Category: Blog

Posted on by

True Confessions: I am an Amateur.

I felt like a kid in a candy store. 

Arriving to help my friend pack up her office in preparation for a move, I encountered two rooms with wall to wall book cases. This was my idea of heaven. My conversational skills receded as my head tilted to browse hundreds of titles lining the shelves. So much knowledge! My curiosity and delight threatened to take over.

I got a hold of myself. After all, I had a job to do.

I was there to corral a fellow book lover into letting go of a lifetime of really cool books. To release a multitude of journals, notebooks, and workshop notes. Ouch. That’s the thing about downsizing. You can’t take it with you. Well, you can take 10 tightly packed bankers boxes. A treasure trove of delight awaiting a new home.

As books were being offered to me, I realized the book addict in me was being tempted.

I got my head clear and activated my purpose for being there. It wasn’t so I could “shop.” After two days of organizing, packing, tossing, and donating books, one room was clear. With a plan and a sprinkle of hope that one day those other shelves would be emptied, I headed home. 

Taking only 3 books with me. Wait, I meant 4. 

With one being mailed to me. Okay, 5. And 3 photos of books I have to order. And 8 books to pass on. A few things for Soul Sanctuary. One new journal for some special person. And a really cool workshop handout. That’s it. Scout’s honor.

Here’s the skinny on those 3 books.

I put the yoga book away. Very interesting, but I thought I’d wait ’til I returned to practicing yoga.  The Egyptian Goddess? I peeked, but I’m not so keen on diving in yet. That will take some attention. I have a pile on my shelf where she went.

Why put off exploring this beneficial wisdom? 

I discovered the answer by reading the third book cover to cover. 

Light bathing on my deck the following afternoon, surrounded by birdsong and breeze, I devoured this small gem. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but I did grab this book because of its title.

The War of Art. 

Cleverness intrigues me. And it was a small book.

It was a good thing the sun was shining on my comfort and curiosity. Because the author, screenwriter Steven Pressfield, calls it like it is. He offers a map to bring creativity into form. Taking your art – painting, writing, musical composition, entrepreneurial pursuits, or [put your art here] – and bringing it out of the realm of idea into material reality.

He challenges the artist to create consistently and with a diligence I’ve never achieved. And now I know why.

Because I’m an amateur, not a professional.

 

Pressfield distinguishes a profession, such as me being a psychologist and a mother, from a professional approach to creating art.

Even reading a few pages about what this means is enough to offer a mindset intervention. Yet, perhaps not quite sufficient for changing a life long pattern of being an amateur artist. 

The magic word in this book? Resistance.

Page after page. Example after example, he describes the resistance which lies within each of us. Ready to strike with a healthy dose of self sabotage, distraction, doubt or any of those internal obstacles which inhibit success. 

Resistance crashes dreams. Sometimes before they get lift.

After a while, I stopped reading as an “artist” and saw the influence of resistance across so many areas of my life. 

This tiny book was a lovely wake up call. Kind of like an artistic bitch slap. 

It stings a bit, but it’s a good sting if your creativity longs to express more fully. 

Just when my cheeks were red and sore, I got to the good part of his map. I’d hate to spoil the end of any book. Let’s just say any artist who mentions resistance, resilience, and creativity along with angels and the muse has got my full attention.

I’m still a book lover. Piles tend to manifest in my home as if out of thin air. 

They are artistically arranged in every room, bringing me great pleasure and a nugget of wisdom any time I wander into the open page. I guess that makes me a “professional” book lover and seeker of knowledge.

As for the artist in me. Well, she’s still an amateur.

An amateur who is appreciating the artistry and creative capacity of my inner resistance. I’ve got a lot to unpack and toss here. Downsizing my resistance so I can upsize my professional engagement of the muse. Sounds like a map I can follow.  

Moral of this story?  Good things happen when you clean your room.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Are you prone to procrastination? A recent study from Bishop’s University in Canada suggests that procrastinators may have higher levels of stress (no duh). And a potential for lower levels of self-compassion. Ok, that makes sense. Increasing self-compassion helps you recognize the downside of procrastination (and other kinds of “resistance”) without getting lost in negative rumination and emotions. Increasing self-compassion may help you decrease stress, disrupt negative self-view, and support positive behavioral change.Sounds like a map you can follow.

Posted on by

Love’s Song

 

What if it was true?
That you were made of Love,
worthy of Love,
guided by Love,
empowered by Love?

What if it was true?
That Love Flowed Freely
as Life,
as Unified Consciousness,
as what is called
Angels, You, Them, Earth?

What if Loved simply moved?
All particles of Love
Aware as they
Danced the Light Divine.
Singing
I AM that Love.
I AM that Light Divine.

Let go the illusion
which leaves the ‘i’ 
separate, unworthy, afraid.
Longing to be
embraced
re-membered
sourced
by Love Itself.

Let go the false longing.


Witness the Truth of Love’s 
ever present movement.
Participate in the Song of Life.
I AM here. I AM available. 
I AM the Light Divine.

Gone, then, are the humans,
angels, earth forms.
Only Love moving 
as humans, 
angels,
earth forms.

Singing ONE song
which is 
Love’s Song. 

Let yourself know this is true.
This Song is What You Are.
Love’s Song
Broadcasting 
Beautifully
Always and 
Forever
Amen.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

“Love is a lot like air. It may be hard to see, but it’s in you and all around you.” Psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD isn’t pulling this idea out of thin air. Many scientists believe that love, defined broadly, has been the primary driving force behind the evolution of the brain. Groups of early humans who were skilled at understanding and caring for each other outcompeted less cooperative and loving groups. They lived to pass on genes of empathy, bonding, friendship, altruism, romance, compassion, and kindness. Love is in your DNA.

Posted on by

Two Brides. One Love. New Eyes.

A Friday night outdoor wedding with more than a hint of rain. 

This was my thinking as I scanned my schedule last Friday. I had a small time window between work and picking up the “package.” The package being my mother-in-law. I realized I still had to try on my dress, find shoes, get gas in the car, write the card, eat lunch, and run an errand. Kinda wished I had thought this all out earlier in the week. 

I wandered around the house muttering “umbrella” so I wouldn’t forget to bring one. 

I tossed out the suede shoes for another pair that could tolerate wet grass and a heavy downpour. My skirt fit loosely so I packed a big safety pin in case there was wild dancing and it was at risk of falling down. (No one needs to see that.) With amazing efficiency, I was only 15 minutes behind schedule. Which is on time for me.

The package acquired and looking lovely, we hit the open road.

There’s something about heading to the shore that triggers a massive relaxation in my being. I put my bare feet up on the dashboard and enjoyed the ride. Even a threat of rain couldn’t dim my anticipation. I was heading to a big party to celebrate two lovely women who, like many, postponed their wedding a year due to COVID.

I hadn’t seen this extended family in almost a year. Not in person, that is. 

Arriving at a beautiful vineyard, I was transfixed by the lovely gardens and neat rows of vines. The day was warm and the sun was peeking through the clouds. Weather nerds were on their phones predicting the downpour had shifted course. We were not to be blessed by the holy water from the heavens. 

I imagined there were other blessings in store. 

As we claimed three rows together, I delighted in seeing everyone. It warms my heart even now, this pleasure of face to face contact, kisses, and hugs. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed all of them until I was in their presence. I’m moved by weddings, funerals, warmhearted stories, and hallmark commercials. Often to tears. So, I was already primed to flow a drips with the joy of settling in with these lovely people.

Here’s the thing about two brides. 

I knew these lovely ladies. I knew they each would walk down the aisle and profess their love and commitment for each other. I anticipated that wonder. I took that for granted. 

I had not considered, perhaps, how different such a union is from the prevailing societal expectations for weddings and marriage. 

Since high school, my friends, colleagues, and extended circles have always included people who favor same sex relationships. That was normative in my experience. And I’ve had plenty of conversations of their experience in the world, different from mine, which opened my mind and heart more fully.

These conversations weren’t only about sexual preference and the courage to live true to oneself.

As friends, the conversations were about everything.

 I wonder now if perhaps my comfort level actually left me insensitive to how deeply the dominant view of weddings as heterosexual was buried within my psyche. And our societal psyche.

The entrance of the bridal party took my breath away. 

Two by two, beautiful ladies in dresses of their own choosing walked down the grassy aisle. Alternating to reveal themselves as friends of this bride or that bride. There were a lot of bridesmaids and they just kept coming. Two by two.

Making a visual statement that resonated deeply within my body. All ladies with the exception of two brothers. All walking together as women. Together as men. Making a point. Priming us for the entrance of one gorgeous bride. And then another. 

This was a blessed union of two women. 

I saw that. Really saw that. And how different this was from just about every wedding I had witnessed with the expected male and female pairs leading a single bride down the aisle. I recognized that the last wedding of friends, who were a long time couple, had walked in by themselves. Just as I was used to seeing them walk into many gatherings over the years.

It was a welcome shaking of my stored inner photo of what weddings looked like.  

Here, I was greeted by a solidarity that boldly and beautifully stated the truth of the day.

This is what our love looks like.


The ceremony was precious, as would be expected. The brides glowed. Also expected.

The celebration was enthusiastic. Made more so because of the long separation we had all shared. The love for the couple was free and boisterous. The toasts were heart bursting and tear inducing all around. Leaving a glow around every body – however they identified. Looking around, at times, I felt my heart grow a few sizes.

What a wonder it is, to be free enough to celebrate love in all of its forms.

How very lucky we are to be free enough in our country, in our families and social groups, and in our inner world to experience such joy. So we danced. In celebration of what love looks like. For me, I was grateful that my visual wedding image, held deep within my memory, was dashed to the ground.

Priming me for my cousin’s bridal shower the next day. 

Two brides. Beautifully unique. At a small outdoor gathering in a relative’s home. I met my cousin’s bride to be. Not on FaceTime or via telephone updates about their lives. In real time with a real hug. I connected with more family that I had not seen in a long time. I met the future in-laws and family. All ladies of course. After all, it was a bridal shower. 

Oh, yes. And the Man of Honor. 

He did a great job, the bride’s brother. First, he burst my heart a bit more as he gamely handed over presents and managed the gift opening. Sitting at the feet of his sister and her bride-to-be.

Busting another myth about that role for me.

Enthusiastic, but inexperienced, he laughed with the group when the paper plate was handed to him. Confused, he looked for some rational reason a paper plate was part of this traditionally female ritual, so foreign to him. His mother rescued the Man of Honor, taking over the creation of a hat of ribbons for the bride to be.  (This is a strange ritual. Gotta acknowledge that.) 

My cousin hated that hat. She would’ve rather worn a top hat, I imagine. 

I look forward to that wedding. To celebrating this love in its form with more family I haven’t seen in forever. To shed some tears of happiness, dance in celebration, and share the warm glow. As for the details, I’m not sure how this wedding will look. I’m not asking. I’m open for anything.


I figure I have more to learn about the nature of love.

I’m all for breaking down more societal myths and melting some hearts. I imagine I’ll enter my third wedding of the summer, traditional in many ways, with new eyes. I expect to discover something more about the beauty of sharing one heart with another. More glowing on the horizon.

After all, Love is a great teacher.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Even as the world changes and LGBTQ rights gain recognition, there are plenty who believe same sex marriage is unacceptable. I’m not trying to change your mind. In fact, research suggests it’s hard to shift deeply entrenched beliefs for a few reasons. The brain has a tendency to “stay the course,” especially on matters deemed important. Letting go of preexisting beliefs, which serve to form identity and connect us with our tribe, may signal danger. The fear of exclusion or judgement of the group is primal, influential. Downplaying inner discomfort may seem safer than accommodate a new point of view. Exploring inner beliefs with curiosity, respect, and understanding opens the conversation. And that’s a start.

Posted on by

Food Coma or Celestial Trance?

“I fell asleep and missed part of the meditation.”

That’s a pretty common statement at my workshops and retreats when I guide the group in a meditation or journey. Even when participants intend to stay relaxed and alert, they may find themselves drifting off into the Land of Nod.

It begs the question, are you just really that tired or is there something else going on?

That question surfaced last night as I enjoyed dinner on my deck. The weather was perfect and my newly potted flowers delighted my senses. It was a free for all night, so I had my plate and was ready to dig in before my husband.

Sitting alone, I looked forward to exploring a book about a Goddess who was calling my attention.

While I knew who She was, I hadn’t really paid her much mind over the years. A mention here or there, and a nod of acknowledgement if someone mentioned Her. Yet here She was, subtly present and a bit mysterious. Over the past two weeks, Her name appeared in my thoughts and emerged as my own voice called Her name.

I thought I was inviting Her into conversation, yet She remained quiet.

Her energy arriving in the night as if she were beckoning me closer. Not saying anything. In fact, there was no identifiable conversation beyond a statement of Her name. For me, so used to talking with celestial beings, this was different.

A bit of a mystery that wouldn’t reveal another clue.

So, I ordered a book focused upon Her story which was filled with devotional writing and prayers. It arrived yesterday and I felt a sense of anticipation as I settled in to eat and read. Beyond a few facts I didn’t know, I found the collection of prayers and descriptions stilted. They left me flat.

I was seeking a living mystery and I encountered other people’s dead prose.

 

Two details left me filled with wonder and appreciation. Her intent and Her miracle.

I’m not one who generally entertains saints or deities like this, but these two details revealed an intent of connection, sustenance, and belonging which has sustained for centuries. I felt an abiding gratitude to this mythic Goddess who could unite and nourish disparate peoples.

Close to the end of this little book, I went out like a light.

I was mildly aware that my eyes were closed and body was limp. As if Rip van Wrinkle himself had done me in. A brief attempt to wake up was unsuccessful and I surrendered to the trance.

I heard patterns of sound as the birds sang and the trees danced with the wind in my backyard.

I was aware of a conversation, rich and deep, within the movement of the world around me and the warmth upon my face. There were no words nor visions, save a barely glimpsed pattern that was mirroring the symphony playing in the natural world.

Occasionally I felt my body, uncomfortable in a slumped posture, yet unwilling to be disturbed.

Surrendering to the discomfort, I followed my senses as they felt, saw, heard, and knew what was singing throughout my neighborhood. Not one tangible transcription nor idea was garnered during this time. Yet, I knew in the depth of my being that the experience was essential and the conversation rich.

And then it was over. The stiffness in my body suggested that some time had passed.

It was difficult to surface. If it were morning and I was in bed, I would’ve definitely rolled over and let sleep overtake me. Yet, I knew it was time to get up. As I sat up, my husband came out to see how my nap was. Witnessing my lolling head, he had figured I needed some sleep so ate alone inside. Nice guy.

It could’ve been a nap or a food coma, except for the rich conversation that I couldn’t remember nor translate.

Well, I couldn’t translate it consciously that is. I had no doubt that every nuance of the communication was now singing within my body field. And for that I was deeply grateful.

While you might be tired with a body primed for relaxation, there’s usually something more going on when you get knocked out.

When your energy and brain waves shift to another frequency, you may feel like you are relaxed and drifting or end up snoring like a sailor after a bender. It all depends upon the interaction between the subtle energy – the high vibrational information that is streaming and the subtle energy that makes up your system.

“I don’t know where I went or what happened.”

That’s another common statement during my workshops. During the guided meditations and journeys, that is. If folks fall asleep when I’m talking, then either they are really tired or I’m really boring. Both are possibilities.

When you engage higher frequency beings (eg, Angels, Deities, Guides) and Divine information, your subtle energy field shifts naturally.

Relaxing and opening so that conversations at multiple levels may inform you. While amplified in a group or a sacred setting, this experience may occur when reading a book, sitting in meditation, or during hypnagogic states – that twilight as you fall to sleep or awaken. Just about anything can lead you into an informational exchange with higher vibrational energy.

Even when you are blissfully unaware of what was shared and how your energy was subtly shifted.

I’ve had a few food comas. Usually they involve lots of pasta, Chinese food, or way too many cookies. And I’m as tired as at the next person at the end of the day. Yet, fatigue and food were not the culprits on my deck. It took a long walk in the woods to integrate this new energy into my body. Leaving me relaxed, grateful, and open to the next exchange.

I’m dancing with a mystery I don’t understand. Curious and patient, I’m okay to let Her lead.

I do wonder how many times you’ve explained away a celestial encounter by interpreting it as a nap. Or a dream. Or a full stomach. The thinking mind wants to make sense of things that surprise you.

The Mystery needs no explanation.

Have fun exploring how you interact with the beautiful conversations that are streaming to you in so many ways. It helps to set an intent to become more aware of the subtle and “knock you out” obvious ways the celestial realms are informing you. If concern arises at the thought of these conversations taking you unawares, brighten up your Light Globe. This practice supports your intuitive awareness, strengthens the boundary of your biofield (aura), and cleanses your energy body.

I’ve recorded the Light Globe meditation as a free download for you.

Access it at the bottom of my AngelicEnergetics page (scroll down to find it). Download and begin! In time, you won’t need the recording as you’ll make the practice your own.

The creative energy, back behind every form and myth, has plenty to reveal. Enjoy your “conversations.

 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Don’t think you’re intuitive? Don’t be so quick to rule it out.  There is a growing body of research on what is known as “intuitive intelligence.”  Researchers at Leeds University in England explore a body of research on nonconscious aspects intuitive perception, such as implicit knowledge. It is commonly recognized that intuitive perception plays an important role in learning, business decisions, medical diagnosis, spiritual growth, healing, and general well-being. Researchers at the Institute of HeartMath suggest three types of intuitive processes: implicit learning/knowledge, energetic sensitivity, and nonlocal intuition.

Posted on by

The Weed Choked, Singing Labyrinth

Enjoying lunch outdoors last week in Pennsylvania, I realized I was close to the Seva Retreat Center.

Excitement bubbled through me. Ten years ago, I had the benefit of hosting a few of my Angelic Immersion Retreats at Seva. These were precious experiences and I felt a sudden longing to walk onto that property once more.  I googled Elstowe Manor (the main mansion) and Chelten House where we held our Immersions to confirm that the property had been sold to a company with plans to create a boutique hotel. 

Magnificent plans with no apparent follow through.  I wondered if the property was accessible. 

It seemed the choice to visit the grounds was already in play so I invited my lunch date to join me. Map quest enhanced the journey as we traveled through beautiful neighborhoods, a magical forest, and glimpsed the occasional house resembling a fairy tale. 

The gates were open. Prompting my heart to burst a bit.

While Elstowe Manor is magnificent, it was Chelten House, the site of our retreats, that drew me. I parked my car and stepped onto the driveway. Immediately, my breath deepened as visual images began to flood my inner vision. I felt I had returned to a sacred site. It was a homecoming of sorts.

A beautiful stillness pervaded the space. Poignant in its fullness. 

The house was locked up tight yet the grass was cut. Giving the impression that the occupants had stepped out for a bit of lunch. We wandered around the building as I shared stories of our retreats while peeking in windows and standing on open air porches. 

The wonder of those Angelic Immersions was upon me in full force.

After our exploratory window peeking tour, my partner in adventure headed home. I let myself wander through this stillness, feeling the peace of nature and the balm of the beautiful setting. I moved slowly as inner movies revealed memories of the women and men who attended the Angelic Immersion Retreats. These lovely people who contributed so much to the experience, allowing it to gain a richness far beyond my original intent.

I felt truly amazed at the enormity of the impact of four short days immersed together. 

With those who shared the intent to retreat from the everyday world in order to explore a personal connection with the Divine. The Angelic realm guided every step of these journeys. Bringing forth healing, connection, deep transformation, and a renewed sense of joy. Scenes of the transformation occurring throughout the retreat played nonstop, paired with evidence of continued evolution in these lives since the gatherings.

I realized how much I had trusted the Immersion process (and continue to do so).

How fully I let myself be led by the Divine as I facilitated the process. I was shown the seeds that were laid for my own growth and the work that evolved for me to share. Flooding me with gratitude, delight, and so much love. I witnessed the trust of these Retreaters as they entered every teaching, activity, and ceremony. And how this enabled me to become more receptive to the Divine information flowing through me. 

I saw how much I had learned from each Retreater. And how much more there is to receive.

My heart seemed to have lost its boundary and my being was filled only with love and appreciation. I went to the labyrinth to walk my gratitude and prayers for all who participate in the Immersion Retreats (past and present). This was fitting as we begin and end every Immersion with a ceremony at the labyrinth

I arrived at a weed filled, neglected labyrinth. And it was singing.

 

Welcoming me to recognize the Presence that awaits beyond every form for the partnership of walking in grace together.

I stood for some time as I processed the physical manifestation of neglect. The mind translating this with sorrow and as a representation of the neglect of Spirit. 

Here in this abandoned labyrinth. And in the thirsty souls populating our imbalanced world. 

Yet, the labyrinth was singing. I let go of my mind and entered the weeds with deep gratitude. Immediately I was shown a new practice for walking in the labyrinth. Shaking up some of my patterns and leaving me a bit freer. Walking in was for me. Walking out was for the Retreaters. It was beautiful and my time “retreating” there was complete. 

I left renewed. Grateful, inspired, and in love. 

Remembering the power of these Immersions to offer the perfect opportunity for personal transformation. Recognizing that I have so much more to receive, I look forward to our June Angelic Immersion with delight. I love the sacred space at Cranaleith Retreat Center and know the power that arises from our time together. This year holds a special sweetness as June 13th is our first live gathering in 15 months.

I invite you to spend a day immersing with the Angels, the natural beauty of Cranaleith, and the women who gather. Come home to yourself. We await your presence. 

It’s time to register for the June 13th Angelic Immersion Retreat. Purposely kept to an intimate gathering with Cranaleith COIVD safety protocols in place. Details may be found on my Retreat Page.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Paying it forward. Acts of kindness serve you on many levels. Research shows they produce feel good chemicals, boosting mood and a positive affinity for your fellow humans. The world could use a bit more positive affinity from one member of the human family to another. In many wisdom traditions, the practice of sacred service is in play. Tithing or gifting, not as a practice of morality or to please a distant God, but as a grateful recognition that Life is abundant. Divine Nature is rich and overflowing. Longing to be shared. I just received a surprise, secret tithe. It touched me deeply. The consideration and the practice. Arising in me is a desire to pay it forward. There is more than enough. Let’s share, shall we?

Posted on by

The Reemergence. Stepping into the Light.

A seemingly long time ago, a pandemic arrived in our towns. We entered quarantine a bit shell shocked but hopeful for a temporary respite. When the date for “normal” was pushed back, we engineered creative solutions to our circumstances.

Outdoor visits, neighborhood singing, zoom game night, food drives, and even old fashion letter writing.

Along the way, as the summer’s warmth faded and quiet holidays passed, the gray cold winter zapped more than our vitamin D. We became less likely to reach out to friends and our social circles shrunk.

We turned further inward. Seeking comfort in the known.

By week’s end, our brains were fried by screen time and colleagues voices in our air pods. The kids were tired and parents’ nerves were frayed. Play dates, travel, dinners out, and de-stressing at the gym became dim memories.

Eventually it became easier to shrink to the confines of our restricted lives.

Perhaps the Scottish writer, Donna Ashworth, captured the zeitgeist of these lonely winter months.

We are spent.
We have nothing left to say.
We are tired of saying “I miss you” and “I cant wait for this to end.”
So we mostly say nothing, put our heads down and get through each day.

And then the light returned. A promise of Spring. A bit of warmth.

Still, so many remain tired. Feeling tumbled about like a seashell in the surf. The grief of personal and shared losses dampens our capacity for optimism. Our social recovery has been slow. We seek to define the unknown. To package it in terminology we can stomach.

As if the “new normal” is in anyway palatable.

We share a longing for contact with our species, yet a pervading discomfort remains. Leaving us hesitant. Tentatively peeking out the proverbial front door, we wave to our neighbors but don’t yet invite them to dinner on the deck.

It’s no longer just a fear of contracting COVID or placing others at risk.

A general malaise with a side of withdrawal is lingering in our population. From mild uneasiness to full blown experiences of depression and anxiety, the withdrawal from social contact becomes self protective.

We’re tired of talking about the pandemic and its effects.

But what is left to say? As the world closed down and our lives grew smaller, our social world contracted. And even while the light returns and outdoors beckon, many are feeling less than interesting or perhaps downright antisocial. Loneliness, insecurity, or a vague sense of dis-ease has taken root within us.

We have pandemic fatigue. Some worse than others.

 

Let’s not judge ourselves or our neighbors.

Like the lingering aftermath of an illness, a grief or a shock, we are in recovery. That makes sense. We long to feel the ground solid beneath our feet, the wind in our hair, and our face warmed by the light. We seek a future that promises to be bright.

Hopeful for the reemergence that we can’t quite name. Or trust.

For now, we rest when we are tired. We whisper kind words to the hesitant one who lives within us. We seek to understand how to decrease loneliness without compromising our need for solitude. We take our time coming back to life. Back to each other.

Letting the natural world model how it’s done.

Slowly. Each blossom beckoning gently to our wounded psyche. Offering hope and the potential of healing to all those inner places affected by the layers of upheaval – personal and global. We watch the Earth around us bloom and brighten. Slowly, yet persistently. And if we look closely, while we move gently, we notice something profound is happening.

Life is softly beckoning. Revealing the process of reemergence.

We respond to this invitation. Strolling beyond closed doors and boundaried yards to seek our playmates and awaken the interest in living. We venture into the wider world, boldly or with great hesitation. It is not the way we step back in, but the intent to do so.

Turning our faces to the light. Willing to consider a future that is bright.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Finding Awe in the Ordinary.  You know the power of nature to restore your wellbeing. And surprise you with its creative presence. Cultivating a sense of awe in the wonder around you (or viewed on screen) gives a boost to your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Here’s one guy’s little video about seeking awe.  Nature is waiting for you. Get off the couch if you can. Or find a nature documentary and watch it on your biggest screen if you can’t. 

Posted on by

Clear the Cobwebs. Seek the Light.

Today the wind blows cold as the sun shines in a sky showing off a brilliant hue of blue.

This hasn’t been the norm for the dreary skies of New Jersey. The cloud cover, wind, rain, and vacillating temperature seems to mimic the fluctuations in mood during this lengthy influence of the pandemic. A peek of sunshine occasionally reveals the dust motes, the webs, and the forgotten places in our homes and our lives.

This year there are more cobwebs than ever. And they are the sticky kind.

When you experience higher amounts of stress for a long period, the vulnerable spaces within you are activated. The impact of large scale stressors, such as chronic illness, tragedy, loss, or unemployment, packs a double whammy.

Bringing to the surface past insecurity and the layers of protection formed to manage challenge.

The worldwide shared experience of a pandemic layered the normal challenges of living with extreme loss across the board. You know the cost of this year for you individually, a cost shared by your worldwide human family. The challenges were personal, social, economic, spiritual, physical, and cultural.

Sure, there were gains and opportunities, gifts and unearthed treasures.

This you acknowledge. Offering praise and devotion to that Source in which you believe and gratitude to those who helped you – known and unknown. Strangers helping strangers, gathering together to lift one another out of fear and insecurity. This continues out of necessity and as one of the beautiful benefits of an overwhelming shared experience.

Yet vulnerability travels with you now. Like a pebble in your shoe. Or a cloud upon the horizon.

When experiences and emotions are not processed fully, your intelligence creates protective barriers, complex stories, and clever defensive structures. All in the interest of helping you manage that which feels unmanageable and with the aim of protecting you in the future.

This past year has raised these fault lines of past insecurities, challenges, and traumas closer to the surface.

The energy of Spring brings a promise of rebirth with blossoming trees, warmer temperatures, and more hours of light. Igniting the potential for optimism and growth even after the darkest winter. The natural rhythm, even when disrupted by global warming or worldwide hardship, remind you of the potential to clear out those proverbial “sticks and stones” from your past challenges.

“Weeding the garden” is a metaphor for deep cleaning of your layered body system.

When Spring as a season or an idea arrives on your doorstep, you have a choice. You may join this innate potential to clear the tangles in your energy, emotions, mind, and body. While Spring only comes once a year, the invitation to clear the cobwebs and shine more light into your life is a perennial process.

Here are 4 simple ways to seek the light and weed the garden.


1. Head into Nature. 

The natural world holds its own healing magic. Stepping outside to sit in the sunshine, wander through the forest, or dig in the garden, you enter a healing space. Set an intent for healing your trapped emotions and stuck beliefs as you spend time in nature.

Leave the phone and music at home and let the natural harmony of the outdoors soothe your system into resonance with the healing frequency of the planet. 

If the wind blows, open your arms and let it “blow” blow through you – intending your very own Spring cleaning. When the sun shines, let the alchemical fire gently dissolve those calcified spaced within, allowing the light to move gently once again. You may invite the natural world to partner with your healing in any way you choose. Be creative and enjoy the process.

2. The Practice of Stilling

This simple practice counteracts the tendency of “doing” at a hectic pace. It helps to “undo” the machinations of the busy mind and soften the guard of the stress response system. Choosing a quiet space where you are comfortable and won’t be disturbed, you keep your eyes open and breathe. Noticing your environment – inner and outer – as you breathe.  When your mind wanders into list making or the body wants to get up and explore or “do something,” you breathe deeply.  And return to noticing. Letting your gaze move around the room or the natural setting.  

Breathing. Sitting quietly.  All of this signaling the stress response system to down regulate into quiet.

It helps to do this daily and increasing time whenever you feel it is beneficial. There are no hard and fast rules here other than breathe and notice. Letting go and sitting still is not an easy thing to do. When you do, your own healing system gets the message to clear the cobwebs and let the light in.

3. Energy medicine and Energy Psychology

Many modalities assist you in clearing all layers of your body: energetic, mental, emotional, and physical.  When you understand that healing and growth occurs within the interconnected layers of your body system, you may seek techniques that address all part of you.  There are plenty of modalities available. You may explore your favorite or try something new.  

I offer two free energy practices on my website in recorded format so that you may learn basic techniques to soothe your stress response system and keep your light field clear.  

Listen to these recordings daily or whenever you feel you are ready for a tune up. Eventually, you will discover that you have learned these techniques on your own.  You may find the Self Soothe Strategy on my Home Page and the Light Globe Meditation on the Angelic Immersion Retreat page. 

Spring Cleaning: April Specials  

These are no longer available as April has moved on. You can take a look at these lovely and powerful processes and explore the modalities you like best anytime. Choose one or I’ll intuitively guide you into a path of clearing that is most beneficial at this time.  Choose single sessions or the Soul Guide bundle on my Spiritual Mentoring page.

Angel Healing Journey

Your Journey is a unique experience offering a combination of energy healing and loving guidance showered upon you from your Angels and Wise Guides. Every Journey is unique and speaks to your mind and heart in response to your questions. The Angels also clarify your energy so you may open to new information and vibrate at a higher level, supporting the changes that are perfect for your life at this time. Sessions may be held via telephone or remotely with recording sent following the session. 

InnerSpeak™ Session

Developed by Jean Adrienne, InnerSpeak™ is a system for clearing energetic, karmic and ancestral blocks, and limiting beliefs which may be impacting life situations. Guided by Archangel Michael in the creation of InnerSpeak™, Jean has trained people around the world in this energy modality. I witness the benefit for clients as current patterns and blocks are understood from a multidimensional viewpoint and practical internal and external shifts are experienced. Sessions may be held via video.

The Body Code and the Emotion Code 

Developed by Bradley Nelson, DC, these sessions provide a map to follow as we work with your inner wisdom.  Working on all levels (physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and relational), your inner wisdom guides the clearing and rebalancing of the factors which underlie and contribute to current symptoms and issues which interfere with your wellbeing. Body Code session include the Emotion Code.  

The bonus Emotion Code session (* available with purchase of 3 session Bundle) will focus upon a specific issue or address clearing of the Heart wall which is the energetic field storing trapped emotions which interfere with an open hearted approach to life. Sessions will be held remotely with notes emailed after completion.

AngelicEnergetics™ Session

I created this restorative method of healing in partnership with the Archangels of the Seven Rays. Surrendering your intent for healing at all levels allows the Archangels and your personal Angels to offer Divine Light transmissions to restore the harmonious flow of Life Force energy (qi, chi, prana) throughout your being. Each unique Divine Light transmission generates a release of energetic interference within your subtle energy system. Each session is unique as the Angels work with your higher wisdom to guide the release of old energy patterns, balancing of your energy, and attuning you to new levels of functioning. Sessions may be held via video or telephone.   

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Thinking outside of the box (or the ER)! A Columbus, Ohio hospital spent $80 million to build and repair homes in its neighborhood to create healthier places to live. Recognizing that lower income families have less access to health care, they have greater health issues (kids included). When they improved housing, there were less respiratory symptoms, reduced risk of lead poisoning, and fewer ER visits and hospitalizations. On top of the health benefits, improved housing also led to higher rates of high school graduation, reduced crime, and increase in jobs. 

Posted on by

Life is Easy

“Life is easy.” This isn’t a statement I hear very often. Do you?

Not in my mind nor in conversations with friends, clients, or strangers. Certainly not in blogs, podcasts, books, or snatches of conversation I encounter in the world. More frequently, I hear the following.

“Life is hard and let me tell you how ….”

I’m not challenging this premise. Certainly not this year of all years. Not with everything you are encountering in your life, influenced by your history of struggle and triumph, and spiced up by the pandemic. Life IS hard.

Personally, I had no intention of challenging this premise.

I’ve been immersed in hard. So has everyone. And yet, something grabbed hold of my attention and then infiltrated my perception this week. Challenging this premise with gusto. I went along for the ride and discovered something quite amazing.

Life is easy. So damn easy.

Before you stop reading, hear me out. There is a benefit to “rethinking” a position. It allows not only for cognitive flexibility and emotional agility, both of which influence your life and relationships in positive ways, it allows you to discover something new.

Turns out there is no end to new ways of “rethinking” your position.

This is what leads innovators, scientists, children, and mavericks in all professions to discover what is new and possible. For me, this shift in premise began with a drive into Philadelphia to visit someone in the hospital. I’m not a city person and don’t particularly enjoy driving in traffic on tiny streets seeking unfamiliar, overpriced parking garages. I’m happy to brave the city given the purpose of my visit, but it activated my bias that traveling to this destination involved hardship. (Sounds dramatic, but the word ‘hardship’ may be applied to minor and major experiences).

As I approached the Philadelphia Convention Center, I noticed lines of people outside.

Really long lines. I was stopped at the light, so I took a good look. There were blocks of people in the cold standing together in their masks. I realized this was the line for vaccination. I drove slowly past cars dropping off elderly passengers with their walkers and wheelchairs. And hundreds of people standing outside in line. Hundreds. There wasn’t enough room for social distancing. It was quite the crowd.

I was struck then and there by the contrast with my experience.

In my neck of the woods, people drove to the local mall, parked their vehicle and were immediately ushered into a vaccination setting housed in the now defunct Lord and Taylor. For some suburbanites, getting vaccinated was simple, efficient, and pleasant. Dare I say, it was easy.

In the space of two city blocks, I received a “mindset” intervention.

Mindset research indicates that single brief interventions are sufficient to make changes in perception and physicality with long lasting results. Such interventions may involve a simple reframing of an idea or a 3 minute video highlighting a specific mindset. That’s exciting because a small tweak in your perspective may have a large positive impact on your life.

In my case, in a few short minutes, I was shown the ease of living made possible by the availability of a plentitude of resources.

I recognized how very easy it was to journey into the city. I was comfortable in my car, listening to my music, eating my store bought breakfast, driving on paved roads, following map quest, certain of my safe arrival. I was protected from the elements, the exhaust of so many vehicles, and the crowds. I pulled into a parking garage, credit card in my wallet, sipping my spring water, while safely transporting my laptop.

The ease of my journey, and the wider ease of living, was shown first in comparison to those around me.

Simple comparisons like seeing people waiting for public transportation, lugging multiple shopping bags, bundled up in the chilly weather, or maneuvering with canes on crowded sidewalks. Driving in traffic, behind buses that couldn’t maneuver due to double parked cars, I went around the block a few times navigating one way streets.

This seemed harder than suburban living (to me), yet perhaps that wasn’t the case.

I watched people, used to living the city life, who strolled, walked fast, biked with confidence, ran for the bus, or meandered with their dog. Carrying coffee cups or water bottles, eating fast food, or cueing up at the food truck. Alone, busy on the phone, or talking and laughing with others, they flowed with the red and green lights without incident.

Life is easy when so many resources are available.


Like a slideshow, I was shown places that had few resources.

Like poorly developed roads, limited transportation, food they must harvest, unstable communication, and scarcity of money. I saw primitive health care, unstable living structures, limited commerce, an absence of trash collection, harsh work conditions, and difficulty accessing clean water.

The hospital I was circling took up many city blocks. A city within a city of healing, science, and care.

I entered this haven across a conveniently covered walkway where I was greeted, secured, dispatched to my location, and kindly guided when I was lost (twice). I passed the brightly lit cafe, the well stocked gift shop, an abundance of staffers in scrubs, and unit after unit dedicated to healing. The structure was enormous. The science was in evidence. And the sheer volume of dedicated staff, who were educated, employed, and seemingly enjoying their work caught my attention.

Illness is hard. On everyone. 



Health care is expensive or out of reach for many. The anxiety, grief, and pain is hard to bear no matter where you are in this complex city. Passing room after room, visitor after visitor, I witnessed hardship as I steadily walked upright within my healthy body.

I walked through so much real estate filled with monitors, medicine, medical expertise, and compassionate care.

The layers continued to reveal themselves as I walked past units dedicated to healing cancer, neurological disorders, surgery recovery, psychiatric illness, intensive care, and more.

By the time I reached my destination, I was no longer focused upon hardship. I was not brought down by suffering. Instead, I was focused upon the availability of a wealth of resources that create ease in living and healing.

Even in the hardest of times and the most difficult places.

As I drove home, my mind was fully focused on the ease of living. My mindset tweak afforded me the opportunity to “rethink” not only my journey to the city, but my journey through my life. I could return to the normative thought bias that life is hard and succumb to this societal broadcast and conversational currency. Or I could venture into a new idea.

The benefit of a mindset tweak or the art of “rethinking” is that it removes blinders that led to your original bias.

Once removed, it takes effort to replace them. That sounds like hard work. It’s easier to go with the gratitude that spills over when I reach for my spring water, use my turn signal to safely change lanes, and sing off key loudly in the privacy of my lovely vehicle.

“Life is easy” does not diminish hardship nor invite the denial of magical thinking.

Rather, it invites gratitude and honest recognition of these amazing resources of modern society along for the ride. I’m listening to my thoughts, words, and approach to my day more carefully now. Ready to catch the old habit of “hardship” so I may look about me to notice the “ease” that is everywhere apparent.

I’m surrounded by luxurious ease. So you are you. For this, I feel a deep, heartfelt gratitude.

PS   If you’re interested in a Mind Set tweak about stress, download my Self Soothe Strategy. This 60 page PlayBook and guided meditation will naturally help you adjust your approach to the stress of living. “Stress is life enhancing.”  Imagine that. Scroll down on my Home Page to access this free resource. It’s a game changer.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Psychological research has revealed how bias drives our behavior, decision making, and manner of relating in the world. Adam Grant, author of Think Again, explores the benefit of reconsidering your beliefs about the world and your place in it. Turns out that the smarter you are, based on intelligence tests, the more you may struggle to update your beliefs. To put it another way, being good at thinking can make you not so great at “rethinking.”  Written like a curious child scientist, Grant started his research with questions. The art of “not knowing” is powerful indeed.

Posted on by

At Home in the Midst

This warm winter morning beckoned me for a walk, surrounded by woods, fields, and nature’s creatures.

I noticed a thick mist ahead and felt the pull of my desire to be within the white. Lost in thought, headed into the milkiness, I approached my destination only to discover that my sight was clear. The experience I expected did not manifest.

In momentary confusion, I looked back to see that the road upon which I travelled was now obscured. 



The mist touched every place but the circle in which I stood. I paused for a moment to breathe in the moist, still air. I engaged the present moment and the clarity it offered. Blind to what was behind or in front of me, I realized the benefit of clear sight when I was present, aware, and engaged with my body and my environment.

When I consciously joined the moment I was standing in, clarity arrived.

I’ve heard that sage advice many times: “be here now.” Yet, how often have I traipsed through my days trailing behind my mind which was peering into a murky future? Or getting lost in the mental mist of memory reconsolidated?

I took the opportunity to look into the forest, alive with a melodic stream, busy birds, and scampering squirrels.

Apparently, while I was cocooning indoors, the natural world had been actively preparing for Her perfectly timed reemergence. I don’t know why I was surprised that tiny seedlings had grown into small pine trees. Or by the evidence of greenery, flowing water, and new life everywhere. Perhaps the snow and persistent gray February skies in New Jersey had dulled my senses and distorted my memory.

Nature has always demonstrated how capable She partners with the evolutionary impulse.

Years of sitting, playing, and meandering in Nature have revealed so many wisdom lessons. I never had to look far to witness the emergence of Her latest work of art. Throughout cycles of seeding, nourishing, emerging, blossoming, and deteriorating, the natural world’s creative unfoldment has always been trustworthy. Laying down a Map of Wisdom for those with eyes to see and senses to clearly perceive the harmonious movement of Life.

Yet, Nature doesn’t need an audience to do Her thing.

She seeds, grows, dies, and rests to a rhythm so persistently harmonious. Nature’s emergence isn’t dependent upon social media “likes” nor does it require those seeking fresh air to stop and smell the roses. That’s why Nature’s wisdom is easy to miss. Especially when closed away in our homes, busy schedules, and distracted lifestyles.

As I walked, I pondered Life’s innate potential for perennial growth and the creation of beautiful spaces.

My sight was clear, as was my mind. Walking with my body, rather than racing ahead or lagging behind, a revelation emerged. It seemed new, like a seedling breaking through the soil, rather than an old intellectual understanding.

I, too, was a natural phenomenon.

 

Imbued with an innate ability to grow effortlessly and create beautifully in every cycle and season. 

Alert and aware, I recognized that I could walk blindly through the obscurification of a distracted life. Or choose to pause within any moment and breathe myself back into my body and the space it inhabited. I felt a subtle shift with that awareness.

As if my quantum substructure rearranged into new flowing patterns of harmonious light.

Honoring my innate trustworthy nature would allow me step out of my murky mind mist and show up within the midst of this Holy Moment. With Nature’s gentle reminder, I became more aware of myself as a trustworthy participant within this evolutionary process.

Relaxed and aware, I walked slowly within these natural, magical surroundings.

Gazing at the milky whiteness before me, I stayed present to the crisp clarity all around me. With ears to hear, I enjoyed the rustle of the wind and the crunch of tiny feet upon the leaves. I imagined tiny shoots of green just below the surface, biding their time and gathering their energy, before sneaking up toward the light. And I remembered what I have known all along.

I was at home in the midst. 


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Nearly all of Ethiopia’s old growth forest has disappeared. This film tells the story of Ethiopia’s church forests.  They are pockets of lush biodiversity that surround hundreds of churches. Consciously created with people working to protect them. This short film tells the story of The Church Forests of Ethiopia. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fGe-CPWZlE&feature=youtu.be

Posted on by

Modeling without a Runway

I was at the hair salon (wearing my mask) and noticed the Victoria Secret fashion show playing on the flat screen.

I watched the show and looked at the salon crowd. Teens to seniors, mostly female, I couldn’t find anyone who looked like those models. Granted, it was not a fair comparison, as no one in the salon was in high heels and underwear.

Why were we watching this program?

I thought of my chats with hundreds of teenage girls, many of whom compared themselves to the models, youtubers, and performers they knew. Guess what? They couldn’t see the similarity either.

Here’s the problem: these wonderful young women all concluded the same thing. They were coming up short.

There was no consideration for a cultural norm of beauty that does not represent the population.Or that there are makeup artists, hair stylists, professional photographers, personal trainers, and air brushing involved.

The difficulty in our culture is that so many role models in the media are limited to their visual persona.

This just doesn’t translate to the lives of ordinary folks. The truth is, none of the ladies I’ve spoken with could have possibly come up short. They all broadcast beauty, kindness, intelligence, and talent. It often takes another person to see the loveliness of others. And humans are really good at dismissing another’s perspective – especially if it doesn’t match the cultural image of the time.

So, how do we create sturdy children who are able to own and celebrate their unique beauty, strengths, intelligence, and talents?

Especially with the influence of social media woven throughout every aspect of our culture? I think it is time for parents, grandparents, older siblings, teachers, coaches, and neighbors to hit the runway. Now before you get nervous about the idea of high heels, make up, and underwear, take a breath.

Ask yourself, “What am I modeling for young people?”

The author Robert Fulghum drops some wisdom with his famous statement: “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” What are you identifying as important and living as a “professional model?” Remember, children learn what they live.

Modeling without a runway certainly doesn’t include airbrushing. It’s real, raw, and imperfect.

Actions speak louder than words. This invites you to lay down the teaching and preaching, and get really clear about who you are and how you live in the world. What are you really “saying” about personal attributes, love and respect, environmental awareness, approach to education, social attitudes, physical health, or playtime?

Conscious modeling involves increasing awareness of Who you Are and How you Live in the world.

 

And it isn’t only the young ones who are watching you.

Everyone may adjust a view of self based on the models who show up. Of course, this goes beyond visual representation. You get inspired by demonstrations of brilliance, kindness, courage, and creativity. Growing older, you may become more conscious of who and what you are letting inform you. However, most learning continues to be influenced by early modeling and creation of ideas of how the world works and your place in it.

It takes work to notice yourself as both as an influential model and a consumer of what’s offered on the “runway.”

I’m a big fan of beautiful questions which may expand your awareness, if you let them. Seeking to yourself and move toward the higher ideal of how you ‘be’ in the world. If you are serious about your role as a model for the generations that come after you, ask yourself these questions.

Or create your own.

Write it down in a journal, on your calendar or screen saver, or post it on your bathroom mirror. Contemplate this question and see what gems of insight and opportunity arise.

Self-awareness is a beautiful art to cultivate.

How are you helping to cultivate a spirit of generosity, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in yourself? What are you doing to grow new neural pathways? Translation – how are you learning something new, encouraging your curiosity, and expressing your creativity?

What practical action are you taking to support the environment, help others move toward sustainable living, or beautify the life of another who is suffering? How are you demonstrating acceptance of your own fallibility and the making of mistakes with humility, humor, and the desire to make another go at it?
Where are you modeling respect for others whether they be similar or different, older or younger, pleasant or obnoxious? How are you demonstrating practical tools to manage the stress of daily living in good times and bad?

I did mention I’m a fan of Beautiful Questions as a path to greater self awareness. I’m on a roll.

How are you growing your connection to a Divine Source or the idea of something larger than yourself? What are you doing to enrich your enjoyment of your relationships with yourself and others? When are you trying on the perspective of another in order to deeply understand rather than judge, condemn, or dismiss?
How are you questioning authority, even your own, in order to adopt beliefs, values, and ideas that you choose as your guiding light?

How are questions of meaning, actions of purpose, and movement toward healing replacing addictive routines and habits that limit growth?

When are you holding honest conversations, even when they hurt, and seeking to live authentically, even in the privacy of your own mind and heart? When are you allowing yourself to rest or cry when you need to? How are you liking yourself and enjoying how you look and live?

Forget the runway, high heels, and underwear.

And remember that you are a model during your waking moments to the child within all of us. This may be the most important work you do on this planet. Get clear about who you choose to be. That will inform the kind of modeling you live.

Lights. Camera. Action. We’re all watching.

 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

During COVID, remember this.  Research speaks of the importance of human  connection for health, well being, and longevity.  The most important indicators of longevity are a few close relationships and touching lots of people (eg, shopkeeper, neighbor, barista).  In these times, let’s expand how we “touch” another.  Reach out more than you’re used to – a letter, a phone call, a video call. Humans benefit from hearing voices and seeing faces.  Even if you are watching a recorded program or are a passive witness on a ZOOM class, it’s helpful.  Adapt this idea to your circumstances.  It’s worth reaching out, even past your comfort zone.