Category: Blog

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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.

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The Curious Nature of Angels

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

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

Do I have any Angels around me?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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Are You a Wise Woman Who is Waiting for Something?

Are you a Wise Woman who is waiting for something?

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

Are you talking to me?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Wise Women. Plural.

There is plenty to awaken in you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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

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Generating Calm for your Troubled World

The world news: Sorrow. Anxiety. Disruption. Division. Tragedy.

Sometimes the world feels out of control. Your personal world. The lives of friends or colleagues. Your country. That country. The weather. 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.

Now is the time to come together and generate the energy of healing, compassion, and love. 

Whether you have a religious tradition or a personal practice of prayer or devotion, you know the comfort and potential when you plug into the Divine. 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 there is something greater than you. 

That you are not alone. This greatness, however defined, offers refuge from the storm within which rages in response to the overwhelming news of the world. And this news is overwhelming. 

So, make sure you don’t drink out of the proverbial firehose. 

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).

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

Even with a heavy heart and despairing mind, the familiarity of your spiritual practice or sacred tradition ushers you into a new state. 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. 

The world is wild and seemingly out of control. So is your mind. This is why the strong focus is necessary. While it helps to have a daily practice to fall back on, you may easily resurrect your earlier traditions or enter a new one. Even when you’ve not prayed, attended a religious service, or meditated regularly, you can find your way into the benefits of calming the body-mind and reconnecting with the Divine. When it’s hard to do this on your own, especially when you’re unable to regulate your upset, joining with others enhances this potential. 

Group devotion 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. 

The higher states of love and compassion are accessed when your energy, body, and mind are regulated.

When these levels of your being are coherent, you offer a gift to your environment. You radiate peace and invite the potential to join you in the soothing energy of love. 

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 the world. Using the group as a springboard to an organized, calm energy state makes sense. You can remember this.

How did you feel at the end of that yoga class, group meditation, or beautiful religious service?

Your system remembers these events, no matter how distant they may be. I was raised Catholic and had a short stint in Catholic school for a few early years. I remember the prayers, the mass, the ritual.  Some memories are precious as they reflect a felt sense of loving connection. Some memories make me realize I had no awareness of my breath or desire to commune with the Divine. I was just racing through the prayers we were saying.

“Jesus, I’m a doggie.”

I’m not even sure what that prayer was supposed to be. “Jesus, I adore you” would make sense. Somewhere in that third grade experience, we all lost our way. It’s not like we were being smart asses when my fellow classmates would mention the doggie prayer. We hadn’t grown into that skill yet. We were just going through the motions. 

Rote prayers. Rote practice. No felt connection with the Divine. 

You can’t tame the sorrow, fear, or sense of helplessness when you’re lost in the wild mind with only rote practice for your companion.

 

And the world needs you. Calm. Coherent. Connected.

Enter your practice strongly, whatever it is, with awareness and focused intent. In order to truly support others and the world, you need to first help yourself. When you drop into that peaceful coherence on a regular basis, you are strengthening your capacity to be with the world. As you breathe, centered in your heart, you radiate caring and love in the face of great sorrow.

The world needs more radiating calm, compassion, and love.

All healing begins within. Take time away from the news, people’s challenges, and your own internal dialogue so that you may move in the direction of that great peace. Whether it passes understanding or just allows you to breathe easier, it’s worth it. I hope you give it a (strong, committed) try.

If you need a coherence boost, download my Self-Soothe Strategy on my home page.

I’ll talk you through this basic, beneficial practice until you’re empowered to use it your way. It’s so simple, yet so far reaching. I hope you add it to your repertoire of “living well” skills

I’m hosting an evening of Chanting in the Light Cathedrals tomorrow evening at Soul Sanctuary.

Inviting others to join me in my devotional practice of singing the sacred prayers of my yogic tradition. It’s selfish really. The world around me continues to bring me lives affected by deep sorrow, unexpected tragedy, and challenges to be navigated. I’m better off being a calm presence in the midst of storms – my own and others. So, I chant.

The focus tomorrow is on healing – self, others, the world. The specifics? I’ll leave that up to the Universal Harmony back beyond all things.

I look forward to joining with others in a familiar sacred practice in the pure energy of Soul Sanctuary. I know the outcome for the bodies that will sit there. Total relaxation, pure peace, inspired optimism, and a readiness to serve the world. Join us if you choose.

I hope you share my selfishness and enter your practice, whatever it is.

So that you may feel the calm in the midst of the storm and reorganize your body, mind, emotions, and energy. Healing really does begin at home. And when unleashed, this powerful healing energy of love and compassion radiates outward in every interaction. May you 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

Philadelphia borrows from the neighborhood barbershop to help men reintegrate into the community after prison. This out of the box idea was sparked by recognition of how the Black barbershops catered to boys and men of all ages. A place to laugh, dispense wisdom, and straighten out some issues.  The Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project mimics the intergenerational healing circle to assist men of all ages. The younger men help set up social media accounts for their elders who return the favor with hard earned advice. Creating a space to be real, vulnerable, positive, and enormously helpful to those who share the task of reentry. Kudos Philly! 

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Blessed are the Cracked and the Frail

Myths and legends across cultures reveal a shared desire among humankind to aspire to the exalted condition of the immortal Gods and Goddesses.

These myths influence aspirations of the human family. Some people extoll living in accordance with religious traditions, a committed spiritual path, or humanitarian ideals of changing the world for good. Others may seek to be the best in business, achieve great wealth, or claim mythic status in athletics or entertainment. Many simply strive to be good, do good, and feel good as they live their days.

One way or another, we’re all on the path of the Hero’s Journey.

The mythologist Joseph Campbell, who built on the work of Carl Jung, proposed that myth serves an important sociological function. Inviting people of all cultures, ages, and life circumstances to explore the human story, where they fit within it, and how things are intrinsically connected.


Epic myths, by design, evoke a sense of awe, support a religious cosmology, empower the social order, and introduce individuals to the spiritual path of enlightenment.


In our global society, myth is a universal language. 


Campbell’s work influenced George Lucas who created the successful Star Wars saga as a “myth for modern man.” As people turn away from traditional religions, mythical stories and movies embody the truths that religion had traditionally conveyed. 



People who would never enter a church love the movies.


Far from frivolous, this entertainment function serves to replace the wisdom keepers and story tellers around the fires of old. Enhanced by technological advances, people worldwide stream these myths into their homes.


The epic movies, like Lord of the Rings and the Marvel movies, offer a map of the Hero’s Journey.


Viewers, and especially diehard fans, share vicariously in the hero’s quest and experience their own subconscious cathartic transformation. The “hero within” follows the hero on the screen or the page as he/she/they make moral choices. Allowing the viewer or reader to decide, often unconsciously, that they too live in a moral and good universe.



Within all myths, we find a striving for perfection so that the human shines bright, beautiful, and powerful.


This perfection also enlists a hidden function of protection, as if such shiny magnificence would protect us from the frailty or miscalculations of our human nature.

Yet, even mythic beings make mistakes or miss the details.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson points out in his Essays (first series, 1941), Aurora asked for immortality for her lover, Tithonus, yet she forgot to mention that essential detail of “youth.” Thus, while he was granted immorality, Tithonus is perpetually old. And when Thetis sought to make Achilles invulnerable, he erred by holding his proverbial heel when dipping him in the sacred water.

Perhaps the grand intelligence behind all intention, action, and form favors some representation of vulnerability.

Or as Emerson put it, “There is a crack in everything God has made.”

This is part of the Hero’s Journey. To face the vulnerability inherent within our very nature. To fall in the face of overwhelming challenge and to require assistance from others or the unseen mystery to rise again. In every wisdom teaching and every great story, an undeniable truth emerges.

A human being is a vulnerable thing.

Worn down by life and the insecurities of a doubting mind. Housed within a body that may exude great strength and be unexpectedly brought down by its own frailty. Regardless of the aspiration to be great, shine bright, and do good, failure is inevitable along the path.

And so is the capacity to rise from the ashes.

Yet, every Hero’s Journey requires entry to the shadowy nether regions of the psyche. This human frailty is especially encountered when we are laid low by overwhelming circumstance, illness, betrayal, ignorance, or failure. Societal conditioning and a strong desire for self protection suggests seeking a rapid fix to the extreme discomfort of the wounded world of shadow.

Yet, as Rumi reminds us, “the wound is where the light enters.”

Life doesn’t wrap up the Hero’s Journey in one movie or book. Nor does Life require a wildly successful, franchised epic. It allows this journey to be lived. One day at a time. One choice at a time. One breath at a time. That is the way of the human.

To aspire to live according to the highest ideals. And to fail on a regular basis.

Perhaps here is where we need to highlight the qualities of self-compassion, understanding, and recognition that it’s okay to be frail. And it’s okay to fail. Where we exalt the need for rest and contemplation before rising too quickly to battle the inevitable challenge.

The best Hero Journey recognizes the power of trust in the larger mystery, a willingness to be led, and a wicked sense of humor.

We tend to get serious very quickly. And in honor of a desire to be transparent or authentic, we share our wound quite publicly and at length. This tendency to perseverate on our failures and get lost in worry leaves us with a small story. A story of the shadow with only a mention of the light. Imagine if we focused more heroically on the light which has the capacity to shine through the shadow.

Or as the wise cracker Groucho Marx once said, “Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.”

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Tolkien, author of The Hobbit, was fascinated by the influential power of myth. He intended to create Lord of the Rings trilogy as a myth for the English people to update the Arthurian legend. Yet, myth is a universal phenomenon and thus transcends culture to speak to the heart of every human. Tolkien also expounded on the influence of discovery of plot and meaning in a story. How this allows one to discover a plot and meaning in the cosmos. And in the creator of the cosmos. The ultimate knower of meaning because “He” is the ultimate meaning.

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Brain Stilling: One Minute Magic

What are you trying to accomplish today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It goes without saying that stilling involves silence.

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

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

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

Discovering that stillness is your essential nature.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

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