Category: Blog-Soulful Living

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Unsubscribe Me Please

It started out with a recognition that my mind was crowded.

The result of a busy schedule, too much screen time, and an inbox that seemed to fill as soon as I emptied it. All of this after years of committing to space for myself and a consistent weeding out a lot of what was unnecessary.

It was part of my delusion that I was successfully living this intent.

Perhaps it was the day I realized I was checking email a few times a day. Just to stay on top of it. And to get the little oxytocin hit of pleasure when I deleted those impersonal emails, even the inspirational ones, that I never got around to reading. I wondered at the activity of deleting just to feel in control of my inbox.

I began to understand this was my mind’s way of feeling successful and in charge.

Successful at deleting emails that I wasn’t reading. That’s really quite funny.

A tired brain, an inner call for spaciousness, and the lure of silence led me to a decision. In preparation for my personal silent retreat, I’d unsubscribe from most email lists as an experiment. Just for a month or two. To see the impact of creating more space in my inbox. I didn’t think it was a big deal.

I was the Mistress of Unsubscribe as soon as I ordered an item or downloaded a free resource.

I believed I didn’t allow data to get “pushed” to me. Rather I “pulled” it when I wanted to know something. Same thing with my phone. I have no notifications, no sounds, and most often, no ringer. I’m in charge of choosing when to look at my phone, rather than responding to every email, text, or call. So, it should be no big deal to release the 10 to 12 emails that flowed to me.

I expected to feel free as I began this process.

It started out easily enough. A few stores where I had accounts. My bank letting me know when statements were ready to download. PSE&G informing me of my upcoming auto pay. A blog I hadn’t read in a long time.

Delete. Delete. Delete. Mini oxytocin hits.

Feeling good, I decided to uplevel my experiment. I’d let go of all emails with the exception of my professional organization and perhaps two sources of inspiration.

I didn’t expect the anxiety that creeped in as my mind got involved.

What if I needed that information? What if I hurt someone’s feelings? What if I missed something? What about that blog that had some great research or good news from around the world?

What ifs kept coming. So did the emails.

My estimate of 10 to 12 emails was way off. For someone who “wasn’t on email lists,” I was amazed when I unsubscribed from 25, then 30 lists. I hesitated when it came to my favorite organizations, people I admired, important environmental activist groups.

So, I let more go. My church. My favorite organizations. My colleagues.

I sent a few notes explaining my decision. Letting them know I’d be back after my experiment. I realized this was in part to soothe the subtle anxiety that others may think I didn’t value their work or words. That wasn’t true, I valued so much of what others have to offer. I also value my serenity. And then I had another revelation.

All that information was available online and I knew how to use Google.

I had to laugh. I could visit these websites anytime I chose. With that, all my tension released.

My inbox emptied.

 

Spaciousness in my communications. Ease in finding and responding to my work and personal emails.

A quieting of any need to check email throughout the day. It was no longer a delusional game of control. My attention was free to wander through my silence, fully engage the one I was speaking with, or enjoy the tasks that arose each moment.

Free of the subtle tension about missing something, my mind introduced a new game.

I felt a bit disappointed when I checked my email and there was nothing there. Now that was interesting. I discovered layers in that disappointment. No mini oxytocin hit or feeling of being in charge of my little universe. A sense of disconnect from information, people, and gaining wisdom from my teachers. Checking into this more deeply, I realized none of it was true.

Instead I was free to engage the world in a much more present and personal manner.

And then I inadvertently unsubscribed from 2 emails I actually did read. I noticed, but didn’t feel anxious, disappointed, or concerned. I’ll take the hint and keep on unsubscribing until only friends, family, clients, and colleagues fill my inbox.

A quieter inbox invited a natural stillness. My mind is no longer rebelling.

It’s just resting more easily.  Kinda like spending a lazy afternoon in a hammock swinging between two palm trees on the beach. The oxytocin nourishes my brain and being more consistently this way.

Less mindless addiction and more swaying in the breeze.


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

HeartMath Institute has a wealth of research into the power of heart coherence. A measurable electromagnetic field surrounds each person, generated by the heart, brain, and other systems. HeartMath’s findings show that the heart’s electromagnetic field is approximately 5000x stronger than brain’s electromagnetic field. The heart’s electrical field has 40 – 60x more amplitude than brain’s electrical field. HeartMath has measured the heart’s pulsating influence up to 10 feet outside of the body. The brain’s electromagnetic field? Measured to extend a few inches outside of the head. Believe in the power of your heart.  

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What’s your Way into Deep Peace?


Sometimes the world feels out of control.

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

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

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

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

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

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



How do you get there?

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

Reflect upon what brings you back to center.

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

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

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

Yet it doesn’t descend like manna from heaven.

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

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

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

Bad news sells. Good vibes calm. Your choice.

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

 

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

It’s an energy thing, first and foremost.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to do that?

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

Healing this beautiful world really does begin within.

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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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What’s your Primary Stress Response?

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the ideal level of stress is “below whatever level of stress is being experienced.” In other words, people experienced too much stress in their lives. I bet you didn’t need a professional to tell you that.

Yet, I wonder if you are taking stress for granted.

The “Stress Mismatch Theory” suggests that the body’s Stress Response System isn’t working for current humans. Arguing that it hasn’t evolved to meet the demands of the fast paced, complicated world in which you live.

Because fighting or fleeing is not typically appropriate for dealing with those modern day pirates and tigers found in traffic jams, pressure at work, a loss of the internet, or parenting challenges. It’s easy to believe this theory, especially on a particularly demanding day. 



Yet critics argue that this view limits understanding of the body’s intelligent, flexible stress response to only “Fight or Flight.”

Thus ignoring the “Tend and Befriend” and “Challenge” responses.

Each response produces different physiological changes which influence your thoughts, feelings, and actions. And lead to different outcomes. Understanding this variation gives you the power to observe your own response to stress and consciously make changes in your capacity to navigate life.

Remember this. When you are facing an actual tiger or pirate, your Stress Response of “Fight or Flight” is your best response.

You don’t need to calmly plan out your next step or consider the pirate’s feelings. You need to survive. And the powerful physiological response within your coordinated brain-body-energy system will make that happen.

But, let me ask you a question. How many actual pirates or tigers have you faced this week?

In your current reality, the multitude of stressors faced typically are not life threatening. When there is frequent activation of your Stress Response System, you experience the impact of lingering stress chemicals (eg cortisol, adrenaline), as well as incoherent patterns created in your brain’s neural structure and your heart rhythm.

Without intervention, it’s far too easy for your Stress Response System to become overloaded and resort to a limited repertoire of reactions. 



Most adults lose their emotional flexibility due to the accumulation of unprocessed effects of stress. Referred to as the “Stress Habit,” this rigidity creates additional stress which inhibits the higher order cognitive functions such as concentration, decision making, planning, and perspective taking. Making life that much harder.

You don’t have to live that way. 



Your amazing body system is primed to be flexible and adaptive. The brain-body connection allows for new learning and takes it’s instruction from the heart. Your beautiful heart is an intelligent system that communicates powerfully within your complex mind-body-energy system. 


You can refer to the heart as an organ, a brain, energy, or the seat of intuition.

 

A coherent heart rhythm organizes the mind-body-energy system into optimal functioning.

You not only become calmer, as you expand your perspective, you have access to skills, strategies, and wisdom gained along your life.

Research has shown that an integrated heart influences an integrated brain. 



This has many benefits, including improvements in well being, immune function, compassion, and resilience. Brain integration increases your capacity for learning when new linkages form across brain regions (neuroplasticity).

Coherent heart rhythms support the brain’s ability for creativity, novel problem-solving, and regulation of emotion, attention, thought, and behavior. 


If you want to intelligently navigate the challenges you’ll inevitably face in life, coherence is a strong ally.

On the other hand, an incoherent heart rhythm inhibits higher order cognitive function, leaving you less able to take a step back and consider events calmly and with perspective, or access your strategies.

Research reveals that positive and negative emotions create distinct changes in heart rhythm. 



This makes sense, doesn’t it? When you’re calm or grateful, you feel organized, open, and loving. When you’re frightened or angry, you’re rattled in your body, thinking, and speech. Combining the power of positive emotions, calming breath patterns, and the heart’s intelligence will help shift how you respond to stress. At any age. 


What can you do today to create heart coherence and increase flexibility in response to stress?

1. Acknowledge life is stressful and give yourself some space. 



More than likely, the demands and pace of your days adds to life stress. You’re at choice to slow down and create some space in your busy day. Let something go until another day. Give up being in charge of the world (and your small world.). Build in Mindful Minutes to breathe and look around as you walk to your car or climb the stairs in your home.

2. HeartBreathing: 3 Minute Practice.

HeartBreathing is a core component of Heart Assisted Therapy (an Energy Psychology method created by John Diepold, Phd). 



Take one minute to cross your palms on your heart and breathe slow and deep. Switch your palms, HeartBreathe and focus on what you’re grateful for in this moment. One more switch of the palms and the final minute of breathing. Focus on sending love to someone or someplace on the planet. Check in with yourself. What does it feel like to be in your body now? You are the scientist and your body system is the experiment. [Just don’t do while driving.]

3. Learn the basics about stress, heart coherence, and simple Energy Psychology techniques.


I’m teaching a 3 week series at Soul Sanctuary on Energy Psychology Essentials. These techniques are easy to learn and apply in your daily life. They clear out stress on all levels: energetic, physiological, emotional, and mental. As well as engage the parasympathetic nervous system which is the body’s natural relaxation and healing ally. (You can also check out the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology’s website).

4. The Self Soothe Strategy


I designed The Self Soothe Strategy PlayBook to offer easily digestible information about mindset, stress, heart coherence, and Energy Psychology. With practices that are immediately applicable. The accompanying downloadable recording is well worth the 19 minute investment to drop into coherence and begin the deep restoration of your mind-body-energy system. It is free and available on my home page (scroll down to access). 

It’s important to recognize the benefit to others.

You are naturally broadcasting your heart rhythm as you move through the day.

Thus, you are influencing the environment around you with centered calm or scattered anxiety. You know what it feels like to walk into an oasis of relaxation and good will vs. a pressured meeting with criticism and competition. This gives you a hint of what is happening within the physiology (heart, brain, body, energy) of those in the room.

Stress, then, is not only an individual issue. It must be recognized as a systems issue.



You are a change agent. Not only for yourself but for those sitting near you. At the dinner table, in the office, on the train, and in the food store. Let that sink in. And take a look at HeartMath’s research findings in the HeartWarming News below. Your heart coherence, or incoherence, makes a difference for those around you.

Allowing you to bring peace to the world, one HeartBreath at a time.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

HeartMath Institute has a wealth of research into the power of heart coherence. A measurable electromagnetic field surrounds each person, generated by the heart, brain, and other systems. HeartMath’s findings show that the heart’s electromagnetic field is approximately 5000x stronger than brain’s electromagnetic field. The heart’s electrical field has 40 – 60x more amplitude than brain’s electrical field. HeartMath has measured the heart’s pulsating influence up to 10 feet outside of the body. The brain’s electromagnetic field? Measured to extend a few inches outside of the head. Believe in the power of your heart.  

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Sssssssh! Unplugging in Process

It’s a New Year. Time for resolutions and resolve. Hopes and dreams.

Around the world, people are choosing their resolutions. Yet, you know how that goes. You begin strong and full of vim and vigor. Then, like many, you lose your focus and momentum. Until Summer when you find your journal and that entry filled with resolutions and hope.

Research from the University of Bristol suggests that 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail with a large amount simply forgotten along the way.

And yet, a New Year offers a New Threshold. A glimpse into your potential. A recommitment to live a life more aligned with meaning, and pleasure, and purpose.

There is good energy behind this intent. I applaud and encourage you to create a way of being that is deeply meaningful, enjoyable, and purposeful. Use the New Year energy. And the new moon energy. And any positive practice and action which supports your intent.

I’m a big fan of Tiny Actions.

What might you do today to take a small step toward these aspirations? That’s just one question but you can use it everyday. Tiny actions over time changes the world. To be specific, your world. And when your world changes, then mine claims that potential as well. I thank you for that. I can use all the Tiny Action momentum you have to offer.

Along the way, I hope you listen to the voice of your Soul more than the clamor of society.

I’ve discovered that this clamor, streaming in 24/7 from the world, has taken up residence in my mind and rented space in my body. Like a guest invited for dinner who is still here a year later. I don’t recall inviting the world to live in me, yet, despite my best intentions, here it is.

I find it harder to listen to my Soul with all this noise.

I'm unplugging. Getting silent. Going within.

 

I’ve never done a silent retreat. I’m not even that good of a meditator.

I like to stream the wisdom of the Angels, the Sacred Feminine, or the Great Wisdom. This is my comfort zone which opens me to the Divine in ways that make me whole.

I love to be on retreat and learn from genius teachers, ponder a bit on my own, and gather with like minded souls for depth discussion. Preferably in a warm climate full of sunshine and scattered hammocks. But that’s not what is unfolding for me at the start of a hopeful New Year. 

Instead, I’ll sit with my own nature. In silence. 

In preparation, I’ve finished my work and cleared my schedule. I’ll be putting away my phone and computer. Wondering who I’ll be without work – such a strong part of my identity. Choosing to step away from television, leaving the house, talking to anyone (perhaps my dog on occasion), and limiting access to reading material. 

I have a blank journal, two books from a wise man, and one short audio course to guide my Path. And silence.

In anticipation of returning to the world, I unsubscribed from all my emails. All of them. That in itself was a bit disconcerting. What if I needed that information? What if I insulted my friend or colleague by signing off? What if I missed something? One thing that surprised me as I let go was how much thought I had about it. I expected the relief from clearing my clutter, but not the mild anxiety as I let go and let go.

And so it begins.

People are excited for me. I’m grateful for that. I’m not excited. I’ve got lots of trepidation. As if I’m heading off to climb Everest rather than sit in my room for over a week. My goodness. That clamor in my mind has so much to say. I wonder what happens when I’ve nothing else to distract me from its noise. I wonder what I’ll discover as I listen more deeply in the stillness than I do in my movement.

I received some lovely advice as I prepared to unplug. Be patient. Be curious. Be tremendously kind to yourself. Offers of prayers, love, and support. And a precious mantra “I have everything I need.”

And you do as well. I hope you discover a way to connect so deeply with your Soul in this coming year. I wish that for me as well. This year, may we dive deeply into the wonder of existence only to find that we’ve always resided there.

Quietly splendid.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Your brain likes to meditate. Silent contemplation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing, activates neural pathways that support calm. These pathways underlie beneficial traits such as feeling present, grateful, and steady. With meditation you can deliberately stimulate that circuitry and bring such experience into awareness. Activating calm, steadfastness, and contentment within your body actually converts those experiences into lasting change in neural structure and function. Explore psychologist Rick Hanson’s books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain to understand neuroplasticity and the benefits of meditation.

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World Peace Meditation

You want peace. I want peace. We all want peace.

So, how do you achieve a sustainable peace within yourself, your family and work places, your communities and world? There have been plenty of individuals and communities around the world who have modeled a committed and effective way to live this peace. For example, the Quakers focus upon peaceful reconciliation and nonviolent confrontation of evil as central tenants of their practice.

Mahatma Ghandi reminded us that “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”

And he modeled this with his every moment. Uniting a divided country, earning the title “Great Soul” (Mahatma), and blessing the man who shot him even as he collapsed. He inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courageous modeling of peace and nonviolent protest changed our country.

Jesus was a peaceful presence and reminded us that “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall inherit the earth.”

At this time in history, the Earth and all her inhabitants are in need of peace makers. I’m taking the first couple weeks in January to drop within during an extended silent retreat. Quieting the noise of my inner and outer world. Seeking to soothe my nervous system, slow my pace, and hear the voice of my Soul.

I imagine my Soul will have a thing or two to teach me about “peace is the way.”

If you want Peace in the World, you must first create Peace Within your Self.

 
Meditation and contemplative practices have long been promoted by all wisdom traditions as a way into the peace that surpasses everything.

That peace that is back behind all things and all frenetic movement. Just waiting to reveal its very nature as your own. Meditation is a strong practice for many religions, yogis, and now the scientific community with its acceptance of mind-body practices and mindfulness techniques.

Research has shown that groups of experienced meditators can lower crime rates, reduce ER visits and psychiatric crises, decrease accidental deaths, and decrease complaints against police.

There are many studies of large groups of experienced TM meditators creating statistically significant effects (beyond chance) like this. My favorite is the Washington DC project where they found violent crime reduced by 23%. Here’s an article published by the World Peace Group that may inspire you.

I’d invite you to join the annual World Peace Meditation on Friday, December 31st at 7am, EST. 

This tradition was started many years ago by John Randolph Price who invited people around the globe to meditate on peace for one hour – synced with noon, Greenwich Mean Time. I’ve been participating for years and always enjoy the personal and communal experience of this deeply peaceful intention.

The Center for Conscious Living in Moorestown, NJ is hosting a ZOOM World Peace Meditation. 

Sign in, mute your microphone, and drop within to add your beautiful energy and intent to this world so in need of peace.

I’ll be with you.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Your brain likes to meditate. Silent contemplation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing, activates neural pathways that support calm. These pathways underlie beneficial traits such as feeling present, grateful, and steady. With meditation you can deliberately stimulate that circuitry and bring such experience into awareness. Activating calm, steadfastness, and contentment within your body actually converts those experiences into lasting change in neural structure and function. Explore psychologist Rick Hanson’s books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain to understand neuroplasticity and the benefits of meditation.

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12 Days of Gratitude

I used to read and sing the 12 Days of Christmas to my daughter as part of our holiday tradition.

I haven’t heard that song on the radio this year. That’s surprising. I guess all stations are too busy playing “Last Christmas I Gave you My Heart” by Wham! Without fail, every time I’m in the car, that song comes on. Twice if I’m going any distance. Okay, enough bah humbug and trash talking Wham!

Deep in meditation the other night, I saw a list write itself in light. It was entitled “12 Days of Gratitude.”

The jingle bells, wrapping paper, and flying reindeer faded away in that moment. As I watched this list, I felt it deeply. As if the light was writing through every distraction to remind my very cells what was most important.

So warm was my heart, I’ve decided to make my 12 Days of Gratitude a new holiday tradition.


I’m sending out my list like a big Thank You Note to you who read this. And to all who never will see these words, I hope they feel the warmth in my heart.

1. The beautiful wisdom of all things Divine and my Soul which never fails to guide me, when I remember to listen and when I’ve forgotten. Showing me that Life holds more than I can now know. Inviting me always to venture deeper into the imaginal crucible of creation.

2. My little family, crazy dog included, for so many years of love, support, and traveling through life’s ups and downs together. May we continue to grow in a way that supports our individual and collective happiness and purpose in life.

3. My bigger family. To those who birthed and raised me, my heart overflows with love and gratitude. For all who’ve been here and gone, live near and far, and are related by blood or love, I’m better for your presence.

4. My friends who create a community of love, support, wisdom, laughter, and shared adventures. Those who were, are now, and are yet to arrive. I’m blessed to be accepted for who I am and inspired to grow into what they see in me.

5. Soul Sanctuary and this beautiful community who has contributed to the sacredness of this space. Inspiring us all to learn more, offer more, and reveal more of our essential nature. And for the many spiritual communities who nourish me in this work.

6. The Mystery. This mythical, magical Divine space back behind the world I know through my small perception. As It beckons and I stumble along this Path, I have an inkling that there is so much more. And I am here, available to where this Path will lead me.

7. My many teachers. Spiritual teachers. Indigenous Wisdom teachers. Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine teachers. Etheric Angelic and Feminine teachers. I’ve learned so much and hope to impart some of the knowledge these wise beings have generously offered me.

8. Pachamama, the natural world, and especially the forests. The reconnection, beauty, delight, and inspiration I receive when in nature makes me wonder why I don’t spend the majority of my time quietly communing with this great teacher – healer. May I attend to Her wellbeing for the rest of my days.

9. The ease in which I live in this abundant, convenient life. Ever aware that I was born in a place on the planet that afforded me the opportunity to be safe, fed, housed, educated, and nurtured. To have the freedom to move around the world while I live my aspirations and support others to do the same in a way that is deeply meaningful.

10. My shared opportunities to give to and receive from Love Orphanage family in Haiti, SisterHood in Burlington City, NJ, and many other communities. So much good flowing from you and generous souls like you to these worthy neighbors and human family members. Reminding me of the importance of love and generosity in all directions.

11. My own meandering, adventure of a life path. For the wisdom that has guided me well through the peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows, shadow and light. May I remember that this life is precious and recommit daily to be worthy of such a gift.

12. For what is to come. Walking into the unknown with as much awareness on the vast cosmic potential that I can muster in this holy moment of now. And now. And now.

May your 12 Days of Gratitude list write itself in you and through you anytime of the year.

So the generosity of a full, grateful hearts overflow into this world so worthy of attention.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Writing a gratitude letter to someone has valuable benefits. Many college psychology students are given this assignment when studying the impact of gratitude. But you don’t need a college degree to understand the benefits. Reflection allows you to explore times in life you were aided by another. It could be a big thing or a tiny action, personal or viewed from afar. Feeling gratitude is good for your overall wellbeing. Same for those in receivership. Communicating about your gratitude inspires you (and them) to reflect and act from a place that serves others and the world. You aren’t doing it alone. So grab a pen and send that letter.(Yup, the old fashioned kind with a stamp.)

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Sucker for Santa and No Need for Presents


I’m a sucker for Santa.  

Always have been. Always will be. I was that kid at the top of the stairs calling to my parents, “Can we come down now? Now? NOW?” while they took their sweet time making coffee and arranging a healthy Christmas breakfast of homemade chocolate chip cookies.  

I can still access that visceral thrill of rushing down the steps to find the unexpected under the tree. It was a magical time. 

In the midst of holiday planning recently, my daughter laughingly announced “I remember when you told me there was no Santa.” 

Wait? What?! There’s no Santa?  

So full is my enjoyment of this magical flying, red suited, white bearded dude that I am still shocked each time I hear that statement.

“It was in Kohl’s parking lot.”

You’ve got to be kidding me. I have absolutely no memory of that exchange. She filled in some details but it was clear I had definitely blocked out that moment.

At this age, she found it funny, but I’m sure I felt the poignancy of the disappearing magic at the time.



I did recall the year before while putting her to bed when she asked, “Mom, tell me the truth, are you Santa?” I responded like any parent who was infatuated with the magical wonder of innocence and also wanted to tell the truth to their kid. I smiled and asked her,

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

“Nope.” Sweet dreams. Crisis averted. Apparently the following year I just answered the damn question when asked.

“Yup. I’m Santa and magic is real.”

We still wait at the top of the stairs for my husband to slowly, slowly, slowly put out the coffee and cookies.

The excitement is there, but to tell you the truth, a bit of the wonder has receded.

This year, perhaps more than any time before, I remembered again something important.

I don't want presents.  I want Presence.

What is most important to me can’t be found in a material thing.

I don’t want stuff. I want meaningful interaction. With myself. With the Divine Presence. With my family and friends. I want deep conversations, rich experiences, relaxing with loved ones, and belly laughs.

These things don’t fit in a box, nor do they need a big red bow.

When I am present to the magic of my moments and the people in front of me, there is no sense of longing. I don’t need to shop for anything. In such moments, everything is delivered. Delight included.

I haven’t mailed my list to Santa at the North Pole yet. I guess I can save a stamp. 

I’m choosing to cherish Presence in little and big ways this year. I’m not only consciously inviting more of these experiences into my holiday, I want to offer so much Presence to others. As if my big red bag was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, enjoyable holiday rituals, plenty of quiet time, and lots and lots of light. 

I’m still a sucker for Santa. And I believe the magic is real.

It just isn’t confined to being under the tree. For this I’m grateful. I didn’t know how to wrap a belly laugh anyway. But, I sure know how to share one. I’m looking forward to bringing delight to those around me.

May the holidays rest within your heart so fully this year that your beautiful Presence shines on strangers and friends alike. Lighting the way to joy in simple encounters and deeply shared moments.

And may you receive the same beauty from others so that Love wraps around you. Leaving you feeling shiny, new, and really, really delighted.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

“Recreational companionship” gives a boost to those on both the giving and receiving end. This phrase, coined by Willard F Harley Jr, PhD, combines two very important human needs: having fun and having someone to share it with. If you like rock climbing and your bestie enjoys knitting, you’re probably searching for a middle ground. Explore this concept with your family, friends, and colleagues. Find those activities which others also find intriguing, fun, or worth a try. Doing something interesting together can boost your sense of belonging, active the feel good chemicals, and create some lovely memories (and funny stories!). Communication, creativity, and a sense of adventure go a long way. Enjoy

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Holiday Magic Brings Love to our Kids

I have some totally fantastic, unexpected news about Love O!

A friend of Gabriel and Ahaji who runs a local organization in Haiti has arranged for a shipping container of supplies to be sent from NYC to Haiti. AND he offered some space for Love O!

Oh, Holy Night! That got the Culture Camp elves singing!

The news arrived Sunday. The elves had 3 days to shop, organize, and pack. Lots of hustle and bustle. Other elves made the delivery to NYC on Friday and packed the containers.

Coming together as a team in a way that would make Santa proud.

In the past, the shipping container option was dismissed given the prohibitive cost. As were other means of sending goods to this small island in a big ocean. We always rolled suitcases full of supplies when heading to Haiti for Culture Camp and other visits.

You can imagine it was like the sleigh in the Grinch who Stole Christmas. Except backwards.

With bungee cords holding a tower of bulging suitcases atop our van.

You can see evidence of this good stuff in the photo of Wideline above. T shirts, bracelets, and paintings just give you a glimpse of the art, story telling, game playing, light bringing activities we’ve shared. Her smile is all her own.

As is her love and gratitude which is written all over her T shirt.

After 3 long years of being unable to visit due to disruptions in Haiti and our COVID world, this struggling family is getting a tangible breath of fresh air. In the form of school supplies and backpacks, clothing, medical supplies, toiletries, games, art supplies, sewing machines, and a computer.

Ahhhhhh. Put a dose of that happiness in your eggnog as you savor the miracles of this season.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to our Love Family in Haiti.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Connection to Humanity Quiz. The holidays often invites you to give generously to the communities, projects, and organizations  that mean something to you. If you consciously choose who you are giving to, it is likely that such offerings align with your values. One question researchers at Western Kentucky University asked was how much kinship you feel to humanity. Near to home, within your country, abroad, or generally across all of these factors. Want to know where you land?  Take this Connection to Humanity Quiz which is a modified version of the research instrument. You may be surprised who belongs in your “Family.”

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Healing with Heart, Light, and Angelic Energy

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



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

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



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



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

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

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

Opening the way for healing.

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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s been discovered so far?

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

How much time on social media are we talking about?

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

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

But not for the pandemic, right? Wrong.

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

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

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

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



Genuine, positive connection is essential for human wellbeing.

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

The recommendations so far?

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

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

Turn off screens

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

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

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

Get silent

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

Go outside and play. Preferably with friends.

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

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

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

Otherwise, just go get your own puppy.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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