Alone Following a Break-Up

I never thought I would find myself alone, after all I was born into a overcrowded family and married at the age of 18… having personal space was a luxury. But that marriage dissolved and my inability to be alone probably counts for the many unsuccessful relationships that followed. Oh sure, there were many other reasons and I don't mean to be glib about this, but the truth of the matter is that I did NOT know how to love myself– let alone others. And so in the year 2007 I did something that made a lot of people think I was crazy...I hit the RESET button and said NO MORE.

It wasn't like I woke up one day and said, hey Lorraine you need to love yourself. No, it was more like a feeling of emptiness. Something off, something missing and it was very deep. By this stage of my life I had raised three children and was now a grandparent. I had lived a role for others and in doing so, lost a bit of me. How? Aren't we supposed to be dutiful parents and give ourselves 24 hours a day to the needs of our offspring? And what about our grown parents, are we not supposed to drop everything and care for them as they become more needy? This is the the correct path, so why wasn't I happy? I adored my children and had a warm, loving relationship with my parents (they are both now in spirit). But I spent years battling insomnia and depression, and to be quite honest I was hoping some mornings I would just leave and go quietly into the spirit world... but that was then.

Hitting the reset button helped me to discover self-love. It wasn't easy contacting the lawyer and starting the divorce procedure, telling my kids I needed to start fresh, or telling my aging mother that I would call when I was settled. But you know what…it was pretty easy to quit my high-paying job, and swap all of my jewelry for cash. Yes, that part felt right, it felt solid, it felt like a huge GREEN LIGHT!

And so at the age of 52 I was finally alone. I drove 1400 miles to Key West, FL and found a tiny space I could barely afford. I came with the items I could stuff into my tiny car. No furniture, no pots or pans, no linen…just my laptop, art supplies and some summer clothes and flip-flops.

Bedroom/art studio

My new job paid me about the same hourly rate I earned in 1973 and let me tell you, it was day to day, penny to penny living. My furniture came from trash picks and yard sales. But little by little my tiny space began to feel like a palace. I was learning the importance of silence. I was learning what made me uncomfortable, happy, irritable, excited, bored… I was learning who Lorraine the person was. Not the mother, daughter, sister or friend person I had been, but the bubbling energetic child that had been squashed for a long time. I want to make it very clear that I hold no ill feelings or blame anyone, I am merely stating a fact that I was NOT BEING TRUE TO MYSELF.

My perfect tiny space

As I began spending time alone I found there were bits and pieces of me that I either wanted to examine further or discard. But how…where do you begin? It was then that I discovered the magic of being alone. At first it felt lonely, and I was wondering if I had traded my insomnia for a new zip code. I now had a new problem, I was afraid of the dark and every bump in the night. Florida had geckos, eww, creepy little things that crawled into every crevice. I DON'T DO CREEPY THINGS! I came from a quiet suburban neighborhood with squirrels and blue jays. Now I had to dodge iguanas and don't even get me started about the Key West chickens, they are as common as palm trees crowing every time someone turns a light on. So how alone was I exactly?
to be continued... Part 2

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To learn about meditation please read Meditation Mojo
Art for a cause.

That Was Then – This Is NOW

Your yesterdays are now behind you…so, what are you doing TODAY? Be honest with yourself. Are you constantly thinking of the way things "used to be," if so you are not alone.

Many people wish for things that are in the past. They long for loved ones no longer on earth; the strength of youth now slipping away; a skill or career they used to do; broken relationships – the list goes on. But how does all of this looking back help you with today? In truth – it doesn't.

We are beings filled with energy. We create thoughts. Our thoughts have a trail that lead to or away from us. When you think a thought, you give it energy. If you continue to look behind you and are feeling a constant unhappiness or wishing whatever you long for is still here, you are depleting your energy. As we weaken our energy it effects our Auras (an energy field that surrounds all living things.) A weakened Auric field can lead to illness and dis-ease. This problem is compounded as your diminished state leaves you feeling low and vulnerable. You are longing for things that are from your past, lowering your ability to ward off negative energies and your thoughts become even sadder. How can we get off of this dejected merry-go-round of yester-year?

A good way to start is to "ground" yourself. This helps you to focus on what is in the NOW.  What is grounding? It is the act of re-connecting to the earth from which you are a part. How can reconnecting with the planet help you move your mind away from the past? When we incorporate a daily practice of grounding, it restores our minds to focus on the present. It allows us to release the thoughts of the past and focus on the NOW. That draining connection that has been constant will eventually slow to a trickle and hopefully cease altogether. You will feel lighter, you will become more engaged in your TODAY.

How to ground: One of the best ways to ground is to simply go for a walk. Leave your digital devices behind and put your feet on the ground and start moving. Without headphones you will begin to hear nature's soundtrack. As you incorporate this into your routine, you may begin to notice the beauty that surrounds you. Nature paints her own tapestry and it's waiting for you. Whether you live in the tropics or the frozen tundras it makes no difference. Bundle up and step outside. If it's raining grab an umbrella. Just do it. Make this connection and get moving. This action will free up your mind and open your senses to the wonderful truth. Today is NOW. All of the things in the past are behind you – let them go. You are probably saying to yourself…that's all there is to it, can it really be that simple? Yes, try it. Use the same technique used in meditation, release all thought, breathe in and breath out and LET THEM GO. Poof!

Learn to move your mind away from negative thoughts that are draining your energy and free yourself. You can do this. When you hear people discussing negative things, move away. If the TV is spouting negativity– power it off. If your environment is adorned with photos that make you feel sad, put them away for now. In time you can bring them out and hopefully smile as you are able to see them in a new light.

It took me years to realize I was holding myself back by constantly wishing for things of yesterday. Take control of your NOW. Understand that thoughts are LIVING THINGS. You have the ability to guard your mind. Get outside and explore other avenues of grounding yourself, such as hugging a tree. Make the connection and LOVE YOURSELF more deeply. Today is what matters, tomorrow you can begin another day of NOW. Move forward in good health and encourage others to find their own methods of LETTING GO.

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To learn how you can meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day

Clueless Spirits Enlighten Us

Are you a seeker? Do you read books, follow podcasts, attend work-shops, join groups, get readings, attend development circles, etc.,? If you do than you are a part of a phenomenon that is sweeping our planet. A massive WAKE UP is happening around the globe. Exploring and uncovering every tid bit of information regarding metaphysics. Constantly searching to better understand our role and how we fit into the makeup and fiber of our universe.

I myself have been exploring and gathering knowledge for many years. Always and inquisitive person, I was constantly raising my hand in class to the groans of my fellow students who wanted the lesson to be over. Questioning and exploring is all well and good but there comes a time when we need to take what we have learned and apply it. This is exactly why I began this blog on how to meditate. Meditation has unlocked information that I was unable to find in books, work-shops or podcasts. This information came from my higher self and was designed especially for me. When you go into meditation your information will be unique and especially for you…this is how it works.

It was through a recent meditation that I was given the following and I wanted to share it with you:

"Point in fact...Over the years many spirits that were once in human form have connected with gifted mediums. They are moving forward on their journeys and love to stop by to lend support and chat, but keep in mind that while on earth many have never heard of or practiced "chakras, auras, cutting cords, meditation, past-life regression, astral traveling, manifestation, astrology, numerology, etc.  It only goes to prove that YOUR JOURNEY IS YOUR JOURNEY.
They are quite happy beings for never knowing the difference. They are moving in a vibration different then our own, but many are fine with never having done any of this seeking while in physical form. If you are someone that wishes to peruse these things then do it… If you choose to sit back and quietly observe then do it! Life is full of choices and we all have FREE WILL as did they. THIS IS THE PARTY--so enjoy life everyday:)"

I hope you continue to hunt and gather, seeking to better yourself for the highest good of the universe. Be sure to stop and soak in all that you have learned and pass it along. Your journey is priceless in the scheme of all that you will ever acquire so ENJOY IT!


To learn how to begin meditation. Please read How to Begin

 

Raise Your Vibration with THOUGHT

Where is your inner harbor of peace? If you were to close your eyes and imagine a place of total tranquility  –what would you see?

I recently asked my students this during a meditation class. For some it is a beach, others beside a mountain and for others it's in a garden. No two answers are ever the same. This is because we are each such diverse creatures. If I were to lead them on a guided meditation how would I know where to take them? Oh, of course they would follow along as I take them into a garden or along a beach foot path or even under a waterfall. But I am trying to help them find their OWN special place.  And they can do this by looking within.

You can find your secluded haven by rewarding yourself with quiet time alone. Take a walk, ride your bike…or just sit in a room by yourself. Pull your mind away from the struggles of the day and think of a place that makes you feel calm, safe and secure. Can you feel your energy shift? That was your vibration lifting. Yes, you actually raised your vibration by THINKING of a place. How can you use this positive energy in your life? By allowing this thought of this beautiful resting place to inhabit your daily routine.

As you go about your day learn to find moments of escape. You may be sitting at your desk, in traffic or waiting in a noisy supermarket. Whenever you need to calm yourself take a few cleansing breaths and think of your special space. This will help you to raise your vibration and remove negative energy that may begin to swirl around you as you become tense with anxiety.

The more you visit this retreat the better. You are becoming pro-active in training your mind to bathe in positive beautiful thoughts. It feels good and your body will feel lighter, your mood will seem more bubbly. This is your vibration raising and this is you harmonizing with the beautiful energy of your spirit. This is a simple practice that everyone can do … all ages...all people.

Meditation can take you wherever you want to go and is a wonderful tool to "let go" of thoughts. Remember, thoughts are living things and you are the guardian of them. Learn this simple method of finding your quiet space that was designed for you alone and be a happier person. This happiness will spread to your family, friends, pets and to the world around you. To learn how you can begin meditating please read Meditation Mojo. 

Voting Voodoo

As I watched this nation approach election day, I was astonished at the absurdities being spread regarding the men running for office. What is the truth and what has happened to our ability to discern between fact and fiction? The media is no longer unbiased and a poor source for anyone trying to make a clear-cut voting decision. How is a man to form his own opinion? Perhaps like many...he no longer holds one.

From early on we are taught to follow the leadership of others. Parents, teachers, coaches and political leaders all saying, "Follow me, I know what's best for you."

But do they? Even when things don't add up, should we plow on ahead regardless of what we know to be a wobbly truth?
Are we willing to follow like sheep? If so, then we are doomed to fall off a cliff as we follow opinions created by others.

I have long stayed away from political discussions as the hatred becomes so thick. People unable to work together for the good of all. It seems to be worse when you ask them for the reasons behind their opinion and they cannot answer you. They will quote something they heard on TV or read in a political advertisement.

Busy people living busy lives. Some wake to the drudgery of household chores or work a job to support a family and return home dog-tired. They grumble at the amount they are paid and long for the leisure of their retirement. Do they care about the country and its leadership? Of course. Do they want to read and examine and study and do the research needed to make a wise choice in how their tax dollars are spent? Well, to be honest...it's easier to listen to someone else tell them what to think. And so when you ask them why they feel such anger and hatred toward the opposing candidate they can fire off the bullet points that they have heard being parroted by friends and co-workers. Is this truly their opinion? If it is why is it that they cannot answer you from their heart?

I believe the reason so many are unable to work together for the good of all is because they truly do NOT want to be alone with their own thoughts. It can be scary and they might have to examine unhealthy lifestyles, toxic relationships and feelings of disappointment in who they are and how they are moving along this road of life. If we cannot be alone with our own mind and separate what we know to be true... deep down in our gut...then how can we begin to understand one another?

I am happy this election is over. I am encouraged to think that perhaps we can move forward. It is my hope that together all will strive to live in a world where race, religion, class standing and sexual orientation will never interfere with anyone's right to be treated with dignity and respect. A world where all people have the right to provide for themselves. Homelessness will be a word from our past and empty stomachs a forgotten memory.  A place where The Haves and the Have-Nots are no longer warring among themselves and have replaced it with an attitudes of loving care. Let us look within and find the truth. Let us listen to our inner voice that is calling out and let us stop the hatred that separates us.

Perhaps you are one of the people that doesn't want to look within, you've chosen to keep your head down as you follow a path others have put before you.  This is a matter for you. But if you do decide this course of action, how will you know it is a choice that has been made by you? Begin by taking the simple step of daily meditation. Only 15 minutes of daily silence. No media, no parents, no co-workers or any other means of outside interference. A time to be alone with your thoughts. Trust yourself and know that the opinion you hold is truly your own. To learn how you can begin meditating please read How to Begin.

Mystic Filters Who Are YOU Listening To?

Who's voice are YOU listening to?

Is meditation just for spiritual people? Why would anyone need to learn how to do something so simple? Life is made up of many different species of people, well maybe not species per say, but face it we are pretty animal-istic in our pack behavior at times:)

Some people choose to use religion and special prayers in their communication with God, Source or Is. Others choose silent prayer in their own way and do not belong to any organized religion but still feel their childhood upbringing regarding the church's views are close to their own, without the need to attend a service. Many have chosen to find a road to inner peace by venturing from one form of belief system to another. They're in an experimental phase and time will tell how they proceed along their journey.

Some non-church goers now exploring Tarot, Astrology and Numerology seem to have swapped out church for a new ideology. Some, not all, seem unaware that they are venturing into a pattern of thinking put before them by others. Who's voice is guiding them and can they honestly say that it is truly their own? I find each of these methods fascinating and feel they are very valuable tools in gaining knowledge from the universe. I encourage beginners to look within when approaching new avenues regarding this connection as I feel it should be approached with respect.

Some do not want ANY communication or attention to anything spiritual.

Others choose to interact with God, Source, Is or whatever name they choose, with the help of meditation as well as a link to their own spirit, guides and helpers. And some do not want to connect with anything other then their subconscious. This is all a matter for the individual, and I mention the many different avenues as an example of how each of us is on our own path. Does it make one better then the other? No, of course not, it just makes us different in our walks.

For those of you going through your lives as if you are in "survival" mode... you get up, eat, go to work, come home, eat, watch tv or read, sleep and start the day again in order to meet your physical needs. Meditation can be a wonderful escape from the gerbil wheel. I have spent many years on that wheel and I understand it well...but one day I got off:)

I teach Sæ-sii meditation because it has helped me discover new horizons and possibilities in my life. I was able to examine my journey as if seeing it for the first time in its rawest state. What makes me happy? Why do I choose what I read, watch or interact with? Why am I attracted to certain people? Why do I dislike specific things that have popped up in my life? How can I redirect my path to move with my passion of purpose?

Meditation can bring about a gradual change in your life that helps you feel more harmonious with the planet. Perhaps you will look upon a person struggling to open a door while juggling keys and packages and lend a hand, maybe your eyes will slowly open to the litter around that never raised its head before and you are stooping to pick it up. Simple acts of kindness to others. I used to kill every insect in my path...now I am aghast at my previous behavior, after all we are all sharing the planet and who made me the head Bug Squasher?
Because of your uniqueness – there is no way of telling how it will effect you, but I can assure you it will.

It is a simple 15 minute "time out" activity of doing NOTHING that will help create abundant self-love. This enables you to be peaceful and desire to make a difference in the world around you. It reveals your value and encourages feelings of inner beauty. You know best what is good for you, not a book or a TV or a video. Not a teacher at a workshop lecturing about principals and applications...just your inner voice who knows you quite well. Meditation is an easy routine and your beautiful spirit, your intuition and your inner guidance is waiting to meet you. Try it and see for yourself...after all YOU'RE WORTH IT. 
To learn more about this self connection please read How to Begin.

Meditation Mojo

Why would anyone want to sit in silence and think of NOTHING?Meditate. meditate |ˈmedəˌtāt|
verb [ intrans. ]
focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.  (Oxford Dictionary)
As I am beginning to look for a desirable location to teach meditation in my community, I am realizing that some people have some preconceived ideas about what exactly they will learn.

There are many forms that have different titles and if you do a search you will find various methods. I teach Sæ-sii meditation. It is not religious and does not require any belief system other than the fact that you desire to "let go" of all thought. Thought is a living thing and if you hold on to it you cannot be sure if the garden you have just imagined is in fact a spiritual journey or your imagination. I do not wish to place any ill thoughts toward other methods in stating this, it is a matter for you to choose what works for you.

Meditation can be achieved in many ways and in teaching this I respect that chanting or sitting in a certain position may be something that others find valuable. I teach a method that requires no music, no guided audio or instructor and no visionary cues. Why do I choose this method? Because I can go to my inner harbor of peace...and that is exactly where I go... at any given time. I can go while I sit in an airport and someone is talking non-stop on their cell phone. I can go when I am waiting in a doctor's office or sitting under a hairdryer at a salon while a television spouting non-stop negativity is placed before me. How? Because I have learned to switch off my mind without the need of any aids or devices or special seating posture.

How often should you meditate and for how long?
When I first embarked upon this I was exploring different techniques and I was meditating at least an hour a day and honestly I often just fell asleep. I tried videos, candles, music and read books and I began to feel nothing but frustration. Why couldn't I have these "magical" experiences...what was wrong with me? That's when I realized I needed to stop everything I was doing. All of this reading, watching, listening was just making my mind more active with the very thing I was trying to let go of... THOUGHT.
Now I sit in total silence in a comfortable position in the same room every day at approximately the same time for no longer than 15 mins. I say a prayer for protection (for step by step details see link below), I set my intention and then I allow my mind to come to complete rest. If anything floats in and I begin to give it attention than I am NOT meditating I am thinking, and so I will pull away from it and say "later...scoot" and then I just rest comfortably. When I first started doing this it was for mere seconds...than a minute...now it is 15. By doing this you are disconnecting to the chattering input of your brain and allowing your higher conscious to communicate with you. You may not even be aware of it, and that is the beauty of it. Your realization will come at other moments in your day when you are inspired and are able to move with confidence knowing your actions are purposeful and lead to a higher good for you and others.

All of my teaching centers upon how to move thought into action by NOT THINKING. Sounds bizarre huh? Well actually it is a process that takes time but once you begin to "let go" of all thought you will be able to open the door to your subconscious. I cannot describe what that will be like for you, as each of us is unique. Your experiences will be vastly different from mine as they will be from others you may encounter.

It is what YOU experience and what you learn from YOUR higher self that will give you the greatest joy. Meditation allows you to strip away the layers of day to day activity and have a connection to someone that loves you beyond measure...yourself and of course the guides that walk with you daily.
I hope to open my meditation studio very soon. The goal is to help others move their thoughts into action by the vehicle of their beautiful SELF guidance. They will be meditating in their own space at their own time and they will not need a group. The instruction will be giving them the confidence to make this effort to apply this to their daily walk as it will help them to move with their passion of purpose.

To learn how you can meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day

Update: This was written in 2012. I now meditate twice daily for 15 minutes. Everyone has a time that works best for them, mine is at dawn and around 3pm. I have taught many workshops and I have written a book on meditation that will be published very soon. Meditation brings self-love that spreads world wide, I am ever the student of this magnificent ALL THAT IS.

Crystal Pathways to Your Hidden Door

Apophyllite

Have you ever thought of using crystals in your meditations? I have introduced this into my daily routine and the results are quite remarkable. This particular crystal, Apophyllite, is exceptional in connecting with your higher self.  You can purchase gems and crystals in Rock Shops and most stores catering to self-healing practices. I always let the crystal choose me by walking around them closing my eyes and when I open them I go to where I am drawn. But take caution...this isn't always the best choice regarding your wallet!
After purchasing your crystal you will need to clean it. If you have a crystal that will not be damaged by water (ask your supplier) it can be held under a tap or immersed in salt water. You can also use a bag of brown rice or sea salt and leave them sitting in it overnight and some people use smudging (pass them through the light of a candle or visualize them surrounded by white light). This will clear away any negative energies and purify them. Next, allow them to sit in the light of the sun or full moon to re-energize them.  Now you are ready to connect with them personally.
To begin you will need to activate your crystal. Hold it in your hands and imagine light all around it or hold it in front of a light source and then formulate your intention. Just be specific on how you want to use it.
This is what I used for my Apophyllite:
"To my highest guides and helpers second to none, bless me and protect me knowing that everything that is said, heard, felt or sensed is with absolute love. I wish to connect with this crystal and use it as a CLEAR CHANNEL to receive guidance and wisdom from my higher self."

I then sit and meditate holding the crystal for about 15 minutes in silence. When I am through I send a blessing and give thanks to all of the guides working on my behalf and I go on my way.

I began using Apophyllite several months ago and it has increased my empathy. I have noticed a surge in my ability to feel the love of others in a way I have never known. Romantic love, parental love and just love for a pet activates a part of you that is so unique.  But what about the ability to feel the love of others around you? I had no idea when I set out to use this crystal that my meditations would take me in this direction. Not only am I able to love myself better, but I am actually feeling the love that is being showered on me. I have three children- ages 36, 31 and 21. I have wonderful relationships with each of them and they are all quite different. But it is only recently that I am actually able to feel their amazing love that is being sent my way. It's so strong that it makes my breath catch and my eyes fill with tears.  Has this always been there? Of course it has, but my ability to sense it this deeply is very new for me. I believe my clear channel has opened me up to this new talent.

Try it for yourself and begin to use crystals in your meditations. Tap into their wondrous power. It is a gift worth giving yourself and may open new doors to the YOU that has been waiting for a visit:)

To learn more about using meditation to connect with yourself please read How To Begin

Mental Dieting the New You

Many of us find ourselves watching the scale begin to inch upward as we blow out the candles marking another year onward. We look at photos and grimace...is that me? Does my backside really look like that? No... it must be a bad cameraman.

For years I have been able to eat glorious foods and although I would put on a bit and my waistline felt tight...I could always knock off the dessert and pasta for a few days and everything was rosy. Somehow the magic has worn off and I find myself giving into a size larger than I would like to be. I am not alone in this. The dieting industry is alive and well and the companies offering their many solutions aren't the only ones getting fatter. If you were to observe the conversations in the workplace or around your family you would see that many, many people want to look and feel what they imagine in their minds to be the perfect size. It is with this thought that I decided to examine this in a new light.

I am applying my meditation toward this and am beginning to have a clearer understanding. If we as individuals begin to focus on what we would like to achieve, then it truly is a mind-shift. This is available for all. If we set our intent in the direction of the goal we hope to accomplish, we are taking back control of our scales and we are the ones that decide our course.

Science has taught us that we are energy. In order to be a healthy energetic being we need fuel to keep us at our best. If we are able to move our minds into this thought pattern then we should be able to get the results we so desire. Is it easy? No, but with meditation it can help you fix your focus. Start with little things, allow yourself to create in your mind the self you would like to be. Are the choices you make railroading that self? If so, keep that self in your mind's eye every time you refuel and move toward your goal. For many of us we select a reason— a wedding, a vacation, wearing a swimsuit in public! You reached your goal, the event passes, and slowly you are back to where you started. It was with your mind that you were able to complete that task and by keeping your mind in charge of your choices is the beginning of mental dieting. It's time we got off the roller-coaster and applied a simple approach. If it takes weeks, months, or even years to accomplish the self you want to be, start today by acknowledging that you are making the choices of how you proceed. I will still enjoy my fine cuisine and I will still indulge in celebrations with the people I love— but I will learn to take control of accepting that what is on my plate begins in my mind.

To learn how you can begin meditation please read How to Begin

Your Journey is Not a Competition

Lately I have found myself seeking and searching. It feels as if I am on a quest and there is an urgency surrounding this. If I were to ask 10 people about this they would each give their opinion of why this is occurring. Then I would probably have 10 different reasons to ponder. Do I really need to sift through their impressions of why I am moving in this direction? No. And so I began meditating about the whys and what-ifs in my life.

My partner is on his own quest.  He's an avid reader and his love for studying history is something he has enjoyed all his life. Lately he has delved back into some of his favorite eras and is rereading various accounts and looking at them with fresh eyes. He likes to share every new tidbit and we sip coffee in the morning discussing all he has uncovered. Although I really have no desire to study history at the moment, it seems like a puzzle he is trying to solve for the sole purpose of obtaining knowledge and it brings him pleasure and this is in turn brings me joy. At times this joy has been interrupted by an anxiety that lies just under the surface as it creeps into my thoughts. I usually tell my partner everything and yet this I kept to myself. I allowed it to sit on the back burners of my mind simmering for a few days. What could be causing this unrest? It could be any number of things and so it seemed pointless to worry him about it and so I tried to ignore it. Through meditation I learned what was hiding in the corners of my mind.
A few months ago I had enrolled in a workshop regarding psychic development. It's intense and I've had to apply myself in areas very new to me.  As I studied and practice different techniques such as psychometry and telepathy I found myself becoming more anxious and I couldn't understand why.   And so I decided to ask for help during a meditation. I placed all my anxiety out before me and said, "something is bothering me can you tell me what it is?"  I always journal after all meditations and this is my entry from that particular day.

Saturday, June 23, 2012  

My Meditation: We are all on a journey and traveling at different speeds. It is not a competition and there are no blue ribbons. Just as my spouse is seeking knowledge regarding history, I am seeking to learn psychic development – for my own personal use - I am not to worry about comparing myself to others as I am progressing at my own pace designed just for me. I am not seeking information to do psychic work professionally, I am learning to access the treasures that await me to enrich my life. 

After writing this in my journal I went about my normal routine. I was startled by this message that appeared on a friend's web page. I smiled knowing this was a confirmation of what I was told. It's a lesson well worth remembering.

 By meditating daily we will continue to surround ourselves with a wisdom created to help us along our journey. We must continue to look within as this is not a race it is our own personal expedition.

To learn how you can meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day

Your Life is a Pizza-You Choose the Toppings

Throughout my life I have stumbled through many obstacles. In my youth I won two gold medals sprinting down a track...but I could not jump the hurdles. Life's detours seemed to find me at every turn. I had dreams of going to art school and an unexpected pregnancy seemed to bar my way. I say unexpected because I was using birth control at the time and this was quite a shock. Faced with the decision to abort or continue the pregnancy was life changing. Of course well intentioned advice givers were plentiful...but they all seemed to be saying things that contradicted one another. How can anyone faced with such an enormous decision hear their inner voice when they are surrounded by the opinions of others? When the dust settled I was left alone with my thoughts and for me it was a quick and easy choice- I was having a baby:) He's an amazing 21 year old 6' 4" bundle of love now and I can't help but wince when I think of the advice of those around me. Of course they meant well, but honestly, it was none of their business. I only wish I had been meditating when I was faced with this, perhaps I would have avoided a lot of self doubt. Abortion is the choice for many, many women and I strongly feel it is a PERSONAL decision and I honor and respect that right. It just wasn't an option for me- end of story.

my baby

Daily meditation connects us to a wisdom that is greater than anyone you can reach on the telephone. Life's paths leads to many hills and valleys. Using meditation can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses enabling you to walk with purpose and perhaps stumble a little less. Do you want to remove yourself from a toxic relationship? Is there an area in your life that you need to regain control of? Are you happy with who you are? If not, then why not still your mind and begin to practice meditating in silence? By removing the noise you will begin to hear the guidance that has been waiting all along.  Start finding your inner beauty that is waiting to be set free by unraveling the onion skin of self doubt. We're all a work in progress and we can make choices by adding or removing anything we wish. If you want to vent with others go right ahead- if you want to have a pity party- no problem, this again is one of many choices.

You are a beautiful being who is blessed and unstoppable! Begin today...forget about yesterday and start fresh with an attitude of self love. Go relax take some cleansing breaths and find your inner voice as it grows stronger cheering you on. To learn how to find your inner harbor of peace please click How to Begin.

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

Mind Shift- Your Ability to Control Your Emotions

Close your eyes and relax. Unclench your jaw, your fists or any areas of tension. Breathe deeply and take a few cleansing breaths. Breathing in all of the beautiful energy of nature and now exhale all the noise and chatter in your head. Float along this current of nothingness. Now allow a thought to take residence in your mind. I can shift my mind to a better place.

The planet around us is struggling to survive. Global warming- sudden shifts in the earth - catastrophic weather patterns all bring their attention to us in a very loud way. Wake up! it seems to shout – Stop ignoring your environment – we are all connected and if we are hurting than you are suffering as well.

We are living in an age of technology that has connected our world in a way that no generation before us has ever seen. This communication can work both for and against us. It can bring encouragement and truthful insight or it can lead to utter chaos. We all like to think of ourselves as strong knowledgeable individuals, and many are, but many of us will follow a fool off a cliff. The only way to actually be led by this is to ignore your own inner voice and allow others to think for you.

For example if we know a storm is coming and we are able to use technology to “best guess” its course we should be able to decide for ourselves (unless we are relying on others because of mental or medical impairments) what the best plan of action should be. Many, many people have lived with the threats of all types of weather throughout the ages as well as the pets and wildlife that have gone before us. Did they have the weather channel, facebook or CNN? No, they simply took the warnings they were given, the necessary precautions and gathered with friends and family to wait out the storm. Many had to leave their homes to find a safe haven and many returned to find their dwellings demolished. We live with unforeseen natural environmental events that will continue long after we part this earth.

No one is advocating that we do not heed a warning. But there must come a time when we listen to our inner voice and “turn off” the hype, because that is what it is – in actual fact it sells advertisement. STAY TUNED…BREAKING NEWS…THIS JUST IN… If you were able to step aside and see how it was commercially packaged and delivered to you, you would see it for what it was, sheer drama which instills fear to make you come back for more. The music – the lighting –the flashing scrolling red text – the newsman strapped to a tree…none very helpful in preparing a community at all. You want to be able to rely on calm rational decisions and not whipped up emotional actions. This is when a mind shift is needed most. If you were trying to assist your children or elderly loved ones how would you approach them- careful and quiet purposeful direction to lead them to safety…or a burst of continued fearful updates?

There are many opportunities to practice this useful mechanism and if we wanted to we could probably fill pages and pages creating a list. Think of some events that you encounter in your daily lives in which you have no control. For example: (and I will only name a few as they can bring you down emotionally just listing them!)

-       Airport hell

-       Dr’s visit…the inner waiting room

-       Traffic jams

-       Unexpected weather…cancellations and loss of power

-       Trip to the Motor Vehicle Office

As we look at these examples we can feel the groans as they drag themselves through our lips. Now place yourself in one of these circumstances. For example you arrive at the Motor Vehicle office and you pull the number 63 and a voice calls out “number 31”. You look about and notice the bleak faces…the room is painted gray and actually looks as if it is getting grayer. But you need this document today and you have to wait. Others grumble and some start talking on their cell phones and you can feel the air thicken with negativity. It hovers about you like a cloud.

By quieting your mind and breathing easily allow your mind to shift. You have complete control of your thoughts, perhaps you were meant to learn something, and perhaps you were meant to use this very moment to understand that you have power over your own emotions. This is YOUR journey and you do not have to get swept along with all of the angry emotions of the people around you. Can you sit and see how unique you are – not better than others – no, just able to distance yourself enough to think upon positive things. Shift your attention and focus to a happy place. Maybe it’s a loved one, maybe it’s a good book or maybe a project you need to work out in your mind before you begin to create it.

This ability to shift your mind can truly remove unnecessary stress in your life. This skill can also help when you feel yourself spinning out of control. When you begin to feel yourself stiffen as a disagreement with someone is about to surface, catch yourself and say “mind-shift”… is this really how I want to respond? Am I prepared to allow all negative emotional energy have its free reign? What will this accomplish? Learn to use this mind shift as a lifeboat giving you safe passage to the calmness that you thrive in. When anger is all around you, don’t allow yourself to be carried in to the debris of negative thoughts. If this means turning off the media – hanging up the phone, than DO it. This especially means you will need to mentally turn off the media - a challenge as it adorns all airports and public places which are unavoidable today. Mentally tune away from the people on their cell phones and yes they even have conversations on the toilet, riding their bikes and even strolling a beach. Use your ability to shift your mind instantly.

Learn to take control of your emotions by adjusting your mind to a positive thought. It may take some practice to remind yourself. Sometimes I hear my spouse saying, “mind shift” as I become agitated and I reply “Mind your own shift” as I huff and puff, but for the most part this small technique has helped our relationship as well as our outlook.

Have you ever found yourself engaging in what started out to be a positive endeavor and the outcome was tears and frustration? Something wonderful and purposeful, and act of kindness shattered into hurt feelings and silence.

If your intention was something for example, “Let’s gather together to help our parents” and others have strong opinions of how this should be achieved, how can you shift your mind to keep the goal in focus? Another example may be joining together to help our children in sports, music, clubs, etc. Others will have their opinions on how the road to achieve this is pursued. Can you allow them to have an opinion in which you do not share? Can you shift your mind to give your assistance to fulfill what your initial intention was... to aid your children? If we begin at home perhaps we can help others nationwide. It is a concept in which we should happily meditate about, as focusing positive thoughts can move mountains.

By keeping this mechanism of your mind active you will begin to find so many ways to use it to your advantage. Some people count to ten… not me, nope too long. I think MIND SHIFT, and I have instant awareness and less wrinkles.

Even if we are that one smiling happy calm person in the storm we can actually make a difference. We can learn to move our anger, which is absorbed, into everyone and everything we encounter and redirect it, finding ways to create positive energy and harmony in our universe. We are all connected – tune in and take control over the uncontrollable events and you will be stepping toward a brighter future.

I have been given this MIND SHIFT information through the practice of meditation. To learn how you can meditate all on your own without any CDs  for FREE please click. 

Are You Committed to Self?

When I meditate I go to this peaceful state of silence. Sometimes I finish the meditation and have a feeling of utter self love. Sometimes I see very vivid images and sometimes I have clear insight. This meditation was a time I was given a message concerning Commitment to Self.

How many times have you found yourself responding to a request? Perhaps it is a personal favor, taking time from your schedule to aid a fellow worker, or maybe even a stranger as you find yourself swept along into their misfortune. Sometimes you may hesitate and sometimes even refuse, but for most we just respond. In doing this we are giving aid to someone or something and we finish the task and move on. We may never know the results of our gift as it has helped someone along their way. But that’s the point, we didn’t really consider any of that we just acted on a request and committed ourselves to the mission.

If we lived in a world where we could ask of others and they would freely give back, what a truly harmonious place this would be. It is in the moments when I ask of a loved one for assistance and an empty promise goes unfulfilled when I am reminded of commitment. Do I make empty promises? Do I keep my word? If I do then I am actually not being true or honest with myself.

What is the lesson to be learned? Ask but don’t expect too much? Be a martyr and say nothing? We need to closely examine this choice of this request. If we ask in pure love it will be an interaction of sharing a need. If the response is good intention and empty action then perhaps we need to look within. Are we committed to our own words and do we realize we too have made empty promises along the way? We may have caused someone to hope and we forgot all about them.

Love is action. I myself struggle with this as I have learned to increasingly become more self-reliant as I stopped asking. But wait… perhaps this is part of the journey, and my commitment to self has helped me overcome the obstacles along the way. And what do I do with this knowledge?

I give it freely and I allow the years of broken promises and good intentions to become a new commitment. A new insight into how I can truly bring light to those of us stumbling in the dark. Together we truly can help each other…but it starts with commitment to self.
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For more information on how to meditate please read my book:)
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