Happiness is a Lifestyle

Let's Start Something New

2012-01-03T18:48:00.003-05:00

I have been taking time out so that I can very clearly, with intention create my year. I have done a lot of self evaluation by sitting quietly with myself. Some of my sitting has also been not so quiet. I have read, and studied diligently, picking up everything that I feel that Spirit has put in my way. I have ask myself many questions. The main question is "what is my purpose?" We tend to ponder this, I think, quite often. I know that I have a large destiny, and what I have discovered is that I have been playing very very small, and not living using my divine gifts to their maximum. So, I am pledging and committing to live this year differently. I am committing to be who I am divinely meant to be, and I am inspired to do so.

To begin my year I invite you to come to my first series of classes. They will be intimate and unveiling and a bit revealing. The first is to jump start your year, but jump starting your body. "Green Smoothie Revolution". I will teach you how to make them, and why you should. If your body does not feel good, I guarantee it will feel better. This year, if you join me, I guarantee that you will work from the physical all the way around the health wheel and end up living your best life ever. There will be no stone unturned. Get the love you want. Get the job you want. Get the body you want. Discover who you are. Let me be your guide.

Join me January 27th. Email me and I will send you the address and all of the details. No excuses, let's get started. Health and Happiness are a Lifestyle. donahlene@live.com

Unwavering Thoughts of Your Wanting

2009-12-08T11:09:00.002-05:00

Seeking the approval of others places a veil over our eyes, which prevents us from seeing the truth. We become incapable of seeing the love or the belief that others actually have in us as well as our own brilliance. We step away from the truth of who we are. Many of us pray really hard, and go to church believing that being good will show The Great Spirit that we are deserving, Spirit will grant us our wishes, and take care of us. Then tragedy hits and we wonder why. We become angry and resentful, and turn away from Spirit as well as ourselves. When we turn away from Spirit, we no longer acknowledge our true selves. I will tell you the why to the tragedy. I cannot tell you specifically why your particular tragedy happened, but what I can tell you is that it did not happen because you were not good enough. We do not get miracles because of the way we live our lives. Spirit does not care about whether we are right or wrong. Spirit is not in a position of approving or not approving. Spirit approves of us always not matter what. It is we who do not approve. Spirit wants us to have an amazing experience and does not decide what is amazing based on what we did or did not do. We have the total power of choice. Right and wrong is irrelevant. I have looked back through my life and seen that no matter what the situation that arose, I was excited, I felt big and strong and then I waivered and shrank to smallness. This is when I did not get what I wanted. I had to approve of me and believe that I deserve what I wanted. Just look at children. They are unwavering about their desires. They do not even understand when we say no. They are the closest to heaven, because they just go there. We have had years of experience and training to teach them that their dreams will not make it. And, so we continue the cycle by teaching them. We tell them no, you cannot do that, what will others think, you have to be good or else. Do we really support their dreams? How can we when we do not support our own, and we are always telling them what is not possible. We squash them before they even get out of the gate. I use to wait for Spirit to say yes you can, here you are, go for it you deserve it. When Spirit all along was saying, “I have given you talents beyond imagine, use them and be fruitful.” However, I use to be unable to hear or see it, because of the veil that was over my eyes. I would get really close to my destination and then I would sabotage myself, and say, "No I cannot." I did not really think that I deserved it. I use to live in a place of lack, non-deserving, and void of self-love. I did not think that I was good enough. Our standards of ourselves are actually too low. For the next 30 days or at least until the end of the year, I challenge you to NOT think a single negative thought, to be unwavering in the belief in yourself. Do not allow doubt to filter into your mind, and if it does sing it a song of love to make it disappear. Think and feel only those things that you truly desire to happen in your life. Allow yourself to play with feeling your desires. See them in your mind’s eye, feel them, and write about them. Let all of your thoughts and feelings be consumed by them. Let me know what you experience.

Assumptions

2009-11-24T13:59:00.002-05:00

"I apologize in advance for the length"

I am in charge of picking up two other children from school, other than my daughter everyday. Ahh!, the life of a carpool Mom. It actually allows me the privilege to so many wonderful conversations. It offers the opportunity to share and teach them in a way that is casual without them realizing that I am teaching them. I love the conversations. I learn and they learn. They have incredible imaginations and ideas of how the world should be. I am one of those Moms that if I hear someone say something that is not right I get excited, because there is a new found opportunity to demonstrate something different. On this particular day my daughter Giordana and the other girl in the car (let us call her Jane) were discussing the other child (let us call him Jake) not liking another kid. Both Jane and Giordana have very strong personalities. The discussion started to become an argument, until I put a halt to it. This was indeed a great opportunity for the three of us to have a conversation about assumptions. Jane and Giordana insisted that they knew how Jake felt. Now, how could they possibly be certain if neither one of them is Jake? Jake had already been dropped off at home, and was not there to put his two cents in. I pointed out to the girls that neither one of them could be certain. They were assuming that they knew. So much trouble comes from assumptions. We always like to be right, so much so that we are capable of stepping inside of another person, and knowing exactly what they are thinking and feeling. I explained to the two young ones that they were not Jake, their little argument was senseless, and by the way what difference does it make anyway. I asked them why they were spending so much energy on what Jake felt and thought. Neither Jane nor Giordana answered. What was more interesting to me was that I realized that we do this as adult’s everyday. Don’t we? We spend a lot of time assuming to know and, discussing what someone else did, why they did it, what made them do it and so on. We like to analyze everything down to the ground instead of putting the attention on ourselves, and what would we like to create in our own lives. My experience has taught me that what is really happening in these situations is that no one wants to talk about the elephant in the room. Jane and Giordana were beginning to have an argument, because it was easier to argue than for them to discuss their pain. In simplest terms, they both have issues. They irritate each other. They have never had a discussion in regards to what bothers them about the other. They have just ignored it. Now, poor Jake is in the middle of them. Sound familiar? We many times lose our seniority to other people and then resent them for having it. We let things go that are really not o.k. We many times do not feel respected by others and we let it go. We do not feel appreciated and harbor resentment. Then when a situation occurs, we can talk and talk about them forever trying to figure out what makes them tick. We pull the incidents a part. Women especially do this with men. We do not want to rock the boat so we let it go with an excuse for his behavior. We do not really make our needs known, but assume that everyone knows what we need. We think if I am really good then they will finally notice me and they will want to give me time, love and appreciation. News flash! It does not work that way, and never will.

When you assume so much about another, you have really walked away from yourself. Your responsibility is you. If your energy is wrapped up in, assuming it is not in your creations. Never assume that you know what is going on with another person or, how he or she feels. You never really know. People hide all kinds of things about themselves. Instead, how about trying to feel allowing, and allow those people to be who they are no matter what. When you are allowing you also give yourself a gift. You can stand in your power. It is exhausting assuming what we do not know. Instead try being certain. You will gain energy and learn how to manage yourself.

Is Discernment Necessary

2009-11-06T14:04:00.001-05:00

The below post is a sequel to the previous post.

I asked Pan, how we can practice discernment if we are not supposed to think. Is discernment necessary? This is what he said.

When you begin to move from a place of certainty and commanding, discernment becomes unnecessary. You will no longer need it because you will be functioning from a place of knowing. Thinking has a great possibility of stopping your creations, because when you think doubt has the opportunity to creep in. It can be quite difficult to think without doubt. Discernment can also create doubt. It activates the thinking, which makes you ask the question why. The question why will get you into trouble. I am not saying that you should not look at your patterns. However, very few of you know how to look and when to stop looking. You tend to get stuck in the search, not show up on the other side to create change, and move forward. You spend many hours on the couch asking why and looking at your past and wondering why and how about your future. Do you see how all of this asking and wondering why can get you into trouble? It too stops your creation. When you move from a place of certainty, you are already sure there is no need to ask why. You stand in the stillness and observe the opportunities and possibilities coming forward. I know you are wondering then how do you make good choices. From where I stand, any choice you make is o.k. If you do not like the choice that you made, then simply make a different one. You are thinking that it really is not always that easy. As long as you see it, and think that it is hard then it will be so. How about instead of thinking that it is hard, even if your past has proven to you that it is, choose for it to be easy. You just might be surprised by the outcome. You all really work too hard to create. Creation is a simple flowing process. The why, and how is what makes it difficult.

I pondered this for a moment and then another thought came to mind. I understood what he was saying, but I found myself just a bit confused.

Do we need to plot out what we want like creating a schedule or a process?

Um, again with the thinking. If you must you can. I suggest that you observe how much you put into your process. How much time do you spend there? Does your process contain flexibility? Many times it does not. If it does not work out exactly the way you want it to you spend time judging yourself and your creation, and you become disappointed, instead of seeing the beauty in it all. Inflexibility stops the universe from delivering your creation with smoothness. When you can be flexible, the creation can show up in the best possibility. Do you see how you are still in control? A tree keeps its roots as it bends with the wind. It stands still and tall and moves only when needed. Now if that tree was to fight the wind it would surely snap. Yes, many times the wind is too strong for the tree and it snaps anyway, but this only happens when great change is necessary. A clearing out must occur. Sitting in the stillness and watching the realm of possibilities float in front of you, then making a choice is the way to practice creating with a certainty and a knowing. When you can see and feel certainty you tap into your mastery of creating. You will create without moving to the why and how, and then you will not need to use discernment. Now, let us go have some fun and practice. Sit in your center, observe without moving and thinking, begin to see the energy around you, see the colors, and see the possibilities. Now what do you want to create?

Make a choice and go for it. There is no judgment.

Thinking Stops Your Creation

2009-11-06T13:59:00.002-05:00

Below is an older post for those of you that have read it on my other site. I posted it for those that have not read it. The next post is a sequel to this one.

One of my favorite places to visit upon entering my dream state is the plant and mineral kingdom. I have had many wonderful conversations with Pan. He is the doorkeeper of this kingdom. He is known for being the wild one. He is very gentle, strong, and kind. He is not at all as myths portray him. He wanted me to be sure that I told you that. Recently he asked me to share a lesson that he has been teaching me. Enjoy.

To create what you desire is really a very simple process. All it requires is precision. However, I understand that as beings of light having a human experience, you have forgotten how to use your tools. There was a time that you could create anything. You had fun sitting in the mineral plant kingdom creating all kinds of crystals. This was done in co-creation. With the veils of separatism, you have forgotten what co-creation is along with the laws of the universe.

All that is required is a simple flick of your hand in the process. Why do so many of you have difficulty creating? You bring doubt into the process. This is your number one detriment. You think to yourselves oh that would be so great if I could do this, and then you instantly go into why you cannot do what you wanted. You allow your thoughts, your mind, and your egos to get in the way. The ego was created to keep you safe, and its judgments are beneficial, however it is time to be the masterful creators that you are meant to be. It is time for the ego to be released. Once you learn that you are always safe, there will be no need for this ego. Enough of that, I have given you already too much to ponder. No thinking allowed. I am laughing. I know that this is difficult. Please laugh at yourself and be amused. The laughter heals. There are no mistakes here just practice. The more you practice the more it becomes natural and you begin to own what you know. Now let us begin. Consider something small that you would like to happen. Take a deep breath, and see it, feel it. What would be the first step to you achieving what you want? Continue to breathe. It is in the breath that you will find the answers and as long as you are breathing, the mind has a difficult time showing up. The breath gets in the way. It creates a block for the thoughts. When you see and feel the step that needs to be taken, just do it. No thinking, do it. Do you see how the thinking would stop you? Do you see how it cannot only slow down your creation, but halt it altogether. The rational mind hampers you. There is absolutely nothing that you cannot create. Yes, using your mind to make choices is great, but then turn it off before it gets to the reasons why you cannot. Think of it as a game even a fantasy if you must. Start there. In your dreams and games, you have all kind of options. You say that this is just that a game. I tell you, you are living a game. It is all the same. Know that what you create is already in existence. To pull it in your reality all you have to do is choose. Think of all the choices that you stop yourself from making. Just decide. If you do not like that choice, make a different one. From the choosing you will learn how easy it is, you will become more precise. Start small and remember the great beings you already are.

Stop Those Self-defeating Thoughts

2009-10-13T14:36:00.004-04:00

I awoke this morning feeling less than confident and filled with many voices. There were many thoughts swimming around my head as if in a race. The thoughts were not caring, supportive, or loving. They were self-defeating. They were the ramblings of a mind telling me why I should not, could not, can’t, not good enough, I am a failure and it went on and on. I kept taking deep breaths searching for the present moment, searching for my divinity that says I can do anything, and I am everything. I was quickly reminded why my teachers and guides have been instructing me to stop thinking. These thoughts were making me feel awful. I did not want to get out of bed and face the world. However, today was an important day. I had been anticipating it for the past few days. Today I have the opportunity to step on the path of a second chance at a dream that I had many years ago. Today I had a job interview. This was no way for me to proceed successfully. I had to silent the voices and thoughts moving around my head. These voices were going to be my doom, and stop my creation of landing this job, before I even had the opportunity. Luckily, I knew just what to do. I was able to observe thoughts without engaging with and stepping towards them. I knew that they were not who I am at all. They were completely self-loathing, and there was a peeling away of whom I am not happening. Many times these thoughts will appear as they are being released from our energy especially as we awake from the dream state. Our subconscious and spirits do a lot of work on the ethereal plane at night as we sleep. However, as we move back into the body as we awake, those things that we did not release while sleeping, sometimes take a hold of us and we awake feeling awful. They can disorient us, and make us not feel safe. There are a few tools that you can use to stop these thoughts:

1. Be the observer. Notice that you are not these thoughts. This will help you create a separation from your thoughts and shift back into who you are.

2. As you observe notice how these thoughts are making you feel, and shift your emotions to something that feels good such as a great sense of well-being.

3. Put a smile on your face and breathe. Your breath becomes stagnant while you sleep. Breathe new life into your body. Breathe in success, certainty, and well-being.

4. Sit in a meditative position, take a deep breath, follow your breath, see a rose out in front of you, and ask it to collect up doubt and failure out of your space.

(The breathing and rose techniques are available on my “Tools to Stay Present CD” http://www.donahspassions.com/meditationcd.html)

I was fortunate enough to remove those self-defeating thoughts from my head. I went to my interview excited, successful, capable, confident, and gracious. Looks like I will be getting my second chance. So far, the thoughts still have not creped back up. I am feeling great. Try out the exercises that I have offered you. Allow them to be playful. Remember, no thinking, notice the thoughts that rummage around. They are not who you are. You are so much more that you can ever imagine. Be the light you are meant to be.

The Feeling of Stuck

2009-10-01T21:01:00.001-04:00

The feeling of being stuck for me is one of feeling like a caged animal. I become a large ferocious cat pacing back in forth in a cage waiting to explode. I hate the feeling of stuck. It makes me feel angry, and a little crazy. I can feel it in my whole body, straight down to my toes. When I have felt stuck, what comes with it is the overwhelming need to move. It is like wearing a suit that is too small. I cannot breath and, I feel restricted. I absolutely do not like limitations just as much as I do not like it when someone tells me that I cannot. You could say that I am even somewhat of a rebel. I do not like rules and regulations. Most of them make no sense. This feeling of stuck takes away my freedom, and my right to choose. Just like a big ferocious cat, I sit in my cage and wait quietly. I become really present, and observant of everything around me, and as soon as I see movement, I roar very loudly. My roar is so loud that the universe shakes and the stuck breaks a part. I wiggle, and slither to break free of the chains, and then I pounce. I use my frustration and anger as a catalyst for movement. I move my body. Gabrielle Roth says, “If you move the body the psyche will heal itself”. This has held true in my own life. The key is to find stillness in the movement. Moving within and watching the waves as they grow taller, and then shrink down. I have felt this feeling of stuck and watched others in this place. Some people allow it to beat them down and inertia sets in. Others run around in circles not realizing that the path they are on is leading back to the same beginning point. The commonality is that unless you allow change to float in and accept it like a lover you will stay in the dark. How do we embrace the change especially when it comes in like a tornado? I have sat back and evaluated my life over and over finding the places where the tornado blew through. We think that we can prepare for the tornado, but you really cannot. Life has a way of taking your preparations, throwing them out the window, and forcing you to create on the spot. I have reinvented myself so many times that I am surprised at myself. I never saw myself as the chameleon, but my loved ones would tell you differently. When my daughter Annika was born and I found out, she was ill. They rushed her off to a separate hospital from me. It took me days before I realized that the ground beneath my feet was shaking like an earthquake. The earth was sucking me in. I am one of those people that simply do what is needed and, necessary in the moment. It can be days before I realize the magnitude of what happened. With Annika, I think it took me years. It was not until I was no longer able to lift myself up that I realized the storm was forcing me into submission. It was not until I allowed myself to be cradled in the tornado that I began to regain my strength and find myself once again. Remember the ferocious cat? I have had no choice, but to learn what they know all too well. Cats know how to be patient and watch the tides and tornado's come in. My experiences have taught me how to sense them and flow with them instead of against them. There was a time that I fought them, how silly I was, and how painful it was. You cannot fight turbulent waters. They will take you over and consume you like fire, and you will drown. There is another way; it is called flowing. You take a deep breath and step right into the tornado, but you wait and observe like the cat looking for a place to plant your footing. At first, it feels as though you have no control, and you shake, you may scream and you may fall down. Then you get the hang of it, and the shaking becomes rocking, and you find your rhythm. The breath becomes calm and powerful. You begin to feel and hear the tide. You become one with it. Change happens and you realize that you are better for it. You look around you and the world looks different or have you become different. The ferocious cat becomes a kitten when it is set free, and you realize that you are the one that conjured up the storm. It was the only way for what you desired to appear. It was the only way to receive your gifts. It was the only way for you to connect to the deeper parts of the feminine within. This is the courageous Journey to a woman’s joyous life.

If you would like to learn how to step into the flow, please join and Denise Cooper me October 17th at 10:00 am where we will be sharing the secrets of finding a joyous life.

If you are ready to:
•Learn how your habits and sense of well-being are sabotaging your happiness.
•Learn how to say no, to what you do not want and say yes, to what you do want.
•Learn how to visualize what you want and let your vision inspire you every day.
•Learn how to relax flow in the middle of a storm.

Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting different results.
Are You READY for something different?

Workshop Cost: $179.00 includes meals and materials
$75.00 for overnight lodging

Location: www.medissage.org

For more information please contact me at donah@donahspassions.com. To see Denise Cooper’s blog visit http://coachhr.wordpress.com/

Co-Creative Parenting

2009-09-23T14:16:00.001-04:00

I happened to mention to a few friends, that I would love to move back to NY, how I discussed the idea of moving with my daughter, and she is onboard with the decision. I received a look of surprise that was both amusing and unnerving. Did I say something wrong? “But, you are the parent”, was the response that I received. Yes, I am the parent, but I believe in co-creation. I cannot create something that involves another human being that is capable of making choices, and expect a good outcome unless they are on board with my creation. My daughter and I co-create. Co-creation keeps the household that we share in joyous harmony. I am not saying that I do not have rules for her to follow. I am not saying that I do not insist that she does what I say. I simply recognize that certain decisions involve both of us.

When Giordana was little, I learned that if I forced her to do something that she was not in alignment with, the resistance was so great that I would work until the point of exhaustion and ultimately regret it. I believe that parenting should be a co-creative process. We are not the owners, nor the dictators of our children. We are meant to guide them through there experiences, and be there when they need assistance. We as parents are here to teach them how to move through the world with ease and success. The rest involves co-creation. For instance, if I think we need to create a new experience such as a new car, I let Giordana know what I am trying to achieve and she assists me in that creation. I started doing this with her when she was about 2 or 3 years old. . I would ask if I could speak to the wise Giordana (meaning the wise soul that existed within her). Her face would change, and I would then hear a different voice, it was funny. I would inform her of what I wanted to do, and then she would pause for a moment and say “o.k. it is done”, then go back to whatever she was doing. When children are small, they have an innate understanding of the Law of Attraction. They know how to create exactly what they want. We as adults destroy their understanding of this Law by telling them all of the reasons why they cannot have, or do something. Have you ever noticed the look on a child’s face when you tell them no? They always have an incredulous expression. We are meant to be creative beings. A child accepting no goes against their natural intuitive abilities. As adults, we forget how easy it is. For us it requires, discipline, and focus until we remember the ease. My form of parenting may be a bit different, but imagine creating your family environment without resistance. For this process to work, what is also required of me is to be open to different ideas. I have to be allowing, and willing to see other possibilities. I must be humble, respectful, and listen. I do not parent with control and manipulation. I parent with the understanding that we are all beings of light; we are connected and have a purpose. It works for me!!!

Homeopathic Remedies to Add To Your Cupboard

2009-09-17T14:43:00.000-04:00

When my eldest daughter was young, I discovered homeopathy. She got sick quite often, and although herbs were nourishing for her, they did not seem to be enough. I am partial to the use of herbs, but I found that homeopathy is another great natural and affective healing modality. Homeopathy is the sister to herbs, and they compliment one another. I had a homeopath once tell me “if you do not see a difference in 24 hours or even by the end of the day, the remedy that you used was not the right one”. I am not discounting the use of herbal remedies. Herbs are like food for the body. Homeopathy works differently. Homeopathy is based on like cures like. For instance, the homeopathic remedy Apis Mellifica is actually honeybee. The honeybee is shaken and diluted thousands of times, so that what you have left is more like the essence of the honeybee. Imagine if you got stung by a bee the symptoms that you would experience. You may experience swelling, puffiness, burning, and may desire to have something cold placed on the infected area. Homeopathy is like giving that person what there body is already experiencing to tell the body what vibration it needs to use to increase the immune system. The body then responds by doing so, and healing begins. Otherwise, it is almost as if the body is charging all firing pistols up and hopes that it gets it right. How about only needing to fire one pistol with precision? That is homeopathy. The remedies come in different strengths. I prefer to use 30c or 30x. However, some stores only sell 9c. You can still use this strength. The interesting thing is that if you do not use the right remedy nothing will happen. The remedies are also completely safe. Homeopathy takes the emotional as well as the physical state into consideration. You will also find a couple of books to read on the subject at the bottom.

A few remedies are necessary to have in your cupboard. Below you will find a list with their uses. You will notice that the definition of uses is a mixture of emotional and physical symptoms. I have geared the usage towards children. The remedies can be used if there is or is not a fever present.

Aconitum Nappellus (Monkshood) – used in the first signs of illness, especially after cold winds or drafts. The seems to get sick suddenly. There may be fear or anxiety. Also used when there are moments of shock such as after a car accident.

Apis Mellifica (honeybee) – for sore throats that feel as though there is a piece of wood or stick in them. There may be a stinging or burning sensation. You may experience a scratching feeling in the throat upon swallowing.

Arnica Montana (Leopard’s Bane, Mountain Daisy) – use after injury or for surgery. I gave this remedy to my daughter right before they carted her off to the operation room prior to all of her surgeries, and immediately after she came out. It assisted in her recovery. It is also great for broken bones, bruises, or any other injury.

Belladonna (deadly nightshade) – The tongue is white with red spots like a strawberry. Skin is hot to the touch. May be red. Fever present.

Gelsemium Sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine) – feel and look paralyzed, groggy, listless, heavy, the eyes in particular seem to be droopy, no appetite or thirst is present. Wants to lay down. Very much used during the flu.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum – I use this one when the fluids from the nose appear to be opaque yellow or green. Headache above the nose in the center of the head. Sensitive to cold. Angers easily and whiney.

Pulsatilla Nigricans (wood flower)- if the child is weepy, clingy or whiney one moment and then seems fine the next. If they need you to comfort them one moment then seem as they do not need you any longer. Fluid from the nose is clear.

Books

Homeopathic Remedies for Health Professionals and Laypeople by Dale Buegel, M.D., Blair Lewis, P.A.-C and Denise Chernin, N.D., M.P.H.

Homeopathic Medicine At Home by Maesimund B. Panos

Kissed By the Faeries

2009-09-12T15:32:00.004-04:00

Have you ever looked at your life path and noticed a common theme? I had an aha! moment today. Maybe not really an aha!, but a reminder. I was standing in the kitchen. I seem to spend so much time there. I was fussing about this very thing. I spend about, at least, 70% of my home time in the kitchen. I was washing dishes and making a young coconut drink with my favorite fruits. We have the sniffles moving about my house today. I wanted to give Giordana something nourishing. Next thing I knew, in addition to the drink, I was cutting up fruit for a fruit salad. I thought to myself, the drink is not enough she needs something on her stomach. Well, after the fruit salad I started making a healing soup. The simple drink grew. I have things to do…look at the time….o.k. I can use the crock pot…and then I can go out. I paused for a moment while I wiped off the counter, I smiled, I had just been kissed by the fairies. This is who I am. I make healing foods and medicines for people. Aha! I just cannot help it. I have always done it. It comes naturally to me. I made Love Is Oil to heal the heart and body butter to bring joy. As I move through the world and have experiences that touch me I create and share. When someone is sick or sad my spirit races to how I can serve them, and help them shift. There are times when I just sit still, because that is all that is needed, and others when I concoct something. Funny! I absolutely love it. Perhaps in another life I was one of those old wise women in the village that made the potions to heal all ailments. My neighbor warns people that if I invite them over for tea, “be careful you will become addicted”. She says, that” my tea is best, and why do I hide the recipe”. I tell her it is special. It truly is. I use it to welcome people into my life. I wish to warm their hearts while they are with me and send them away with soothing. Did you ever take a look at your path and notice a common theme? It is there. I promise you. I also guarantee that you will find more than one. I was kissed by the faeries today, and I am grateful.

Here is the recipe that I created. I am not great at measuring things out. I could by intuition and it is always different. However, I tried to be as precise as possible.

Healing Soup I

1 cup of red lentils
3/4 cup of barley
5 small carrots peeled and sliced
1 small to medium size leek chopped
2 tbsp of nutritional yeast (health food store)
1 1/2 tbsp of Hon Dashi (Japanese fish stock soup found in asian markets)
2 large dried shitaki mushrooms (found in asian markets)
3/4 tsp of cumin or to taste
4 garlic cloves sliced
1/4 cup of onion
1/2 cup of cilantro
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh Kale as much as you want
Hemp Seed (health food store

Place all ingredients except for Kale, onion and only 1/4 cup of cilantro into a crock pot. Fill crock pot with water. I prefer to use filtered water. A crock post will allow the seasoning to soak in, and everything to cook slowly, and maintain nutrients and taste. It will also allow you to go out and enjoy your day if you like. It will take a few hours to cook the lentils. You will know when it is done when lentils are soft. When lentils are soft add the onion, the rest of the cilantro ( feel free to add extra cilantro if you want, I add a lot, I love it), Chop the kale. Only cook the soup a little longer. You really only want the kale to get warm, not cook all the the way. This way you will get some raw veggies in. Raw veggies have the most nutrition. Feel free to alter the recipe as much as you want. You can add other veggies if you want. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with hemp seed. Enjoy!

Children Call For Change

2009-09-10T15:17:00.002-04:00

My daughter started 7th grade last week. There is such a great change in who she is now compared to last year. She and her peers are so much more aware of the world around them. They are beginning to question everything, and want to know why. They are paying attention to politics, and creating sustainable ideas to change the environment. I just love hearing about their ideas. I think that they are so much more conscious than we ever were. They are simply amazing. However, this does leave adults around them in a quandary. Change can be difficult. It is really easy to give a child a rule and tell them follow it, or insist that they do what we say, but not what we do. Guess what? How is that really working for us? It isn’t. These children are brighter and quicker. It is my belief that children are born to teach us who we are. They are here to challenge our ideas and belief systems so that we can grow, change and heal. My daughter’s classmates did just that.

The school put out a student handbook that had to be signed by students and parents. The students did not agree with the rules and regulations so they put together a petition against it. To my dismay, instead of the school using it as a teaching opportunity their solution was to remove the student signature page. I am so disappointed. This was such a great opportunity to teach. I had a vision of a student teacher debate, of teachers sitting down and picking apart the rules with the students, and discussing how to make them better and clearer. I saw a real democracy and progressive visionary thinking. I was so wrong. We are loosing our children in education, and in community. We need to realize that children are not dropping out because they lack the ability to learn. We cannot blame it all on parents or even on schools. We do not listen. We do not allow them to be heard. We are not interested in progression, and change. Rules are not meant to stand the test of time, but they are meant to be tested. If they did not our society would not be where it is. These children are being born to assist us in change. They are going to continue to make us pay attention, step up, and look in the mirror. I am what many may call a rebel parent. I teach my daughter to not take things at face value. Question the rules, not just follow them. I want her to make her own choices, and feel empowered to do so. I teach her to follow her own heart not what someone tells her. I also teach her how to practice discernment. Teaching our children is not just, about what we find in books. I always consider what kind of adult I am creating for the future. I call to parents and educators to step up, listen, and share. It is from your stories the children will learn. It is from listening to shall you. Have courage for change and growth. It can be miraculous.

Two Tips Take Care of Your Children During Flu Season

2009-09-04T17:41:00.002-04:00

As we are moving quickly into what is considered flu season, there is a lot of fear moving about in concern for the Swine Flu. Instead of spending your time worrying, I suggest that you spend your time thinking about good health. Worry only brings more worry, sadness, pain, and anger. Consider what health looks like for you, and your family. There are a few things that you can do for prevention to maintain your health, and boost your immune system. Last year when everyone around us was sick, including the children we carpooled with, we were healthy. Here are two great tips that will help you stay healthy:

1. Emergen-C Packets
2. Green food drinks

Emergen-C Packets are packets of 1,000 mg of vitamin C, and can be dissolved in water. I like to carry them around in your pocket, and I always make sure that I travel with a couple of packets. They taste great, and the best part is that children love them. You can purchase them in several different flavors. They are really easy to use. All you have to do is pour the packet in a small glass of water and then drink. I make sure that I take a packet when I am feeling the slightest bit of a bug coming on. They work quickly and effective to knock out the stirrings of an illness.

Green food drinks might sound a bit unappetizing, but some of them are quite tasty. You might have to try a couple to find what works for you. However, the already prepared green drinks tend to taste better. You can usually purchase them in your local supermarket, or health food store. They can be a bit pricey, but so can illness. Both of my girls enjoy drinking them. Giordana will drink them all by herself if I do not watch her. She drinks about one a day to keep her healthy. Green drinks contain anti-oxidants, and super foods. The super foods are spirulina, wheat grass, barley grass, blue green algae, and chlorella. If your green drink contains any of these, you are on the right track. Super foods help to strengthen and detoxify the body.

As you try out your new tips toward health, please remember to play and be happy. Check back soon for more tips.

Instead of a New Year’s Resolution Try a New Year's Intention

2009-01-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

What is a New Year’s resolution anyway? They seem to always start the same, and end the same, not happening. I think that they are something that we create to set ourselves up for failure. How many people do you know that actually achieve their resolution? I often wonder, why come the first day of the year do we set New Year’s Resolutions? Why do we always wait until another year passes before we have the courage to make a change? It is as if the New Year carries a sort of mystical magic that will assist us in following through with what we cannot obtain at any other time of the year. It seems to be the time to lose weight, start a new exercise regimen, make more money, and start eating healthy. At least these are the most common resolutions. All of these things signify that we have spent a whole year ignoring, or not liking ourselves. Come the New Year I will be better. Resolutions only set us up for failure. The key ingredient that is missing is Intention. Resolutions tend to be wishes, but just like all of the stories that offered the magic wish with one rub of the magic lamp; if we do not set a clear intention then we end up with something that we clearly are not wanting. We also do not consider the time, energy, and effort that goes into what we wish. We just want it to happen without considering all of the possibilities. This year how about instead of setting a resolution, set an intention. An intention is much more powerful, and says to the universe, I want, and I am ready to have that thing that I am wanting. I am ready to accept and receive. Intentions clear out the clutter that prevents you from having your best. There is also no such thing as failing an intention. Intentions set in motion the shift that is required for you to change, heal, and grow. When you fulfill an intention, you have arrived. It is the difference between buying that designer bag, and having the knock off. Intentions are solid, and create mental and emotional changes that will assist you in facilitating what you are wanting. I have watched people fail at New Year’s resolutions, because they are missing the mindset and the inner connection that is necessary to achieve the goal. Many times resolutions have us doing things that we do not like. We think we have to do this one thing. Get over the fact that we do not like it, so that we can achieve our goals. Intentions create the balance, and help us see that we are forcing instead of flowing with the creative energy necessary to create. To set an intention go to a quiet place; sit down with a pen and a piece of paper. Write down what it is that you desire. Why you want this desire, and why you believe you should have it. Instead of setting, an intention for the whole year set it for the day, the week, or the month. The point is to make the transition of your goal shorter so that it is more obtainable. As you get better at it, you can set larger intentions. Start with the smaller things. For example, let us say you want to set an intention of making your bed everyday. Do you want to achieve this because it makes your room neat and tidy, orb because it gives you a clear feeling when you enter your room, and your room is your sanctuary? What you are really saying is that you want to feel clear. The intention on the clarity will assist you in following through on making your bed. The intention brings you to the why, and what you are really wanting. So, find that quiet corner, relax, take a couple of deep breaths, and start having a conversation with your higher self on what you really want to create. You may be amazed at the results.

Women Who Are Nameless, But Not Without Names

2008-11-18T11:38:00.001-05:00

When I look at them, I see myself. I know that I was once them, and a part of me still is. I also know that I am them and they are me. They are the women who are nameless, but not without names. These women have eating disorders. I do not have an eating disorder, nor have I ever. I have just learned that the line between women who do, and women who do not, is very thin. We are all vulnerable to this illness if we do not pay attention. Any of us are prone to crossing that line. You do not even realize that you have crossed it until it is too late. Of course, may of theses women have had lives that have pushed them over the edge, but sometimes I think that for women that is very common. Why some cross, and others do not is a mystery.

I work with the women who are nameless, teaching them tangible skills to assist them in releasing the anxieties that keep them bound. I offer them tools that will assist them in reconnecting back to their bodies in a positive way. I am not a therapist; therefore, everything that I do is experiential. However, I have received many thank you notes from patients regarding my work that confirms it.

These women are nameless, because eating disorders is something that we want to ignore, act as though it does not exist. It is happening in every culture. Yes, in women of color. It is also happening in men. Eating disorders was once thought to be an illness amongst white women. However, it has spread like wild fire to us all. Women may have some cultural differences, but I have learned that the core of who we are as women is the same no matter where we are from. We are naïve to a disorder that is capturing so many women and girls. This woman or girl could be your sister, your neighbor, even your mother. They are women without names, because we have to keep it that way. Women who are nameless are without names, because we do not really want to know who they are, and we do not understand it. Many would prefer to act as if they did not exist; after all, they are just women. However, to me they will always have names. You see they are Barbara and Brenda, Sharon and Sue, Tanya and Olivia, Keisha and Louise. They are Betty, LaKeisha, Theresa, Michelle, Donna, Anna, April, and Karen and you. They are all of us.

I have had such an amazing pleasure of working with them. I look into their faces and I see myself. There is me when I was resentful, there was me when I was in pain, me when I was trying to fit it, me when I wanted to be accepted, me when I was not comfortable with myself, me that wanted to be loved and me that was scared. There are many other parts of me that I see in them. They are all of us. Haven’t we all been those things? They are also brave and warm, fun and daring, exciting and charming, and beautiful. We are all of those things, women are. It is easy to take an eating disorder and think that a woman who walks around with it is different than we are. However, she is not. From my perspective, what I see is a symptom that has manifested itself into something very painful. Some of us hide and some of us cry. We all want to be noticed and powerful. Some of us have the courage to believe that we can and some of us do not feel strong enough. Our symptoms to this desire of wanting to be loved, needed, wanted, and noticed manifests in different ways. We think that eating disorders is all about being thin, but it goes so much deeper than that. Many of these women have been abused beyond imagine. Some lost the connection to their hearts, the connection that tells them that they are worth more than gold. Society has decided that thin is what is beautiful. At least some think so. And, if we are one of the beautiful ones don’t we get the things we want? Some of us think so. I really believe that all women are striving for the same thing. However, somewhere along the way we have lost our connection to ourselves. We have lost the connection to the feminine within us. This feminine is our birthright as women. We have forgotten that the mother expresses herself in many ways. We are the mothers, sisters, daughters, healers, teachers, leaders as well as the whores and the prostitutes. I love the whores and the prostitutes. When we connect to the feminine, we grow to understand that it is o.k. to be any and all facets of woman. The prostitute exists as an archetype within all of us. All of theses women exist within us. There is no separation. We have just lost our way. There use to be a time when we sat together in community and shared with one another. We supported our endeavors, hopes, dreams, as well as our pain. We got past the difficult parts of our lives, because of each other. I watch these women with eating disorders that they call Ed struggle in their pain. One day they think that they have it, the next they don’t. Don’t we all feel that way? I think that it is interesting that they gave it the name of Ed. Isn’t that a man’s name? Why do we all seem to struggle with connecting to the masculine? Before you go thinking that I dislike men, and that I am about to rant about them. Don’t. I love men. It really isn’t about that. I think that it is more about we stopped liking ourselves.

Working with the women who are nameless has been an amazing journey for me. I have laughed and cried. I have been scared beyond terrified. It has made me dig deep within myself to places that I was afraid to go. There were caves inside of me that needed the doors blown open. I have become stronger.

There was a day that I sat with them in a circle, and we talked about the goddess archetype, about the mother. It seemed fitting to talk about the power that inherently exists within us, the power of women. We talked about her curves, her strength her insanity and her gentleness. Yes, this comes from one women, us. It was strange sitting with them. I felt community. I was the other in each one of them. I know that many of them felt the mother within them, while others thought that I was nuts. It did not matter. That is the way that life is. The women who are nameless excite me and give me strength. They teach me to remember just as I teach them. I was always taught that when you heal others you are healing yourself. The women who are nameless, but not without names have helped me heal, and grow. When we are ill, in the dark and searching for the power within us both the Mother still shines brightly. We just keep looking outside of ourselves thinking we will find her, when they she is inside of us. There is no other way to tap into her than by connecting from within. I believe that many of the women without names found a connection that day.

As you continue to move through your world, I hope that you will open your heart. Connect to the women around you. They just might be one of the ones that are nameless. Eating disorders is a very serious illness, and requires medical attention. Please do not be one of the ones that ignores the women who are nameless. For more information, please visit www.renfrewcenter.com.

The Loss of A Child's Imagination

2008-11-16T11:30:00.003-05:00

What has happened to the pink horses, fairies, and goblins that existed when I was a child? Walking down the hallways of school’s I hear a lot of things, children’s voices, the laughter, and the awe. However, I am growing accustomed to hearing another sound. There is the sound of parents complaining about teachers, and teachers complaining about parents. The parents say that the teachers are not teaching their children or paying attention to them. The teachers are complaining that parents are not involved. As for the children, they are starting to sound like the adults. They are distant, and distracted. Whose fault is it that our children are no longer engaged? Some would say that it is testing; some would say that it is the lack of experience of our teachers or that they simply no longer care. I believe that children are no longer allowed to be children. Testing, our expectations, and our baggage have gotten in the way of that. We are the problem, all of us. We have stopped connecting on a level that is necessary to teach children how to dream and use their imagination. I have sat in groups with children and asked them to tell me about their dreams. I hear I want a Nintendo, or I do not know. How is it that we have simply forgotten how to allow the exploration of a fundamental principal, the imagination? It takes me several attempts before the children gain an understanding of imagination. They do not know what I am talking about. If I tell them to close their eyes and imagine something, what they imagine is having more money, getting a Gameboy, or eating Gummi Bears. Children are being taught that imagination and dreams are silly and to go sit in their boxes. I once stood in front of a classroom of 4th and 5th graders, and asked them to close their eyes. I told them that once they close their eyes they would be able to see magic. They looked at me and told me that they did not believe in magic. When I was a child, I could not wait for Sunday nights to watch a wonderful world of Disney. I wanted to see magic, sparkles, and dreams come true.

What kind of future are we creating without the idea of pink horses? Without pink horses, where does the visionary or the alchemist exist? Where will the Einstein’s and the George Elliot’s come from? What about Picasso and Monet, We all know that the skies in a Monet painting are not really that color, or are they? In one classroom, I worked with a child that simply fell asleep on a constant basis. I was told that he had narcolepsy. However, when I asked him what he dreamed about when he slept, his eyes brightened, he cracked a great big grin, and could not stop talking. I had never seen him with so much energy, and enthusiasm. Perhaps it is not narcolepsy that puts him to sleep, but boredom. He has not been engaged where it counts, in his imagination. I believe that we are failing our children, by not plugging into what is so great about being a child. Children have the ability to see what we cannot.

I have approached schools about starting programs that will really speak to children. The administrators want to stick the program into a special club, or they do not have the funds or the time. How could there not be a place for dreams and imagination. These are the ingredients for building a strong character. After all, if you do not have a dream how can you change the world. How can we create better cars or a new power source? If they tap into their imagination, and begin to use it they are told that they are being silly and need to grow up. We have stopped using our imaginations, and intuitions. We have stopped dreaming. Look at the results. We are living in a world that fear has over taken. Faeries and pink horses are needed to create what can be imagined. Faeries and pink horses are needed to change the fear. Hope is based on these ingredients. Change happens when we can see the impossible. The impossible is only obtainable when we allow ourselves to connect to our imagination, and ride the pink horses.

Being Senior of Who You Are

2008-06-28T22:58:00.003-04:00

It all began as I pondered on what having seniority really meant. I found myself teaching lessons on that very subject only to have clients ask me questions around the same. I am always amazed at how the great mystery brings us the moments in which we find the answers we are seeking. It has been my experience that as I go through a stage of growth others around me also go through their own. Some how together we seem to complete the lesson, but on different paths.

I awoke one night in the middle of the night just like I have many a night with a powerful moment of clarity. In the wee hours of the morning, it comes as an incredible rush of adrenalin. It is as if angels are speaking to me. I always try to go back to sleep thinking that I will remember everything in the morning. However, a powerful force pushes me, almost tossing me out of bed, and refuses to allow me to find sweet dreams again until I obey. I have no choice but to fly out of bed as I channel this energy of certainty and write down every word that is being piled into my head. It comes so fast that I cannot even write fast enough. I cannot even speak it aloud. I just write as I am told. I am always astonished by what ends up on paper, or what comes through my fingers onto the key board. In any event, I am finally becoming so comfortable in my own skin that I am willing to share what I hear, or channel. I am still not sure from whence it comes.

Below is what came that night.

So, what does being senior of your space, and who you are really mean. Seniority is when we are masterful and certain as the moments of a day passes. When no one can come and say or do something to you that will knock you over with their actions or words.

You know that you have lost your seniority when you find that you are working really hard, and do not feel good about what you are doing. This applies to our jobs, events and relationships. We have all had those relationships with co-workers, managers, friends, families and partners that we found that no matter what we did to make those relationships work we were exhausted, tired, frustrated and miserable. To put it simply, when things are not flowing seamlessly you do not have seniority. When you are racking your brains at how you can do things differently, how you can or should change. When you are thinking what is wrong with me, why can’t I get this to work, what changes do I need to make to be heard, and/or accepted. When you are no longer having fun, you have lost your seniority.

Many believe that the way to cope is to shut down or detach. This will not keep your seniority. On the contrary having the ability to remain open in a way that you do not feel threatened or challenged in anyway will keep your seniority in tack. You can simply remain open, because you are o.k. In reality you are always o.k. it is the self limiting beliefs that you have agreed to that have convinced you that you are not. Being detached and, shut down places you in a position that you argue for your limitations of who you think you are. You never need to argue for who you are when you are certain and in seniority of who you are. When you walk in the world being senior of your space you create a space not only for others to see you, but also you create a space of allowing. You can allow others to be who they are, and walk the path that they need to walk.

Creating a space of allowing can be confusing to some. Allowing does not mean that there are no boundaries. It does not mean that you now become a doormat. Do not let that fear affect you. You can still have boundaries in which you choose what you want to happen and how. You still can say yes or no. However, the boundaries will be yours for the choosing not someone else’s when you have your seniority.

I am aware that some of you may be thinking that; I am going to become senior, and I am going to get back what I gave over, or what someone took. There is no need for this thinking or feeling. Just be senior from this moment forward. Begin to become aware of when you are not. Becoming senior is not puffing up your chest, tightening your fists so that you cannot be pushed over. This is your ego saying this will never happen again. I am not standing for it anymore. When you go to this place this also keeps you from being senior because you are still in a place of reacting. It is not necessary to react when you are senior. You can just observe and choose what you want. You can choose what experience you want to have. Being in your seniority will keep you centered and grounded. You will be in a place of surrender and safety that will present a state of well-being and happiness. It will feel good. Remember to feel not think, and be not do.

After receiving this, pictures of my own life where I was losing my seniority flooded through my mind. I was finally able to put to rest those situations that troubled me. The lessons that I was exposed to so that I may learn made sense. I got it. I hope that you too find this information helpful.

Names and Labels

2008-04-14T21:34:00.001-04:00

Recently the memory of one of my ex-boyfriends has been popping into my head often. I am not one to walk down memory lane and dream about the past. Therefore, when a memory keeps flashing before me I pay attention. It is always for a good reason. There is a lesson to learn. Anyway, this ex of mine, I always thought that he was very intelligent, and had a lot to offer the world. He appeared to be quite friendly to others, but the truth was the exact opposite. You know when you meet someone how one of the fist questions that they always ask is what do you do? Well, he had a standard answer for everyone. He would always say that he was a “Jack of all trades and Master of None”. I could not understand why he would respond with this answer. He had a very interesting, at times dangerous occupation. There were times that this response would so irritate me. Why could he just not say what he did? What was so wrong with it? Why did he have to hide? I now realize that this response had two agendas. It prevented him from making a true connection to others and he had a lack of value for himself. When we ask each other what it is that we do, we are basically asking, who are you? When he was asked that question, you would feel his energy drop. I would watch him start to shift from one foot to the other. He would take a deep breath and give his answer as if it was a chant. It was like his mantra. Imagine chanting that all of the time like your mantra. How would that manifest? How would that make you feel? A jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none. I want to be the Master of my universe, or should I say the Mistress of my universe. I like that better. Pondering on the why of his answer it hit me that perhaps he could not answer that question, because he had not answered it for himself. He did not know who he was or who he wanted to be. Then it also occurred to me that most of us are just like that. In fact, we spend most of our time drumming up labels for ourselves and accepting those that others have given us. We become so encumbered by it all that we lose our space, and end up moving through the world completely disconnected. Who am I? Where am I? These are the infamous questions that we are always asking, and our hearts are always answering, but we cannot hear the answer.

These labels tend to cause so much trouble. We end up caught in between the nothing and the something. Between what will make us something and thinking that, we are nothing. Many of us end up choosing the nothing. Those of us that choose the something many times wake up feeling nothing. If only we realized that, we already are everything. I have never enjoyed when I had to explain who I was. I especially hated the moments in workshops when we went around the room to say our names and tell a little about ourselves. What about those times when we had to hold hands in a circle and sing? Hated it. Those were the times that the veil that covered who I was might get unhinged and slip. I was never ready fro that. However, through much growth I have learned to let the veil go, and walk through the world. Thank goodness. I now realize that holding on to that veil was way too much work. I now have the same introduction exercise in my own workshops. Introduction helps the group connect so that we can embark on the learning journey together. Still, I remember how difficult it was. My difficulty was from not being able to define myself. No label or name ever seemed enough. I was also not comfortable wearing my own skin. I was afraid that I would be seen as a fraud, shunned, or chastised. It now all seems so silly. Now, I know that all of these feeling of fear associated with names and labels were my lack of acceptance of all of the parts of me. There were parts that I was afraid of sharing. Parts that I was ashamed of revealing. Parts that I felt weak about. Parts that others saw when they looked at me. Parts of me that others held expectations of. Even parts that I had not yet discovered. When asked to talk about me I simply could not begin. There were too many voices of the pieces of me hiding in the shadows and screaming in my ears all at once. I use to be worried about what others would think if they really knew who I was. I have gained the knowledge over time that I am not the only one that has carried this burden of fear. This is part of the journey of Self. This is part of the journey that reconnects you back to the Creator. As we go through life, we must pick up our parts along the way and integrate them back into the whole of who we are. We must accept in order to surrender and then we can begin our connection back home to the source. Stepping onto the path also means taking all of you with you. It is being o.k. with the shadows and the demons. Being o.k. with the diva and the chauvinist. We are already all of these things and then some. We like to believe that as we grow, heal, and learn how to connect on a deeper level that we stop being the princess, the prince the whore and the bitch. However, what really happens is that we accept them as being part of who we are. We let go of the shame. I know you are thinking that it is not o.k. to be these things. I will tell you that it is. The problem lies in how we express them. Each role and label comes with a shadow, and comes with a lesson. Embrace the lesson you shift the shadow. My ex was a “Jack of all Trades and Master of None”. He chose to hide himself in the shadows. He could not receive or express his divine gifts. He really did not want to be noticed, and seen. We spent many nights having conversations about if people really knew what he was capable of and who he was they would not admire or like him. Haven’t we all felt that way? The truth is we admire the one that can admit that, because we see them as courageous. The prostitute, the whore, the slut, the diva, the brat prince, the chauvinist, the saint, the servant, the nun, and the holy man, are all rolled up into one. There is no separation between them. Why is someone a prostitute? Think about it. The prostitute most likely does not feel loved and valued. The prostitute lacks the ability to receive therefore she/he cannot give themselves. We have all been there at one point or another. However, through the archetype prostitute we can find value in ourselves.

The labels that we have for ourselves or the labels that we are given can sometimes bring confusion and pain. They can set us up. We at times feel that we have to live up to them, and cannot. We sometimes feel that we must prove that we are the labels that we are using to tell the world who we are. I express the creator through every act and every deed. I am already living my purpose and my destiny. The labels that others have set for me do not matter. This also holds true for your labels. It really does not matter how we are viewed or seen. I ask to be a channel of light and to be seen with integrity. What matters is that I take all of the part of me wherever I go. What matters is that I can say hello to the shadows of myself, the prostitute, the whore, the victim, the murderer as well as the saint, the healer, the nurturer and the mother along with all of the others. I have learned many things from all of them, and when we sit down and have a party, we laugh and cry the same tears. We hold each other’s hands in joy and sadness. When we do this, we feel an amazing energy of light. It is the hum in the universe. We can feel and see the path. The best part is now we can step on the path and hang on, because we have each other. Together we make a whole. Together we have wisdom. Together we can hear and listen. Together we can love. Together we have healed.

God Is

2008-04-06T21:48:00.002-04:00

I had the fortunate opportunity to be invited to a friend’s house for dinner where I met a man that was presently attending seminary school, studying to be a minister. This was an extraordinary divinely ordered event. This meeting was an answer to both of our many questions. He was questioning how to feel God, and I was learning how to allow others to believe what they may, be comfortable with who I am, and where I have been in a community that was not so open. We engaged in a stimulating conversation about religion vs. spirituality. Living in the Bible Belt of North Carolina, I have often been placed in situations where I was amongst individuals with a strong Christian faith. I grew up in a community of many different faiths. Living in Charlotte, I have not always received a warm welcome when I have shared a different spiritual point of view.

I was raised Catholic and studied many different religions including Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Shamanism and Wicca looking for a faith that really clicked. I have prayed with healers, medicine men, priests, and priestesses. I was ordained as a green witch and an ordained minister. I have finally come to a place in my journey that I am very secure and safe in my spiritual faith. I was sitting across the table from someone that held very different spiritual ideals from my own. As a yoga teacher I was already labeled to have a different set of spiritual values. Gratefully we both saw it as opportunity to share and learn something different.

Most recently, the creator eloquently taught me a lesson that required me to heal my fear of having a different spiritual faith. I use to have a fear that if I shared my beliefs I would be stoned to death as in ancient times. This meeting of minds was an opportunity to see if I had healed this fear as well as an opportunity to cement my healing. As a healer I understand that when we are uncomfortable, frustrated or in any situation that causes fear or anger, it is always about us not the other person. It is a chance for us to heal ourselves so that we may become whole.

The first question that this wonderful man asked me was if I believed that environment played a part in our awakening. If it was easier for someone that lived in an upper middle class setting to become enlightened than for someone who lives in the ghetto.

I smiled at him and answered no. Many people choose to believe that it is more difficult to connect to the divine because of poverty, but it simply is not true. The path to awakening the spiritual consciousness is the same for everyone. We may choose different experiences or events, but ultimately it is the same. It is a choice. We must desire to become awakened. We must desire to know more. It is not about what we have or do not have. A man of wealth can hire every guru or spiritual teacher, because he has the means to do so. However, that will not get him any closer than the man that does not have material wealth. It is true that the man that lives in a poverty stricken environment may have more struggles at times, but spiritual development is something that happens on the inside of us not on the outside. I have seen many ignorant sad and spirit poor wealthy people. They shop and spend trying to fill the void that is within them. They too sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol because they cannot find the cord that connects them back to the Creator. The person that lives in a poverty-stricken environment can spend their days worrying about money, but the Creator is no further away from them than the wealthy. Integrity of heart, surrender, and love, with an intention to connect has nothing to do with what you have. These are parts of someone’s character not circumstance. The drug dealer and the thief do not become who they are because they were in lack of material things. They become who they are because of their lack of Spirit. They lack the knowing that they can connect to the Creator. They lack the ability to listen to guidance. Nothing you materially have can give you this skill. It comes from silence, listening, intention and hearts desire.

The wonderful man quietly listened to my answer, but he was not convinced that it was right. I told him that my answer is something that I feel in my heart to be true. He too should feel it to be true, and if he did not it was o.k. I never expect others to believe what I say and follow. I always say to feel what I say, and see if there is a resonance. Your heart will guide you.

The next question he asked me was even more interesting than the first. Who is God? I had never been asked that question before. I do not really remember what I told him on the spot, but the question left me pondering for a couple of days. I have always just accepted God as being, and everything. One day, while driving home from a yoga class the answer finally became clear. I heard the answer God Is. There is simply nothing that God is not. I am sure that I have heard this before, but for some reason pop! It finally all made sense, and was very clear. We spend a lot of time upholding the importance that there is God, but we do not really accept God. If we did, we would then see that God is in everything and everyone. We are a manifestation of God. We express God in every action and every endeavor. However, to truly see, we must also accept that God is in the shadows of us all. God is both good as well as bad. Please do not misinterpret my saying that God is bad. I am simply saying that God Is. It all comes from God. This is a lot to accept and understand for many. We prefer to feel that God is just the sun shining and all of our good feelings, but if God is not also the opposite of all of this goodness then where did it come from? Living in the Bible belt, I hear a lot of talk about the devil. The devil did this and the devil tempts that. I firmly believe that these are all excuses for not paying attention to our shadows. It gives us a reason not to be o.k. It also makes us not o.k. This belief upholds expectations that we could never really live up to. It keeps us in what is called sin, and keeps us in hell. The shadows are what make us uncomfortable. They are the parts of ourselves that we want to desperately to ignore. The parts that we want no one to know about. However, without shadows we would not know what was light. Without the shadows, we would not really know joy and happiness. You cannot truly have one without the other. We cannot become complete unless we embrace the shadows instead of casting them away. You have to integrate the shadows so that you can become connected to all of life. Does a radio work with only one antenna? Can a car move with only three wheels? So, how can you grow with only some of your parts? How can you feel God with only some of the parts of yourself? You cannot ask God to ignore the parts that you have hidden. God Is. God knows. You know. Your body knows you are a part of God and God is a part of you. How can any part not be o.k.? God Is. For me knowing God is everything is freeing. It makes me and everything that I do o.k. I am just fine the way that I am. That does not mean that I will stop growing. It simply means that right now, in the present moment, I am great. I am God. God is Me. God is You. God Is Everything. God is Something. I am Great. God Is.

I am sure that some of you are wondering, well how can this be, or how can I feel what you are talking about. Have you ever leaned your back against a tree, and waited for it to talk to you? Nature is one-step towards this knowing. Nature bends to our will, but also will go around it. Nature keeps creating even though we beat it over and over. When one resource runs dry, nature creates another one to take its place. Try standing with your back against a tree. Ask to connect to it. If you are still and open, you will begin to feel heat coming off the tree. That is nature connecting with you. It is one of the many ways in which God speaks. One of the many ways that God Is.

When I was a child I use to enjoy sitting in old churches, and going to Pow Wows on Indian reservations. Two very different places, but in both I could feel the presence of God. In the church God emanated from the walls, at the reservations I felt God come from the earth, and the beat of the drum. I would find myself soaring in both places connecting to everything. Connecting to nothing that you could actually see with your eyes, but everything that you could see with your spirit. It was amazing. The native peoples would call this power places. Where is your place of power? It is the place that you can sit quietly and tune in. If you do not have one you can create a sacred power place. Put together an altar with some of your favorite things. You can include pictures of loved ones, symbols that connect you to and remind you of the creator. You can burn incense or light a candle. I have always found the lighting of the candle helped set my intention for the silence, the connecting, or the prayer. Make it special. Make it sacred and yours. Many cultures believe that on this altar there should be symbols and pictures that represent the ancestors. The ancestors are past relatives that came before you. It is an honoring of their path. It is also a way to connect to their energy so that they can guide you from the other side.

In kundalini yoga there is a mantra that is repeated over and over during the practice. It is Sat Nam (the pronunciation rhymes with but mom). It means I Am, or I Am Truth, I Am God. Try repeating this mantra over and over aloud with your eyes closed. Make it a meditation. You can even just chant I AM. Do this for about 15 minutes to a half an hour. You will begin to feel a shift of connection.

The Moses Code suggests the mantra I am That, I am. This is very similar to the kundalini chant. After watching the Moses Code, I understood the power of the kundalini mantra. I had been chanting Sat Nam for almost a year, and my life has shifted dramatically. So has my internal peace.

Whatever you do throughout your day, just try to take a moment and remember that God Is. Just say it. See if it resonates, if it does keep saying it. Keep remembering it. Spirit has the power to draw you close when you are not expecting it, because God Is.

I have danced and drummed under a full moon. I have prayed with the Christians in churches and Pagans at ritual circles. Yes, Pagan’s do pray, and no not to the devil. I have been ordained as a green witch and a minister. I have offered cornmeal and tobacco to the spirits and devas of nature in the tradition of my native ancestors. I have spread seeds at the cross roads for healing, and buried bones in the woods. I have shaken with the Holy Ghost; I have shaken with the shamans. I have traveled to the middle world to retrieve souls. I have spoken in-tongues, and I have been possessed by deities. I have called the Creator, God, Spirit, the Mother, the Goddess, the Creator, and the Great Spirit. The feeling of the Creator has been the same in all. What is different is the manner by which all of the different faiths have connected. The feeling of God is the same. God Is. The type of prayer does not matter it is the intention behind it. It does not matter how it is constructed or carried out. God is the same everywhere. God is everywhere and in all things. God Is.