauty, empowering transformation. 

My new web page will shed some light upon what an Andean Energy Medicine session is all about, including the Andean initiations via the Munay Ki Rites. All sessions and initiations are enhanced by a deeper understanding of this tradition. The Art of Becoming 6 week Journey guides a group of women through the Medicine Wheel so they may deepen knowledge, establish energetic connection, and experience transformation.  

This Path invites you to directly commune with your own wisdom and the archetypal presence of the healing lineage, spirit animals, and nourishing presence of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Whether you only try one session or dive wholeheartedly into this Medicine Path, I’m happy to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with you. I believe in the beauty of your Soul and your potential for transformation far beyond what you may now dream of as possible. 

After 21 years, and many spirals through the shamanic path, angelic healing, energy psychology and medicine, and sacred feminine mystery, I’ve got this to say.

Something somewhere knows what it is doing. 

This I trust. This I’ve experienced. And this I look forward to – however it shows up and whatever it invites me to explore. 

Grab your $50 discount if you book by 12/15/22.

Your code is energymedicine50 (can be used multiple times). This is a time limited offer. Sessions will revert to the normal price of $225 for 90 minutes on 12/16/22.  

However you intersect with my Spiral Path (Andean healing, Angelic connection, Energy psychology and medicine, Sacred Feminine Mystery), I’m happy to be with you.

I view all personal healing as the launch pad for healing the family, communities, country, planet, and cosmos you belong in. When the personal turns cosmic, the Earth and all beings benefit. Our future generations and lightening of past influence are helped since all of these approaches move beyond time, space, and dimension.

I’m excited to engage the Sacred in this way. I hope to share this work with you. Details are on my Andean Energy Medicine page.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Kinship or Indigenous is posited to be vital to rebalance our life systems. There is a recognition that there are two primary and competing worldviews. The Dominant Worldview which most are living within is said to have more head than heart. Focused upon a rigid hierarchy, tolerant of injustice, built upon competition and personal gain, and the Earth viewed as an “it.” The Indigenous or Kinship Worldview is nonhierarchical, unified, views Earth as alive and loving, and values community welfare. Kinship recognizes collaboration across everything that is living: human groups, animals,  plants species, rivers, and mountains. Restoring the Kinship Worldview by Wahinkpe Topa and Darcia Narvaez may be the read of 2023. I know I’ll have my nose in that wise book.

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Backwards Gratitude Fuels Forward Expansion

I’m so grateful for you and all the good things in my life. Gobble. Gobble. Let’s eat.

Thanksgiving offers a cornucopia of gratitude. From the heart appreciation for friends, family, colleagues, and the Divine expression of good (by any name you choose. It’s a feel good time. Smiles and hugs. Thankful texts. Maybe even some old fashioned Hallmark cards with handwritten notes.

A few days of heartfelt appreciation gives way to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday.

Ugh. The emails. The ads. The holiday music. The cornucopia of consumerism powered by FOMO. Pulling your attention away from that lovely reflection about who and what adds meaning to your life. Pouring it right into what you need to buy for whom and when you’re going to give it to them and how to schedule every holiday activity. Phew. Or the focus reminds you of who or what you are missing, thus dreading the season of cheery ho ho ho. Ouch.

Perhaps you might take a moment and harness the power of appreciation a bit differently this year?

What if you took time to sit and reflect, really reflect, on all the things, people, shitty occurrences, and opportunities you encountered over this past year? And how every last one offers you the chance to be really, truly grateful. Maybe you can only garner a seed of appreciation or perhaps your heart blows open and spews gratitude confetti all over the world.

Either way, I wonder what you’d discover if you gave yourself one concentrated hour of Backwards Gratitude.

“What/who was I grateful for this year and why?” This questions invitees you to float through your memories to discover the riches hidden there. You can make lists in your journal, replay your memory movies, or scroll your photos to get a thorough “look” at this year’s events.

However you do it, I’ll bet you discover something important.

You experienced a lot of grateful moments this past year. So many that they slipped through your fingers (only to be found in a simple hour of reflection). I bet you missed plenty of opportunities to savor and share your appreciation. Because you jumped back into your schedule and focused forward on that next thing.

Upon reflection, I imagined you identified what was really important and brought you comfort, joy, satisfaction, and laughter.

Backwards gratitude may be used to launch you into a New Year of consciously creating a life filled with meaning, deep connection, and heartfelt appreciation for every little thing.

 

It’s an easy thing to do if you keep it simple, put it in front of your face, and get some partners to play the appreciation game in real time.

First, start with simple. What are 3 areas you were really, truly grateful for this past year? Put them in categories like loving relationships, meaningful work, fun adventures, or developing skills. What or who fits in each of the 3 categories? Take a moment to notice if there was a blossom (fully grown gratitude), a seed (needs some work to feel appreciative), or some dirt (missed the appreciation thing cause you were too busy complaining or feeling victimized). Imagine your life if these 3 categories began to blossom.

Make a commitment to grow this Gratitude Garden in the New Year.

Second, put it in front of your face. Research shows that if you write something down or create a visual (art, mantra, goals, vision board, graph) AND put it where you review it on a regular basis, you have a better shot at bringing that desire into your life. Your reticular activating system is the part of your brain that acts like a search engine. When you see your intent daily or review it weekly, your brain seeks every way to bring it into form 24/7.

Make it visual, put it where you’ll see it, and schedule time to review how well you are gardening these desires.

Third, once you’ve done your Backwards Gratitude, share it with someone else. Ask them to take a moment and find some big little people, things, or circumstances they really appreciated last year. Game on.

Gathering your playmates enhances the potential of making this next year something to cheer about.

When you share the 3 areas of your life you want to nourish through gratitude, you’ll find a built in support. Make that commitment to check in with each other in any way that feels helpful. Doing so throughout the year will increase the chance that next year’s Thanksgiving week will be something to celebrate.

I’m feeling grateful just imagining you with your confetti spewing heart at next year’s Thanksgiving feast.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

I have a friend who has researched this simple, in your face, share it with someone approach. Turns out it really works. She’s impressive. On New Year’s Day, she puts a huge blank paper on the wall. Every night before bed, she grabs a colored marker and writes something she is grateful for. Big things. Tiny things. I bet she stays up past her bedtime some nights, just overdosing on all that colorful appreciation. How many times must she just have to text, call, or hug somebody with all that gratitude spilling out of her? On December 31st, she sits down with her 365 memories and reviews her year. My heart just squirts out confetti imagining her New Year’s Eve review. And then she begins the practice again. Wow. So impressive, my friend. I’m so grateful for you in my life.

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I’m a Secret Librarian

True confession. I’m a book nerd. 

Reading is one of the great pleasures of my life. As long as I remember, I’ve devoured books. My home is filled with artistic book piles in most rooms. Set there to lure me onto the couch in order to gain a little knowledge or get lost in an imaginative adventure. 

I’ll trade sleep for a good book and often am running late to an event because “I’m at a good part.”

I never hop on a plane without two books. One to study and one to invite me into a new world. I overpack books on vacations so that I can choose the read of the day from my traveling library. For practicality’s sake, I tried, against my better judgment, to train myself to use a Nook but I missed the paper and ink too much. 

It’s no wonder I view book stores as my playground.   

Some of my best writing and creative projects have occurred in the cafe at my local Barnes and Noble. It’s as if I enter a zone or portal of creativity whenever I settle in to write there. I can work for hours, almost unaware of others around me, only to surface for an enjoyable break perusing the shelves. It doesn’t matter what department I enter, I find the perfect books and read a few pages. It’s a habit, I guess. Gathering a pile of books to “look at” and heading down a rabbit hole while sitting on the floor, engrossed by someone’s research or creative expression of genius.

I think this is where my career as a secret librarian began. In Barnes and Noble.

While my eyes scan the book shelf, I inadvertently notice authors out of alphabetical order or a disorganized display (gasp). Perhaps the books are left haphazardly laying upon the rows, even from other sections, as if someone dropped them there without regard. This desire to neaten and place books where they belong also arises in the public library, but doesn’t seem to cross over to other areas of my life.

I think it’s a love affair with the written word that has me working incognito. 

If I followed my bliss and spent more time at Barnes and Noble, their shelves would probably be in really great shape. It seems like a perfect volunteer position when I decide to retire. The only downside is that I’d probably discover something else to study and head back to work.

I decided to officially become a librarian when I found the perfect little free library in a nearby town.

 

I’ve seen those cute little bird house libraries and even toyed with putting one in front of my home.

That didn’t make much sense as I live on a quiet street where everyone can easily access books of their choosing. Or pop in their lovely vehicles to head to the public library or favorite bookstore. Anyway, I’m not so good with building birdhouses, even if they’re going to be filled with books.

Imagine my surprise when I noticed a little library appear at the playing fields where I sometimes walked.

People head there to walk their pets or themselves. Kids, teens, and adults use the field for personal training. Mostly it’s empty when we venture there for a nature stroll, but sometimes it is filled with the enthusiastic hustle and bustle of kids or teens practicing their favorite sport.

A summer evening may fill the place with kids practicing football, lacrosse, soccer, or cheerleading.

Game days bring the parents, siblings, and grandparents who overflow beyond the small bleachers to lawn chairs. It’s fun to watch and brings back memories of the thrill of little league games and working in the snack bar.

So, I’m already primed for enjoyment walking by that tiny free library. It draws me in.

I saw a bunch of old adult books. The kind you clean out after 20 years of sitting in your study. They sat there for weeks. Nothing coming in and nothing coming out. Plus they weren’t displayed well. Just sayin’. With all these hundreds of kids and teens running around, some old Tom Clancy books weren’t fitting the bill. So, I tried an experiment. I found some young adult fiction I had read in pristine shape.

A week later, the books were missing. Tom Clancy remained.

When I read fiction, which is the only book I’ll pass on, you’d never know it was read. I take off the cover and use a book mark. It’s a book nerd thing. I started to experiment. Dropping off a trilogy with really fat books looking brand new. They disappeared. I rustled through the books my kid never read. Hardbacks. Fiction. Biographies of brave girls. All gone.

I only drop books when no one is around. Hence the secret part of my librarian title.

And I send each book with a wealth of wishes. I talk to the book(s) as I head over to the tiny house. “I hope you find the perfect home and inspire someone to know how creative they are. I hope you help someone discover a love of reading .. create new authors .. encourage innovation .. alleviate loneliness .. open minds. I hope you travel well and enjoy your adventure.”

Of course I cleaned up that dusty box so whomever it serves has a lovely library that respects the books and their readers.  

Not everyone supports the idea of free little libraries. 

Some dissenters feel they take away from services offered by the free public library system. Or are a harbinger of attempts to gentrify urban neighborhoods. Two librarians from Canada described these cute little birdhouse free libraries as “a highly visible form of self-gratification cleverly disguised as book aid.”  Most supported the idea of these as a resource or an enjoyable hobby or just another way to share a love of creative projects, good reads, and generosity.

I guess since I just outed my secret about tending to a little free library in a diverse neighborhood, I’m now engaged in a highly visible project of self-gratification. 

Yup. I’m unapologetic. I love books. I love little cute libraries. I love being a secret librarian. And I love my public library. 

I’ll skip the cute tiny libraries in affluent neighborhoods and stick to the two I’ve found that serve a more diverse economic population. I’ve got no regrets, even as I acknowledge my flagrant self-gratification as a book nerd do gooder. Imagining children, teens, or adults grabbing a good book warms my little librarian heart.

In the end, I don’t really care who takes my books, if they are returned, or where they travel. 

I just trust they will land in the perfect hands to be read at the perfect time. As long as they disappear and I’ve got (good) books to share, I’m hired. I’ll let you decide where you land in this (mild) controversy about cute mini houses with free books. Read all about it here.     

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Excess screen time for teens has detrimental effects. I bet you know that already. Especially with US teens averaging 7-8 hours/day. Ouch. University of Queensland researchers conducted a global study which found some benefits for teen screen time. In the first hour. Detrimental effects snuck in after 75 minutes for girls and 105 minutes for boys. Things like poor diet, obesity, depression, and decreased cognitive and physical abilities. The best combo? An hour of physical activity and no more than 2 hours screen time contributed to teens wellbeing. I bet those kids at the playing field who snag a good book are headed into the wellbeing category. For book nerds like me? Put down the book, get off that couch, and go take a walk!

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Come Home to your Cosmic Self

I know this photo. I recognize it from the inside out.

When I gather with others at Soul Sanctuary to sing the chants from the kundalini yogic tradition, something happens to me. My breathing and heart rate slow, along with my thoughts. My mood brightens as the world within and around me feels complete. Resting within my body, so comfortable within this peaceful sensation, I’ve come home to myself.

I know this photo. I witness this harmony on the faces of those around me.

Opening my eyes while chanting, I see only beauty as some sit in stillness and others sing. Relaxed bodies with beatific expressions translating the harmony of the cosmos. Candlelight softening the outlines in the room as an experience of floating in the heavens captures my attention, inviting my eyes to close. So I may float.

I know this photo. I hear it translated as each person shares their experience.

Another layer of restoration emerges as each participant shares a personal experience. How an insight shifted a view of self, life, situations, or the world. Or the contrast of how they felt before and after chanting. The simple to profound nature of these comments never fails to delight and inform all who are present.

One hour singing prayers of devotion in a candlelit salon activates a stillness so deep that wholeness is rediscovered.

This is a beautiful research study: each participant a subject in their own experimental design. It begins with noticing how you feel, what is on your mind (active in your life), and identifying your intent for the evening. It ends with a very real awareness that something has shifted in your body, emotions, cognitions, and outlook.

This isn’t a formal research project. We’ll leave that to the scientists.

The field of neurotheology studies the relationship between the brain and spiritual practices.

 

There is no requirement to follow a particular religion or spiritual belief system. It’s not that kind of exploration.

As researchers explore the effect of chanting upon the brain and nervous system, they suggest there are benefits to your wellbeing. As this field grows, I expect more findings and wider exploration.

Chanting has been found to effect the brain differently than prayer or meditation.

Some reported benefits include improvements in sleep, mood, blood pressure, and cognitive health. Reductions in symptoms of general stress, anxiety, and depression have been identified.

While it is encouraging that the study of chanting, prayer, or meditation is expanding, you can explore these benefits on your own.

Do your own research. Every brain, body, and life is different. Same for belief systems and preferences about how to connect with that which is meaningful. Yet, across this variety, the research suggests that when you chant, pray, or meditate, your brain, heart, and nervous system are positively affected.

How to proceed, then, with the idea of improvement through chanting or any spiritual/secular practice you choose?

Get curious. Try out different styles of chanting, mantra meditation, yoga, meditation, sound healing, or contemplation in nature. Discover what feels best for your body, mind, and mood. If something feels good, keep exploring. If it leaves you flat, let it go. No monks, fMRIs, or complex statistics required. You are in the N=1 research project with you as the only subject.

If you’re local to Soul Sanctuary and want to Chant in the Light Cathedrals, please join us.

We’ll be celebrating the light by chanting on November 17th and December 15th.

Sharing a practice with a group enhances the experience. It allows you to sink deeply within the activity of chanting until you become the energy of that sacred prayer. As this happens organically, you remember something at all levels of your being.

You belong to this cosmic harmony because you are the song of the universe.

If chanting isn’t for you, I hope you find that sweet spot that leaves you feeling as if that picture above captures your experience perfectly.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Can chanting to contribute to brain health and cognitive decline? Researchers Dharma Singh Kalsa and Andrew Newberg outlined a new concept in medicine called Spiritual Fitness in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2021). Suggesting the importance of incorporating practices which address stress reduction, basic wellbeing, and psycho/spiritual wellbeing to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The authors report that the Kirtan Kriya (Kundalini yoga meditation involving chant and mudra)may have an effect on Alzheimer’s disease prevention as it’s been shown to mitigate effects chronic stress cognition, addresses memory loss, and supports spiritual and psychological wellbeing. Do your own research. Click here for instructions and search for a recording you can sing with.

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The Energy You Carry

In my neck of the woods, the trees are painting the neighborhoods and highways with beautiful hues of orange, yellow, burgundy, and red.

This Fall foliage puts on quite a show. Trees bursting with color as they dance alone or in a group, always in harmony with the breeze. The single leaf which spirals down or dances wildly with others until gathering in picturesque arrangements on the lawns, complemented by colorful mums and pumpkins. 

Yesterday invited me to witness nature’s beauty as I drove long distances, zig zagging across two states, to arrive at my destination. 

My journey unfolded beneath overcast skies, dampening the potential to witness the brilliance of Fall’s beauty. Mapping my route, I chose the scenic path rather than the most efficient. I was at choice and content to take my time.

I travelled with speed along the highway, slowly meandered through country roads, and crept over a bridge barely wide enough for two vehicles. I was unexpectedly rerouted twice due to construction and a washed out bridge, adding time and miles to my journey. I encountered heavy traffic, wide open roads, slow moving drivers, and many traffic signals telling me to stop, go, or slow.

While I chose the destination and mapped my preferred route, the quality of this journey was determined by many unknown factors beyond my control. (Kinda like life).

Traveling home, I delighted in the otherworldly light streaming from the heavens and dispelling the gloom. Brightening everything, including my mood, this light highlighted the interconnected dance of the breeze, leaves, traffic, sparking water, and my breath. All flowing together in perfect harmony. This exquisite beauty was not dimmed by rush hour traffic, inconsistent drivers, or the inefficient route mapped by the computer in my car. 

Within this harmony, momentary frustration vanished in a breath and inner wisdom highlighted a route more efficient and pleasant.

It was not lost on me that my experience mimicked the movement of vital life force through my body. 

Your body’s functioning is informed by a complex network of energetic pathways. 

This energy matrix, which informs your wellbeing or dis-ease, is constructed of light pathways known as meridians and nadis. Intersecting within energy centers known as chakras aligned along your spine, above and below you, and within your hands and feet. 

You may imagine this energetic network of light to have its version of super highways, four lane roads, neighborhood streets, tiny alleys, and bridges galore. 

Growing up human naturally involves countless situations when this energetic system was overwhelmed by your physical, chemical, emotional, and relational experiences. Like that time the teacher embarrassed you in fourth grade or when your favorite pet died. When the family’s pain spilled over with emotion, addiction, physical harm, or absence. Every day that held too much for your system, for whatever reason, interfered with a clear “route” to process the energy associated with these events through your body. 


If energy doesn’t flow through you, it gets stored within you. This is the energy you carry.

 

Old, dense energy that wasn’t able to be processed through no fault of your own. Stored within your meridians and chakras, as well as living within your organs, muscles, and layers of your biofield.

So much old energy, much of it inherited from others, clogging up your roadways, washing out your bridges, and detouring your capacity to live as the bright, colorful being that you are.

With effort, you may arrive at your desired destination with enough time, grit, and effort. At times, you just get lost in the detours, drive aimlessly, or get sidelined by the accidents in your path.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The energy of life is bright, beautiful, and wants to flow freely.

When you understand that most emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual obstacles are the result of disruptions in the flow of your vital life force (chi, ki, qi), you’ve got options. The practices of energy medicine, energy psychology, acupuncture, shamanic healing, and yoga (among others) are designed to release the interference of dense, stored energy which disrupts the creative flow of life. 


You can learn simple techniques to clear your own dense energy. And I mean simple.


Practices that act like that tow truck which clears the disabled vehicle from the city street during rush hour. 



On Saturday, November 12th, I’m offering an Energy Psychology Essentials workshop at Soul Sanctuary.

I’ll be sharing a variety of really helpful energy clearing techniques that are easy to understand, practice, and use in a flexible manner. There’s no end to how you may apply these skills. If you can join me, plan to clear out a whole lotta “traffic jams” as well as go home with immediate practices for everyday use. (If you’re reading this at another time, subscribe to my WholeHearted Living Blog for other tips and event announcements).

If you can’t join me, download The Self Soothe Strategy PlayBook and mp3 recorded practice.

This gets you started “on the road” to learn a more efficient and enjoyable way to travel through life’s ups and downs. You can access that free resource here.

If you’ve experienced a lot of challenge in your life, it may be time to excavate layers of stored energy.

It doesn’t have to be hard, but it may be complex. I’m happy to explore how to address your healing in a private, individualized setting. Let me know if I can help you. 


When you lighten up your energy field, life changes. It is as simple as that.

I hope I can help you discover this for yourself.  I should mention that these self-help energy techniques are free and have one major side effect. They bring you closer to your natural state of peace and wellbeing. That’s a side effect you can celebrate no matter where you are in your journey.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Why focus on the heart in the Self Soothe Strategy? A coherent heart rhythm gives you access to the higher order brain functions of emotional regulation, decision making, and perspective taking. Research has shown that an integrated brain has many benefits, including improvements in well being, immune function, compassion, and resilience. Brain integration increases your capacity for learning when new linkages form across brain regions (neuroplasticity). And strengthens the brain’s ability to regulate emotion, attention, thought, and behavior (self regulation). This enables you to soothe your system and is essential to navigating stressful situations with an intelligent, flexible response. There’s more to it so download The Self Soothe Strategy and do your own “research.”

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Soul Sanctuary Celebrates 11 Years

It has been 11 years since I opened the doors of Soul Sanctuary.

I remember it like yesterday. I was full of enthusiasm. We all were. As the beauty entered via the form of ordinary things: lovely furniture, art, writing on the wall, and many altars, we all knew it was something special. We said “yes”

Our first gathering Anchored in the Light by calling down a Cathedral of Light around the building.

That was a delightful surprise. I had no idea what was in store for me, and for all of us, when the doors to Soul Sanctuary opened. 11 years later, held in the “nested” or multiple Cathedrals of Light that surround this sacred space, I pause to give my heartfelt thanks. While Soul Sanctuary is a beautiful space filled with peace, I know it as something far greater.

I recognize Soul Sanctuary as a Master Healer and Teacher. A living, conscious energy that guides me, partners with me, and serves all who enter.

Celebrating another birthday, I’m awash in remembrance of all that has occurred here.

How Soul Sanctuary has guided every business decision, given me every instruction (invitation), and enhanced every type of work/play that has been undertaken over the years.

This reminds me that we are never alone, always supported, and guided perfectly to that next step.

 

I still don’t have an idea of what is in store for me.

I only know that I trust Soul Sanctuary will let me know when the time is right. That leaves me free to go to a party with you lovely people.

And if you live far away and have never been to Soul Sanctuary, just tune in during meditation. It’s open 24/7 for those who want to meditate in the Cathedrals of Light.

It helps to “see” where you are headed, so head over to the slide show to catch glimpses of the many rooms and little places of big power. Here’s the link.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Halo Effect is the impact of sacred spaces and spiritual centers on the communities around them. Denomination aside, attending faith based services or activities 4x/month adds 4-14 years to your life expectancy. “People who pay attention to their spiritual side have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, depression, stress, and suicide, and their immune systems seem to work better … To a certain extent, adherence to a religion allows them to relinquish the stresses of everyday life to a higher power,” says Dan Buettner, Blue Zones founder and National Geographic Fellow. More years, better health! Can I get a hallelujah?!

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Your Life is a Journey of Becoming

Sometimes you are skipping down a path of light.
Holding hands with others as your heart blooms large.
Feeling the joyful freedom born of a connection
so full and true that you recognize yourself.
Loving, wise, and beautiful. At home in the world.

Other times, you’ve got pebbles in your shoes,
sand in your crevices, cracks in your heart,
and a mind on fire with doubt and despair.
Alone in the darkness of the wild wood,
you seek something, anything, to save you.

Without a map, wise guides, supportive friends, and empowering practices, you may feel like a cork bobbing on the ocean.

Let’s change that together.

The Andean Medicine Wheel offers you a Perpetual Map for your Mythic Journey.

 

The world is hungry for more Wise Woman who are reclaiming their luminosity.

The Art of Becoming 6 week Journey offers the navigational wisdom from the Q’ero shamans of Peru and the Andean Medicine Wheel. This is first encountered as a tool to empower personal healing, growth, and transformation. 

Working at the mythic level, you engage the guidance from your own Soul and the realm of the Mystery.

You are welcomed into each Direction by an Archetypal Guardian, Goddess, and Feminine Archangel. All of whom assist your direct experience of dismantling that which binds and blinds you. To discover the wisdom of the unseen realms and unearth the hidden treasures within you. To discover how to perceive yourself, the world, and your way of living differently.

So you may Source yourself from the Sacred.

The Medicine Wheel not a simple circle to be walked to the end. It is a mystical, multidimensional spiral alive with the lineage of healers, guardians, and medicine people. Each Direction offers unique teachings, energetic transmissions, ceremony, and practical lessons on how to awaken a higher perception of yourself as a whole being. 

The intent is to empower you to walk The Beauty Way and be a beneficial presence for this world.

For some, this will be the first time stepping within the richness of the Andean cosmology. For others, like myself, you’ll return to the wheel to discover a whole new layer of information and way of being. 

I’ve entered this Medicine Wheel repeatedly over the past 20 plus years. 

Discovering that each entry is perfectly timed and that there is no end to the personal and mythic revelations that occur. I am especially excited to enter with a group of evolving wise women as I have been diving more deeply into these teachings and ceremonies than ever before. So, what does that mean for this circle of wise women?

I’m expanding the beautiful, information rich manual with new teachings, ceremonies, and practices. 

The Becoming Archives, which house beautiful recorded classes,  guided journeys, and the manual will be enhanced with live streamed journeys offered each week. With lifetime access, you may enter the Medicine Wheel again and again and enjoy different information shared with each class. With the combination of the written manual and recorded archives, you can dive as deeply as you choose. And you’ll receive plenty of inspiration, love, and support from your sisters who are traveling wth wheel with you.

To enhance your Becoming Journey and upgrade your energy matrix, you’ll be receiving the first 3 Munay Ki Rites gifted to the world by the Andean Shamans.

The Munay Ki Rites (power of love) are energetic transmissions that transform and elevate your subtle energy field. As these seeds of light are woven into your energy body, you’ll be guided how to nurture them to full expression. As your Light Body is upgraded, your capacity to heal the past, expand perception, and activate the power of love within strengthens. Working at the energetic level supports the mental, emotional, and physical transformation that you seek. 

Empowering you to change from the inside out to become a Luminous Woman who lives, ages, and dies differently.

The Art of Becoming class begins on June 21st and will be on ZOOM for 6 Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm EST. The ladies in these classes contribute to an intimate and sacred temple space to complete this work together. If you are local to Soul Sanctuary, you may want to join the Full Moon Fire Ceremony on Tuesday, July 14th to jump start your Journey with powerful intent and releasement. This is not required and you’ll learn ways to conduct your personal fire ceremony during the Becoming Journey.

Listen to the wisdom of your Feminine belly and heart. Let the Mothers, Sisters, and Grandmothers whisper their invitation to you directly.

If you feel called to join us, please read more details on the Art of Becoming class page HERE or click the blue box below for link in my Workshop page. Reach out to me if you have questions. I can’t wait to step onto the Wheel together and learn from you.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Human beings crave connection. Within themselves, between people, within and across cultures. Ceremony and ritual are important practices to connect people to one another. Rites of passage, personal spiritual practices, and ceremony across traditions have enhanced an individual’s sense of belonging, confidence within their own abilities, and offers deep soothing of personal and societal anxiety. Entering ceremony of a tradition outside of your own with reverence and an intent to learn allows participants to directly experience a connection with the Sacred, as well as seeing the commonality with others outside of their specific culture or tradition. All important for individual, communal, and global wellbeing. 

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Locked Out: Challenge or Invitation?

I needed to make a few new keys for Soul Sanctuary.

Three keys to be precise. I needed them this week, so I cancelled my pedicure to fit in a quick trip to Home Depot. The key lady was helpful and challenging. She asked me if I wanted to know something about sunflowers since I picked a key with that design.

“Yes. Tell me.”

I proceeded to receive a barrage of questions “Do you know why ….” to which my answer was always “no.” The interesting information being delivered was interspersed by comments about how stupid and lazy people are because they don’t do research on their own.

I breathed deeply as the questioning and commentary became intense.

“No, tell me. No, teach me.” I was a bit battered, but also a wee bit interested even while I was dodging verbal shrapnel. Among other things, I learned the best place to plant a garden and to not to plant vegetables until the soil is 55 degrees. Do you need a “soil thermometer?” Nope. Just check the ocean temperature which is within 1 to 2 degrees of soil temperature. Fascinating. (Don’t take my word for it. I learned it’s best to do your own research.)

I left with 3 beautiful keys, a few facts, and a need to breathe deeply.

When I got to work the next day, none of my keys worked. I put that errand aside as I was running a retreat out of town. Returning on Sunday night, I picked up the dog, returned to Soul Sanctuary to unpack my retreat materials and headed home for a late dinner. Pulling into the garage, I realized I needed those keys and only had 40 minutes until Home Depot closed for the evening.

Tired and hungry, I headed out into the dark night.

I was helped promptly and in silence. It was a peaceful, easy venture into this massive store. I left with three new keys, feeling all was well and in good order.

Monday morning arrived and none of the keys worked.

I headed to the local wise man – Eddie – who has taken care of every maintenance issue for Soul Sanctuary for the past 10 years. “Don’t go to Home Depot, go to the local Moorestown hardware store!” He gave me directions, but I couldn’t picture the location. Someone else told me of another hardware store which was convenient and known to me. Off I went to that which was familiar.

I chose 3 different designs, paid more money, and returned to Soul Sanctuary to find the keys didn’t work. Not a one.

At this point I figured out that this had something to do with me. I was locked out of Soul Sanctuary. Just as it was opening for others. Just as I was stepping onto a new path in my personal journey. Hmmm. I started Treasure Mapping backwards to notice the clues.

First key: I was shown to listen carefully, be a know nothing, and be teachable.

Second key: I left the comfort of home to go out in the dark night even when hungry and tired.

Third key: I sought wise counsel, but ignored it in favor of seeking a familiar place over the unknown.

I went back to Eddie. Determined to listen. I had to search for him as he had moved locations. He shook his head and gave me the same directions. That unfamiliar hardware store was easy to find and surprisingly interesting. When explaining what happened, this kind man suggested taking one key to make sure it worked.

Nothing fancy this time, just a basic $2 key.

It didn’t work. Confirmation that this was definitely about the Mystery of my new unfolding path.

 

I searched for Eddie as he was on the move again. More seek and find.

He was surprised and went to get the office duplicate keys. “Come on,” he said, “let’s solve this mystery.” (Told you he was a wise man. He knew something was going on.) The new key didn’t work. His office keys worked. My key worked.

“Let me see all the keys.”

The new key didn’t match the office key. “It’s a different key! It doesn’t match up.” Eddie exclaimed. My key matched the new key which didn’t work. My key matched the office key which did work. Eddie shook his head. “This is a mystery, but these things happen to you and Soul Sanctuary.” And Eddie the Wise Man handed over the two office keys that worked. “Take these.”

Fourth key: Mystery happens. Be alert and open to what beckons along the Path without needing to solve or understand everything that happens.

Fifth key: When a Wise Man offers help, accept it.

When life offers a challenge, mild or grand, you are at choice. You may view the situation at the level of the mundane world or to recognize an unfolding of some intelligent guidance pointing to something you can not yet see. And written in a language that is difficult to translate. Offering guidance in various forms to point you to the next step.

As you navigate challenges in the material world, remember to seek the deeper invitation, which is often delivered via code, hidden keys, and unfamiliar maps.

If you’re interested in developing the skill of Treasure Mapping for clues, please join me on Saturday April 23rd.

You’ll playfully discover Soul Sanctuary to be a wise oracle which partners with your intuitive nature to offer guidance for your life. Link and details in the blue box below.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Many cognitive scientists argue that intuitive and analytic thinking shouldn’t be viewed as opposites. Studies indicate that decision-making often works best when blending both strategies. Whether you rely on analysis of data or trust your gut to make a decision depends on a variety of factors, such as the simplicity or the complexity of the problem and your past experiences with similar situations. Economics Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman theorizes that intuitive thinking is faster than a rational approach but more prone to error.

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Breathing Love Meditation

Living in the world at large is extremely stressful right now.

The lingering presence of COVID, a terrible war with more refugees flooding into Europe, material shortages, and escalating prices. Your personal world of health, family, work, friends, and communities may also be experiencing significant challenges. This beautiful planet is in distress with continued consumption and destruction by humans creating a global crisis that will affect all life now and in the future.

My friend in Vienna sent me this photo of his local train station. “Give peace a chance.”

Austria has a “Willkommenskultur” or welcoming culture for refugees. Many people from Europe have shown up at train stations in Poland and other countries with signs indicating they can house and feed Ukrainian refugees.

Yet many people in the United States and countries away from this region have expressed feelings of helplessness, fear, anger, and deep sorrow.

Research has shown that when in a crisis if someone has the opportunity to act and help others, there is less of a chance of a lingering post traumatic stress response. This is why so many are moved to donate money, create peace ceremonies, volunteer, or collect goods for displaced people.

In my research I learned of the stress created by donated goods in the midst of humanitarian crisis.

In situations such as the war in the Ukraine, the influx of clothing and supplies requires a great amount of organization, money, and volunteers. They need to manage incoming donations, sort goods, identify and pay for storage so supplies are not ruined by weather, and see what may be distributed. The statistics show that these needs not only take away a focus on flexible purchase, delivery, and distribution of items of need, but that 70% of these donations end up ruined and/or in landfills.

That in itself is heartbreaking. All that good intent ending up as a pollutant for our Mother Earth.

Taking some time to research options for helping or donating is wise in any situation whether it is a crisis or a long term need. Yet, the helplessness remains even if you are donating or reaching out to friends affected by global or personal crises.

It’s helpful to tune into your inner wisdom for guidance. Always beginning with a check on yourself.

If you’re experiencing significant upset, as many people are, I’d recommend turning off the news and soothing your system. Unless you are in a coherent state, you won’t be of much help to others or the world.

My Self Soothe Strategy is one of my Free Resources available on my website (click here).

The PlayBook explains the importance of working flexibly with your mindset and stress response system. The recording guides you through a heart focused Energy Psychology practice which resets your nervous system.

Your energy system is the foundational architecture of your “body.”

As such, it holds all fear, helplessness, and grief from past situations that were overwhelming at the time. There are many ways to soothe the system and help these stored disruptions clear out of the energy field and body.

Clearing the way to dream a new future for yourself, your communities, and the global family.

First, you have to check in to see where your focus lies. For wherever that is, you’ll be creating more of it.

Are you envisioning a world of unified peace or living in a world of divided hatred?

 

It may sound like a fairy tale to envision Russian and Ukrainian children growing up in harmony, respect, and love for one another. 

Or to witness the Earth restore its oceans, rain forests, and gardens so humans and all creatures contribute well to the ecosystem. I don’t read this as a fairy tale, I dream it as a foreseeable future. Turn off the mainstream news (right, left, and center) and seek out the amazing miracles happening all around this planet. 

There are amazing, cooperative projects existing all over this world. 

Where people live and work in harmony with a creative focus upon sustainability, respectful empowerment of each other, and dare I say it, personal responsibility and a big heart focus on love. One of my favorite websites to visit is Reasons to Be Cheerful created by Talking Heads musician, David Bryne. 

Good news. Good projects. Good inspiration to become involved and grow into a better human being.

I’d love to offer you a guided meditation that I recorded for the Center for Conscious Living in New Jersey. Together, the group dropped into the process of cleaning up the inner world, strengthening the energy field, and breathing love to the world. 

“I Am That: Breathing Love” guides you through a gentle process which you can use to soothe and strengthen your system. 

To access the recording, click here.

Settle into a quiet space and recognize that all healing begins within. Peace on the planet begins within. So does every creative dream about restoring harmony, safety, plenty, and respect for all beings.

If you are feeling especially unsettled these days, I’m happy to help you.

Check out my offerings and sessions on my website to see what resonates.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Are there Reasons to Be Cheerful when your home is falling down or your parent is experiencing dementia?  That answer is a big fat yes! Some of my favorite discoveries on this website include creative ways to restore dignity while offering help. One project had volunteers restoring homes of older African Americans in order to create safety, build equity, and slow down gentrification. In Holland, dementia patients are working alongside farmers to grow food and care for animals. Supporting sustainable farms and giving meaning via contribution to elders or disabled persons who often feel marginalized. More than kindness or handouts, these projects empower active involvement. Big hearted dreamers making change.