Category: Blog-Psychology

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Love. Appreciation. Wonder.

Love

This is the energy back behind all form. You. Your family and friends. Loved ones who sing with the Angels. Santa. And every gift, holiday light, and tension you experience. It’s your nature. 

Let your Love glow.   

Love freely even when with people or in situations that make you crazy. We’re all crazy. Love the crazy. Whatever you’re doing, sprinkle it with love. If it’s your nature, it’s a natural impulse. Seek it and share it. 

Appreciation

My heart broke open this morning. Appreciating the fullness of life I was experiencing. The sweetness and the profound sorrow. The connections and the desire to reconnect. The hustle bustle and the stillness. It’s all in there. Life amazes me and I dissolve in appreciation, as long as I’m moving slowly enough to notice.

Pay attention. Appreciation wants to express through you.

It’s your nature. Be generous with yourself throughout the holiday. Appreciate where you’re at and show up as the real you. Doesn’t matter if your cookies taste good, you’re hungover, or just too damn cheery for most people in the room.

You be you.

Let your appreciation for others spill out into every interaction.

 

They really need this simple act of being noticed and thanked.
 

It’s a basic human need. Something we can all relate to. Plus, it just feels good. Kinda like drinking warm cocoa.I bet it isn’t too hard to find tiny and big ways you appreciate another person. Or a situation. Or even a really big problem.  



Appreciation invites freedom to the holiday table. 



And freedom is a much better dinner guest than tension or judgement.   



Wonder.



As a question. I wonder what marvelous thing or event will appear at our holiday celebration? 

As a feeling. It’s often a whole body experience with a sense that life has delivered something to your door that was way beyond your expectation. It could be momentary or sustained wonder. Either way, it feels great. Every cell agrees.



The magic of Santa. The new baby at the holiday table. The unexpected opening of hearts. 



Wonder at the stories in all sacred traditions. Of a light that guided the way to joy, peace, and sweet happiness with one another. On this Winter Solstice, I invite you to remember the Light within all beings and all of the natural world.



Seek and ye shall find.   



What you seek matters. For all of us.



I’m wishing you joy, peace, and love as you celebrate the sacred moments within this Season of Light. 



Thanks for being a part of this lovely community whether it’s receiving this Blog or showing up at Soul Sanctuary. I’m glad you’re around. You make my life richer with your Presence.



Happy holidays.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Always be on the lookout for Wonder. It’s a game changer. Wonder is a complex emotion best investigated by direct experience. It may be defined as a heightened state of emotion and consciousness. Prompted by something that is rare, unexpected, and beautiful. It holds elements of surprise, joy, curiosity, and contemplation. It drops you into an expanded state by surprise and delights you with the shift in perception of your surroundings and life itself. Settling into the moment, cultivating stillness, and calling forth love and appreciation may leave you Wonder Prone. 


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Sitting in the Mall. Ho Ho Ho No.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A gentle voice from within suggested a preposterous idea. 

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

And then, I remembered.

This Season is Sacred

 

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



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

Once connected, I radiated love and appreciation. 

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


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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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Let’s Do Some Good

 

Everyday I hear stories of pain. From the small empathic misses to the gross violation of human preciousness.

Everyday I seek stories of inspiration. From the tiny action of a kind sentence to a life committed to doing good.

I understand deeply that the world we live in is filled with wonder and horror. Small moments of contentment and big experiences of despair. It’s all part of life and that won’t change. Despite efforts to control the uncontrollable, you continue to ride that rollercoaster of highs and lows. I imagine life will keep on offering you everything as long as you’re breathing. So, what do you or I do about that?

I’m practicing showing up to whatever is showing up to me. As fully and completely as I can.

If an infuriating news story, personal disappointment, or tragic occurrence shows up in my face, then it’s also living in my energy field, my body, and my history. I see this as an invitation to clean it up inside myself. To process my grief, anger, sorrow, disappointment, or any other contracting emotion I may experience. These are clues, personally directed to show me the places in me that are still holding on to old energy, resentments, beliefs, and wounds. Enough all ready.

I’m ready to let it all go just like Elsa in Frozen. 

How to do that? With any tool, strategy, technique, or made up ceremony that holds the core intention to process this old stuff (energy, emotion, belief, hurt) out of your system. If your toolbox isn’t filled with techniques, mine is. And I’m happy to help you let it all go.

For starters, check out my free Self Soothe Strategy to learn the power of Energy Psychology and Heart Assisted Therapy.

I cry easily. It's predictable. If I'm inspired by a story, I'm quick to commence boo hooing.

 

I hope to cry at least once a day. Hopefully more.



When my intent is to seek those who inspire me, I’m typically rewarded with a plethora of moving moments. Yesterday I wished I had150 years left on this planet ’cause I was just that inspired to join the most amazing people, projects, and goodness that was oozing out of everybody I met or witnessed via the media. 



Humans are such benevolent, creative creatures and they fill me with wonder.



I witnessed really good parenting, a young person’s kind heart even in the midst of a despairing time, an entire crowd of people singing in public with a homeless man, a genius who is cleaning plastic out of rivers, and a man feeding the hungry with dignity (and fresh produce).



Every time I’m moved, I recognize that desire to do good which lives within me. Beating as strongly as my own heart. 



As I enter this month of December and the many Sacred Celebrations and Giving Traditions, I wonder how to stay grounded within this desire to do good. I’m not looking to set the world on fire with grand gestures. More like sharing Tiny Actions of Goodness everywhere I travel. I wonder if you’d want to join me? When you become conscious in your intent to Do Some Good and to Seek the Good, it’s amazing what unfolds.



Goodness litters your path. 



Sometimes you are the one bestowing it upon others and the world, often without even noticing. Other times, you catch the benevolence of another’s tiny to big words or actions. Another benefit of the Tiny Goodness is the simplicity with which a word, smile, action, or quiet gift is dispensed. Often without the recipient being aware that it is you who are littering in their moment. 



Stealth Beneficence has a way of flying under the radar of the egoic mind.



That’s a good thing. So, you don’t get all full of your good self or secretly look to see how others are praising your holy name. This season, let’s leave people to praise THE Holy Name. Whatever is held true in their hearts.



Leaving us free to Do Some Good. Quietly with glee. 


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

33 million people are food insecure in the United States. That statistic makes me cry and they aren’t happy tears. It does motivate me to donate quality food to sources that pass out the food with dignity to those who will benefit. Creative new offerings like refrigerators stocked with fresh produce, microloans to allow families to supplement food purchases, and quality food delivery in economically challenged neighborhoods are helping. Shifting the norm of offering stale bread and dented cans of peas and peaches to those in need of nourishment. Food is not a luxury. It is medicine for the body: brain, gut, and energy. What action might you take that makes a tiny tummy feel better and a person feel respected?

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You CAN Take a Break or a Vacation!

Yesterday was a beautiful day in New Jersey. So lovely that I couldn’t work inside.

With a few precious hours of needing only my notes, I sat in the shade on my back deck and “worked.” As the creativity and sacred energy poured through me onto paper, I thought how much fun I was having. It didn’t seem like work at all. Far different than sitting in my office typing away, even though I enjoy mostly everything about the creation process.

I had to take a break, a breather of sorts, in order to watch the clouds race, the wind and trees dance, and my little jaguar dog patrol the perimeter.

The delight heightened as my breath deepened. I didn’t need an expert to tell me the benefits of taking a break in nature. I felt the relaxation seek the tiny tight muscles and invite them to soften. In the warmth of the sun, the slight breeze sought those pesky thoughts so they could be blown away.

If working outside and taking a breather felt so good, I imagined what days on end of relaxing in the natural world might do for me.

The research is pretty consistent. Whether you’re in nature, having a stay-cation, or exploring a new place on the planet, taking a vacation is beneficial to your overall wellbeing. Improvements in mental health, physical health, improvements in family/friend relationships, increased motivation, decrease potential for burn out, and a lovely boost in your happiness meter are a few of the findings.

So, what’s holding you back?

When you look at all the usual hesitations such as having too much work, too little money, or too much muchness in the family household schedules, you see why people crash the vacation dream before it begins.

Wise people understand that the cost may be too high not to take a vacation.

 

There is one catch. Happiness only increases when the vacation is truly relaxing.

You gotta plan this well to reap the benefits. First things first: no work. Oooops. I may have to rethink my upcoming trip to the mountains. My plan was to relax, immerse in nature, and catch up on my coursework. The idea of no work at all, even the extracurricular kind, feels a bit challenging. I’m going to have to let that plan go.

If you’re heading somewhere fun with lots to do, build in time to hang out, take naps, linger over meals, and get a good night sleep.

This is important for your return so that your boost in happiness and wellbeing continue to linger along with the good memories. I’ve been on whirlwind vacations to other countries where I haven’t wanted to miss a thing. Building in long lunches and late afternoon hang outs on the balcony balanced the exciting stress of discovery in new locations.

Set up your reentry plan before you head out on vacation.

Plan your travel so you aren’t exhausted. Once back to the office, give yourself ample time to check email and messages. Create a light schedule on return so you get into the swing of things. All the strategies that you know about are truly wise as they not only help your return, but they help you stretch the benefits of taking a vacation. Research suggests that not only are you happier, but you are more productive before and after vacation when you follow these parameters.

And while you’re at it, why not build some downtime into your day?

After my silent retreat in January (which was delicious), I created a free hour in the middle of each work day. Its made a world of difference. I’m working on getting outside as much as possible during the summer days of warmth and light. This is medicine for my Soul. I’m happy to work an hour after dinner just to create that open space in my day.

You find what works for you.

If you think life is too busy for you to take a vacation or a breather, you may want to think again.

Research reveals that 30% of men who don’t take vacation have a higher risk for heart attack. For women, this creeps up to 50% and also increases the risk of depression. That’s enough of that bad news. Especially as you have the ability to change those odds for yourself.

On that note, I’m off to take a walk.

Since I value my wellbeing and recognize that no one can do this for me, I’m stepping out.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

There are a few simple ways to combat global warming. First, become educated. A simple Google search and 10 minutes will give you the perfect idea for you. Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation. The more often you leave your vehicle at home, or drive an electric vehicle, the greater your contribution. Limit waste heading for landfills. You can share, refurbish or donate goods. Compost or limit waste. Use detergent sheets instead of plastic jugs. Don’t be fooled: plastic recycling is ending up in landfills at an alarming rate. All these small changes lead to large changes. My easy favorites? Plant trees (obviously), cut back on Amazon convenience orders, and radically limit waste across the household. Love your Mama. Your great grandchildren depend on that love.

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Heart Wide Open in a World Gone Mad

I’ve sat with outrage, despair, wonder, and confusion this week.

So many people, including myself, have felt the shifting of a foundation of goodness, respect, equity, safety, and hope with the recent shootings and supreme court decisions about gun control and Roe vs. Wade.

It’s been helpful to talk. To express freely whatever position is held.

I am grateful for those who witness me. And eager to enter these conversations to witness others and learn what breaks their hearts, fires up their desire to act, and leads competent people to feel so helpless. To explore the questions that bubble up. To allow rage, tears, and the desire to dive under the covers to be honored.

So many tragedies are flooding our shared world and affecting the ecosystem in which the human family lives.

I recognized something essential this week.

I couldn’t keep quiet. I didn’t want to process this on my own. I had that in common with many, many people. Seeking balance within, I felt the call to hear others and witness their pain and thinking. So I reached out to my daughter, to my friends, and opened to my clients.

I learned I didn’t have any answers. And recognized I was in no position to offer any.

I researched the status of women at the time the US Constitution was written. While not surprising, it made my head and heart hurt. I though about how far we’ve come and wondered what direction we were headed.

It’s my birthday today. I’m 63.

I was in 8th grade when Title IX was enacted. I never had any question that I could go to college as a female. Nor did my daughter. I was 13 when Roe vs. Wade was passed. Too busy navigating my early teen insecurities to consider that anyone would restrict my decisions about my body or health. Now, I look to the young women I know who face restrictions that were never a part of my adult life.  

Lacking solutions today, I want to keep my heart wide open, no matter what. That much I know.

Yet, something more emerged over the past days. A strong desire to listen to someone who was wise and awake. To hear a different prospective than the human mind’s railing about what side was right and who was not only wrong, but evil.

Life has a way of answering my questions if I let them be.

How to keep your heart open in hell.

 

A fitting title for a creative talk from a wise, awake man. Reading poetry from other wise, awake men. 

I received succor in that. Wise men, in tune with their feminine wisdom, providing a higher understanding of how to be in a world that sucks so much and holds so much beauty. 

An understanding that helped me explore the questions asked by those around me. Exploring how to live in the world and keep your heart open. A way to be spiritually focused without losing touch with your humanity. Guidance for action that was balanced, coming from a perspective that there was harmony to the implicate and explicate order of the universe. And our experience within it. 

I discovered the wisdom of Ram Dass after he passed. 

I’ve learned so much from the documentaries about his life and the talks I have watched. A richness packed into a few minutes or hours that 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.

He has taught me about courage, how to sit with pain and grief, experience hope within despair, and to face death consciously. He has shown me what a heart wide open looks like in a person who is clearly human. So much more to discover I’m sure. 

Today, I think it’s best you hear from some Wise, awake dudes. 

Better than from my tiny mind that is swirling under the influence of a world rocked by madness. Buffeted about by the winds of grief, outrage, wonder, and trust. Today, I find myself at a loss for words and a strong, strong desire to listen. 

My heart wants to stay open. So that’s my position about gun control, abortion, war, ecological destruction, personal tragedy, miracles, and grace. 

A wide open heart. No matter what side of any argument you find yourself on. 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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Don’t Help Me. Please.

I was driving home with my daughter when we noticed a large snapping turtle crossing the roadway. 

It was a tiny back street lined with a small pond on one side and the forest on the other.  As we drove by, he settled down just a foot into the road. Hanging out there as if it were a rest stop.  Right in the path of the cars cutting through our neighborhood at rush hour – blowing through the stop sign in order to cut a moment from their commute.

“Not happening!” I said as I pulled the car over.  

“We are moving that turtle before he gets crushed,” I declared.  I bounded from the car as my daughter muttered “Oh, here we go.”  I carried my umbrella as a prodding agent which was totally unhelpful as it popped open immediately, rendering it useless.  (More eye rolls from you know who. I might have even added a few myself as I looked quite ridiculous).  

I found another totally inadequate stick which left us just staring at a magnificent, prehistoric looking turtle wondering what to do next.  

We knew enough not to go near the front of him.  They call them snapping turtles for a reason.  While my daughter longed to pick him up and carry him, I had visions of her dropping him in the moment of a freakout.  Nope.  Meanwhile, he was resting as if he had all the time in the world and wasn’t facing imminent death (okay … I exaggerate). 

A car pulled up and an older man asked if we were okay. 

Explaining our predicament, he enthusiastically jumped out of his SUV with a golf umbrella as if he were going to single handedly rescue all of us.  We were in business. He tapped him gently and the giant turtle stirred and tipped to one side. I knew if we could gently tap his other side, he would start to rise up and walk.  Which he did.

Wish I kept my mouth shut.

 

Our rescuer got so excited he went around to take a photo for his grandkids.

And down went the turtle. 

Dropping down at the sight of a looming threat …. a 6 foot gentle giant with a camera. Things worsened quickly when the giant decided to tap the turtle more strongly on the back of his shell with his foot.  My kid and I exchanged a look. 

Now we were party to traumatizing this magnificent creature instead of saving him. 

With that final insult, “Snappy” promptly lumbered up onto the grass in the direction of the pond and hunkered down.  He looked our way as if daring us to come near him.  Fearing that our foot tapping savior could not curb his enthusiasm, we declared our effort a success.  I mentioned I had to run out to the store in a bit and would check to make sure he hadn’t ventured back into harm’s way again. This gave us all permission to end our rescue mission.

Mind you, not one car had careened around that corner during our dramatic interlude. 

“Well that went well.” stated you know who.  A bit later I headed out to the store and was alert as I fully stopped at the corner stop sign.  Scanning the grass to the right, I noticed the area was totally free of that huge turtle.  The reason?

He was lumbering across the street toward the woods. 

As turned the corner, I watched as he settled down into his protective position – shell to the ground – right in the middle of oncoming traffic in the other direction.  Wiser now, I slowly rolled past him as if he wasn’t there.  Hoping I wouldn’t see him crushed on my return trip, I had a revelation.

He had probably commuted that route hundreds of times without incident. 

After all he was a huge turtle, not some tiny little thing out on his first independent stroll.  He had to have some skill to have made it this far in a residential neighborhood.  Perhaps he wasn’t so helpless just because he was a turtle who lived near humans and their roads.  Now who was rolling her eyes? 

I got to wondering about all the times my intent to be helpful may have actually diverted someone from their intended path. 

It isn’t the first time I’ve stopped my car to turn around a turtle.  Let’s just say I have a history of such behavior.  In the future, however, I may tune in first to my inner wisdom and have a chat with the turtle or whatever creature it may be (human included).  Rather than immediately jump in as helper, perhaps I will see if it serves to help or will only slow the progress of the intended journey. 

I didn’t see Snappy on the way home, but that didn’t surprise me. 

He had already taught me what I needed to know. I was grateful and wiser as a result of our encounter. I figured he had lumbered off to teach some other well meaning, silly human. 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

When to help and when to sit back as witness?  With so much suffering in the world, you feel called to improve the lives of others. Hard to know what helps and what doesn’t. The book, Toxic Charity, sheds insight into the disempowering effects of well meaning aid to others. Creating sustainable change which respects and empowers not only the person or community, but the gains achieved through struggle, is an art form. Exploring the personal reasons for helping as well as deep listening to a community’s needs goes a long way to discern if, when, and how to offer your service. Empowering growth and self sufficiency. 

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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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The Sparrow in the Airport

Waiting for my luggage at the airport, I was startled as a sparrow swooped low before me.

I enjoyed watching the aerobatics of this small miracle as it moved effortlessly above and through the milling crowds. Mostly invisible to those chatting or gazing anxiously at the luggage belt, this little bird appeared to be on purpose. Never still for long, the sparrow carried a speck of human food to the rafters and then was off to the next crumb.

I felt a sense of delight watching this bird until I noticed a sadness arising within me.

I contemplated her life in baggage claim, then imagined how easy it would be for her to bypass the elevator and fly up the escalator. Giving this winged creature free rein throughout the massive airport. Plenty to explore at the food court and glimpse sunlight at the wall of windows at each gate. Yet, I wondered if there were spaces that allowed my little friend easy access to an indoor-outdoor style of living.

Or if she was confined to a prison of artificial lights, stale air, and crumbs from Starbucks.

I wondered if she sang much or missed flying on the air currents to land in a tree which was dancing in rhythm to the breeze. I wondered if she even knew there was more than airport living. If she ever yearned for freedom or thought she was already living free. The sparrow didn’t seem dampened down by her unnatural home, so I let go that sadness.

I realized that any creature, human included, could live free in a prison or live bound in a life of abundant opportunity.

Hearing the luggage belt fire up, I turned to watch the people crowd forward. Captivated as each bag fell to the circling belt. Struggling to grab a suitcase and wrestle it onto solid ground. Their faces ranged from bored to anxious to frustrated.

It looked like the vacation was over and reality had returned.

After flying the friendly skies, I wondered whether my fellow passengers were living free or were unintentionally imprisoned.

 

Since I wasn’t in charge of the luggage, I was free to reflect upon that question for myself.

Ask me what brings meaning to my life and makes me happy, I’d easily tell you what matters and what I love. I imagine you’d be able to do the same. Sometimes it takes some reflection to really hone that list. It’s worth exploring by yourself or in a heart to heart conversation with good friends. A few key questions can help you mine for gold.

What really, truly matters to you in this life? What brings you happiness? How can you live a meaningful life?

That sparrow helped me recognize how easy it is to acclimate to your surroundings and perhaps let the most important things slide in your day to day life. When you don’t explore these questions, it’s easy to live on autopilot. Flying about your day, settling for crumbs.

In time, living an unintentional life shrinks your potential for meaning, growth, and even happiness.

The longer you live in the unnatural world of societal expectations, the more likely you’ll fall asleep to your original dreams, delights, and desires. And perhaps just be glad to make it through the week unscathed. Waiting until that day when you’ve raised the kids, met your career goals, met that person, etc to find contentment. Research reveals there is a difference between living a life of happiness and meaning. Check out the HeartWarming News for a taste of these findings.

The societal map for a successful life often guides people to live like that sparrow: happily flying around in an airport.

Innocently imprisoned in a shiny, artificial environment. Grateful for company, nuggets from Chic-Fil-A, and sunshine through panes of glass. “Not me!” you proclaim. Yet, something within tells you differently. Here’s a way to find out how free or imprisoned you are actually living. Answer those 3 questions and create a short list of the most important answers.

These are your Map Markers that may guide you and alert you to times you have strayed from the Path of Meaning and Happiness.

Once you have that list, take a look at how you are living day to day. Are the items on your list represented in your everyday activities, emotions, intentions, and relationships? Does your daily energy sing in harmony with what’s most important or does it feel heavy, depleted, or flat as you go about your week. Are you bound by obligation, schedules, and activity you’d rather let go of or are you truly free to live what matters most to you.

Look deeply into these questions and conduct an honest appraisal of your life.

Most of you will find a discrepancy between what you say matters most and how you actually live your days. It’s the nature of modern life to get caught in the binding of a life dictated by societal and familial expectations. Tell the truth, make no excuses, and be gentle with yourself as you explore the distance between your dreams and desires and how you lived today.

Take heart for this awareness hands you the key to your unintentional prison.

With intent, you begin to craft a life aligned with your list, bringing fulfillment and happiness (or whatever matters most to you). In time, you recognize the changes within you shift the landscape around you. Gradually bringing your dreaming into alignment with your daily life.

Sparrows are described as small, light birds that easily fit through tight spaces and effortlessly soar to the tops of tall trees.

Revealing their capacity to connect to the higher realms, to fly free and perhaps to easily exit the Philadelphia airport any time they chose.

However they live, I’m grateful for that little teacher who swooped down to invite me to take a long look at how I spend my moments and whether that aligns with what matters most.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Stanford researchers have found five key differences between living a life of meaning and happiness. Satisfying personal desires was a reliable source of happiness, but it didn’t contribute to a sense of meaning. A life of meaning is about expressing and defining yourself. Although very meaningful lives encounter lots of struggles and stresses, which can result in unhappiness. Raising kids may bring joy and significant stress leading to meaning and happiness, although unhappiness often comes with this experience. When people retire, stress drops so happiness may increase, but meaningful decreases.

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Ilionor is Graduating! Celebrating Love O

My heart is full as I contemplate the wonder of the oldest Love Orphanage child graduating high school.   

Going to school in Haiti is for the privileged few who can afford the yearly tuition. Without a public education system funded by the government, Haitians are left to their own to access education.

The tuition of $250/year is out of reach for the majority of Haitians who live on under $2/day.

Prior to the creation of the Be a Difference Maker program, none of the Love O children had ever been to school. With the daily challenge of survival of 19 children, Gabriel knew that education was out of reach. His focus was upon healing the physical and emotional traumas of the children abandoned or orphaned by the 2010 earthquake.

Ilionor is 21 and graduating high school which goes through grade 13 in Haiti. 

As the oldest young man at Love O, he supports Gabriel and has been considered staff after turning 18. This is necessary for him to remain at Love O and continue his education. (He is standing on far left of photo.)

Ilionor’s success poses a new challenge for Love O.

What are the next educational opportunities for Ilionor and the girls who will graduate next year? Identifying options, cost, and logistical details is the next step. What technical school will provide a livelihood and match their interests and gifts?

So how do we, the extended Love O family around the world, celebrate and how do we fund the future? Let’s do both!

We are celebrating and looking to funding future education with the Love O Coffee House!

 

We’ll gather at Studio 67 in Medford on Thursday, June 9th to celebrate with music, friends, and dessert.

We are graced by the musical talents of Sharis Swartley and Norm Taylor. They bring such passion to their performance and have both been long term supporters of the kids at Love O.  Studio 67 is an artsy setting in the old feed mill. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful art, yummy sweets and the chance to celebrate Ilionor’s success. 

We’ll share the photos and some video from the evening with Gabriel so the Love O family will feel our love and support. 

My heart is especially full as my daughter created the Be a Difference Maker program when she was in 8th grade and entering high school.  She visited Love O with us for three summers during high school and was able to watch the children grow. And now, as Ilioner represents the fruit of that first seed, she graduates from college. It is a sweet time filled with tremendous gratitude.

I’d invite you to join us in opening the way for further education for the Love O kids.

If you’re local, please come to the Be a Difference Maker Coffee House and join us in the live celebration. For those who can’t join us for any reason, you are welcome to make a donation to support this educational dream.

Here’s the link for tickets which will take you to the Event Bee site. 

If you’re purchasing a ticket but not attending, please add that in the comments. (100% of donations to We the Village are applied to the Be Difference Maker program. I have no access to information about financial contributions.)

We look forward to celebrating Ilionor and receiving the musical gifts from Norm and Sharis.

Thanks so much for your support. It really does take a Village.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

I call Gabriel Fedulus an angel. A humble man, he answered the call to help the orphaned children after the 2010 earthquake. What did he do? Gave up his job as a translator and home in Miami and returned to Haiti to gather up some kids. And raise them. He kept gathering until he had 19. He is still raising them. Even as some leave and other little ones arrive. He manages to find food, fill their hearts with love, create safety, and solve the multitude of challenges that Haitians face every day. Especially in these turbulent times on that little island. I call him the Angel Gabriel. He dismisses that name, but I think it fits and I’m keeping it. 

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Reviving the Thank You Note


I received a thank you note from a young woman as her assignment for a college psychology class.

This unexpected delight had a bonus: it was delivered in person and read aloud to me. The shared sentiment was beautiful and felt lovely to receive, yet the best was yet to come.

In the midst of reading through tears and smiles, she stopped to exclaim “I am just so proud of myself!”

We both overflowed with happiness in that moment. It was thrilling to witness her realization that she was the one who had orchestrated her own transformation. Happy dance. Hug. Tissues.

This made me write a global thank you note to all psychology teachers.

“Thank you for teaching the students the positive benefits of gratitude via writing thank you notes. I’ve received a few of these in my life and they meant the world to me. I’ve felt such appreciation for the writer, been inspired by their courage and kindness, and was motivated to continue helping others. This real life teaching tool worked both ways and led me to realize the importance of sending my own thank you notes.”

I remember writing thank you notes as a child after every birthday, Christmas, and special occasion.

Truth be told, I did them because I was required to by my parents. It was a struggle to fill those small notes with the right words that somehow conveyed my gratitude without sounding scripted. I truly felt the appreciation for people’s kindness, yet it was an awkward task as a child and teen to translate my feeling into the written word.

As an adult who has grown into the comfort of expressing gratitude with words, it is now a pleasure to write, type, text, or voice my appreciation. I do it often.

“Dear Mom and Dad, thanks so much for holding me responsible for sending thank you notes for every darn gift I ever received. I didn’t know it at the time, but that practice created a beautiful mindset and lifetime habit of translating my feelings of gratitude into action. I never thought of the impact a thank you note had on another person when I was a kid. I get it now.”

Research in positive psychology, brain science, and mindbody medicine have demonstrated that practicing gratitude has the potential to lead to greater happiness and health.

Cultivating gratitude as a mindset may increase levels of self-esteem, optimism, and empathy, as well as bolster your immune system, decrease stress, and improve sleep. As expected, feeling gratitude and taking the action to express your appreciation has the potential to improve relationships.

When you take the action, such as writing a thank you note, you are bringing the inner feeling of gratitude into form.

Not all thank you notes have to be delivered.

 

When you are engaged in a healing process after someone hurt you, you may come to a time when your gratitude and compassion inform your understanding.

The thank you note becomes a ritual of release and forgiveness as the self empowering action of healing emerges.

Write from the heart, read it aloud, and then rip it up to let the energy flow out from your newfound understanding into the world.

This ritual empowers you to transcend challenging times and define how you choose to be present in your life.

Ripples of healing happen in the world even when you’re not directly communicating your feelings or new understanding.

Imagine a world where you mindfully considered the gifts given by others, large and small, and took the time to share your heartfelt appreciation for the giver and the impact on your life.

Exciting discoveries in neuroscience reveal that your brain responds to offering and receiving appreciation. You are actually wired to “catch” the feeling of gratitude.

When someone shares why they’re grateful for you, it inspires you to step into that higher version of yourself. And pay it forward. Very quickly the ripple effect of gratitude is felt in your body, mind, energy, and your relationships. It becomes second nature to share your appreciation with strangers and pause to let those you work, play, and live with know why you are grateful for them.

Should you text, call, write a thank you note, or send a gift of gratitude?

That’s totally up to you. Yet, I’ll make a suggestion. Do your own research. How does it feel to quickly fire off a text of thanks. Or receive one. How does that compare with taking the time to write and mail a handwritten note. Or receive one. Is there any added benefit by adding an in person call, a hug, or bringing a small gift? Or receiving any of the above.

Gratitude enhances wellbeing. It changes how you relate to the world from the inside out.

And thus, it changes the world from the outside in. Thanks for that. I’m really excited to live in a world with a human family who easily expresses appreciation and goes out of their way to let others know why they matter.

Design your own gratitude experiment.

And someday in the future, drop me a line to let me know how it’s going.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Positive psychology researcher Martin Seligman explored 5 different gratitude practices. Writing and delivering a detailed Gratitude Letter had the greatest positive impact on happiness, measured one month later, of the 5 practices. Participants who received the greatest benefit delivered and read the letter aloud versus those who merely mailed it. Yet, 6 months after delivering the Gratitude Letter, participants’ happiness levels dropped back to where they were prior their gratitude visit. It’s time to put pen to paper, forgo the stamp and show up in person. Repeat often.