Category: Blog-Intuition

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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.

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What’s your Way into Deep Peace?


Sometimes the world feels out of control.

Your personal world. The lives of those around you. Your country. The ecosystem. When so much happens around you, a sense of powerless arises. Even when you identify actions to take or ways to help others, the muchness of this sorrowful world can get to you. Making it a challenge to navigate your days.

It’s helpful to remember that all worldly transformation begins within.

And that you have the power to generate the healing energy of compassion and wise, peaceful solutions.

If you have a personal practice of meditation, prayer or devotion, you know the comfort and potential when you plug into that which is greater than you. Your body breathes more freely, your wild emotions settle, and your mind calms a bit.

This settling opens a door within your heart where you realize this “something greater than you” is also within you. Intimately accessible.

In that moment, you remember that you are not alone. You are a part of this immense web of energy. Intimately connected. This greatness, however defined, offers refuge from the storm within which rages in response to the overwhelming news of your/the world.



How do you get there?

Turn off the television and take a break from the news that streams through your phone. Breathe a bit and take a walk. The world will still turn without your witness and upset.

Reflect upon what brings you back to center.

Explore what you’re already doing, a spiritual practice you’d like to resurrect, or a new venture into a type of meditation that feels right for you. No judgement or great goal setting here. Just ask the wisdom within what might be helpful for you now.

There is comfort in meditation, centered prayer, and sacred ritual.

Research points to the benefits these activities have for wellbeing, improved health, social connection, and positive mood.

Yet it doesn’t descend like manna from heaven.

It’s up to you to head in the direction of peace, healing, and clarity. It helps to bring attention to breath and focus strongly upon your intention to feel peace. When it’s hard to do this on your own, especially when unable to regulate your upset, joining with others enhances the potential of calm connection.

Using the group as a springboard to an organized, calm energy state makes sense.

Group devotion or a focus upon peace is contagious. Just like fear, hatred, and division. The good news is that you’re in charge of what you “catch.” The media thrives on creating fear.

Bad news sells. Good vibes calm. Your choice.

Groups that meditate, pray, and chant together report greater personal access to higher states of love, compassion, and beauty.

 

Benefitting the individual and radiating through the group to the world the energy of harmony.

It’s an energy thing, first and foremost.

When you understand that energy is your foundational architecture, you’ll pay more attention to any technique or intent that organizes your energy into a coherent state. All healing is enhanced with coherence. For you, them, and this beautiful planet.

You can’t tame the sorrow, fear, or sense of helplessness when you’re lost in the wild mind or unruly body.

And the world needs you. Calm. Coherent. Connected. Whether it offers great peace or just allows you to breathe easier, your daily practice is worth it.

I encourage you to explore the power of the group in shared practice.

There are many options live or online in a wide variety of secular and spiritual practices. Explore what calls you. They all lead you to the same calm center and depth connection with the beautiful Mystery.

We will be Chanting in the Light Cathedrals at Soul Sanctuary on Thursday, February 10th.

This devotional practice of singing the sacred prayers of the kundalini yogic tradition is only one type of chanting. Wisdom traditions around the world have sung, chanted, and danced their prayers out loud or silently as a means to connect with the Divine within and beyond.

If you are curious about what happens when you chant, you may join us to experience this directly. Details and link below in the blue box.

A 2016 research study at Macquarie University in Australia found that chanting of various types to contribute toward positive mood, improved attention, and increased feelings of social cohesion.

You don’t need any experience to delve into the great peace and beauty that always emerges when we chant our way into coherence.

You can do your own “research” to explore your movement into harmony within your body, energy, group, and vast cosmic ecosystem.

And some good news for those new to chanting: inexperienced participants who engaged in vocal chanting, as compared to silent chanting, demonstrated the greatest number of significant benefits. [More on this study in the HeartWarming News below.]

Since energy is nonlocal, you can also chant your way into coherence at home.

Tune in and join the group at Soul Sanctuary with your intent and practice in your own sacred setting. The Light Cathedrals (structures of energy) that descend around Soul Sanctuary as we gather can also surround your home.

How to do that?

Set the intent, say your personal prayer, and notice how it feels to be surrounded in these sacred structures of light which harmonize your whole being.

Healing this beautiful world really does begin within.

And when unleashed, this powerful healing energy of love and compassion radiates outward in every interaction.

May you discover how you can be a source of healing and optimism for this world so in need of uplifting.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Researchers at Macquarie University also suggest that the benefits of vocal chanting may be mediated by three factors: group synchronization, which increases feelings of social cohesion; physiological changes (breath control and singing), which may contribute to increased positive mood; and focused attention, which may inhibit ruminative thinking and lead to increased positive mood. Do your own research. Chant alone silently and out loud. Compare that to chanting with a group. Silently. Listening to others. Singing out loud. This is playful research without the pressure to publish. Enjoy.

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Healing with Heart, Light, and Angelic Energy

Sometimes you just need a dose of light. It’s really that simple. 



When the Angels suggested I synthesize their Angelic wisdom and healing practices with heart centered energy psychology and energy medicine, I knew your Soul was going to be happy. Mine certainly was.

I took them up on their invitation and created AngelicEnergetics™.



The Angels revealed a healing method based on a Model of Wholeness and an 8 Ray Path to transform body, mind, and energy.



AngelicEnergetics™ isn’t about fixing what’s broken.

You might be seeking healing for whatever hurts in your body, relationships, or life. That’s great. Your AngelicEnergetics™ session will work on that request and attend to you with loving care. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, connected to your light, and more optimistic about life. Yet, there is more to it.

Rather than try to fix you, AngelicEnergetics™ restores your natural energy flow.

Opening the way for healing.

 Allowing your mind-body-spirit-energy system to harmonize. When transformation occurs at this foundational level, every area of life is up for improvement. Whether you enjoy an AngelicEnergetics™ session or dive into the 8 Path training, you’ll be empowered to remember one essential truth.



You are already whole, perfect, and capable of living a Soulful life.


The EveryONE Level training immerses you in Light transmissions, Angelic support, and practices for self and planetary healing.

This two day Immersive Training not only offers you a wealth of information, it drenches you in heart centered healing light.

You’ll know what I mean by lunch on Saturday! When you think you can’t receive any more love or light, you’ll learn that isn’t true. There is always more for you.

You’ll leave with a beautiful AngelicEnergetics™ manual that is rich with detail about every aspect of this healing method.

Traveling through the first 3 Rays of the Path, the EveryONE level is foundational for those who wish to explore the Practitioner training. Whether you are headed in this direction or are focused on expanding your intuition, Angelic connection, and healing potential, you’ll have plenty to explore.

AngelicEnergetics™ is a work of heART. A combination of Angelic wisdom and my own.

We hope to share this gift with you if you can join us for the AngelicEnergetics™ EveryONE weekend on December 4th & 5th. If so, please register now to hold your space.

I’m grateful for a lot of things this Thanksgiving.

Yet, as I write this I recognize, perhaps more fully than ever before, how much my life has changed for the better since meeting the Angels of the Rays. In countless ways and in every area of my life, these partnerships have brought me a wealth of blessings.

For this, it is easy to say I am eternally grateful. Cue Heavenly Angels sing.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Is screen time detrimental for adolescents? It’s not such a simple question. Research studies suggest it’s difficult to pinpoint whether it is screen time or factors sometimes associated with social media (cyberbullying, social isolation) that may reduce teen’s well being. An international study with 577,000 adolescents from 42 countries found that If screen time went above 105 minutes per day for boys or 75 minutes per day for girls, their mental health also got worse. The bottom line? Limit screen time to 2 hours per day AND add regular physical exercise. This combo correlated with greater life satisfaction and fewer physical complaints.

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3 Strategies to Enhance Well Being in a (dis)Connected World

You live in a connected world that has a paradoxical effect of leaving you disconnected.

From yourself, the rhythm of nature, and each other. Sure, you can message or video chat with people all around the world on the platform of your choice. And receive moment to moment updates of every kind of news, inspirational stories, and Suzie’s really cute puppy.

While this is fast becoming a primary source of interaction, the question is whether it is beneficial to your well being.

The research on the benefit or detriment of engaging in the virtual world will only grow over time. And each study looks at something different with various populations with greater specificity or broadness. Ultimately how social media affects a person will depend to some degree on how that person engages various platforms. That’s obvious.

What’s been discovered so far?

Some studies agree that passive engagement with social media, including “doom scrolling” and unfavorable social or self comparisons, is associated with increased depression. While active use may decrease depression when a person is sustaining long distance relationships or engaging with local communities or groups with shared interests. But research suggests that active engagement is not always good for you either.

How much time on social media are we talking about?

A recent study reported that college kids are, on average, spending 3 hours on social media (not counting virtual learning) while adults report an average of over two hours. Studies vary on these numbers, but not by much. Average means some folks are spending way more than 3 hours and some way less. You got the gist.

Both students and adults reported that only 20-25% of social media time include active use. Uh oh.

But not for the pandemic, right? Wrong.

The Greater Good Science Center’s research suggested that even when quarantined, social media use wasn’t beneficial for mental health. About 75-80% of time the engagement with social media was passive, which was associated with worse overall mental health.

Even active use was not related to positive outcomes (eg, life satisfaction, perceive meaning in life). And it was associated with worse negative outcomes among adults across the US. These findings held steady across participants’ age, race, income level, and gender.

When the world really needed connection, the findings were similar.

Research gathers data from groups, not individualized case studies. So, assess the result for your own life. Yet, the group data suggests social media over all is not the answer to human disconnection and depression. The question is if it is a larger contributor to greater dis-ease than is yet perceived.



Genuine, positive connection is essential for human wellbeing.

Even when you are trying to actively engage with others on social media, you aren’t getting the full on benefit of all that is involved in face to face, voice to voice, and body touch to body touch connection.

The recommendations so far?

Limit social media time each day and prioritize quality human interaction which is conducive to genuine connection. And, as you’ll read in the Heartwarming News below, get some exercise.

Here are 3 simple strategies to enhance well being in this (dis)connected world.

Turn off screens

I know that’s a challenge these days with everything virtual being at your fingertips. Working remotely or on a computer, binge watching Netflix, every type of social media, and your new appendage, the mobile phone.

Good stuff, all that education, freedom to work where remotely, and connection with people and ideas around the world. Aside from the above research findings, all this technology is really tough on your nervous system. 

You aren’t wired to be wired all day long.

Get silent

Let your brain settle, your breathing slow, and your nervous system find a more natural rhythm. Sitting quietly in the natural light – dawn, day, or dusk – without talking, reading, or scrolling will do wonders for your system. Start with a few minutes and grow your silent sitting. (See my Blog on Stilling here).

Go outside and play. Preferably with friends.

Genuine human connection, even with a mask and hand sanitizer. Get in sync with the natural world. Breathe fresh air and let sunlight infiltrate your body. If you can’t roam freely, then sit by the window and watch the trees dance and the leaves turn beautiful colors.

Remember this. You’re in charge of your well being.

Not social media’s algorithms or even Suzie’s really cute puppy. If you’re going to engage on social media, make it active and worthwhile.

Otherwise, just go get your own puppy.

Ladies! The Art of Becoming class begins on November 16th.

This class offers powerful medicine for your Soul and empowers you to live more authentically as you travel through the medicine wheel. This deep Soul dive offers plenty of assistance from the Spirit Animals, Goddess, and Rays of Divine Light that greet you at each the 4 directions.

I’ll be live streaming wisdom from these wonderful guides as we travel the Medicine Wheel together.

Enjoy 5 weeks on ZOOM (yup, screen time included) with a lovely manual and access to the Archives with plenty of recorded journeys to support your evolution. Even if you’ve traveled the Medicine Wheel with me before, prepare for something new as every class is different.

Step in. Engaging all 7 directions, you’ll discover your own inner Wise Woman.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Is screen time detrimental for adolescents? It’s not such a simple question. Research studies suggest it’s difficult to pinpoint whether it is screen time or factors sometimes associated with social media (cyberbullying, social isolation) that may reduce teen’s well being. An international study with 577,000 adolescents from 42 countries found that If screen time went above 105 minutes per day for boys or 75 minutes per day for girls, their mental health also got worse. The bottom line? Limit screen time to 2 hours per day AND add regular physical exercise. This combo correlated with greater life satisfaction and fewer physical complaints.

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The Curious Nature of Angels

I remember when I wondered if I had any Angels around me.

That was a long time ago. When I thought in numbers like 1, 2, or perhaps 3. In fact, during my first intuitive reading, that was my first question.

Do I have any Angels around me?

Hoping for a few, I was shocked when I heard the casual reply. “Yes, of course, you have legions of Angels surrounding you.” It was disconcerting as it blew open my puny idea of 1, 2, or 3.

I had to look up the definition of “legions.”

I knew it was “a lot,” but once again felt that shock throughout my system when I read the definition. “A unit of 3000 – 6000 men in the ancient Roman army.” “A vast host, multitude, or number of people or things.” The walls of my limited thinking were shaken.

As a bright, beautiful Legion of Light burst onto the scene.

It took some time to settle. I used to think I was really open to Angelic guidance and support when I’d call on 10 Angels to surround me or a situation. Big deal – that number 10. Until the day I walked into the gym with a prayer in my heart to surround a person with Angels.

I reached for my comfy, expansive number of 10 and tripped on the sidewalk when the prayer emerged through my mind, asking for 10,000 Angels to surround him.

I had to pause and regain my balance. Recognizing that your idea of who you are and who (and what) you’re in relation with will change over time. If you’re open to it. Yet, it isn’t just a mental shift.

It’s a foundational breaking of limits within your energetic architecture.

Reverberating through the mental, emotional, and physical bodies. That’s why the shaking may be experienced so profoundly. Like a mini wave moves through your being or the ground beneath your feet starts to shake. Other times, the expansion is subtle. 

Angels are a mysterious Presence. Always ready to expand how we think, act, and relate.

 

Not only to them, but to everything. Absolutely everything.

I’ve been partnering with the Angelic energy for years. I teach workshops, offer live streamed Angelic Healing Journeys, and enjoy Angel Card Readings. I created courses, meditations, and the healing technique AngelicEnergetics in partnership with the Angels.

In all that time, only one person asked me to expand on the very nature of the Archangels.

One question blew open my idea of what an Angel was. 

Never again would I shrink an Angel into a single Heavenly Body. I was grateful for that question. And I notice there isn’t much curiosity about what else there is to be learned about Angelic energy. As humans, we tend to focus on what is happening in our lives. We seek assistance with the business of living through our challenges and expanding our gifts.

I’m really interested in your direct experience of expansion.

To discover what it feels like to have your mind blown, your blinders removed, and your energy shifted permanently.

I’ve got legions of partners who share my interest. They are a curious lot. Always ready to explore what happens in their Angelic-Human relationships if they shed just a bit more light on the topic.  I’d invite you to join me in any Angelic endeavor I offer.

Check out my workshops and retreats page for an array of Angelic opportunities.

There is always more. I’d invite you to engage those thousands and thousands of Angels who are hanging all around you, waiting for the curiosity to pose the questions they may answer. You may do this your way – directly engaging the Angelic energy in any way you choose.

I’ve left 1, 2, and possibly 3 behind me a long time ago.

I could never be satisfied by such a small idea. For this, I am grateful. And discovered there is no end to the shifting since then, but that’s for another conversation. Especially if you’re curious.

Join me on the Angelic Path if you will. You’ll be in good company.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

When the world gets you down, seek some “moral elevation.” This warm feeling you get from witnessing courageous or kind acts boosts positive emotions, increases love for fellow humans and inspires you to be better person. There’s lots of good news, or “angels in action,” in the world. Like when a Minnesota Dairy Queen drive through customer started a “pay it forward” chain that continued for over 900 cars. 900 cars, people! Or those Manhattan police officers who paid for a woman’s groceries rather than arrest her for shoplifting in Whole Foods. Seek the good. Become an Angel in Action. Moral elevation is catching and good for the planet.

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Are You a Wise Woman Who is Waiting for Something?

Are you a Wise Woman who is waiting for something?

It’s a serious question. When you hit pause and let the question drop in and breathe you, the answers that emerge may surprise you. Answers plural. It’s not so simple as yes, no, or couldn’t care less.

Are you talking to me?

Yes I am. I am calling that wisdom that has laid dormant for centuries to arise within your body, life, and way of being. It’s a subtle call and deep. I’m not speaking of being empowered as a female, finding your voice, or living your purpose. Although all of that will likely emerge along this journey.

I’m calling up the mystic who lives the healing medicine in her unique way.

She who comes alive with passion for the joy of living, creating, and engaging in her own great work. Influenced by the map of The Mystery which lies deep within you. She who is not necessarily visible to the world as a light bearer, yet one who bears great light. Showering it upon Her Path and touching the dark spaces in the lives of those she meets.

I’m calling up the healer who quietly whispers the songs of healing to those spaces within humanity that feel broken.

To assist others in recognizing that breaking is often the path to opening to more. Rather than healing the broken heart or troubled mind, the Wise Woman coaxes the breaking open. Midwifing the transformative power held within to reveal what next wonder of creation awaits.

I’m calling the Wise Woman who have yet to awaken to She Who Lives within you.

 

Wise Women. Plural.

There is plenty to awaken in you.

I’m calling you to join me in a deep exploration of the Sacred Mystery of Feminine Wisdom. Taught not by the mystics of old, but by the living archetypal energy of the Feminine Wisdom itself.

The Feminine Archetypal energy, by its very nature, seeks a home.

Your body. Your energy system. Your life. This is Her Home if you are willing.

I invite you to join me and other ladies who are diving deeply within the Sacred Feminine Mystery. We will let this Living Wisdom have its way with us in the 6 week series beginning Tuesday, October 5th.

It’s a Path that won’t disappoint. And I hope you choose to walk it with me.

Register now to ensure your space. We’re meeting on ZOOM and Those who are new, I will open the Sacred Feminine Mystery Teaching Archive for you – a treasure trove of information, journeys, and initiations.

For those of you who have stepped on this Path before with me, there is more. Always more.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

South Korea offers 100 Won Taxis to rural residents. That’s 9 cents in US dollars. As public buses decreased their routes, rural residents were left in a fix. Taxis don’t want to head out to the boondocks for a single fare. Now this governmental policy offers residents living more than 2300 away from a bus stop an affordable ride.  Yup, that’s pennies for a lift that takes you right to your door. The government subsidizes the drivers so it’s a win win. Clever strategies are popping up all over the world. Turn off the news and go seek all the good stuff that’s happening.

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Brain Stilling: One Minute Magic

What are you trying to accomplish today?

Take a breath. Just asking the question tends to rev you up somedays, doesn’t it? The revving up comes either from the anxiety of not knowing the answer or the length of the “to-doing” intended for your day. Or perhaps from being in the midst of a challenging time in your life where getting anything accomplished is the furthest thing from your mind.

Now is a good time to practice the art of Brain Stilling.

This is not “brainstorming.” You already have enough storm activity in your thinking. Stilling the mind, to whatever degree is possible in any moment, has plenty of benefit for your mental, physical, and spiritual health. You know this at the core of your being. And there is plenty of research and your direct experience to confirm the benefit of stilling.

When you get revved up, for tiny or huge reasons, stress chemicals flood through your body.

Your heart beats faster, muscles clench, skin feels hot or sweats, and thoughts race. Before you curse this stress response, reflect for a moment on how useful it was when a predator appeared unexpectedly in your cave and threatened to eat your food and your family.

Back then, your stress chemicals were the greatest thing since sliced bread …. or perhaps fire.

In the 21st century, this glorious response system fires up at the many perceived and real threats you face. And you do face them. Living in a complex society, life became complicated. The mind became busy in response. That’s why it is so helpful to take a breath and put things in perspective.


Compare the perceived and smaller stressors to a predator attacking your cave while you reach for your little spear.

Many mind made dramas and annoyances aren’t so bad. Most stressors you face can be managed well by your inner resources. If you can access them. Your stress response system was designed to be flexible and empower you to rise to meet the challenges in your life. It was meant to serve you beyond the simple fight or flight response by supporting skill development.

My Self Soothe Strategy Playbook has more to add about how to work in concert with this intelligent response system. Download it here.

Scientists have estimated that you receive 2 million bits of information through your sensory channels each second.

Every single second. They suggest that approximately 134 bits of this information is actually processed on the conscious level. The remaining information gets stored at the subconscious level. Beneath the tip of the iceberg.

All of this data is ignored as it doesn’t match the “programming” of your brain’s search engine.

This “Google” function of your brain is mostly unconscious and works in coordination with the search engine “rules” which were learned (conditioned) as you grew. These rules guide your focus and influence perception and response to your reality. Becoming aware of your unconscious programming – those rules that guide your search engine and allow the 134 bits of information into your awareness – will help you tweak the rules that govern your living.

Brain Stilling also shifts stress chemicals to feel good chemicals that increase comfort, peace, and enjoyment.

Meditators know this experience. When you quiet the outer noise, those unconscious “rules” bubble up to the surface for your review. Once seen, you have the possibility for transformation. The benefit of stilling the mind and nervous system is enhanced when this practice is integrated in your waking moments.

Choosing a minute of stillness multiple times throughout the day has great benefit.

It just feels good to sit still. To stop moving, put down the phone, and step away from the tasks of living. Choosing a beautiful, natural environment encourages this practice. It doesn’t have to be complicated. I often stand in my driveway before leaving for work. Brainstilling: One Minute at a Time.Or sit on my deck and watch the trees dance. I sit in the dark at the end of the day or spend a minute in a parking lot before entering a store.

These minutes of stilling add up to a quieter mind and a calmer nervous system.

Brain stilling and becoming quiet is a dedicated practice. It is so simple that it requires reminders for most people, including me. While there is a benefit of a once a day stilling practice, you’ll get a more sustained effect when you build in minutes (or more) of stillness throughout your day.

It goes without saying that stilling involves silence.

The mind doesn’t quiet, nor does the body, when you’re yapping away. Create some mini space where you won’t be disturbed. Keep your eyes open. Just notice how your body is breathing you. And where your eyes wander. Thoughts will come and go. No need to manage them or prod them with your tiny spear.

Stilling is simple: Breathe in life. Sit still and be quiet. Enjoy the peace.

A silent, stilling practice will enhance your mental awareness and support health within your body, mind, and emotions. It opens a way into exploration of your inner nature and the spiritual path that beckons. In this complex, contentious society, simplicity is useful. Allowing your discovery of what’s below the billion bits of data flowing through the mind.

Discovering that stillness is your essential nature.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Stilling the mind allows for creativity to flourish. And good things emerge. Like Fugees Academy which began as a soccer team for refugee boys. Eventually the team expanded to tutoring, a summer camp, and then a small school. Recognizing that refugees are at a disadvantage in our school systems, especially for those age 14 or older, this creative school seeks to empower creativity, individuality, and academic success. Transformation emerges from the quiet, creative mind.