Healing through Energy Work

"A healer's power stems not from any special ability, but from maintaining the

courage and awareness to embody and express the universal power that 

every human being naturally possesses."

Eric Micha'el Leventhal

Touch and healing have been linked together for centuries worldwide. The mystery and superstition around healing touch have been diminished as increased interest and application have been drawing energy work as a healthy practice no longer linked to just a few. It is widely used now with Western Medicine as prevention and intervention.

The ability to touch assists in reducing if not eliminating both physical and emotional pain. Doctors across the country as well as nurses are known to regularly use a form of touch as a healing element. Learning to balance human energy is not a high-tech application. The process of learning is easily learned.

Energy work can impact human conditions both physically and emotionally. Based on the belief that our thinking process contributes to the body's dis~ease it is important to be aware of emotional upset or triggers. The goal is to align the body, mind, and soul. Energy work often engages with the recipient for successful return to health.

From Dreams to Reality

"Our dreams may seem impossible, but our creativity can turn them into reality."

Malala Yousafzai

Increasing our awareness of dreamtime, we become more comfortable in the realms where creative discovery occurs. It is a given that our dreamscapes are filled with ideas just waiting to be connected in real time. The necessity is dream recall. Unless we train ourselves to monitor our dreams, the vastness of imagination goes unresearched.

In the midst of our dreams, there are creative flashes that when joined together can lead us to daytime discoveries. There are numerous ways for images to be linked together nudging our perceptions to broaden and deepen. Nuggets of lofty possibilities prance around in our sleeping visions in hopes of remembrance upon awakening.

Creative breakthroughs and startling connections frequently present in dreamtime. When we train ourselves to decipher our dreams, there is a multitude of information that can move us beyond our dreams. Being highly creative, one begins to link seemingly random ideas together bursting with originality.  

Symbolism of Flag Blowing in the Wind ...

                    "When we honor our flag, we honor what we stand for as a nation;                                  freedom, equality, justice, hope."   Ronald Reagan

This year, I may be acutely aware of our flag with confusion regarding what it is meant to symbolize. My first association with the flag is with soldiers who boldly fought in a war risking existence while honoring our flag. Then I watched these very soldiers return home only to find the absence of appropriate support and care.

The question of freedom seems out of alignment as well. This past year, I have watched numerous situations where freedom was abused by military antics. And what of this so-called justice? America is supposed to be feeding the poor with ample opportunity for housing and medical care.

I am not politically inclined, but I am used to respecting my country and those representing it. It does not seem that the symbolism of our flag is being appropriately applied. Americans seem to be joining in concern, but will our voices be heard? It is challenging to be a proud American when we are not being led by integrity and respect for all.

Drum Circle

 "The language of drums speaks to the heart louder than words ever could."

Unknown 

There is something about drumming that escorts the mind to magical spaces. Whether it is the rhythm, the sound, or permission to drift, my spirits lift. Repetitive hand movement perhaps mesmerizes the body, mind and soul. Gathered in a group of drummers, the energy easily lifts me to the sky. 

Looking around the drum circle, it is interesting to view the differing reactions to drumming.  One drummer is known to fall into a trance and who knows where he goes. There is another who accelerates his movements to a high rhythmic pace only to gracefully fall into what appears to be a state of grace. 

The act of drumming also brings out playfulness which explains the camaraderie between us. We welcome people in the park, especially children, to join us as we have extra drums. This is my sacred community out in nature where the busy-ness of life fades away. We are like children, bonded, and ready to play!  

Sense of Flight

"In order to arrive at a place you do not know

you must go by a way you do not know."

St John of the Cross

We have grown accustomed to the fast track by using cell phones, Instagram, drive up windows and express deliveries. It would be one thing if we then used the saved time for caring for ourselves, but we don't. We simply fill the newly opened spaces with additional activities. 

When we wish to explore new spaces, too often we have forgotten our sense of adventure. We tend to map everything out and secure reservations. Wandering has been lost and so has our sense of flight. No longer do we feel that pause where we choose to just be in the moment ... suspended, just floating in the air. 

If we choose to experience something different, our minds need to be open and expectant of the unknown. There is no need to puzzle everything out. With curiosity we gently move forward upon uncharted paths. Our senses are wide open to experience that which we do not know. 

 

Serving Souls

"Fixing and helping maybe the work of the ego,

and service the work of the soul."

Rachel Naomi Remen

We can view life through our efforts of helping, fixing, and serving. If we are helping someone, we may be seeing them as weak. If we attempt to fix a person, we may be overlooking their strengths. When we choose to serve, we are contributing to the unexplored wholeness of the soul. 

Through listening without an agenda, we can hear what the person is needing help with and how they wish to achieve it. We can use their thoughts to build corrective action that is in alignment with them. By serving, we can assist souls reach what they desire, not what we think they need.

When serving, we can be the safe space where souls can wander through the clutter of their mind Hearing them randomly express fears, we get a broader picture of what they may be resisting. Through prayer, meditation, or energy work, balance can be restored. Respecting each other as souls propels us towards realignment. 

 

The Private Cave

"The most precious resource we all have is time."

Steve Jobs

Time can be squandered in all kinds of ways. It can be invested in pleasurable social activities, investments with work and coworkers, or peaceful solitude to rest our weary souls. Often times, regulating time seems impossible, and once we find ourselves over extended, we may desperately need to retreat.

Whether we are dealing with defeat or sorrow, our needed remedy is isolation. Perhaps a return to the cave is where darkness is a peaceful atmosphere lacking all stimulation. It is in this seclusion that once again we can begin to hear our heartbeat welcoming us back to normalcy.

There are times seeking solitude is the best way to create an atmosphere for healing. Whether we walk in the woods, seek a mountain top or return to our private cave, the distance from our normal chaos is finally made. It is an opportunity to shed debris, heal and ponder our heart's desire.

Final Peace

"Spiritual guidance is always present, but we are here 

for the human experience."

Virginia Carlson

There are times we are blissfully content until we are broadsided by an unsuspecting event. Even though we know spiritual guidance is consistently available, our human experience leads us into unsuspecting waters. Waves can knock us off our feet and the underwater current can cause quite the swirl. Spirit guides the human back to shore.

Lessons can be regulated if we happen to apply wisdom previously learned through trial and error. Perhaps it is an unresolved issue that gets triggered, again, to finally become healed. This is all part of the human experience to learn to adjust our boundaries and increase our awareness with integrity being the guiding force.

Life is a school we never graduate from if we so choose. We can 'flunk' out, be held back a grade, graduate or pursue continuing education. There is choice in whether or not we expand, change, and grow. As students in this physical world, we are stimulated by the joy of discovery and the final peace of being an open book.

 

Misplaced Journal

 

"One day you will reflect on your journey, and when you recall how bumpy the road

you took was, you will smile and say to yourself, 'thank God I didn't give up."

Michael Bassey Johnson

While dusting, (a very rare occurrence in my home), I came across an old journal that had been misplaced. Anything to avoid the chore of dusting, I settled outside on my patio where there was a gentle breeze by my comfortable chair. Page by page, I fell back into a time occurring numerous years ago, but strangely crisp in my memory.

As I read the words I had penned across the page, I fell down the rabbit's hole rolling into darkness. Too easily I was engulfed in my past fears hearing my harsh self-criticism and judgments. Gently, I closed this outdated journal and brought my focus back to where I was on this day, in this space in time.

Over these most current years, I have bounced between regression and progression. Thankfully, I have moved forward and at long last learned to love myself. I may not like everything about me, but I unconditionally love myself for the first time, ever. I will remain dedicated to the forward movement upon my winding path of life's journey.

Two Sides ...

"Every truth has two sides, it is as well to look at both, 

before we commit ourselves to either."

Aesop

We appreciate light, especially after darkness. There comes an awareness while experiencing both hot and cold. And what is failure without success? There is danger in narrowing our scope too precisely, especially when we are unaware of our own prejudices. When our field of vision becomes too narrow, we need to broaden our view. 

A simple coin held in our palm displays how there can be two differing elements but still be one solid thing. Perhaps we are not called to throw our belief to the side, but to expand information to at least understand an opposing view. This creates a needed element of respect that does not require us to change but consider.  

The old story of two men exploring an elephant from different positions (trunk and tail) is self-explanatory. Before we dig in our heels and become stationary, it is best to do a walk-about collecting information to support or adapt what we choose to hold true. Wisdom thrives in exploration, not confinement. 

 

Sensitivity As a Doorway

 

"Your sensitivity is not a weakness ... it's a doorway."

Lee Harris

Your sensitivity is a tool that helps you navigate through life. It is not a weakness, but a sign of strength that you have earned from trials and tribulations experienced in life. You have not allowed challenges to turn you into bitterness, resentment, and hate. It has taught you compassion, gentleness and general concern for all peoples.

As a tender-hearted human, you are deeply aware of life as it unfolds and experience it deeply. These lessons allow you to be understanding of yourself and others. Your inner light grows lighting up your journey as you find your way. By embracing individual challenges, your wisdom grows.

When you use your sensitivity with other skills, your perspective remains positive as you know there is peace on the other side of darkness. Your example is needed during this time of chaos and confusion as a signal of goodness is yet to come. Do not ever be ashamed of your tears as they are beacons of hope for others. 

Truth Telling

 

"Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people."

Spencer Johnson

Truth telling is not an easy task whether we are speaking to ourselves or others. It is tempting to offer answers based on what people want to hear. We think we are taking strides to keep peace, ignoring the unrest growing within from our diligence to avoiding discord. At the onset truth may be difficult, but in the long run, it strengthens our foundation.

A truth teller is open to diversity. They do not expect everyone to agree; they are simply voicing their opinion. And when this is done, they are flexible, willing to consider the beliefs of others in comparison to their own. It can be a learning experience not necessarily triggering division. 

It may be difficult to give voice to our truth, but it increases layers of strength. When we are honest, it increases our sense of integrity and allows others to clearly see who we are.  The manner in which we share our truth can be laced with compassion and sensitivity. Let us be open to truth that initiates openness. 

You Be You!

"The older I get, the less I want to win."

Olivia Ann Clarke

Never have I been competitive and I do realize this could have its disadvantages. Contests, games or races never attracted me. I would be happy to watch and cheer, but hesitant to run the race. If you have to choose between me and someone else, your indecision tells me you need to move on. Take the other person with you.

My motivation is to be an enhanced version of me, not beat you. The desire to keep moving forward to not necessarily to be 'better', but to experience diversity in thought, word, and deed. My desire to change through vast experiences results in being a more interesting human, not a combatant or victor.

There is a saying about 'you be you and I'll be me, and together we will move forward'. Doesn't that sound better than racing forward to conquer our teammate? I do not want to be better than anyone else. I want to experience your authenticity at its best, not some projection of a hyped up, single minded, game player.

 

True Navigator

"The heart is the navigator."

Lee Harris

The body is an informant. All day long it reports to us by using parts of our body. The tongue tells us if something is too hot. Our ears react if the music is too loud. Our stomach growls when we are hungry. Although these are important alerts, our heart navigates our responses, weaving us in and out of these situations.

It is the heart that picks up on emotions and gives us the choice of how we want to react. The heart directs us when we are heavy laden with sorrow. or filled with joy. The heart challenges us to determine if we want to proceed or withdraw. It guides us through darkness and light. 

With each passing day, the world swirls around us. The heart nudges us to feel and distribute empathy or compassion while the ego too often lapses into judgment and criticism. If we want life to be meaningful, false personas need to be dropped.  When the veil is lifted, our authentic self can be led by the heart. 

 

Suffering Optional

"Most people think suffering comes from not being loved enough. But

there is another kind of suffering that hides much deeper."

Michael Pinsker

We readily acknowledge the uncomfortable feeling when we move to a new location, switch jobs, or lose a friend. We rarely explore the distance within when we choose to shut down emotionally. Instead of sitting with our feelings, we increase our activities, distract our thoughts or hide perhaps in overindulgence. 

Each time we bury or minimize our inner reactions, distance creates the sense of separation. The pattern of disengaging with the self becomes a habit, moving us further from our true nature. We may even hear ourselves say, "I don't even know myself anymore." We become dependent upon the affection of others instead of self-reliance.

If we maintain appreciation, respect, and connection with our personal needs, love becomes self-born. Facing life as we know it with confidence and healthy support, we are no longer dependent upon others. If we ignore our emotional needs, a sense of numbness occurs separating us from our true nature. Embrace the self with the love that is craved. 

 

Glitters As an Unspoken Language

 

"A little glitter can turn your whole day around."

Barbara Park

Life can be discouraging no matter how dedicated and aware we are on our journey. The best made plans can erupt or our confidence can suddenly dissipate. Our reaction can cause us to be misled, confused, or depleted. Thank goodness when we remain expectant, there are little glitters reminding us we are not alone.

If we hold our hearts open to seemingly unrelated occurrences, there is an unspoken language of the Divine. Whether a shooting star, an infant's smile, or random reflection, we really are surrounded by encouragement. When we slow down, look around, and hold ourselves open, magic seems to appear reminding us of wholeness.

We must do our part in facilitating this unspoken communication. If we remain mindful that we need support our agendas will include time for meditation, expression, and creativity. No matter the dilemma, we must remember to not only ask for help, but to watch for it as well. There is no limit to the appearance of glitters, so hold thy lovely eyes open!

Blue Moon Significance

"As you look at the blue moon, you may feel a sense of change within yourself."

Spiritual With Liza

The occurrence of the Blue Moon suggests a time for personal inventory, creative intention setting, and shifting our journey. Under the glow of the Blue Moon, one can experience an increase in intuition and strength in aligning desires with our actions. Using a journal or meditation one can enhance the experience. 

Reviewing and releasing our past offers space for new definitions of the self. Through silence we can receive fresh guidance to create a new pathway where we step into a higher definition of the self. We must trust in a new passage that leads to steps of clarity, vision, and fulfillment. 

As we let go, we allow a higher level of self-love to connect us with important relationships, wisdom, and deeper meaning in all that surrounds us. Our energy increases and the connection with all that is increases. We are revitalized by our renewed spirit and creatively attract like-minded humans to travel with us in forward movement.

Existence

"Your uniqueness is a vital part of your life."

Lee Harris

It is unfortunate that we spend years of individuality as a child only to hide our uniqueness as we age. With each denial of the self, we shrink and feel less powerful. Our intentions become rigid with what we feel is expected behavior rather than experiencing joy set by our natural tendencies to be free.

In our busy schedules, there needs to be quiet time where we can get in touch with our body, mind, and spirit. It is within these three areas that our true nature resides. With self-respect we maintain our essence carving out a specific presence meant to unfold during our lifetime. 

Our relationship with others is necessary as we offer our personal contribution and receive benefits from the uniqueness of others. We are not present on this earth to be entirely alone. We are to experience the benefits of giving and receiving as an individual and often times as a team player. We do our best when extending the truest image of the self.

 

Personalizing Ritual

"Most cultures have a rite or ritual of some kind that marks the end of childhood and the assumption of the responsibilities and standing of an adult."

William Kent Krueger

Rituals are not for church alone and they are no longer restricted to religious ceremony. People began to personalize their faith outside of the established form using candles, flowers, and newly created spaces. Expanded ceremonies included meditation, visualization, chanting, music and of course candles. 

Whether in the garden or on a nature trail, rituals expand our personal faith. Rather than waiting for Sunday church or Saturday temple, one could be supported more regularly. Individuals created rituals whether grand or small to utilize a stronger belief system. No longer limited to birthdays or anniversaries, celebrations expanded.

Creating our rituals assists us in maintaining a stronger connection with the Divine.  We do not have to be at a special establishment to engage, as Spirit dwells within us. Increasing the awareness of the presence of God, enrichens our life, lifts our spirits, and impacts our presence in the busyness of living. 

 

Dream Work

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday

you'll join us. And the world will live as one."

John Lennon 

Dreams can occur in numerous ways and in a broad range of subject matter. If we choose to pay attention, we can create our own dream dictionary broadening and deepening the messages we are meant to receive. Dreams can be of healing, prediction, creativity, visits from other realms, and reflections of what we are avoiding.

Through dream work, we can connect with guides, explore unseen possibilities, and connect with the departed. Retaining dream content, we can explore it in greater depth with visualization. Basically, it is about how much time one is willing to invest and explore his or her hidden routes to fulfillment. 

Numerous cultures embrace the art of dreaming, daily share experiences, and make application of what is learned. Ideally, one maintains a dream journal over a period of time. When looking back over what has been recorded, a pattern emerges from dreams that individually appeared to be unrelated. Dreamtime contains a plethora of information.

Messages Abound

"Anyone who takes the sure road is as good as dead."

C. G. Jung

Native Indians honored dreamtime and routinely exchanged received messages. The Shaman was referred to as "one who dreams." The women in native tribes were often revered as healers and additionally were honored for information they received during dreams experienced in the Moon Lodge. 

The road of life opens before us and we can move forward, looking down at our feet or we can cast our gaze up to the sky. Life is adventurous when we acknowledge dreams hovering around us as they stretch our minds to lofty possibilities. If we believe Divine Spirit whispers inspiration to us, we best be paying attention.

Whether nocturnal or day dreaming, messages abound. When we truly pay attention, we begin to link dreams and insights to form a dreamlike or artistic pattern. We have choice to pay attention or write off experiences as figments of our imagination. The choice is ours ... walk a dreary path or create an adventurous journey. 

Inner Knowing

 

"Be the same person in different situations."

Kyle Draper

The only person I can be is me and the only person who can change me is me. Guides and mentors can point me in the right direction, but until I embrace what I have learned, I will stay the same. Until I invest in myself, a lack of depth proceeds. When I align thought, word, and deed, my progression will be seen.

I experience bliss when I settle in to being myself. With confidence, I can move forward towards things appealing to me. When I develop a new routine, a sense of freedom with less anxiety propels me forward. If I find myself feeling too singular, I can explore new thoughts and creative expression.

When I have clarity, there is less distraction and more direction. This does not mean I do not experience dead ends, but they are not wasted endeavors. There is an inner knowing that I am moving closer to who I really am. There is less worry about fitting in, as I am happier just being me, not someone you want me to be.

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Propelled In the River

 

"Our lives and the lives of those we love merge to create a river whose current carries us forward from our beginning to our end. The river each of us remembers is different."

William Kent Krueger

We walk side by side, experiencing the exact same thing, and yet, we remember differently. As ripples in the river, we move together gathering impressions through our own eyes, gently being pulled forward by an unseen current. Each of us has a beginning and an ending that present time does not reveal.

There are numerous inner versions of the self and bystanders may observe something entirely different. Although the persona we project may be altered, each one holds an element of truth. If we are lost in the dark, other people's perception of us may be more accurate than our own. 

Watching the movement in the river, we realize there is importance in flowing side by side, allowing independence and yet a compatible union. Keep flowing, moving through change that redefines us but still allow the water to propel us home. Our perceptions of the river may differ, but there is always an element of truth for all.

Transition -vs- Change

"Transition is the psychological process people go through 

to come to terms with the new situation."

William Bridges

It is helpful to remember that change is something that happens outside of us and transition is the internal shift. Change can be an automatic adjustment to a situation whereas transition is a process that is mentally transpiring. Change can be a behavioral action and transition a mental elongated undertaking.

We may notice a change that we are making physically, faster than an internal transition. The change is happening before our very eyes, but internally, our process may not be so easily noticeable. Even when we become aware of our internal movement, we may experience denial or resistance.

It can be frightening to give up what is happening within us. Even when we long to be motivated forward, uncertainty can be frightening. We need to trust our inner guidance and pay less attention to those opposing our deeper growth. Remain connected with the higher self and never hesitate to pray for deeper support. Be gentle with the change. 

Reenforce Connection

"...connecting with them is more important than continuing to judge them."

Gary Zukav

Gary Zukav has had my attention for numerous years. Recently, I was reading a passage of his reminding me about being present with someone who is in pain. He says when someone hurts our feelings, it means they are struggling, needing compassion, not judgment. When people are emotionally frightened, we could help by being present. 

When a close friend lashes out at us, our automatic reaction can be first hurt then anger with the desire to retaliate. If a highly regarded person in our life harshly criticizes us, we can immediately devalue our own credibility and become self-deprecating. Seldom is our immediate response an assessment of the speaker's current mindset. 

We often are not aware of people's inner turmoil, even if we share an exceptional connection. It is easy to accept responsibility for criticism or judgment. When we are mindful, detecting anger in the speaker, a shift in creating a safe space for them will reenforce the connection, rather than destroying it. 

 

Embraced Offer

"Although she had never been a beauty, she'd finally learned to see what was beautiful about her, and she tried to look at other people with the same forgiving eye, and this had made a vast difference in how she embraced what life offered."

William Kent Krueger

The saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" might be old but still rings true. When we engage deeply with a person, physical aspects tend to fall away, and we become appreciative of inner non-physical qualities. Limiting beauty to superficial appearances lacks depth and limits perceptions. 

When our physical looks become the gauge for successful living, life can become shallow, and lonely. Conversely, when we appreciate the tone of someone's voice, the bird flying in nature, the giggling of a child, our lives become enhanced, allowing us to feel a deeper connection with beauty in our world.

When we become less critical of those around us, self-criticism lessens. Gratitude gains momentum and definition of beauty swells. We admire small pieces within the design rather than gaping at a lifeless portrait. Allowing new awareness of beauty to flow through us, appreciation kindles the soul.

 

Bounce Back

 

"Forgive yourself, this is a school."

Archeology for the Women's Soul

As children, we fell on the playground but jumped back up to try again. We were not always accepted by the cool kids, nor did we consistently excel scholastically. Experiences were different. Sometimes we may have been filled with lofty thoughts swinging on a swing or harshly hitting dirt at the bottom of the slide.

Life continues to be a school, teaching us lessons on different levels. Some of the teachers excel in communicating while others may have zero connection with students. In the process of learning, we may have to endure timeouts or skip a grade. Learning experiences abound if we pay attention and seek the wisdom.

Whatever level we find ourselves, there is a necessity in nurturing our dreams, desires, and expectations. Replenishing our thoughts impacts our drive. Clarity fuels our visions. Errors, miscalculations, and regression are unavoidable, but it is our bounce back ability that impacts our progression in this school.

Healer, Heal Thyself

 

"May all the healers of the earth find their own healing."

Starhawk

Everyone around us is a healer, either through challenge or kindness. The same is true for a teacher, one does not require a teaching certificate to enlighten the life of one other. Even with healers deliberately working to better the mental or physical health of a person, it is the energy that passes through them that makes the impact.

As we gather wisdom and healing energy, the outcome depends upon how we absorb and apply what we learn. Every individual is in need of improvement, both healer and teacher.  Moving forward requires new knowledge which in result changes us. Change does not occur if we do not shift. Staying the same is stagnant.

A therapist is not free from personal issues, a healer is not free from ailments, and a teacher does not have all of the answers. We all have options as to what means we will use for growing and healing. By activating choice, we begin the passage to greater understanding which is a goal for life. 

Be Still and Listen ...

 

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear."

Rumi

Sitting quietly at the table, I cleared my mind of thought and filled it with gentle white light. I remained still, allowing my mind to be like a curious child. I did not want to be tainted by the past nor fascinated by an imaginary future. I yearned to simply be present while listening for the Divine plan to be whispered from my soul.

With the passing of winter, blackened snow had been shoveled away and the new year sorted through options of what might be at bay. Alas, spring has come with high winds blowing old layers away. New growth is pushing up offering an array of options to answer the question of how does my garden grow.

Without pen or paper, my mind is quiet and gentle images float through this inner light of mine. There finally has been enough healing that my sense of self has become sturdy without needing personal acceptance or approval. In this stillness, I feel the best of everything gently sliding my way.

Multi-Sensory Perceptions

 

"We are evolving from five-sensory humans into multisensory humans ...

The perceptions of the multi-sensory human extend beyond physical

reality to the larger dynamical system of which our physical reality is a part."

Gary Zukav

Through unique experiences, we are beginning to be aware of differing ways to receive information beyond physical means. We can think of this as receiving knowings that resonate within us. Our old limitations may trigger criticism and judgment. Deep trust in  this process eliminates unnecessary layers for understanding.

There is nothing required other than being open and paying attention. This is not something new occurring, we are simply expanding our awareness. Information comes to us and asks us to relate in different ways without filters. It asks us to use more clarity and less need for confirmation. There is no immediate need to agree or disagree, but to be open.

There is more presence in the multi-sensory process. Our ability to participate with this develops over time. We find ourselves knowing something without documentation which can be challenging. Understanding gently propels us forward engaging with other spirits or realms. Similar to meditation, we embrace life without veils.