Are your values fed by fears?

Here's a nugget of wisdom I gained while teaching last evening.  I explained what is an ethical dilemma, and how at its core, such a dilemma happens when two or more values that we hold near and dear to our heart are in conflict.  This can be an external conflict, e.g. my core values are different than yours, and we are in disagreement about what to do.  It can also be an internal conflict, e.g. my core values are changing and I'm not sure where I stand anymore.  We put this in context with a typical Lightworker scenario: using your magic, mojo, vibes, etc. to manifest a really great parking lot on a busy shopping day.  Easy breezy for some people... but for many Lightworkers, this is a difficult, uncomfortable, internal-sweats-and-palpitations moment.  Why?

We examined the values that might be at odds.  We agreed that compassion and caring for others, and standing firm in our personal power are likely conflicting.  And when we dug a little deeper...  we noticed that the value we hold dear, that of compassion and caring -- e.g. what if an elderly person, or a pregnant woman, really needed that spot and I just took it from her?  -- is not only conflicting with the teaching and value of standing in your power; but standing in our power and manifesting through intention and magic is also conflicting with deep FEARS.  And there's a big fear here... that when we ask for a parking spot, or money, or ease in our day... we are not working for the Highest Good (an other BIG value for Lightworkers).  The internal conflict of being confident in our energy work & trust that Spirit knows best and will manifest according to divine will...  and the fear instilled in us (in many lifetimes?) about the "bad" or "evil" or "egoic" practices of energy work - and that we have to work for the entire community/world, and never request anything for ourself.

Ooooh...  That's my lightbulb moment from last night.

Can you see any of these values and conflicts at play in your life, and in your decision-making patterns?

Part of our "ohm-work" is to reexamine our values, and to ask ourselves - is this really true?  Am I really holding on to this value out of Love, and in Alignment with my Highest Self?  Or am I holding on to this value because I have been taught this is the right thing / good girl /zen thing to do?  Am I holding on to it because I am afraid of not being good enough, powerful enough, deserving enough of requesting what my heart and Higher Self truly desire for me to experience in this lifetime?  Am I afraid to ruffle feathers?

When you truly understand your values, you get insights into why you do the things you do.  And then, when you realize your values have shifted, or need to shift, because you are awakening to a new paradigm...  then it's easier to choose new decisions and actions based on values that are aligned with who you are, now.

Does this make sense?

I know I'll be working on old patterns of behaviour and actions now that I have identified what I do because I've secretly been holding on to fear...  And that's because being fearless and courageous are values I hold dear.

How about you?  Are you ready to review your values?  Are you ready to change your behaviours?  Need help to see clearly through the forest? Reach out - I can help!

A setback or an invitation to learn and grow?

The dust is settling from the kitchen reno: the new cupboards are ordered and I was able to clear a square foot of countertop where I can prepare basic meals. The menu is closer to the ready-made diet I favoured as a University student rather than the healthy gourmet I’ve become. Oh well - sometimes we need to take a step back to be ready to leap forward.

Life’s path is circular rather than linear. It winds up and down valleys, retraces its steps to gain better perspective and often moves in a spiral up and around a mountain instead of taking the most direct route. What feels like a setback is often part of this curvy journey. Stepping back allows for us to take stock of our strengths and of what still needs work. It helps us realize how far we’ve come. It helps us use tools and knowledge in a new way, for a new purpose.

In our fast-food, make-it-quick, I-want-it-now society, we often feel that a setback is a failure. We loose patience with the learning process. We want to know it, apply it, be proficient with it right away. This need to understand it all, and to “get it right” is a big source of stress, anger and frustration. We forget that some things take a lifetime (or more!) to truly understand. We also forget that there are many layers to understanding and that knowing with our heads or with logic is only a small piece of the puzzle.

I have been talking with a lot of people recently who are experiencing setbacks. It takes longer than they thought to reach their goals, and then they find out that they didn’t really like their chosen objective anyway - so what now? Others have a complete life or career do-over to deal with, and not always through conscious choice or decision. Many women feel sad, anxious and depressed because they are realizing that the life they have built for themselves is just not fulfilling - “was the last 15 years a lie? How do I deal with this?”, they ask.

If this sounds like you, I want you to take a look at my Programs. I teach from my own experience what works to get away from the drama of a setback. I help you gain a new perspective, so you can keep focusing on the moment and on the future your heart really wants to manifest. I help you get away from the superficial git-er-done-now and into the flow of your soul purpose. The process takes time - no fast-food about it! - but it’s well worth it. I know, because my clients tell me so, and not just out of politeness, teehee. I see the changes in their eyes and in their energy even before they become aware of it. I am so privileged to be a witness to such transformation, and I am happy, from the bottom of my heart, to be able to serve in this way.

Just as I know that the kitchen will be gorgeous when it’s done, with its splash of red and double the original space to cook and bake delicious meals and treats, I also have faith that this spiritual reno we are going through will have results beyond our expectations. I can see beyond the mess. It’s important, when we feel a setback, to get the tools we need to refocus, to learn the lessons, and get our sense of direction. When we’re done reacting and fretting and cursing… it’s easier to stay centred and plan the way forward toward what we really want.

Do you need help seeing beyond the mess? Talk to me.

Sending you blessings of Love!

I've been beating myself up again...

Dear Diary,

I've been beating myself up again.  I've been working too hard, taking very little breaks.  I love working and creating so much, and I get so deep in my creations that I forget to sit back and admire the work.  I forget to enjoy the creation.  In fact, when I get away from work and creation, it's like a postpartum: there's an empty space, a void, a what now that is so uncomfortable it's almost unbearable.

And then, because I'm so tired, all those beasties come up to play tricks in my mind.  I'm not good enough.  I'm not doing it right.  I'm not getting the results I was going for therefore there is something fundamentally wrong with me.  I'm a sorry example for a human being.  What the heck am I thinking of being a Lightworker and trying to show others how to light their lives.  I should just crawl back in a hole, curl up in a ball and stay there.  Why did I have to incarnate again, just to feel this misery and the heaviness of the human condition?  I don't think I'm up for the challenge.

Oh, the dark recesses of my mind.  They keep me up at night.  They shut me down during the day.  It's like no one can understand just how dark and gloomy it can be.  Just like the sun can't shine through thick stormy clouds, not much joy can come through when the mood is so gloomy.  And because it's dark, it feels heavy and lonely.

But just like I know that the sun is always shining behind those thick dark clouds, I know that Love and Joy are still there behind the veil of the negative mind tricksters.  I can recognize them when they show up.  And now I'm going to do something about them.

First, I have exposed them by writing about them.  Aha - now they're out in the open, and they don't like that.  Like mold, they prefer the dark damp corners of fear and doubt.  They don't like fresh air.  Take that, beasties!

Then, it's time for a long hot shower using a sea salt scrub.  I love this ritual.  Scrubbing the body clears the mind and emotions, and the sea salt absorbs and removes the charged ions in my energy.  I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, in body-mind-spirit!  I will also enjoy using a mix of citrus, sage and sweet grass after the shower.  When I bless my body, I bless my soul.  It's a reminder that my body is the holy house of my spirit.  I need that reminder for otherwise it would be difficult to care for my body.  Speaking of caring for my body, I will also do yoga and get proper nutrition today.  I haven't been very good at caring for my body lately.  Body: please forgive me.  I love you, and thank you.

Then, for every beastie that shows up, I'll assign two angels to escort them out of my mind and into the open, fresh Light.  I'm asking for help from the angels to replace each negative thought by two loving thoughts.  What works well?  What have I learned?  What I have done to bring a smile to someone?

Finally, I will take the gratitude challenge and state out loud all the things, personal attributes, relationships, and opportunities for which I am grateful.  I am taking responsibility for my joy and happiness.  I'm done blaming myself, others, the environment and even God for the mess I'm in.  I'm clearing all that up.

Dear God: thank you for helping me see clearly through this new challenge.  Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to pick myself up again, to find meaning and purpose again.  May your work be done through me, in me and by me.  As I pick myself up again and learn to play more, relax more and listen to you more, may I be able to lift others up as well toward your Loving Light.  And so it is.

And now: play time.  Maybe I'll go to the spa today?  That would be a refreshing break after my long walk in Nature.  I hereby declare that work is done for the day!

An invitation to heal your heart - August 23-24 2014

What if you could spend time with like-minded folks?  What if you had a rejuvenating weekend away from all your obligations and you could walk away feeling refreshed, invigorated and having a strategy and tools in place to help you manage your stress when you return to your daily grind?  What if you gave yourself the care, time and attention you normally give others -- just for a weekend? I am thrilled to have partnered with two amazing ladies - a yoga instructor and a relaxation promoter - to offer you a wonder-full weekend.  You'll journey into your heart space to find healing and inner peace.  Read more here. We are looking forward to welcoming you on August 23-24! In this wonder-full 2-day workshop you will: boost your self-love and self-healing learn Vinyasa yoga sequences to open the heart chakra experience healing meditations receive Reiki energy explore your heart chakra space receive messages from spiritual guides experience Chakradance ...and of course meet like-minded women, and possibly new friends! It's the perfect time for this workshop and to take a pause to nurture yourself between the busy-ness of summer and the return to the school routine. We have so much to offer between Yoga, Reiki, Chakradance, Meditation and spiritual coaching...   And we're ready to give you even more! RSVP today and receive these gifts -- a $600 value for only $197! Your ticket to this wonder-full weekend journey (value $197) A 30-minute clarity session (value $75) A 15-minute Angel or Oracle Card Reading (value $25) One ticket to the 4-weeks Mentored Reiki Online Training Program (value $297) A small crystal (value $6) Our mission is to provide you with the tools, experience and knowledge on your journey to wholeness and self-love. Let's journey together! Thank you for purchasing your tickets in advance.  Register with friends and save even more - and everyone who registers receives the gifts listed above! Number of tickets

1 Person $197.00 CAD  You + 1 friend = save $300.00 CAD  You + 2 friends = save more! $360.00 CAD

 

Reiki and Energy Work for a broken bone - Epilogue

Over a year already since I injured my wrist. I am finally taking time to write an epilogue to the three blog entries documenting my journey with a cast.

• March 25, 2013: Reiki and Energy Work for a Broken Bone
• April 1, 2013:  Reiki for a broken bone - Week 1
• April 8, 2013:  Reiki for a broken bone - Week 2

I think that part of the reason why I was procrastinating writing more on this healing journey is that I felt it had somehow failed. When I returned to the hospital 4 weeks after my injury I expected the bones to be fully mended – after all, doctors had said it would take 4-6 weeks for the injury to heal, and Reiki is supposed to speed up recovery so I expected my healing would take a shorter amount of time.

Once the cast was removed, I knew it wasn’t healed and I felt surprised and disappointed. I couldn’t even raise my arm from the x-ray table without assistance from my left hand due to the pain. My hand was still swollen and yellow from the bruising. The lines in my palm were absent due to the swelling (it was so strange to see a blank palm!). Then I started wondering if I had done Reiki “wrong”, or if I hadn’t been consistent enough in my application of Reiki, or if Reiki really did work… My faith in energy healing was dampened, and that is not something I am proud of nor did I want to share my doubts with my clients, students and readers. I could still feel the energy at work, I felt the reassurance of guides, and I knew I was growing emotionally and spiritually – but why wasn’t my body healing almost instantly?

The cast was removed 3 weeks later, the injury being fully healed. I needed a few weeks more to slowly return to the full use of my hand, wrist and arm. My chiropractor gently adjusted the wrist bones and my massage therapist continued to relieve residual pain in the shoulder girdle and arm. And oh the joy of showering without a plastic bag on my arm, and washing my hair with both hands! I returned to the joy of writing with my right hand, sleeping without pillow support under my arm and without the fear of clubbing my husband as I slept, cooking without the odors of the food “sticking” to the cotton of the cast and following me everywhere… And the household slowly went back to its previous state with most of the house chores falling upon me, the others being not as quick to help now that I wasn’t as helpless…

There are some good habits I maintained, like involving my son in cooking and increasing his chores to a level more appropriate to his age. I am also better at asking for help although deep down I still dislike it. I guess I have some of that super-woman I-can-do-it-all syndrome going on…

It was also interesting to use my wrists as practice for my students discovering energy work and Reiki; I was asking them to energetically sense both wrists and see if there was a difference, and all of them were amazed that they could sense a difference between the wrists. Most noted that there was more buzzing energy over the one that had been injured. The wrist continued to protect itself and kept knitting the bones for many months after the cast was removed.

In May this year, I met a gentleman in his sixties sporting a blue cast. I asked him about his injury and shared some of my story about breaking my wrist while disco-skating. He had tripped over an electrical cord. He mentioned that he took three days before going to the hospital because although he felt some pain, there was very little swelling and he just thought he had sprained his wrist. He was surprised that he actually had broken a bone.

A few weeks later, my son broke his wrist while playing dodge ball at school. Same story with him: there was some pain and minimal swelling but no big egg-shaped swelling on the wrist and “sausaging” of the fingers like I had experienced the previous year. But with the story of the other man fresh in my memory, I decided to bring my son to the ER for an x-ray just in case. He was in a cast for 4 weeks.

A few hours after breaking my wrist,
still in the ER with disco glitter...
Can you see the egg shaped swelling
forming over the broken bone?

So then I realized how serious my injury had been. In comparison to these 2 new case studies, where there was only discomfort instead of pain that would make you pass out, and no swelling… I had won the prize so to speak for the biggest, baddest wrist injury around. Then I remembered how Reiki helped me reduce the pain and keep my intake of painkiller to a minimum during the first few days. I wasn’t surprised anymore that it took my body more than 4 weeks to heal since it had more work to do than for a simple fracture. I became actually amazed that it took only 7 weeks to heal now that I understood how messy the injury had been. I was finally able to move from disappointment in energy work in the matter of broken bones, into gratitude and love.

And so it is true that healing doesn’t always work in the way we wish it to work. In my case, I had wanted a full recovery in 4 weeks or less without understanding the gravity of the situation. When I realized it wasn’t happening, my faith in energy work wavered. What was I doing wrong that my request went unanswered? I wanted my will to be done without understanding the bigger picture…

Can you see that pattern in your life as well – wanting your will to be manifested instantly without an understanding of the fuller picture? Is it difficult for you to fully surrender to Spirit without wanting to control the outcome of a situation? Do you judge what should happen and are you disappointed when what you believe should happen does not manifest?

We all go there. It’s one of our lessons as humans.

I now feel more humble and grateful for the healing gifts I have. I know they work although it’s not always in the shape, type or timing I imagine. I am learning to “let go and let God” in an even deeper, more intimate and more grateful way than ever before.

Do you need help understanding the greater picture of a physical or emotional injury? I’ve been through a personal process and I have also guided many clients to more clarity, understanding and inner peace. I would love to have the opportunity to journey with you, too.

If you want to explore how we could be a good match to journey together, book your complimentary 30-minute Clarity Session. This link brings you straight to my calendar so you can book a time and date that is most convenient to you. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Like riding your first giant roller coaster…

Last week, I watched a bit of television with my son. He was fascinated with the world of rollercoasters and extreme waterparks, how they are built and how they function. Meanwhile, I was tuning in to the feelings and mind mechanics of the people riding them.

As I watched the would-be riders size up the rollercoaster or giant water slide, the excitement and adrenaline was palpable. Their thought processes went from, “this is huge, it might break down as we’re riding, there may be a failure, I might pass out”… to “OK let’s do it!” And there’s always that one friend trying to convince the others that it will be fun. Once they choose to proceed, they release the stress while riding with their hands up and yelling their lungs out, and affirm they want to do it all over again. They say, “that was awesome! It wasn’t as bad as I thought! I’m so glad I did it!”

Many come to me with the wish to develop their spiritual gifts, including their intuitive and psychic abilities. And yet, as they ponder what’s on the other side of the door, so to speak, they feel fear, terror, anger and upset. They are afraid of opening up their intuition, for they fear the unknown – and they fear the Hollywood version of what being intuitive is all about. They are upset that they can’t easily communicate with loved ones who have crossed over – and yet they are afraid of ghosts and things that go bump in the night. They are angry with the system or with a religious background that taught that being intuitive is somehow evil. They are afraid to fail, or think they are not worthy. They put up their own barriers to their development. They self-sabotage because they unconsciously choose to sit in their fear instead of moving toward inner peace. Fear can be paralyzing. And addictive.

Many people just stare at the giant roller coaster of spiritual self-development and sit in that fear of riding it. They size up its immense potential. They don’t know if they’re worthy or capable of riding it. Not very many have the courage to face their fears and move on. Not many have the gumption to ride the wave while completely letting go, hands up in the air and yelling wheeeeee!

Are you staring up at that spiritual roller coaster with thoughts of fear and terror? Remember, these are only thoughts, and you can choose to think otherwise.

Trust me, riding the spiritual roller coaster is not as scary as it seems. You’ll be really glad to get onboard – and I can teach you how to do so in a way that is safe, grounded, gradual and fun! You’ll see how simple it really is. (I’m like that friend in the roller coaster series, standing with you until you find your courage to ride – and I’ll be riding beside you, holding your hand if I must!)

Are you ready to put your seatbelt on and go for the ride of your life? Ask me how! Let’s do this!

Sending you blessings of joy!

I am grateful for bird pooh

Really? How can that be? And how can that be spiritual?? How dare I go there?

The thing is, it’s often the small things in life that bear great gifts. It is also often the messy parts of our lives that bring forth treasures of courage, soul growth, and myriad blessings.

Surprise!  Black Raspberries from my garden.

This year, I decided I wouldn’t do a vegetable garden. Launching my business full time is taking a lot of time and effort and I decided I just didn’t have the energy or dedication to spend the required time outdoors weeding, planting, rearranging, watering… Nature decided otherwise.

Five rows of garlic came up, and just about as many onions – I had forgotten to harvest the bulbs last year. So did 2 potato plants, and a patch of carrot seeds that didn’t want to grow last year suddenly decided this was the year to grow. Then, hiding behind the garden shed is a treasure: a huge bush or two of black raspberries! They are so delicious and filled with sunshine, and unlike the seeds and bulbs I know I planted earlier, they came as a complete surprise. The seeds were probably dropped by a bird. Or a squirrel. Likely from their digestive tract…

And because business and spiritual development is always on my mind, it got me thinking: in life and in business, we often have to work through lots of… unpleasant things… to grow our dreams, goals and aspirations. When someone deals us less savoury comments or menial tasks, it is good practice to see how we can move through that and learn valuable life lessons and skills that will bring us closer to our objective. When life drops us an unexpected painful situation, it is good practice to become aware how that situation contributed to our character and growth as a person. We don’t see the benefits right away, and the life lesson isn’t immediately clear: like the seeds that work their way through manure to grow to their highest potential, we need to take a step back and allow life and energy to work its magic within us. We want to see results right away, when sometimes we need to wait for thought-seeds to grow and blossom at the most appropriate time.

Often, it is through unpleasant events, and when we expect it the least, that we find the best, biggest, juiciest surprises!

And so, as I eat a bowlful of sunny black raspberries, I give thanks to the bird who dropped the seeds last year. I give thanks for the surprise bounty of my garden. I give thanks to the less savoury bits of my life too because, in retrospect, I understand how they became fertile ground for growing my dreams, my gifts, my soul.

Can you spend some time today giving thanks for the pooh in your life? What bounty has grown of it? What is the lesson or the blessing?

I have many tools, meditations and mindset-shifting techniques I would love to teach you! I can work with you on changing your mindset and your perceptions. I can help you understand the soul lessons of your life.  I can surround you with the energy of Reiki that will nurture your soul.  Are you ready to feel more joy and abundance?

Sending you blessings of joy!

“Deserving of fire’n brimstone”…

For many years, I lived in fear of my Light. I feared that I would be ridiculed, accused of dark things, and actually harmed if I came out of the spiritual closet. It took me a lot of work to overcome my fears and accept to be vulnerable as I offer my services and gifts to the world.

A few weeks ago, Universe orchestrated a test for me using one of my fears as guidepost. As I make myself ready to be more present in my own life and reach out to others from my heart centre, I received a call from a local journalist who wanted to meet me and write an article on my business and services. This was such a gift and I feel so very grateful!

The fearful part of me is still stirring up and wondering what people might think. This is the small community in which I grew up. There are people reading the paper with whom I went to High School and, ego assures me, they don’t have a good opinion of me. What will they think now? I’ll surely be outcast.  Then, as I read the comments some people left below the online version of the article, I read that someone thought that it was deserving of “fire’n brimstone”. Phew. I took a moment to check within and feel the repercussions of all this.

I found quite to my surprise that I was OK with that person’s opinion. I didn’t feel the need to hide or go into overwhelmed protective mode. I didn’t need to accuse back, blame and judge to disperse my unease. I’m stronger than that now, thank goodness! I was actually able to laugh. “Fire’n brimstone – that’s soooo yesterday, or rather lifetimes ago!  That is not stopping now!”

There are so many of us Lightworkers who are afraid to shine our Light because of fear – fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of being shunned, fear of harm… We keep our light dim, even to ourselves, out of an outdated survival mode. We have lived horrors in past lives, and in this life too, just for being sensitive and using healing gifts. And perhaps we have done horrors in past lives misusing the gifts or condemning others with the gift to protect our true nature.

We know, however, that the world is transforming and has the potential to transition to a higher vibration. We know that the world needs us. Then why are we still playing shy and small? Why do we allow fear to rule our life and shut out the Light?

I am celebrating today that part of me that has healed from past hurts. I am honoring that part of me who can now send Love to those who would accuse me based on their own fears and preconceived notions. I rejoice that I have passed one of Universe’s tests! It took years to get to this point, and I needed to celebrate it! My heart opens up even further in gratitude and compassion as I ready for the next leg of the journey.

Are you needing help to transition from a place of fear to a place of Love and compassion? I am sending you Love and White Light on the wings of angels. If you feel like talking about your situation and your journey, it would be my pleasure to listen and hold the energy for you.

There will be people on your journey to oppose you, to test you, to dislike you. It’s your choice to let that stop you in your tracks or to grow from the experience. And I want to be there for you as you journey, just like my Reiki masters and coaches have been there for me as I journeyed through the messiness of healing.

The world needs you, Lightworker! Shine your Light!

White Light Blessing to you!

I am seeing you today, wrapped in beautiful White Light like a comfortable blanket, sheltering your energy body and soothing your soul. Under this cocoon of White Light, your soul smiles and grows.

Spiritual Guidance for November 2013

Decks used: John Holland “The Psychic Tarot”; Denise Linn “Soul Coaching Oracle Cards”; Colette Baron-Reid “Wisdom of the Hidden Realms”


Like many Lightworkers, empaths and sensitive souls, have you felt the energy of change carried in the past few months? Have you learned lessons, through trial and error, about respecting personal boundaries and standing in your own Power with Love and Compassion? For me, October was a very busy month that brought me validation on various issues in my life and professional direction. I am much stronger now in my Solar Plexus, and I delight in my ability to hold on to a Loving vision for myself, my projects and my ability to serve. The doubts that were shrouding my vision are dissipated. My heart is smiling, beaming even!

For this month’s reading, I asked what our common biggest challenge would be as we continue to work with Energy for our souls’ evolution. I also asked how we can best shift this challenge into a learned lesson, and who is our best spiritual guide and companion at this time.

Our biggest challenge this month is our resistance to listen to our own inner wisdom. In this society, we often measure our worth with the quantity of activities we can cram into our schedule. We have evolved into human DOINGS instead of human BE-ings. We are now being challenged to find pockets of peace in every day where we can nourish our soul. Remember that filling a perceived void with activities, loud music, parties and food doesn’t necessarily nourish your soul long-term... The answers you seek are not necessarily found in the outer world. Take regular time to withdraw from commotion and drama, and use this stillness to reflect and reevaluate what makes you happy. Ponder how you can honour your unique gifts and share these with the world from your heart space. Conserve your energy and deal with one issue at a time instead of trying to tackle everything at once. Remember that your soul constantly draws to itself exactly what it needs at the appropriate time to learn and grow. To feel guided and at one with Universe, Spirit and the community of Light, you must take time daily to commune with your soul.

The best way for us to shift this challenge into a learned soul lesson is to be very mindful of our thoughts and our actions. We have to remember to use our free will to CHOOSE the thoughts, actions and emotions that support our continued soul evolution. Thoughts carry a tremedous amount of Energy, and what we choose to focus on will manifest. It’s time to take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. If we want peace in the world, we ourselves must BE peace. If we want more love in our life we ourselves must BE love. If we want more abundance, we must be grateful for the abundance of gifts we already have, and for all the gifts available to us through Spirit. We are invited to pay attention to the minute details of our thoughts, emotions and actions, and if they don’t support our Higher Good we must find the source of the hurt and release it. We must exercise self-discipline towards more authenticity and more integrity in our inner and outer lives. It is time to maintain focus on our intentions.

The Lady of the Mirror reminds us that what we attract in our lives reflects the energy at which we vibrate. In our moments of silent introspection this month, we can invoke the Lady of Mirror to bring a higher perspective to our entire life’s events. She will teach us to take responsibility for our every action and every decision. She will help us see our role in every one of our life’s experiences, and to feel how interwoven all of our lives truly are. With her help, we can observe how we have reacted or responded to our life’s challenges and joys. We are invited to honour every part of our story with Love and Compassion. Everything that has ever happened to us has served our soul’s growth. If there’s something we don’t like when we contemplate our life, how can we bring more Love, forgiveness and higher understanding to the situation or relationship? Taking responsibility for our every decision, word and deed can be very freeing, and it will help us recenter, recalibrate, and refocus. We are co-creators with the divine; we must learn to take responsibility for our role in the creation of our life’s unfolding. Once we take this responsibility, we can choose to create the magic that feeds our soul to its highest fulfilment.

Spiritual Assignments This Month

• Continue the reflections suggested last month: Examine your core values, beliefs, goals and objectives: are they in congruence with your heart’s desires? Are you living in congruence with them? Is your inner life reflected in your outer life, and vice-versa? What can you shift in your life to live more aligned with your heart and the highest common good? 
• Examine your thoughts, emotions and actions: are they serving your highest good? Find tools to shift to more positive vibrations, towards a greater degree of self-love. 
• Practice (not only with words, but with your actions!) the following affirmation: “I am impeccable in my thoughts, words and deeds.” Journal on the meaning of this affirmation for you. 
• Learn to differentiate between the voice of ego and that of Spirit. 
• Spend at least 5 minutes a day in quiet contemplation. Give thanks for the day ahead as soon as you wake in the morning. Admire the sun, the clouds, the beauty of family bonds, the social ties at work… 
• Rearrange your schedule to book some meditation time for yourself. Evaluate if you truly need to spend you energy on all these activities – do they nourish your soul? Choose quality over quantity. 
• Notice the people and resources that come into your life this month, and listen to the wisdom they share with you. This exchange might provide you with insight and wisdom into your own life. 

Share your experience and observations below to place it in the energy grid. Blessed be!

New Edition of Love & Light Newsletter!

I am pleased to share with you the new edition of my Love & Light Newsletter! In this issue: a time for introspection and redefining goals; working with Lavender, spiritual guidance for this quarter and information on my new "at home" service!

Send me your email address if you would like to receive a printable version.

I am planning something special on Saturday, October 26th at 1PM... or after dark, perhaps... Would you like to participate in a short introduction to mediumship and experience your own ability to communicate with the deceased? This workshop is centred on Love and Healing. Email me if you're interested!

If you are interested in any of my programs, would like to book a single session, or would like to book a group event at your place, please call me or send me an email! I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Stressed-Out Pufferfish and Lessons in Transformation

Pufferfish Jaz...

Many activities have started for me over the past 3 weeks: my (temporary!) return to corporate world, two classes for new certifications (and I am so looking forward to sharing these with you!), and one chakra clearing class.  I thought I was handling it all quite well and with grace until I hit a roadblock in one of my classes.

I have been feeling quite overwhelmed with everything going on, and I have been using all the tools I know to manage my energy - from positive thinking to salt baths and energy work.  But, working on my Sacral Chakra, I lost connection.  The communication line between my inner and outer selves went dead, so to speak.

In one of my classes, my homework was to feel the energies of the Sacral Chakra's archetypes:  the Empress (light aspect) and the Martyr (shadow aspect).  I felt no connection to either.  Nothing. Nada.  In the required body movement exercises, my body did not want to move, and my mind certainly did not want to go where the guided visualization was going...  "Lalalalalalala...  not going there.  Nope, just not going there..." seemed to scream something from deep within me.

I know I have my share of wounds in the Sacral Chakra, from childhood "you're so weird" / "hide your creative side" wounds to events redefining me as a young woman, dealing with infertility issues and so much pain.  There's much "water" under that bridge (heehee, yes water is the element of the Sacral Chakra) and yet somehow I choose to hang on to these sob stories.  There is much I have not forgiven yet.  There is an element of power when you don't forgive and hold on to a hurt, like a self-validation of sorts.  Not surrendering to healing is a powerful choice, one where I know it's MY will - not any one else's, and not the Divine's.  I decide.  I choose.  You can't make me.

In the midst of all this reflection, I clearly saw the situation from a higher perspective.  It was a bit of an epiphany, really.  The reason why I was not connecting with the archetypes and the feelings of this chakra was because I was acting out of the shadow of this chakra.  Ouch!  I can be quite the pufferfish in times of stress!  Swimming along and then BAM!  The don't-touch-me-get-away-from-me-you-suck pufferfish is all inflated, needle points out and all.

There have been many decisions and actions made from this shadow side, from hurt, pain, and ego.  But what would happen if I forgave myself?  What would my identity be then?  So many things would change.  I'd have to be accountable for my actions and my decisions and not blame others.  I'd have to move to self-love instead of self-loathing in this area of my personality.  I would not be able to recount the same old stories of hurt again and relive them with the same gusto once the balm of healing is applied.  The whole paradigm and perspective would shift.  Am I ready for that, or as the Martyr archetype would I prefer to continue to dig my heels in and resist?

There is a point of no return in transformation: once Love enters, there is no room for shadows, there is no room for the familiar.  A new path is laid out, needing to be discovered.  The comfort zone is abolished and one has to be ready for the new adventure that is Spirit-centered and infused with Love.

Spiritual transformation is not easy, because it means being ready to let go of old hurts and deep-set patterns.  Ego certainly prefers to keep the status quo, and the more a person is called to change and transform, the more the ego seems to resist.

The wonderful thing about working with shadow archetypes is that once you name the shadow, you own it - it does not own you anymore.  It brings out your truth and hidden motivations.  When you're ready to listen to its story, you can find healing and consciously continue your Awakening.

I still have some deep wounds to forgive and heal, but I've made a great leap with this shadow work.  I feel the pufferfish returning to its normal state, unthreatened and merrily swimming in the ocean.  Now, I can connect with the archetypes of the sacral chakra, and I can dance with the Empress, knowing that my seedlings nurtured in my creativity centre will grow and manifest, all with divine timing.  The dance of the Empress is one of Abundance and trust in the Divine.  It is a dance of Empowerment and unity with the Universe.  I am gaining confidence and comfort in this new awareness.  The path before me is not so scary anymore.

I think the Empress' parting wish would borrow from the Vulcans...  "Go forth and prosper."  ;)

Moving towards inner peace

The lead-up to my return to work last week was chaotic, with my "flight or fight" mechanism turned way up, my Inner Child kicking and screaming, and my Inner Critic voicing her dislike, pointing at my flaws, and being quite disappointed overall.

Thank goodness I have tools to manage my energy!  And thank goodness I remembered to use them!!  The night prior to my return to work I took a nice long shower using a sea salt scrub, with the intention of clearing my energy field and relaxing muscles and mind.  I did several rounds of Tapping.  I prayed to be able to stay calm and centered while observing the facts from a higher perspective, gaining insights on the higher purpose of my return to work.

And it worked.

What a relief.

I learned so much about myself in one week, and I was able to release so many old, outdated and negative patterns.  I felt much lighter and empowered.  I still felt a bit shaky in some areas, like a fawn trying her legs out for the first steps.  I am just so amazed to seeing how my transformational work has changed me.  I am so grateful that I have a perfect environment where I can apply my techniques.  I proved to myself that these techniques work, and work fast!  I know this richness of experience is making me a better person, and a better teacher.

Here are some of my biggest "AHA" moments of the week:

• Sea salt baths and sea salt scrubs work miracles to help me stay focused on the positive.  I read before that the sea salt's properties help neutralize the positive ions in one's energy field, leaving more space for the peaceful negative ions.  In the New Age field, we might say that we would prefer keeping the positive ions...  but remember science class in High School: the positive ions are the ones that are charged, while the negative ions are not.  The positive ions in your energy field are the ones that have attracted and became "glued" to elements of the environment, including other people's energy - so your energy field is vibrating with all these elements that are not yours.  It is best for one's energy field to be cleansed of all these "energetic debris" that you've picked up through the day.  I always feel centered, reenergized and calm after using a sea salt product to cleanse my aura.
• The voice of fear is a frequency that can be turned down and tuned out.  I realized how much fear I was carrying, and how loud that inner voice was.  If I would think of changing the time of a meeting, that voice would loudly state that it was not feasible, that it was unreasonable, that I would be denied my request, that others would be angry with me, how could I dare even ask...  Whoa, Nelly!  I have challenged that voice this week, asking her "is that really true?  Let's just try and see."  And then I would make a point of noticing positive evidences like, "You see, it was easy to change the time of that meeting.  I noticed how open and receptive to my ideas others actually were."  Slowly but surely, the voice of fear from that inner critic is diminishing.
• Weird things happen when you live out your shadow.  I grew up with a sister who was very dramatic, vocal, emotional and at times violent.  I suffered deep hurts, and I noticed how she was hurting other family members.  I vowed to never be like her.  The trouble is, when you vow to never be like someone else, you are denying yourself a part of who you are.  I realized how much I had been denying my own power, my own emotions and my own needs.  Not expressing my needs out of fear of being like someone who hurt me has actually not served anyone.  It created resentment in me in addition to low self-esteem; I was resentful that others would not meet my needs and my expectations...  but if I could not even formulate these needs for myself, how could others even begin to decode what they are, let alone meet them?  Resentment narrows one's perspective and darkens the experience of life.  Wow - huge life lesson here and continued transformation in progress.
• Living in the moment is a gift.  Part of my commitment to myself was to police my thoughts.  Every time I noticed my thoughts went in a direction that felt icky, I would notice 1-3 positive things in the present moment, and I would affirm these out loud.  If I noticed my thoughts were going toward the "oh for goodness' sake this work is crap" sinkhole, I would reply with, "but notice how beautiful it is outside today, and how lucky I am to be working from home with the windows open, feeling the breeze on my skin."  These statements instantly shifted the energy of my thoughts.

I am happy to notice that, at the start of Week 2, I am more at peace with my decision to return to the corporate world.  I am very happy to be learning life lessons and releasing karma.  Most of all, I keep holding on to the knowledge that Universe has something else planned for me that just wasn't quite ready yet (I wasn't quite ready yet), and pieces of the puzzle are now coming together nicely.  I am very grateful that the next time I leave corporate world, it will be with a light heart and not the with the heavy, angry and resentful heart I once had.  Healing is such a wonder-filled journey!

I am very grateful that the person who will replace me is being prepared on the energy level.  I know this replacement will become manifest in the very near future, and I am so excited about all the new projects and opportunities coming my way!  

Spiritual Guidance for August: Breathe, Relax, Repeat.

It is my pleasure to share with you this oracle card reading! The question I asked, on our collective behalf, is for Spirit to communicate the next step we can take individually and as a group to raise our vibration while serving the Highest Good. Like many other Lightworkers out there, I am feeling the urge for change and the inner battle between the status quo and the unknown outcome of personal and spiritual growth. Fear is showing its tentacles and tries to seduce back from awareness. Several clients have raised the same issue this past month. As a collective, we are called to change and evolve and yet we’re afraid. Being aware of this fear and its roots, I ask for Spirit to guide us so that we may keep up the faith and our courage for a continued "Awakening-with-the-big-A"…

Decks used: John Holland “The Psychic Tarot”; Sonia Choquette “The Answer Is Simple”; Colette Baron-Reid “Wisdom of the Hidden Realms”

Two cards came out of the deck to represent us this month, as we deal with the energy of change and with the fears that are coming up to the surface: the 8 Wands (reversed) and the 5 Swords (reversed). Many of us, in our awakening process, have made wishes upon the stars; we have worked diligently on vision boards; we have partnered with Spirit so that we can serve the Highest Good since, bottom line, that is the biggest wish we hold in our heart. Now, these wishes and visions are coming true! We are faced with the physical manifestation of what once was only a thought or a wish. We realize now that a thought or a wish is not as frightening as its actual manifestation... As Lightworkers, we are often just as scared of success than we are of defeat. In past lives, we might have developed our spiritual qualities but were seduced by the dark side, or were forced to serve someone else’s ego instead of the greater good. We know of the karmic consequences of these alignments and we want to remain centred on Light and Spirit this time around. On the one side, we are elated that our dreams are coming true, yet this same elation makes us want to slam on the brakes. After all, what would this all mean if we have tangible proof that we are co-creators, that Spirit listens to us, that we do have the power to create the life of our dreams? Are we ready for this responsibility? Are we ready to receive all this goodness coming our way? Would it be too much for our lower self to handle? We are reminded that how we handle ourselves at this time is vital to our overall well-being. We are reminded to surrender to higher powers and to trust the flow of life. We are being tested on how well we can take our next step, and we must remember that life brings us many opportunities where we can choose to learn and grow.

Our next best action is clear: to be patient! Something powerful is in the works. We must find ways to cope with the anxiety bubbling up, and learn to relax and rest in the knowledge that only good can come from a transformation that is divinely inspired. The Universe will support our divine spirit in all of its sacred aims. The big change we are fearing will not come with a big BOOM like thunder in the sky; rather, it will be gentle and calm. It will blossom in its own time and will be as gentle as the petals of a flower opening up in the morning dew.

The Shadow Queen is our Ally as we learn to be patient with ourselves, as we notice that we are all but students of life and that we may not be as masterful in all areas as we’d like to think. She too advises to slow down the pace: details beyond our comprehension are preventing us to move at this time. Her lantern will shed light on inner and outer circumstances. As we wait for more to be revealed, she advises that we educate ourselves about our intention. We have to dig deep within ourselves to find courage. We are asked to put ego aside as we ask experts for help and advice. There is shadow and darkness looming – but we can learn from this. Keep your inner light shining during this time of transformation!

The likely outcome of this transformation, if we heed the advice of our guides and tend to our inner light, is the healing of past heartbreaks and emotional pains, as indicated by the 3 Swords reversed. We may finally understand that our feeling of separation from Source is only a perception, an illusion. We may finally understand what it means to truly love ourselves and to practice self-care. We will learn from past painful experiences and from life’s challenges, and we will become stronger as we move on. We will get through this transformation phase stronger, more wholesome, lighter and more joyful than ever before. We will realize that we have all the tools we require to guide and direct our life. Our increased Awareness will boost our psychic abilities as we partner even more closely with Spirit. We will more readily accept divine Magic and Miracles in our life, and our faith in the greater good and in the goodwill of humanity will be renewed.

Wow – that’s a tall order we have before us my friends. I feel better already have written these lines, inspired by Spirit through my Oracle cards. I hope that you, too, can feel a sense of ease. We will get through these trying times, and the more we relax into the flow the easier it will be.

Here is what I do to help me stay centred:

• I practice the “Breath of Life” exercise as taught by Sonia Choquette. Taking 15 minutes everyday to energize my body, set a happy intention and connect with Source is crucial. 
• I regularly stretch using yoga poses and breath work. 
• I read books and resources that support my inner peace and help me grow personally and spiritually 
• I tend not to watch the news as I know the way the news are handled feed the fear factor 
• I participate in online groups that send Love and Healing to various parts of the planet and its inhabitants of all forms. 

To support one another, share your tips and techniques to create your inner sanctum. How do you create peace within yourself to weather storms and shadows? How can I help you if you are struggling with fear? Can I teach you any of my techniques and support you energetically through Reiki and spiritual coaching?

Share your action below to place it in the energy grid.

Gardening Meditation: past successes can be dead weight

I have beautiful "Fairy Roses" in my front garden.  The rosebush, about 4 feet in diameter, was in full bloom when I took this picture in June.  Aren't they gorgeous?  I have never seen so many blossoms and flowers at once on this plant.

For most of June and July, the blooms kept coming and then dying away...  and I became secluded in my office as I wrote almost non-stop to prepare manuals and documentation, to do research and to tune-in to my Higher Consciousness and Spirit as I prepared for my new Lightworker Development Program. I did neglect my garden during that time.  The vegetable patch in the back was overrun by weeds and the gorgeous rosebush in the front looked grey, faded and heavy.

Now that I have put my books and writing aside for a few days to enjoy the sunshine and the success of last weekend's training, I put energy back in my garden.  Gardening is a wonderful time for me to feel connected to the Earth, to the food I eat and to the beauty that surrounds us.  The hours I spend weeding and pruning bring me great satisfaction as I reconnect body-mind-spirit.  It's a wonderful time for active meditation.  As I tell my students, meditation is not just about sitting in lotus pose and trying to avoid the thoughts that come to your mind; meditation can also be active, when you garden or cook or do dishes.  It's when you allow your thoughts to ebb and flow while being a distant observer of your mind.  And it's about grabbing on to a thought that feels like a lesson when you recognize it entering your consciousness - and then releasing it with the other thoughts.

My "revelation" today came as I pruned my rosebush.  It looked so tired and faded.  It looked flattened, all branches flat on all sides and nothing in the middle.  It looked sad.  As I pruned away the heavier branches and removed the dead flowers, the thought occurred to me that past successes can be burdensome, just like a spent flower can weigh down a plant.

Have you had instances in your life when you felt you had to live up to a past success, and its weight, or the fear of never doing as good again, was almost paralyzing?  Or are you stuck in a thinking pattern where things were much better in the past, and even the difficulties have almost a saintly glow while the present looks bleak and the future even bleaker?  Or maybe you can recall a child prodigy with tons of trophies and certificates or movies and achievements, who is living a very seemingly messed-up adulthood for lack of being able to outgrow the "rut" past successes have carved?

In spiritual circles, we often talk about cutting away karmic cords tying our energy to negative life events, people and emotions.  Perhaps it would also be good to look at our attachments to the good things in life, too.  Maybe at times we are too attached to past successes that we forget to live happily in the now time.  We forget to create beauty now for fear that it won't be viewed as good as the beauty of our past.  We go dormant and are unable to bloom in our present because our energy is still drained by the past, that we are reliving daily in our mind like a nostalgic movie.

I have experienced the effect of this nostalgia in my public service career.  One of my mandates was to develop a change management tool and training for a nation-wide initiative.  One of the personality types I encountered was the "Everything was so good 20 years ago, and then you changed it all to this new initiative, and then changed it again.  Things were so good then I don't know why it was ever changed in the first place.  And now you're changing it again with so many elements from 20 years ago.  It's just ridiculous." This personality type resisted change.  And sometimes this personality didn't go as far back as 20 years; I've noticed it in a still-green manager for whom things "at her old place of work" were much better, the team was more friendly, the projects were more juicy...  Although going back to the past to learn lessons from experiences - successes and failures both - can enlighten the present, being stuck in the past - however good it was - is not helping the present at all.  Commiserating on the past is not bringing solutions to present situations.  Being in the grips of the past is disempowering and can stop someone from evolving and growing.

How can I apply this lesson in my life?  Well, up until last October, I was working in corporate world until my body and mind could no longer cope with a job that was not in resonance with the call of my higher self.  Although I LOVE and am so happy with the life I am creating now, everyday, a part of me is still stuck in the past.  That part of me is the one who really enjoyed the stability and security of steady income.  Whether I was busy or not, productive or not - I still received the same good paycheque right in my bank account every other week.  Income is much more fluid now as I start and grow my own business and draw upon some savings...  Remaining stuck on the "it was so nice when my paycheque was so stable" might be a roadblock, or a road-sign in my journey.  If I stay stuck in that energy, I might feel I have no choice but to return to a stable income in the corporate world.  Will I be able to see the opportunities for growth when the risk of an unsteady income can be so scary?  Am I ready to dead-head that bloom of the past?

I also realized that one of the problems I experienced in my last job was that I felt undervalued.  I felt that my managers did not recognize the wealth of experience I was bringing to the team.  I felt they treated me for less than I deserved.  In previous jobs, I participated in inter-departmental committees overseeing the policy development for the whole country, and now I was relegated to a cubicle with my opinion questioned at every turn.  I realized today that because I felt I had more value in the past, I felt disengaged in the present.  And I was very likely a tid bit arrogant - how dare they question me?  How could they not know the knowledge and experience I have?  Oh the stress I put my mind and body through for living more glorious days in the past and not fully embracing the present...  And as I complained about "their" ego, here was mine going full steam ahead...

And I continued to trim away dead branches and spent flowers from my rosebush.  I felt its energy return - and it did help, I think, that there was a mist of rain falling.  The rosebush perked back up, looking like a bush again and ready to produce more buds and beautiful flowers, its leaves a deep green and resilient, shining in the warm July rain.

I put my gardening tools away, and now am working on my spiritual tools to cut away those past blooms and dead branches that I am still holding on to.  It's through pruning - the bad AND the good - that we can feel revitalized and healthy.  We can honour our past, and yet be fully present in the now; now is the time we have to co-create our reality.  What is done is done.  What we can do in our present and in support of the future we want depends on our thoughts and actions in this moment.

How about you?  What spent blossom are you holding on to?  What past glory are you ready to cut, so that you stop feeling weighed down and start feeling revitalized, whole and healthy?

How can I support you and help you?

I am sending you much Love and Light, on a carpet of fresh roses.

What is your Lightworker name?

I created a bit of fun!  What is your Lightworker name?  Share it below.
My Lightworker name is Teacher Guide of Crystalline Cove.   :)

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Be sure to take a look at the new Lightworker Name tab !  That's the space where I share information on Lightworker Names and upcoming events to share the wisdom behind the names. :)

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Wow! This name game I created in July went viral on Facebook in November!  I am so pleased and blessed that people around the world are enjoying this game.  I have received so many emails and requests for information, I feel the need to provide some context...

I created this game one hot July afternoon.  I felt very creative and inspired.  There are so many name games out there where you can "discover" your stripper name, your holiday elf name, or share an action you would do based on birth month, the colour of your shirt, a letter in your name...  So I thought it would be fun to create something for us Lightworkers.  I just sat down at my computer and allowed this chart to come through.

Why have I picked the 3rd letter of your first name and the month of birth?  It felt right.  There is no science involved here.  It's totally based on my creative intuition.

Who are these characters and places I mention in the game?  I tried to represent as many talents and spiritual energies as possible, to showcase the broad range of talents we find in our Lightworker community, and the energies many of us are called to work with.  I included archetypes, spiritual guides, and characters that speak to me through legends, folks' tales and fables.  I included concepts of various spiritual traditions.  I included energies of the Earth, the Sea, the Stars and higher dimensions.

I am grateful to Spirit for helping me create this game, where so many Lightworkers feel a personal attachment, or vibe, with their result.  Thank you so much for vibrating to the beautiful, creative and joyful energy I infused in this work!  So many have written to me that they resonate with their Lightworker name, that indeed they do work with Fairies, or are more comfortable near the Ocean, or that they do feel that their soul comes from the stars, or that they do live their life applying that special talent...  I am amazed and so happy that Spirit worked through me as I completely surrendered to creativity so that "just a game" became very meaningful for so many!  Spirit works in wonderful ways!

If you want to know more about your personal Soul Profile, including your soul group of origin and your spiritual gifts, book a session with me.  I'll access your soul's information through the Akashic Records.  You will receive validation of your soul's core strengths and gifts.  You will receive guidance on how to flow with your personal energies, instead of fighting them.  You will also receive action steps to clear away old karma and blocks, so you can truly shine.  Hop on HERE to view more info on how to book a session.

Many many blessings of Love and Joy to you!

Embrace your physical senses; they lead you to your divine expression

MYTH: Being spiritual implies renouncing the physical world.

TRUTH: Being spiritual implies giving meaning to the physical world, in service to the Divine. All of your senses are tools to connect you with the divine in a deeper, more meaningful way. Daily chores, work tasks and relationships are lessons by which our souls grow.

Withdrawing from the world can actually stump spiritual growth by removing valuable lessons and teaching points from our lives. Leading a sterile life devoid of sensuality and pleasure isn't spiritual; it is renouncing the gifts Creator continually bestows upon us and can lead to sadness, bitterness, and arrogance.

It can be difficult to feel connected to the divine while dealing with day-to-day living. It can be difficult to feel connected to One-ness when doing dishes, laundry, Excel worksheets, business plans, homework, purchasing leisure items such as a pool or a motorcycle... But difficulty in connecting in these circumstances are really just a ploy from the ego to keep your spirit subservient.

Being connected to your inner self and to spirit means embracing, enjoying, and being responsibly grounded in everyday life. Love your earthly experience, see how enriching it can be for your soul. The more Joy you feel, the more Joy you spread around - and yet don't get mesmerized by the physical things and live only for the high of physical sensations... there is balance to be had.

Devote all your daily acts to the One Love, and be grateful for all the wonderful things you can enjoy and share. Use the physical world and all your physical senses to know, love, and express your spirit fully.

Remember: nothing in life is inherently good or bad - only your thoughts make it seem so.

(Adapted from the card chosen for today, from the Soul Lessons and Soul Purpose Oracle deck by Sonia Choquette)

Love and Light Newsletter, Summer Edition

It is my pleasure to share with you this summer's edition of my Love & Light Newsletter.  I appreciate shares, +1's and comments! :)

If you would prefer a Word or pdf document, please send me your email so that I may add you to my distribution list.

A new mantra for enjoying life...

My last post inspired this mantra...

"Yuuummmmmm..."

Enjoy life to its fullest!

Everything in moderation, including moderation!

There is a lot of peace and contentment to be found in balance. Living a spiritual life does not necessarily mean living a ascetic life! It is good to enjoy good wine, great chocolate, beautiful clothes with texture and form that feel good on the body, pampering, exercise, money flow... And yet, one should not overly focus on any one of these life's enjoyments for overindulgence brings a lack of balance - even overindulgence in meditative states!

You come out of centre when your life is all play and no work or the other extreme; when you overspend without the means to pay your bills; when you overeat or drink too much without any form of exercise; when you study too much without experiencing; when you are more in the spiritual realm through meditation or prayer and forget that you are living a physical existence; when you worry so much about others and you give so much of yourself and you forget or refuse to receive help, love and time-outs...

Moderation is a spiritual discipline. It allows you to enjoy everything life has to offer, without guilt or shame. As long as you don't let the sensual experiences overrun your good sense, you'll find life more robust and round - like a good red wine (cabernet franc?) followed by dark chocolate... (you know where my preferences are).

Many people who consider themselves "spiritual" tend to develop very narrow mindsets and unknowingly separate themselves from the One Love. They make such statements as "You should never drink coffee", or "Everyone should be vegetarian", or "You have to meditate 2 hours a day, or else"... They become so rigorous in applying their spiritual discipline and because it's a lot of work they start to believe that only their way is the right way, and those who don't have the same point of view are wrong. They start judging others, or because self-righteous. And when they miss their routine they feel all out of sorts because they have become dependant on the routine rather the the flexible flow of life and energy. They can feel headaches, body pains and anxiety if they miss their carefully set-up routine... those withdrawal symptoms are the same as for those coming off narcotics or coffee!

Life is about living, and having fun while we're learning our lessons. It's not about being perfect. Life won't always be pleasant and some lessons are tougher than others, but if we restrict our experience of life through our thinking and our judgements, we are doing ourselves a disservice and making life even more difficult for our soul. Nature is so bountiful and beautiful; it's by exploring and experiencing that we can find what works for us - and our own individual path might not be like everyone else's.

Honour yourself, your needs and your desires. Align yourself with Spirit and flow with its adapting energy. Bite into life and let that morsel melt in your mouth as you breathe and smile... Instead of chanting "OM", you might chant "YUM" today, just for fun.