Category: Blog-Psychology

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I Am A Dog

I was playing the game “Headbands” with my dog the other day.

You may have played the game with your kids. You choose a card with an image and statement “I am a …..”. Sticking it upon your ‘headband’ facing others, your playmates offer clues and you have to guess what you are in the moment.

Playing board games and interactive games like charades are good fun.


They engage humans without screens, encourage positive social interaction, activate the creative brain, and produce feel good chemicals via lots of laughter.

Given my kid has flown the coop, we hoodwinked our dog to play a rousing game of Headbands with us. We even let Milo choose the first card, but he seemed to have a hard time guessing what his card said. 

Australian Shepards are supposed to be smart, so I wasn’t sure why he was having such a hard time.

He played the game well as he sought clues in the yes/no answers to his questions.  “Am I an animal?  Do I have four legs?  Do I chase balls?  Do I  live with a great family?”  Yet he couldn’t seem to grasp the correct answer … “I am a dog.”  I thought maybe he was losing his mojo. 

Then he looked at me with that all knowing gaze and I finally got it.  He was beyond smart. 

He was wise. Playing the game while knowing the whole time it was a "game."

So when he asked me the next question “Am I the infinite, interconnected, harmonious flow of energy that many call LOVE also know as the fabric of the Universe?”  I simply said yes.

We stopped playing the game at that point. 

Instead we walked outside marveling at the how the natural world was waking up in unison as if it knew exactly what to do and how to do it.  I had plenty of time to notice the sights, smells, colors, and surprises as he frequently stopped to “smell the roses” and water everything else.  It was really more of a meander than a walk. I recognized that I experienced more of nature’s gifts with him than walking on my own.  So wise, this D-O-G. 

Sometimes he surprises me. Like the day he taught me that sweet treats are to be shared.

I thought my frozen yogurt was safe in the middle of the coffee table, yet I forgot how quickly those paws could jump up. My miss was his reward as he enjoyed the top half of my dessert. When I suggested his behavior was unappreciated, Milo gave me the side eye and wandered off to enjoy his sugar crash in his comfy cabin.

I also appreciate how Milo demonstrates how to Be in the Now. 

Eckhart Tolle has nothing on him when I walk in the door to be greeted as if I appeared out of thin air.  What a celebration of the miracle of “walking in” to a new scene … a new moment.  The energy is contagious and I totally understand why dogs wag their tails and people spontaneously speak that sing song voice offered to babies and pets.  When I return to the car to get my last bag and return 15 seconds later to the same response, I don’t know whether to value the ability to be truly and delightfully present or check for dementia. 
 
Just when I think I know something, Milo reminds me that not everything is as it seems. 

Like when he quizzes me on the nature of reality with questions like “what is real?” and “who am I really?”  I just never know what “game” he will come up with next. After our rousing game of Headbands, Milo suggested I meditate upon the nature of anagrams. Hmmmm. D-O-G. That explains a lot.

One thing I know for sure, I have a lot to learn from that wise being I thought was a dog. 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Turn off those screens. Game playing as a family enhances wellbeing and the potential for creative navigation through life. Game playing indoors or racing around for a hilarious game of hide and seek develops “soft skills” which improve social navigation, creative problem solving, and working together as a team. Collaboration, delayed gratification, emotional intelligence, and ingenuity are only some of these soft skills which support success in formal education and workplaces. As the brain has the potential to change and grow through the lifespan, game playing which includes enthusiasm, learning new skills, creativity, and laughter are good medicine.

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How to Keep your Heart Open

These past months have been filled with confusion, anger, and fear for many in this country.

Witnessing deportations without due process, assaults on the courts and universities, flip flopping tariffs, and military action have shaken the foundational sense of safety and justice for many Americans.

I’ve been listening to you and engaging in many conversations about how to live in balance during these times.

When the world seems hostile, disrespectful, and unsafe, it’s a really good time is to explore how to navigate with sturdiness, skill, and soul. 

Soul first.

What’s the highest ideal that guides you? Perhaps love, compassion, generosity, or kind understanding? Whatever has guided you thus far is important in this moment of history. The challenge is how you apply that ideal in a practical manner through your energy, thoughts, words, and deeds.

When you’re hair’s on fire or you’re shaking under the covers, it might be a challenge to view people or situations who trigger you with compassion. That’s understandable. 

So body next.

Remember how important it is to breathe. Deep, slow breaths. Long exhales to calm the nervous system. Square breathing. However you choose to practice breathing will be helpful.

Soothing your nervous system with the power of HeartBreathing brings you into greater organization. This means you’ve got full access to the wisdom of your brains (gut, heart, head). Allowing you to return to a centered, calm state to determine how to proceed. This supports emotional regulation so you can tolerate what you’re facing. [The Self Soothe Strategy guides you through this.]

Where’s your mind focusing?

If you’re reactive to the many media news streams (including your inner dialogue or friend’s opinion), it’s easy to get distracted and dysregulated. Frustration and fear love a reactive mind. So does the opposition or whomever you’re getting all riled up with.  

When your mind-body is organized, it’s easier to choose your focus. The intent to do your best as you move through the day with an open heart and strong self care supports your potential to bring compassion, generosity, or love to your interactions. 

Connection. Communication. CommUnity.

Look to those who bring comfort and feel sturdy to you. Connect with others who can engage in conversations that explore without demonizing. Support one another with care and consideration as you process your feelings or concerns. 

If you’re in a family, friend group, or work space where folks think very differently than you or are reactive, it might not be the best place to explore your differences. However, when you’re able to have an honest conversation with those who view situations differently than you, seek to understand them.

Bridging divides in perception, opinion, or lifestyle requires openness and a true desire to put yourself in another’s place. 

Do your best to become peaceful in your mind, body, and emotions. So your interactions throughout the day broadcast peace. Explore where acceptance, understanding, generosity, and forgiveness may be responses that support, empower, and heal. What you choose to share in today’s unrest really matters in everyday interactions. Don’t underestimate the impact of small ripples. Just make a lot of the positive kind all day long.

As the country becomes polarized, seek to keep your mind and heart open.

How do you keep your heart open in hell?

Here’s some advice from a wise man in tune and in balance with feminine wisdom.

I receive succor in this higher understanding of how to be in a world that holds so much pain, destruction, and beauty. 

This may help you explore how to live in the world and keep your heart open. To choose to be spiritually focused without losing touch with your humanity. Herein lies guidance for action that is balanced, coming from a perspective that there is harmony to the implicate and explicate order of the universe. And your experience within it. 

I discovered the wisdom of Ram Dass after he passed. 

I’ve learned a lot from the documentaries about his life and his talks. He offers a richness packed into a few minutes or hours that often left me more willing to live in this beautiful, horrible world with a heart that stays open.

Plus, I like how he talks like a calm, happy hippie. Words like “far out, cool, and groovy” bring me back to my high school days.

Ram Dass taught about courage, how to sit with pain and grief, encouraging an experience of hope within despair, and offered an invitation to face death consciously. He demonstrated what a heart wide open looks like in a person who is clearly human. 

Imagine a country filled with hearts that want to stay open. 

No matter what side of any situation you find yourself on, I wonder if you could begin with calming your body and opening your heart and mind. Every choice, every ripple matters. 

You’ll find the link to Ram Dass’ talk in the HeartWarming News below.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Ram Dass’ talk led me to a creative, cool resource: the After Skool channel on youtube. I found some of my favorite teachers there. Listening to their voices while the concepts were illustrated artfully. It’s a visual delight. The intent of this channel is to empower individuals to shift their inner world with artistic presentations of profound thinkers. The idea that the world changes when your internal world changes is not new. It IS empowering and shared by mystics, physicists, and medicine men and women. Here’s the link for How to Keep your Heart Open in Hell by Ram Dass. Next up for me? Allan Watts. He probably says groovy too.

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Awaken Your Inner Healer with the Emotion Code

Stress is a natural experience in life. It’s often viewed as a doorway to disruption of wellbeing, peace of mind, and a clear navigational path in a challenging situation.

I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Working as a psychologist with thousands of people over the past 40 years, I’ve learned that the relationship with stress is complex. What seems supremely stressful to one person may be a walk in the park for another.

Some folks court stress as a way of life, while others seek to minimize its influence.

So much of how you relate to life’s stressors depends upon what you’ve experienced, what skills you’ve been taught, what strengths or vulnerabilities were modeled, what help was withheld from you, how you’ve sought to learn from challenge, what strategies you’ve developed, your natural temperament, and how resilient you are in the face of tumult. There’s more to it, but you get the gist.

Some folks view stress simply as that which elicits the fight or flight response. Sure, it may do that, but there is more to it than that. (Read my Self Soothe Strategy Playbook for more on that topic).

Living in the current state of the world is challenging everyone these days.

I’m sure you can easily tell me the top 3 stressors of your current reality.

Take a moment and make that list. What are the top three stressors of your life at this time? 1-2-3.

Being human requires a flexible array of skills so you can navigate life with sturdiness. As I witness what’s happening in the United States and tracking what is happening around the world, I see, feel, and hear the rising tension. Like an unseasonably high tide, it is threatening to drown some while leaving others afloat in an uncertain sea.

So now is an excellent time to master skills which will help you navigate whatever uncertainty you and those around you are experiencing. I know a lot of skills that are useful and want to simplify things, so let’s start with one focus.

I’m really interested in helping you rapidly lower tension in your body, mind, emotions, and energy field.

The less tension you store, the freer you are to think, act, relate, and navigate in harmony. No matter the storm.

I use a lot of Energy Psychology techniques and modalities in my healing practice and daily life. I’m extremely interested in ways to translate more complex clinical practice into easy to use, self treatment techniques. So you can “treat” the rising tension efficiently and effectively as soon as it is noticed in every day life.

Given that the world is changing and collective stress is increasing with no resolution in site, I believe you need to become even more skilled at managing tension than you are right now.

That’s saying something as I’m sure you have skills a plenty, yet these are indeed challenging times.

I also believe you have an intelligent, integrated body-mind-emotion-energy system which, when working effectively, can support self-healing. You’re already primed for self-healing.

The Emotion Code is an Energy Psychology modality created by Bradley Nelson, DC.

It’s well known by many and is intended to rapidly clear the energy that is interfering with the flow of your vital life force. Why is that so important? Your vital life force, and how it flows through your physical-mental-emotional system, is integral to your health and wellbeing at all levels.

I’m offering two opportunities to explore The Emotion Code and how you may apply this for your own self-treatment.

I’ll offer a brief overview of The Emotion Code and a group energy healing session during my Virtual Salon on ZOOM on Tuesday, April 29th, 7 – 9pm ET.

Whether you are new to or deeply familiar with The Emotion Code, you’ll enjoy the benefits immediately during the group session. I’ll be exploring basic information about stress, energy psychology, the interrelated mind-body-emotion-energy system, and influential factors in storing tension (eg, emotions, beliefs, energy habits, wounding). I’ll introduce The Emotion Code as a modality and demonstrate its use with a group healing session. You’ll determine how that works for you.

Next I’m offering Self-Healing with The Emotion Code as a two week mentoring group on ZOOM, May 6th and 13th, 7 – 9:30pm ET.

I’ll be covering a lot of ground in a simple and practical way so that you can use The Emotion Code for yourself, with family members, and your pets. Here’s the deal. It is a mentoring group, not a practitioner training. It requires you purchase The Emotion Code book or audio book from your favorite bookseller. Bradley Nelson wrote this book to teach you how to use The Emotion Code for yourself and your family. I’ll be reviewing some basic aspects of the book and the process so that you understand the theory and rationale behind The Emotion Code (and Energy Psychology). You’ll get some practice with muscle testing, identify how to run a self-treatment session, and get some practice.

You’ll have a week to explore this for yourself and come back with more practice and an opportunity to clarify your questions.

After the two weeks (or three if you join the Virtual Salon), you can dive more deeply into the book and practice sessions with yourself. Once confident, you’ll share this with family members who are interested. I’m adding in a bit about treating pets and you’ll know why when we meet. Remember, this isn’t a practitioner training so you aren’t offering this professionally to any one. If you want to add this to your practice or start a healing practice using The Emotion Code, let me know and I’ll guide you to the training.

I’m committed to sharing Energy Psychology methods for self-treatment that build upon a basic foundational knowledge of why they matter, how they work, and when you can apply them for yourself.

If you’re feeling stress and want to learn how to lower tension (past and present), join me to explore how The Emotion Code may support you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Greater Good Science Center at Cal Berkley has been exploring how to bridge differences since 2018. They ask some valuable questions. “Does “bridging differences” mean that we paper over social injustice in pursuit of social harmony? Does it require us to sacrifice our ideals in order to always find common ground with others? Or to accommodate views or behavior that we find abhorrent?” They have discovered a lot in all these years. Go explore.

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Willing to Broaden your Perspective?

I’m a bit of a news hound these days.

As one who hasn’t watched a newscast in years, I’m surprising myself. Ordinarily, I wait for the news to come to me. And it does. When something is important for me to know or respond to, I hear about it. Kind friends, clients, my husband, or a random stranger share a soundbite which cues me to look into a situation further. I’ve been very comfortable with this level of engagement for years now.

I’m not one to drift on social media. In fact, I’ve spent less time on all platforms than anyone I know.

I made a decision years ago to “pull” data rather than have it “pushed” to me. So, no notifications, no newsfeed, and under 15 email subscriptions. The result is that I feel freer to meander through the informational streams of life. Those delivered through people, the natural world, my inner musings, and a direct connection to something wiser and brighter than myself.

That all changed a few weeks ago when I was lured down the rabbit hole.

It began innocently enough. I was telling a friend about something on youtube and pulled it up to send to her. When I hung up the phone, I noticed the next video was a monologue from a late night host. I watched it and laughed through my discomfort of what he was sharing. Funny and clever, I liked his delivery so I returned the following day for more “news.”

I now see that was my point of entry to a much deeper exploration.

Youtube has the power to suck you in and drag you through all things relevant and wasteful. I get that it is a gateway drug to social media addiction, as well as a free source of inspiration and entertainment. Did I mention time wasting? That, too, as I’m sure you’ve experienced regardless of wherever you travel through the digital world.

Following my morning “monologue,” I found an enticing talk and figured I had 13 minutes to become educated.

It was helpful. I agreed with some of what I heard, learned something new, didn’t understand a few references, and was mildly aware that this presentation was built on a larger foundation of belief and perspective about the world at large. So, I dove deeper within that organization’s video series. And deeper. And deeper.

I’m uncomfortable as hell.

I’m so uncomfortable, I want to put my phone down, grab a novel, and sink into my happy place. As life would have it, I couldn’t seem to get into the book I was reading. In fact, I returned it to the library. That was new because I read fiction every morning and evening and always finish my book. Reading fiction is oxygen to me and a very well engrained habit. So, I was quite surprised when I gave up on 6 books in a row. This was unheard of in the history of my reading habit which began in earnest in 5th grade.

I know it is no coincidence that I was guided to my nonfiction book pile as I was also leapfrogging right and left through commentaries and reports on what was happening in the world.

When reading nonfiction, I typically read 3-4 books at one time. Gaining a bit of information from each source and letting it settle so I may integrate the knowledge in my everyday life. It’s a bit like a puzzle as the pieces from various sources coalesce into a larger picture, often leading to an expansion in my world view. I saw how my puzzle process was now including the written word, online articles, videos, and podcasts.

I’m bingeing a wide array of topics and perspectives about what is most important, solutions for making the world “work,” and why the author feels their position is correct.

Being uncomfortable and staying the course is a choice. In realizing there is a whole world that thinks differently than me and my “likeminded” community, family, and friends, I wanted to understand how to be in that world too. I can’t imagine being a part of one human “family” if I don’t understand how my “family members” think, feel, and act.

So, I’m diving deeply into perspectives that are very different than my own.

I’m learning that I know very little. I’m witnessing a true desire to listen so I may understand. And I’m choosing to remain in discomfort rather than defend, judge, or turn away.

I have a great capacity to be uncomfortable.

Practically, I’ve explored discomfort in the complex process of growing up human. Expanded it in my work as a psychologist. Allowed discomfort as my spiritual exploration exploded my system of meaning again and again. A few times a week, I breathe peacefully and still my mind while holding a pose in yin yoga that is physically uncomfortable. So, yes, I am willing to be uncomfortable.

I don’t know any other way to bridge human differences than to first seek to understand. And then learn how to stay open amidst discomfort (even perceived threat) to explore a dialogue which holds the possibility of coming together.

As a human race, we’re just so divided. In my country, this division reigns supreme.
The deeper I dive, the less able I’m able to say I’m from the United States. Perhaps this is not news to you, but these Divided States of America seem to be growing further apart than ever. It disturbs me, but that is not new. I’ve been disturbed since grade school by the way humans often treat one another.

So, I’m sliding right and left these days. Leaving the familiar and entering the incomprehensible. Only to learn there might be something to that thinking, as limited or harmful as it seems on the surface.

I’m not in charge of global decision making and don’t need to express an expert opinion for any news organization. I’ll never grasp the complexity of what I’m journeying through, yet I feel as if this exploration is only just beginning. It’s interesting, when exploring positions that land far from my own, to discover shared ideals and ideas mixed within viewpoints and recommended actions that make me shudder. I’m learning to keep listening through that shudder.

I encourage you to grow your “window of tolerance.” To explore a topic that is unfamiliar, listen to a position that you reject, or dare head into a news source that is far across the aisle.

It’s important to stay calm in the face of turbulence. You know that. And it is a skill that we humans clearly need to develop.

If you want to dip your toe in the political morass, try a different news media outlet than you’re used to. All sides are funded by someone as the media is a great profit generator and influencer. Knowing that, enter the game gently. If you’re not sure where things land, just Google AllSides Media Bias Chart. It tells you where your comfort zone is and which way you may be leaning in your news consumption. If news isn’t your thing, find a new podcast or wander the book store for an unfamiliar nonfiction author with a perspective different from your own.

Everyone sees the world through their unique perception. Remember that.

With a deep desire for belonging, humans group together in the most comfortable way possible. This naturally creates the “other.” So you gain comfort, but lose the opportunity to expand understanding of what being human means in the broader sense.

One caveat. Skip this invitation if you’re in the midst of great upheaval in your life or feeling afraid, unskilled, and overwhelmed. Care well for yourself and reach for those in your comfort zone to help you achieve that task.

Above all, thanks for listening.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Greater Good Science Center at Cal Berkley has been exploring how to bridge differences since 2018. They ask some valuable questions. “Does “bridging differences” mean that we paper over social injustice in pursuit of social harmony? Does it require us to sacrifice our ideals in order to always find common ground with others? Or to accommodate views or behavior that we find abhorrent?” They have discovered a lot in all these years. Go explore.

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You Can’t Rule Me

In the midst of our country’s woes, I’ve got Lucinda Williams singing in my head.

“You can’t rule me
you wanna go and tell me what’s good for me
you wanna tell me what I’m payin’ for
Well, the game is fixed, it’s plain to see
I ain’t playin’ no more”

What to do when there is no leadership that considers the pressing needs of humanity and the planet?

When those corrupted by greed, power, mental illness, and an absence of a moral compass are making decisions that harm?

It’s not a time to go full ostrich, hide under the covers, and engage the spiritual bypass that harmony reigns in the universe. It’s time to identify the highest ideals by which you will live and act accordingly.

I don’t know what that looks like for you. In fact, how you respond is none of my business. You rule you.

These days, I’m identifying what matters most to me, clarifying what gifts I have to offer, and determining what is mine to do for the benefit of humanity and the planet.

It’s not at all comfortable. Staying engaged within our country at this time is difficult. Considering the current and future impact on our citizens, our global family, and our Mother, Pachamama, can lead to an array of responses.

Fear, overwhelm, anger, grief, and hopelessness.

I hear these responses every day when in conversation with ordinary people who are definitely not representing the top 5% of wealth in our country. I feel these things myself. I allow each of these feeling to flow through me and I honor it as a valid response to the situation I’m exposed to in that moment. And then, I steady myself.

I can’t be of help to anyone if I’m unsteady.

We have enough people wobbling about in the current environment. That makes sense and yet, it is what leaves us all vulnerable to forgetting something incredibly important.


“You can’t rule me. You can’t take my money and try to rule me too.”

When I’m feeling sturdy and connected to my highest ideals, I’m open to a higher guidance. Once that considers how I might improve life in each moment.

It’s no small ask to stay engaged in the midst of the turmoil threatening the wellbeing of so many within the country and around the world. And for some, it’s just not possible right now given the personal challenges that are being navigated. That’s okay and makes sense. If you need to focus strongly on your own wellbeing and access support to make it through a difficult time, you do that. It’s wise to know when to step back from the world.

The rest of us. Well, there’s a call to action.

Systems are breaking, food prices are soaring, human rights are being dismantled, and judging your neighbor is at an all time high. The global and environmental ramifications are staggering as progress unwinds in the face of destruction. In the face of so much potential harm and disruption, it’s hard to know what to do if you’re an ordinary person.

So, I ask you.

What guides you? What values are most important to you and how do you express them in the most practical ways?

That’s where you begin.

Once you’re managing your own tension, you can look beyond yourself to the world. Then you may ask simple questions like “Who needs help?” and “What’s mine to do?” You’re not powerless and every positive thought and action matters to whomever is on the receiving end.

Maybe Bernie Sanders said it best this week. “At this particular moment in history, desperation is not an option. Giving up is not acceptable and none of us have the privilege of hiding under the covers. The stakes are just too high. Let us never forget real change only occurs when ordinary people stand up by the millions to oppression and injustice and fight back.”

There’s a lot at stake. Take a breath. I’m not suggesting that you have to start a fight, lead a movement, or step onto the global stage to right the world’s wrongs. Hey, if you want to do that and are guided that way, go for it.

You decide what you’re capable of before you step up to offer it to others.

We have enough angry activists and people running around with their hair on fire. We need sturdy, mature grown ups, not tantruming toddlers, to show up and share their skill, steady leadership, and soulful connection to humanity.

Martin Luther King, Jr., a master of courageous love, said “The time is always right to do what’s right.” He also reminded us to “let no man pull you low enough to hate him.” 

We have enough hate in our world. Let love of humanity and this beautiful planet guide your way. 

When you calm your body, drop into your heart, and open your mind, your own wisdom and values will guide you to action.

Let that rule you. The highest authority you can access. Whatever you have to offer, now is the time to begin.

I hope you find a way to bring goodness to this suffering world. Through your positive mindset, prayers, generous actions, and creative partnering with others. Making a difference every day, in your unique way, matters deeply.

Soul Sanctuary is hosting a Better by the Dozen Food Drive benefitting SisterHood in Burlington County. Saturday, March 29th 10am – 2pm.

Renew your Spirit with reike sessions and free group energy healings, meditation, and chanting in a welcoming community. Bring a dozen (or more) of your chosen food item. Small or large, it will all be delivered to SisterHood Families. One caveat – no dollar store food – let’s offer our neighbors the same food we purchase. 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The practice of “stilling” is a way into universal wisdom and your inner clarity. And research proclaims that the benefits for your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing are many. Sitting still or meditating in your fashion each day changes the brain. Growing gray matter, creating new neural pathways, decreasing stress chemicals and increasing immune response. Reducing high blood pressure, soothing symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to wellbeing. No matter what is happening, you can take a minute or more to stop, drop in, breathe, and notice. It’s that simple and that beneficial.

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The Messy Middle: An Anecdote

I drove through a storm recently.

It began gently, the sleet offering a delightful musical accompaniment to my journey. Intensifying, the noisy deluge and increasing winds demanded my careful driving attention. And then it was over. Just like that.

How different from the storm which has overtaken the world.

My country, the United States, is rife with division, anger, confusion, and fear. Basic human rights are threatened. Fires burn out of control, decimating homes and businesses. The ecosystem, already polluted, is now facing the impact of withdrawal of protections. I could go on and travel the world to speak of war, corruption, poverty, and compromised food sources.

You feel it, these winds of massive change, uncertainty, and overwhelm. Littering the airways with too many demands, unclear directions, and an overabundance of talking heads spewing opinions like free candy at a parade. Everyone is unsettled. There is no comfort in being part of that tribe – an unsettled, fearful cohort who is having trouble holding steady in the storm.

These are the times in which we live and we’re not through to the other side.

We’re in the “Messy Middle” of a long transformative process.

This term, coined by Scott Belskys, acknowledges the influential middle phase of any project, product development or transformation of a company. Whether intended or forced upon a company, big change brings uncertainty, ups and downs, mistakes, struggles, and frustration. Volatility is to be expected and may be worked with. Far from being helpless, there are wise ways to proceed.

It helps to recognize that no journey is linear. And every middle is messy.

At the beginning of a challenge, planned or unplanned, you may rally. Expend your energy to creatively adapt and to help others do the same. You settle into the new plans in place and manage the frequent need for adjusting your response.

And on it goes while the storm continues.

You engage. You withdraw. You adapt and look to the future. At some point, you lose sight of that future you looked to and have nothing yet to replace it with. Eventually, energy expended and mindset recalibrated countless times, you realize you’re tired. And unclear about the next tweak, action, or directional focus.

When you run out of steam, it’s a good thing to rest.

Even though life will still blow the winds around you, demanding your attention and your presence. That’s to be expected. Choosing to rest doesn’t mean you’ll give up your responsibility. You know how to show up for work, feed the children, and complete the basic tasks of living. It all gets done.

The choice becomes where you place your focus: on the storm around you or on the calm within.

It’s too easy to be pulled in the direction of the loudest wind. It takes intent to pull back and engage the quietude within. Here in the stillness of your own being, it’s not so much about doing anything. Not seeking answers or even trying to listen. Just dropping into the quiet spaciousness that awaits your return. Resting there.

Imagine that. In the midst of the storm, you do nothing.

It sounds simple, but it takes practice. Especially after years of the mind and the body clamoring for the “to do-ing.” Yet, living in flow with the universal energy and the wisdom of your own Soul requires you to slow. And still. And open.

You want that, right?  Living in flow with a wisdom that exceeds anything you can access with your little, smart mind.

It’s a life practice, this flowing with the Universal wisdom, not just a smart meditation. (Although it also is a smart meditation.)

Dropping within and seeking nothing, you open the way for deep nourishment. Naturally, you access a wellspring of wisdom that soothes, sturdies, and (eventually) reveals the mystical invitations to live differently than you had before.

It doesn’t happen on day one, so keep on.

Maybe it doesn’t seem to happen at all in this loud and terribly threatening world. Yet, the flow is there and it can be found. Much like the sun is always shining above the dark clouds in a sleet storm. Waiting for its chance to flow light.

There’s an ebb and a flow to the process. And it’s not to be rushed.

There are many ways in. You are in charge of finding yours. For me, walking the Feminine mystical path has revealed the deep nourishment of sitting within exquisite stillness. Engaging the archetypal energy of the Mystical Feminine, with Her many faces, you awaken your capacity to flow in coordination with life’s movements.

Within this depth of sturdiness, connection, and replenishment, the way becomes clear.

Internally guided rather than externally pulled. Moving with the complexity of Life’s harmonious dance, your life becomes simpler. And the middle is less messy.

There is a difference between working archetypally and psychologically.

 When you work with archetypal energy, such as the various faces of the Feminine, you engage timeless, universal principles.

This information is not received through the mind. It is a direct transmission that is encoded with a blueprint for your own evolution. Your Soul recognizes, translates, and activates within you the metaphoric, symbolic language of these archetypal energies.

Archetypal symbols are fluid symbols of light. Sounds like the underlying form of the Universe, doesn’t it?

Dropping within the stillness and engaging the Archetypal Feminine allows this fluid light information to settle within your being. Shifting and growing you from the inside out.

It’s a mystical process. Perfectly orchestrated by your Soul and that extraordinarily wise Cosmic energy.

Remember that all journeys are not linear. And any step along your Path may be challenging and the way unclear. Messy even.

Engaging the Way of the Feminine introduces practical relationships and depth practice to drop within the wisdom, opens you to the archetypal energy, and allows the Feminine teachers to reside within and guide you into the way of living in flow with what is happening.

Entering through the gateway of stillness, you see that every moment is rich with opportunity.

And the storm within stills. So you bring a steady, loving presence to the world.

If you’re interested in exploring the Mystical Feminine Path and the 13 Archetypal Mothers, join me for an 8 week transformational journey. This Journey is for ladies only, (although the Archetypal Feminine is available to all, regardless of gender identification). Class details here.

There are many ways to live in alignment with the Universal flow.

Stillness is a gateway for all of them. However you find your way in, I do hope you seek what awaits. It changes everything. We need a higher conversation, sturdy wise ones, and undefended hearts to weather this global storm. 

When you’re clear and steady and wise, you know what is yours to do. And you do it for the benefit of all life.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The practice of “stilling” is a way into universal wisdom and your inner clarity. And research proclaims that the benefits for your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing are many. Sitting still or meditating in your fashion each day changes the brain. Growing gray matter, creating new neural pathways, decreasing stress chemicals and increasing immune response. Reducing high blood pressure, soothing symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to wellbeing. No matter what is happening, you can take a minute or more to stop, drop in, breathe, and notice. It’s that simple and that beneficial.

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Blooming Onion. Blossoming Gratitude.

I’m finally completing my holiday thank you notes. Just two left. First off, thanks to everyone who donated toys, gifts, and moolah to the SisterHood Gift drive!

Turns out, with the exception of 20 teens, it was all us. It was a funny year. The highlight is that 275 kids received a bunch of new toys, gifts, and clothes on Christmas morning. Thanks to all of you who gave from your heart. You’re anonymous and so am I as those toys were compliments of the man in red or their parents. I don’t know the details of how each family managed their gift bags as it’s not my business. Those parents can make their own parenting decisions for their kids. Especially on Christmas morning. 

Once again, I remembered a few things during this holiday gift drive. Here are 3 lessons I seem to forget every year after all those bags of toys head out in the U-Haul Sleigh.

First, it’s totally worth it. Second, it’s a hell of a lot of work and I need more people to join in the feel good fun of donating. Third, I’m starting in July next year.

Seriously. In July. I forget every year that it is such a big project which grows as other donors drop out. So, I’m switching strategies. I’m personally shopping once a month for our family’s toy donations. That way I won’t add to my holiday shopping and spending at a time that is already full in both regards. Feel free to adopt this strategy for your own. I’ll be happy to accept your toys all year long as I’ll be building a toy store in my basement.

I’m also having a Soul Sanctuary holiday gift collection in July. Look for it if you want a little ho ho ho in the middle of summer.

Speaking of thank you notes, I owe someone a note of gratitude for their gift.

It’s just that I don’t know who my Secret Santa was this year. 

Let me back track a bit. My kid was flying in for the holidays. Great news.

She started sending packages to our house addressed to her. With a frequent reminder to put them in her closet without opening them upon arrival. No peeking. The repeated instruction wasn’t for me. I never peek. My husband, on the other hand, can be oblivious to repeated instructions.

Like the morning I found him blissfully using his new pet hair rake to clean up after Milo’s morning lay about on the carpet. 

Yeah, it’s a thing. And someone is “raking in the dough” with that idea. Go figure. Needless to say, the infraction of opening a Christmas gift early led to immediate termination as head elf. I was hired on the spot to sort through boxes arriving on our doorstep. I diligently added to her secret stash with narry a peek at what was already closeted away. 

Amidst the flurry of my daughter’s arrival, she disappeared to wrap gifts. (Yes, just as it was time to do the dishes. Some things never change). 

While we chatted in the kitchen, there arose such a clatter. “Who ordered an onion?!” 

She arrived in hysterics while showcasing a golden onion with green shoots tilting madly to one side. Okay, to be fair, I never portrayed my kid as a genius. And I’m notoriously lacking in the green thumb department. So, perhaps it was a bit of a parental failure (mine) that she mistook an amaryllis for an onion. 

In one hand she held the ‘onion’ as her boyfriend trailed behind holding a little square box addressed to moi (another elf sorting error). 

After everything calmed down and the proper apologies were made to the neglected plant, we noticed that even with mistreatment, life found a way to grow. Eventually, with a bit of space and letting it be, the stalks grew straight and flowered. In fact, there’s one flower left. Once that’s gone, I’ll watch a YouTube video to learn what to do next. But, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. 

I do want to thank whomever sent that lovely blooming onion to me. 

It filled our home with laughter and warmed our hearts knowing someone cared enough to send it our way. So, whoever you are, thank you. 

This seems like a silly story to tell in the midst of the polarization in our country, the fires in the West, and the snows in the South. Yet, I think it’s important to realize that we’re like that blooming onion flower which grows even when stuck in a tiny box. And thrives when the box is removed. 

Take care of yourself. Be kind and nurture one another. Tend to the environments in which you live, work, and share with all living creatures. Love the Mother anyway you can. Seems She really needs extra attention.

It’s a time to ask how you may help things grow rather than focus upon the distortion.

Forget the boxes you’ve put yourself and others in as everyone bends this way and that.

Be grateful for everything you have, who you are, and how you can contribute to improving life on the planet. 

Quit the mud slinging and seek support if you’re cowering in fear. Remember to begin again with a deep breath and a desire to be a good human who abides by your own highest ideals. If I may be of help, please feel free to reach out.

Let’s grow together. Not apart. 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Power of Bridging by John Powell may be the book you need to read right now. While it may not look like it, a survey shows that 93% of people in the US want to reduce divisiveness. While many believe it’s possible to disagree, it’s hard to know how to move past our differences. Powell identifies four important terms key to understand how to move in the direction of a world where we honor differences, feel a connection to our human family (and ourselves), and disrupt the disempowering view of “other.” Bridging. Belonging. Othering. Breaking.
It is possible. Shall we begin now?

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Visioning Surprise. Closets, Dogs, & Body Code

New Year’s Day arrived and I was snuggled by the Christmas tree for a day of visioning.

I’d booked myself a free day with my magic journal, colored pens, and LifeBook. The day began as planned. In delicious silence, I savored the beauty, comfort, and warmth all around me.

I sank into gratitude as my mind, body, energy, and emotions aligned with all that was positive and possible.

Choosing the first area of my LifeBook, Health and Fitness, I explored what was not working for me. I saw what needed a total overhaul and what required gentle tweaking. I explored the beliefs that held the old, stale behavior in place, as well as those necessary to install a better mindset and actions to support new dreams. I updated that chapter in my LifeBook and felt deeply into what was possible. It felt pretty doable.

One chapter down, many to go, when I notice my dog was having trouble moving around.

Milo gave me that sad look reserved for communicating something was wrong. His legs, weak from arthritis and a previous broken foot, weren’t working so well. It seemed widespread, this weakness, and challenging to discern a definite cause.

Leaving my creative nest, I spent time with Milo on the floor and watched him struggle to move.

The crowded vet ER on New Year’s Day sounded like a less than stellar way to begin the year. I was grateful that Milo responded well to the Body Code, an energy medicine modality, that I’d used to help him heal and stay healthy throughout his 13 years.

After his Body Code session, a treat, and a dose of doggie ibuprofen, Milo seemed more at ease.

Allowing me to return to my creative nest. The house was quiet and chapter 2 was waiting. Settling in once again, I couldn’t concentrate for the voice in my head issuing an invitation I’d been receiving for days.

“Clean your closet.”

I tuned out that unwanted message as I had planned this ritual of launching new dreams on the first day of the year. And I was determined to hold onto my scheduled creative dreaming session.

As if creative dreaming ever followed the schedule of the mind.

Listening again, I heard only one message. “Clean your closet.” I may have muttered a bit as I climbed the steps, armed with trash bags for what I knew would be a big donation pile. I spent the next 4 hours in that closet, weeding meticulously.

Simplicity was needed. Clarity was required.

Apparently, I needed a more dramatic overhaul in this category. Working at the materially level, I released all clothing that no longer fit my body or lifestyle. As the pile grew, gratitude returned as I imagined the SisterHood ladies updating their wardrobes for school and work.

I lost a lot of weight that afternoon.

Becoming lighter, I ventured into other closets. I enticed my husband to go through his clothing. I reached my daughter and sent photos of what was still in her drawers. So much was released.

I felt lighter all over. Ready for a jaunt to Mexico with my husband’s company.

Then Milo worsened. All legs weak. Big sad eyes. Worried parents.

So, we let go the trip. Cleared our schedule and sat for hours in the parking lot of the animal hospital. It was a still, comfortable time. We watched the sky and animals on the farm while Milo snored quietly.

My husband and I explored things we were ready to let go, lessons we learned during the year, and new dreams for each of us and our family.

Seems like Life planted us in the middle of a creative dreaming space together. In a way that neither of us would have planned or wanted. Yet, as it arrived and the following days unfolded, things began to shift.

The surprising openings, changed minds, new behaviors, and emerging possibilities arrived gently and with ease.

Even after putting my magic book and pens away, every area of that LifeBook was impacted. As if new software was downloaded and an instructional manual opened one step at a time.

I can’t see that book. I can’t see the next step. I’m asked again and again to surrender and trust.  

Sometimes, I do. Often, I catch myself reverting to old programming.

Yet, when I miss the cue or forge forward with plans that don’t work, I’m not as bothered as I was before I cleaned that closet. Or gave up that trip. It’s early into this newness. The creativity seems to dance in a nonlinear way through my day and I’m doing best to follow rather than lead.

Milo has had a lot of Body Code sessions. And he’s not the only one.

As it turns out, perhaps not such a coincidence, I offered a lot of Body Code sessions with clients this past week. Lots of energy medicine sessions. More Body Code, shamanic sessions, and Angelic healing sessions scheduled this month. Perhaps this cleaning out the old goes deeper than our closets.

Moving with this rhythm, I’m offering 2 Body Code sessions on ZOOM and a remote Emotion Code session for the vastly discounted price of $225.

This is a chance to receive 3 sessions with a savings of $212. This offer is good for 5 days only and sessions must be scheduled by 3/31/25. All 3 sessions are for the same person, excluding current clients, so we can do some quality clearing.

The Body Code and the Emotion Code, developed by Bradley Nelson, DC, provides a map as we work with your inner wisdom.

Working on all levels (physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and relational), your inner wisdom guides the clearing and rebalancing of the factors which underlie and contribute to current symptoms and issues which interfere with your wellbeing. Once cleared or rebalanced, you move on with a body – energy system that communicates more clearly and supports open hearted living.

The Body Code and Emotion Code session special ends 1/17/25.

Milo gets the family discount and plenty of loving. We’ve all adapted to a quieter lifestyle, no stairs, and plenty of Body Code to augment his healing.

I hope you make space for creativity this year. And let Life surprise and support you. Perhaps, as you clean your proverbial closets, you’ll come to trust Life unequivocally. I hope to meet you there.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research has shown that cultivating positive beliefs contributes to prosocial behavior. You know that ‘feel good’ way of being kind, understanding, and compassionate toward your fellow humans. All of whom have an underground of conditioned beliefs. It also has been found to improve social connections. Committing to a positive mindset takes some work but it impacts your relationships, health, work success. Choosing and reinforcing positive beliefs supports wellbeing, resilience, and your potential to actually enjoy your life.

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If the Sky’s Not the Limit, What Is?

The other day I was stuck in a reoccurring pattern. It wasn’t my favorite.

So I spent some time in my “underworld” to discover what belief was active and how it was playing out. I looked to see where it began, how it appeared over the years, and how it served me. I saw the protective intent in its formation and the limiting hold it had over me at present.

By the time I was done looking, I felt kind of muddy and tired.

Like I had grappled with a sea monster who lived hidden beneath the waters. Before I moved on, I identified a belief that would better serve my life. I planted that firmly in my mind and looked to see where it was already true. When that sneaky monster of a bad idea next swam to the surface, I turned away, no longer willing to reinforce its hold on my reality.

This practice of exploring murky spaces within isn’t a lot of fun. 

It can be sobering, disheartening, and, at times, downright frightening. Yet, you can’t expect to enter a new year and create new dreams if you’re living an old, disempowering script.

Know this, you’re a magnificent story teller.

Since you’ve been young, you’ve been creating stories about yourself, how the world works, and what is possible. The plot lines were borrowed or absorbed from the larger story tellers in your life. Parents, teachers, friends, and societal instructors. All ideas tunneling into your little mind to plant those belief seeds, many of which are holding you back today.

All humans borrow stories from one another.

Often installed at a young age, they vary according to the unique path of human experience. The helpful stories invite self-acceptance, wellbeing and life satisfaction. The disempowering stories disrupt a sense of worth, innate goodness, and potential for growth. When those scary tales whisper that you can’t be happy, healthy, wealthy, creative, and meaningfully connected to others, they point you toward a path of suffering.

All because you think the story is true.

It’s vital to remember that you did nothing wrong in creating these influential beliefs.  

They’re simply the result of growing up human.

Today’s limiting belief made sense to your child mind and often served as protection or helped you navigate challenging circumstances.

When you cultivate an unwavering commitment to explore the beliefs you hold, they arise from their hidden depths.

Thus, making it easier to recognize what belief is running your daily existence. Start by asking yourself what story you’re telling yourself about a current struggle. Then seek the belief is hidden within that tale.

“I can’t do this or deal with this because …

I’m not worthy of happiness or not smart enough to succeed. I’m lacking time, money, experience. I’m too old, young, weak, or alone. Happiness isn’t possible for me. I have to suffer. The world is dangerous. I need rescue. I don’t have what it takes to succeed.” You get the picture.

Find the belief that fuels the disempowering story.

Limiting beliefs aren’t true, yet they may look like that in the present moment. If you want to be free, look for evidence of falseness. Look at the time, money, and experience you do have. Recall moments of happiness, positive social relationships, or the skills you’ve developed. When you notice the small pleasures, gains, and connections, you loosen the hold of that old rule.

A new year naturally invites you to choose new plot lines. Good thing you’re a brilliant story teller.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research has shown that cultivating positive beliefs contributes to prosocial behavior. You know that ‘feel good’ way of being kind, understanding, and compassionate toward your fellow humans. All of whom have an underground of conditioned beliefs. It also has been found to improve social connections. Committing to a positive mindset takes some work but it impacts your relationships, health, work success. Choosing and reinforcing positive beliefs supports wellbeing, resilience, and your potential to actually enjoy your life.

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5 Tips for a Smooth Holiday

What kind of holiday elf are you?

Are your buttons polished, your toys built, and your cookies baked?

Or are you running around with your tinsel on fire? I saw one of those elves recently. She almost took me out in the Target parking lot as her SUV careened madly around a corner. I understand. There’s a lot to do these days to get ready for Hanukah, Christmas, and Kwanza.

Whether you are hosting or ghosting those you love, take a moment to consider these 5 Tips for a Smooth Holiday.

Slow down

Unless the tree is on fire, slow the heck down. There is no award for rushing. All it brings is frayed nerves reflecting a disorganized nervous system. Take a moment to stand or sit still. Enjoy a deep breath or ten. Long exhales. When your body is calm, start moving again. Very slowly.

Simplify

The greatest gift of the holiday season is to enjoy yourself and those you’re hanging out with. You don’t need as much as you think you do. Nor do they. While you’re slowing down, take a few moments to look at your gift lists, decorating plan, menus, and schedule. A few minutes of organization helps you see clearly. Now cut a few things out. Make sure sleep isn’t on that list. It’s a good idea to be well rested before you start holiday mingling.

Stop

What to stop? So many options. Stop spending so much, running around, adding events to your schedule. Quit eating that batch of cookie dough or scrolling every moment through staged social media. Whatever it is, you know you are overextended.

Slowing down and simplifying are the precursors to the “stop.”

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you just sat down and relaxed? Imagine that. Slowing down, simplifying, and actually stopping your particular version of busyness.

Could the holidays arrive even if you didn’t do everything on your list?

The holiday season is filled with light, love, and generosity. It is meant to be savored. 

Sacred

Whatever your system of meaning, you’re invited to drop into the holy moments. Entering every gathering and quiet reflection with conscious intent. Claiming the opportunity to celebrate until you are love soaked and light filled. Imagine radiating the generous energy of love to everyone you meet. Everyone would benefit, especially the beleaguered check out clerk and your grumpy Aunt Nancy.

Santa

I know not everyone believes in Santa (gasp!) nor celebrates this mythic archetype hijacked by society’s materialism. Regardless of where you are now, I encourage you to seek the magic and delight of this character. It’s a shared delusion that offers adults the playful opportunity to join children in believing in the unseen.

It’s fun. Until it isn’t. We were sharing stories about Christmas at Thanksgiving dinner this year.

“Christmas was more fun before Santa died.”

My offspring has a point, even if expressed in youthful bluntness. Her age cohorts around the table nodded sagely as if it were a great truth. 

Reflecting on her younger years, we realized that we had a lot of fun with Santa. Even the year we knew she knew. I still remember tucking her in one cold night in December. She looked up at me and asked, “Mom, are you Santa?” I had done my best to be truthful, treat my kid with respect at every age, and offer sage wisdom during those developmental transitions. It took me a hot minute to gather my response as we stared at one another. 

“Do you really want me to answer that question?”

She smiled and shook her head, “No.” Crisis averted, I kissed her goodnight. When I reached the kitchen, I did a silent jig. We were in the clear for one more magical year. Next December, we all happily played the Santa game. I do recall seeing a twinkle in her eye on Christmas morning. She knew she was playing and she was having fun. So were we.

I’m still the only one in the family who gets excited when NORAD announces “Santa was spotted flying over Zimbabwe!”

“He’s in Zimbabwe!”, I squeal. They tolerate me which is a new version of the game of magic, delight, and absolutely true and generous love.

I hope you can enter the magic during your holiday celebrations.

The world can always use more people who are happily and consciously sharing the joy of being together. One big messed up, beautiful human family celebrating all sorts of traditions. And embracing those who are struggling too much to even notice what’s good.

Sometimes hum bugging isn’t all it seems.

The Sacred Season of Light holds everything. Every joy and delight. Every tragedy and horror. Every delusional idea and each clear thought. When we are still enough, slow enough, and silent enough, we notice it all.

Life always shows us how to be a gift to each other in every moment.

Pay attention. Love generously. Receive graciously. Not because Cookie the Elf is watching or Santa is checking his nice and naughty list. Savor each moment because it is a wonder to be alive.

Slow your roll. Simplify your days. Stop the nonsense. Savor the Sacred. Embody the wonder of Santa.

I wish you peace. I hope you know you are loved or just choose to love yourself. I invite you to give a bit more of your self to others. They’re waiting for you. And, open your eyes so you play the magical, sacred game with joy.

I’m with you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Rushing about like an elf with your tinsel on fire doesn’t bode well for a happy holiday. When you are harried, stress increases and activates the nervous system. More adrenaline and cortisol leads to more anxiety, disrupted sleep, and all those yucky physical sensations. Rushing in the midst of all the holiday errands and preparation leaves you making more mistakes and being less productive. Put all that behind the wheel of a car or hustling about a shopping mall leads you to become a grumpy elf. You know that and really didn’t need research to confirm it’s a good idea to slow down, breathe deeply, and stay in the present moment. Ho ho ho.