Category: Blog

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I’m a Secret Librarian

True confession. I’m a book nerd. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not everyone supports the idea of free little libraries. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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Come Home to your Cosmic Self

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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The Energy You Carry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

 

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

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

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

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

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


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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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Soul Sanctuary Celebrates 11 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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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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Does One Tree Matter?

Flash back to December 31, 2021. My husband and I sitting in the warmth of our home while exploring our giving plan for the upcoming year.

One area of focus always includes the environment. Last year we supported organizations clearing plastic and trash from the ocean (4Ocean), conservation efforts (Ocean Conservancy), and sea mammal rescue and rehabilitation (in honor of our budding Marine Biologist daughter).

With a new focus for the upcoming year, we discovered we couldn’t give up the ocean.

I recently learned it was snowing micro plastics in the arctic. Item by item, I remove single use plastic from my home and life. I continue to pick up trash as I walk in nature. I just ordered laundry sheets to try out instead of the plastic laundry soap jugs being tossed into landfills. Every little step brings me closer to honoring the garden I share with all humans and creatures.

I have a thing for trees. So, we decided to look into planting trees for the New Year. I just calculated our progress six months in. Oh, joy. Read on.

When I walk in the woods, I breathe easier. My whole body relaxes. It’s interesting for someone who only walks on a path and would only camp if hotels disappeared forever. I’m heading to the Redwoods in the Fall as they’ve been calling me for a visit. Can’t wait to walk in that marvel of nature. A sight I’ve only seen in photos.

I’m bothered (sometimes downright hot under the collar) when I think of the French cutting down every damn tree in Haiti.

Leaving that side of the island barren and dry. Another way that other countries have sucked the life out of that country, leaving the beautiful Haitian people in the dust. While the Spanish Dominican Republic is lush and inviting for tourism.

My heart breaks when I witness the destruction of the Amazon jungles.

I have been deeply saddened by the loss of the natural resources and the effect on the ecosystem. So many species, healing plants, and the biodiversity that extends to support the world’s health have been lost over these years.

What brought me to my knees last year was the realization that entire tribes in the Amazon were wiped out.

That’s hard to contemplate. The loss of indigenous tribes living deep within the Amazon dying off as their ecosystem is destroyed so we can have hardwood floors, pencils, and decorative bowls. So much wisdom lost. My brothers and sisters dying and the world barely knew of their existence. Aside from how hot the world is getting, I feel this just highlights how shortsighted we are. How shortsighted I am.

Trees are essential to life.

Nature needs forests and jungles which are shelters of biodiversity for the majority of the world’s plants, animals, insects, fungi, and birds. They provide medicine for the body and the soul (natural medicine, forest bathing for stress reduction) and produce nutrition fruit, nuts, and berries. They clean the air we breathe and are necessary to reduce the CO2 warming the atmosphere.

There were once 6 trillion trees on this beautiful Earth. More than half are now gone and disappearing at a rate of over 10 billion trees a year.

 

3 trillion trees gone so I can enjoy the desk I am writing on and chair I am sitting in.

My husband and I talked about trees. How we love to hike in the woods. The beauty and benefit of forests. The large pine trees we lost in our yard and the massive, ancient tree that fell on my childhood home. The protected space leaving fields and forests standing in New Jersey. How the Amazon is known as the lungs of the planet.

True not true. Wait, what? Turns out the Amazon only produces enough oxygen for its own ecosystem.

Check out the show One Strange Rock on Disney+. The episode highlighting the Amazon. Just when you took nature for granted, She turns you upside down. I won’t spoil anything, but I’ll offer you a hint: cloud river. Oh, joy.

Scientists suggest the cheapest and fastest way to tackle the climate crisis by taking the CO2 out of the atmosphere is to plant a trillion trees.

A trillion trees without encroaching on urban areas or farms. Not all scientists agree with this, but a heck of a lot do. You can do your own research at 1t.org. Looking through the pledges by corporations and large organizations, we knew we couldn’t match that impact of those pledging to plant 1 billion trees, 500 million trees, a million trees.

What can a single family do, we wondered. Now, we know.

Beginning in January, we planted trees for family and friends on their birthday. Or to honor a passing or celebrate an achievement. One Tree Planted allows you to choose where you want to gift your trees for planting.

A buck a tree. Yup, $1 per seedling that will grow up to change the future.

We’ve been planting trees in Haiti to honor our Love Orphanage family and the people of Haiti. We’ve been gifting trees in the Amazon so no other tribes, creatures, or plants are lost. In honor of the Peruvian Wisdom Keepers, the medicine men and women who hold the dream of a thriving garden with people living in harmony, we’ve planted a lot of trees.

Six month in and we’ve planted 1005 trees. All without breaking a sweat or the bank.

Every person seemed thrilled with their trees. Delighted to know their 22, 43, 65, or 79 trees were growing in a country far away from their backyards. I loved the 63 trees I received for my birthday. From Pachamama of course. You can bet I’ll be doing the math on December 31st.

One small action done repeatedly impacts the course of the future. This is true for good or ill.

Seek what bothers you in this world. Put your money, time, or talent in service to any group that offers an inspired solution with integrity and enthusiasm. Or start your own movement.

Every tree matters. Especially to our Mother.

 

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.