A Spirit Stopped By

As I told you in my last blog, I met with a medium Bernie Scott and it was quite a unique experience-- sort of an experiment you might say.  We connect once a year and I journal everything as her messages often come to light months following these sessions. A few days leading up to our appointment, I sat in several meditations asking the Universe specific questions - but adding a new twist- I requesting that my answers come through Bernie.

I am an author illustrator working on my own books. This is new for me as in the past I design for clients and I have been channeling a story that centers on endangered wildlife. I will not go into detail as it's currently in production, but basically all of my questions for this medium focused on my books.

Two months ago my sister's 62 year old husband Lee died suddenly as a result of a rare blood cancer.  So It's Your Birthday describes this experience.  Prior to his passing I packed up all of my belongings and moved in with my sister thinking I would be there to help him during his recovery, never expecting his tragic death. I was able to be there when the dust settled and the phone calls and flowers faded... my 2 week visit turned into 6. During my reading an incredible gift was given to me when Lee arrived singing a song about Pine Trees - his home is surrounded by them and his favorite golf course is named Southern Pines. He thanked me for everything I did and told me that his wife, although still grieving, is coming along strongly and he feels part of it has to do with my healing energy. He spoke of a hawk and I was reminded of his memorial service on the golf course where a lone hawk circled overhead as my daughter played Amazing Grace on her clarinet. He then proceeded to show Bernie a scene that mirrored one I have witnessed in meditations again and again, for several years now. She described it perfectly and told me Lee was taking me to this place to help me with my writing. I interrupted her to explain that it was the exact place in my meditations and that I was writing a story based on this. She thought it all seemed very odd -"where are you taking me?" she asked. He then explained that he wanted to help with the books in appreciation for what I have done for my sister. I was quite moved and thanked him. He described a location that I have researched for this endangered animal story and this reading gave me the validation that I was hoping for.

I still had one more question I was hoping to find an answer for. A few years ago I was given a mysterious message.  I was told that I would be working in video production regarding my own project. I worked as a professional video editor years ago and have moved onto publishing and none of this made any sense. I was hoping my session with Bernie would enlighten me. I had asked for some clarity regarding this during my meditations. She saw a screen with me speaking about my book and described the animal that my children's book is based on. I was speaking on camera about the reality of what I am writing about. This video blogging will be connected to my book and it will help bring awareness, I will inspire many people, then the computer screen turned into a TV screen and she laughed and said "oh my, I think you are going to get noticed big time!"

Next my parents stopped by to describe in detail a few activities they had witnessed recently and we had a good laugh. My mother showed Bernie two books open and one book shut. This was to confirm that they are keeping a close watch on my work. In truth I currently have two children's books (part one and two) and another book that is unrelated. It's wonderful to know my mom and dad are cheering me on- how fantastic is that?

So what did I learn from all of this? By using meditation to ask questions prior to my reading I was able to gain insight to valuable information that has been waiting for me. I must admit this was an experiment, but I am convinced that our guides and loved ones are always there to help us. Why not begin asking today- give this method a try and see what answers you receive. My results have left me feeling confident that I am moving in the right direction. If you would like to reserve a session with Bernie Scott please visit her website for details. To learn more about how you can meditate without any CD's or guides for FREE please click.

Psychics Are Smartphones- How's Your Data Plan?

My mother

Every so often I approach a meditation with hopes of connecting with someone other than my guides. I just set my intention during my opening protection prayer and add that I would like to connect with a family member or whomever is on my heart. By stating your purpose at the opening of the meditation you are asking the universe to assist you.
I didn't always used to do this. I thought this communication was only possible through mediumship. After all they're the telephones to the ether world, not me. I was just a person that used meditation to connect to my higher self and guides that walk with me. But, I was wrong. Since asking to meet with family in my meditations, I've had wonderful encounters with so many that it would take up too much space on this post. This communication with spirits first began when a very strong thought, more like an urging nudged me to visit a medium and so I took that step.

So what about your visitations with mediums? How often are you having readings? Is it less than a year apart? What are you searching for?

Mediums are people who live and breathe just like you sharing their ability to connect with spirits that have crossed over. Many are helpful in bringing you realization that life continues after physical death. After all - these spirits once walked this earth just like you and I. Some mediums are not well developed and sometimes misinterpret and you need to listen to your inner voice as it will alert you to this. Daily meditation will help you decipher the truth, you will know when the information feels correct.

If in fact you are still questioning that life continues after the physical death then medium-hopping may not be the best answer. However, if you have visited a medium and you have concrete 100% assuredness of life eternal, than isn't it time to take it a step further? I'm not saying you cannot enjoy those wonderful loving moments when a relative connects and you feel as if you've just been hugged, these meetings should be cherished as they are priceless. What I am referring to is this - If you want to discover the mysteries that truly lie within your grasp, why not begin there? Take it beyond "Hi dad, yes I was just out in my garden singing your favorite song- yes, the medium I am sitting with has it correct and I know you heard me, how sweet..." Take it to the next step, set your intention on making a connection that will help you on your journey. Meditate before making that appointment with a trusted medium and set your questions to the universe. If you are going to be using the connection much like a telephone, than choose your questions wisely... make the most of your minutes.

For example, maybe you have questions concerning your journey. So you sit in meditation prior to meeting with the medium and maybe you say this.

"I want to create ________ how do I begin?"
"I would like to begin doing ________ how can I best achieve this?"
"I want to relocate, but my job is here, how can I move yet keep my job?"
"I would like to meet someone that can shed some light into my problem with _______"

Now when you sit with a medium you may just get some different messages coming through. You may be given inspiration, encouragement and information to help move thoughts into action. Just try it, I am about to sit with Bernie Scott, whom I admire greatly and it has been one year since my last visit. I have set my intention - I have meditated on what I would like to know about my journey. I will update you in a future post. 

As for my loved ones, they will probably continue to pop in when I sit with a medium, and I will continue to ask them to stop by in my meditations and you can too - remember, they are always a thought away and would love to be asked in for a visit:)
To learn how you can meditate without any CDs, classes or books click  HOW TO BEGIN.

Crying Voices Open Quiet Minds

A guiding light

When is the last time you seriously looked at the people who are suffering? They could be your neighbors, family members, acquaintances or strangers...but they are hurting.
My 10 year old granddaughter is fighting a very rare disease. I will include more info regarding this at the bottom of this post. She is not alone, there are so many people facing their own personal storms. You yourself have varying degrees of stressful situations you face daily. Where is your safe harbor of peace? How can you wade through the agony of daily chaos? It starts within.

I have had many trials in my life and there have been plenty of moments when I wanted to throw in the towel...life can be so un-bearing. It was when I began to meditate daily that I was able to see the glints of sun shining through the clouds. It was when I understood that meditation should be approached as a personal commitment to MYSELF. This is not a race - there are no blue ribbons. This is a way to help connect to a deep wisdom that lies within everyone - yes EVERYONE.

One of the most amazing discoveries was my yearning desire to help others. I thought I had embarked on this personal exploration to understand myself better.  But, as you begin to truly love yourself there is a natural desire to share this.  Meditation opens the quiet chambers of your mind to reveal the needs of others. Why? How? How can setting aside 15 silent minutes daily make you want to help others? You are clearing away the noise and debris of your busy world in order to hear others crying out. Those voices are connected to you and they are a part of you. By quieting your mind and heart you will learn to listen to your inner voice that has always guided you. The next step may be more difficult at first...learn to MOVE your thoughts into action and DO something about what you have heard. You will find that once you begin down this path more twists and turns will appear. Each path brings greater understanding and tremendous joy.

Begin today and look toward the sun shining through the clouds - follow that light and begin helping others to find their own harbors of inner peace.

The disease mentioned above is Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiactric Syndrome (PANS). Triggered by “strep”, her immune system mistakenly attacks part of her brain confusing it with the strep antigen, thus creating a neurological inflammation causing her to have debilitating “episodes”. Her condition has deteriorated to the point that she is unable to attend school on a regular basis. She is currently writing a book to bring awareness to this disease and yes, she does meditate:)

Would you like to know how to meditate without any CDs, classes or books? HOW TO BEGIN.

Visits from Loved Ones in My Dreams

My parents 1946

I didn't want to wake. It seemed my dreams were far better.  I had been enjoying my visits with my loved ones that have crossed and sometimes felt more lonely upon waking. My dad and his laughter my mother and her sparkling eyes and my brother with that boyish grin. Has this ever happened to you?
Realizing that my loved ones are still around me has helped ease my pain...but it was a process. I had followed that wobbly truth that others had told me... "No, we don't have the answers, God will tell you later...maybe...after you die." How is this supposed to comfort anyone? Why would a loving creator stick a clause on the end of a death certificate?

Peace has come in knowing that the physical embodiment of my beautiful spirit is but a temporary vessel. The vessel was meant for a short duration compared to the entire journey. This is a merely a small part- and for this portion I wear blue eyes and have dirty blonde hair that will gray... eventually.

If we truly embrace that we live eternally then we should be all the more excited about our visit here at this moment. It's 2012 a time when our technology is at its best- medical science has seen enormous transitions and our life expectancies have stretched longer. This is not a time to be at war with one another, to squabble amongst ourselves over petty unimportant issues. It's a time to look around and see how each of us can make a contribution to our communities, our animals and our planet.

If you have spent days agonizing over the death of a loved one, I truly send you my deepest condolences. And I hope that some day you reach a place where you can breathe deeply knowing they are all around you. Reassurance comes in stages and the process is unique to each of us. For me I know in my heart I am loved and those that have gone on want me to know they will see me again - they are merely a thought away.

Yes it is a day by day existence and there are many stormy days ahead maybe it's time we learned to smell the rain and appreciate its cool waters. Live your life with passion. Continue to build relationships- be kinder, trod lightly on the soil and send love to all that need it. You are but one vessel among many. Living in the now and knowing you are here for this moment may help you make a difference in your world.  This is YOUR time, this is YOUR day. Make the most of it and let your loving energy shine brightly. You are not alone and your beacon of hope will call out to your loved ones who have passed and they will gather near you...you don't have to wait until death to feel their love. There are no hidden clauses. Open your eyes to the possibility that you can rise and have your dreams, you only need to wake up.

 Much of what I have learned has come through meditation. If you would like to learn how you can find your own path please read How to Begin. You can do this for FREE without the need to attend a class or buy a CD.

So it's your birthday...big deal

I found myself waking one morning to a frantic phone call from my sister. Her husband had stopped breathing during his sleep and she performed CPR and alerted 911. Her heroic efforts helped give him only 2 weeks to live as he was placed on life support and finally passed only 8 days ago.

I am blessed to have a very stable loving relationship and I was able to purchase a 1-way ticket to fly to be by her side. I watched the doctors grim faces as they updated her daily with reports of his decline until he passed. He crossed over at home with his family and loving dogs by his side.

My spouse has packed up our office and belongings and we have decided to stay with her for the time being. I do not know the length of this stay...I only know that I am needed. As children we dreamed of owning horses and I find myself on a 13 acre farm with horses that need feeding, brushing and stalls that need cleaning. Back home (in the Florida Keys) we travel often on business and I am unable to own a pet dog (I so desire)...and I now find myself surrounded by a mixed dachshund-terrier named Molly and a black lab named Ace that are hurting as their beloved master has passed. We now take long walks together and my steps keep time to their wagging tails.

So many lessons I am learning daily. To understand that I live surrounded by love with a mate who is confident and SOLID in himself allows me to just flow freely. How beautiful and how natural this all feels to me. To be able to cut through the pettiness of daily mundane BS putting aside unnecessary stress to be of use to a fellow human...be it my sister or a neighbor is so rewarding.

There are many holidays, reunions, graduations, birthdays and celebrations - but there is only ONE that trumps them all...death. (And yes, I know his Spirit is all around and I feel his presence, but her pain is raw.) I am starting to see that people take these celebrations with so much focus that they feel hurt if we do not acknowledge or make a fuss... if we do not share in their delight. When you are surrounded by a grieving loved one you realize that celebrations come and go but that the physical existence of THIS day is precious. Yes, we can rejoice with others and send cards and smile, but when you know someone is grieving learn to not take it personal if they cannot raise a toast. We must take stock- give love, embrace love, BE love everyday. This is what I want to breathe in daily.

Meditation has given me this insight. To learn how you can meditate without any CD's or guides for FREE please read How to Begin

Death and Dandelions

My sister's husband of 39 years is dying of a rare cancer of the blood. My profession as a designer allows me to work anywhere my mac is. And so I am by her side now for the duration. She owns 13 acres with a stable filled with horses. Her husband is 62 and he was once a man that was a chief of police commanding a team... now he no longer can lift his head and will pass very soon. He was diagnosed only 2 months ago. Sad? Yes, but not an uncommon story. Cancer does not care about age, career or goals.

I know I cannot heal him and my sister is numb. Sometimes when death approaches you do whatever you can do to lighten a load. And so I picked up a pitchfork and shoveled manure and when the horses were cleaned and fed I rested.

Anyone can help a family member or a friend... you just need to look around. The hospice team will care for him as he continues to grow weaker and I will remind my sister to eat and to breathe and to just take each day as it comes. And while I am here I will weed a garden. A garden that Lee loved to work in and I know this will bring a smile.

Lee is sedated but I know his spirit is very aware and so I will continue to send him love and surround him with care and compassion for his beloved pets and his best friend...my sister whom I will rock to sleep in my arms for now. Sometimes healing appears in the strangest ways. Look around at the people you know who are hurting and find your garden to weed.

Smiling Through Broken Glass

I used to think that my life was nothing more than shattered dreams.  I was never able to quite win the approval of my parents. My teachers shook their heads disapprovingly as they marked my grades in red ink. And I always wished I was born into a family that was little less lean in the wallet. Being born into a pack of 8 kids you learned quickly to take whatever was offered and to be thankful. 

When I was very young I learned I had the unique talent to create art. I was fascinated to discover I could actually earn a living by doing something that came so natural. I had no formal training but it didn't stop me from trying. I even made it all the way to NY where a big company Newman Marcus wanted to purchase some of my art for their children's wear. Wow, and I was this nobody painting on children's clothing out of my garage. And then something happened that would change my life forever. My art representative stole my portfolio containing all of my original work and sold it, passing it off as her own!

It was like a meteor crashed into my world. I had been moving in a direction that seemed so perfect and BAM I was knocked flat on my back. I had a few options available to me. Take her to court and submerge myself in legal bills and a swamp of negativity, wallow in self pity and numb myself with drugs and alcohol sinking deeper into depression... or go to art school and learn how to develop the natural talent I had arrived on the planet with.

But first I would have to get my hands dirty and put in the work. Did I mention I was a single mom during this time raising an 8 and 13 year old?...um yeah. I drove 180 miles daily five days a week for two years just to earn a degree so I could say I was an "official" artist. I finished at the top of my class, too. Geez, I can still hear myself telling my classmates who thought I was an over study-er. "I didn't drive all this way to get a C!" You'd think for all of my effort someone would at least ask to see my certificate, but no, not really. All I was ever asked was show me what you can DO Lorraine.

The theft of my portfolio helped move me toward being the artist I am today... do I want to thank this woman...um no, I wouldn't exactly say that. But, I am thankful I was able to rise above the negativity and move THOUGHT into ACTION. 

We must all understand that life holds a lot of broken bits and pieces. We have storms and trials and we sometimes fall flat on our face. It is how we are able to create something from this that will enable us to love ourselves more. It will help us to feel complete, whole and beautiful.

I continue to use meditation to help me learn more about how I can move THOUGHT into ACTION and you can too. To learn how you can begin to meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day