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.

Clairaudience and the Talking Osprey

As I wake to the cries of the Osprey living outside my balcony I am moved by it's alluring beauty. I am fixated by its hunting skills as he glides past me carrying breakfast dripping from his talons. I sip my coffee and after a light meal I lace up my sneakers still hearing his loud chirping cries. I begin my morning exercise as the Osprey flies overhead appearing to be joining me stopping to perch on tall trees and buildings.

I cross the bridge and gaze into the water looking for the dolphins that sometimes entertain me with their dazzling leaps and somersaults. I continue on my way listening to my headphones with the volume turned up high to hear above the noisy traffic. A squawking bird is making so much clatter it breaks my concentration so I switch to pause mode looking up to see who is making all the fuss. I shouldn't be surprised to find it's the large white Osprey landing on the light pole above me. I send it loving thoughts and tell it how beautiful it is. It begins to preen and I move on down the walkway. I continue my journey meeting the various shore birds along my way. There are spoonbills, egrets, herons, pelicans and many more that I haven't identified as yet. I circle back to climb up and over the bridge and two rays are gliding along splashing the surface. Surrounded by such beauty of nature effects me and I can feel my heart swell. My footsteps seem to float as I think about all of the life that has revealed itself to me. Are they just as moved to meet me? I return home to find the Osprey sitting on a branch near my front door. I stare dumbfounded as it wobbles it's head back and forth... is it waving to me? I shake my head and try to ignore this bird who seems to be contacting me.

In the mid-afternoon I take a break and step out onto the balcony as two of them now circle overhead swooping near me as they call out in passing. I spend the rest of my day working in my office and occasionally glance towards the beautiful Clearwater Bay. My windows are palm tree level and as the birds cross my vision I find myself daydreaming and not getting much work accomplished….

Now it is sunset and I am relaxing on the balcony watching the sailboats and tourists sipping cocktails on their chartered cruises. All is peaceful as I sink back into my chair. I breath in the salt air and something catches my eye and I look a little closer - yes it's an Osprey perched like a sentinel on the corner of a building nearby. I close my eyes and thank him for this precious gift of friendship. He sends me back his calm reply, "I have always been here."

It is in these moments that I am moved to meditation. I want to open myself to the wonders that have been beside me all of my life. Who are these guides…and why have they appeared in my journey …or have I appeared in theirs? Perhaps we are here for each other. I often hear messages during meditation and at first it was unsettling. Now I understand this gift and I am able to move past the voice to hear the message. I am being called to look closer at my surroundings. The Osprey is helping me open my vision to the needs of others.

Here is the  osprey cry   I am doing more research on Osprey Totems as I truly feel they are here for a purpose...have you made contacts with your guides?
If not then try meditation and set your intent on meeting them. It is one of the best ways to start. To learn how you can do this simple self-connection please read How to Meditate.
::
Since writing this I went on to study and I have helped many many humans and animals:)
I am a Professional Animal Communicator, I can speak with your animals! learn more

Spirits in My Laundry

At times I am reminded of my parents. Even though my father passed in 2004 he is around me so much it’s as if we share intimate conversations daily about life. My mother passed in 2010 and brings feelings of affection when I need it most. I find myself doing mundane tasks and being swept away as I think of her ability to weather so many storms that have all blown away. How come I didn’t think Dot and George were so amazing when I was 10?

All of my youth I wanted to be loved by them. There was this simmering battle going on within the frame of our home as my mother tried the best she could to provide for us. Relying on slim earnings reduced even further by my father’s alcoholism brought her misery. He was a jolly drunk and rarely raised his voice to my seven siblings or me but he was the reason behind my mother’s frown. She on the other hand naturally became the disciplinarian and was quick to swat any child stepping out of line. But as the years went by and we all got older the conflict eased as sobriety replaced the bottle. I was now grown with children of my own and still felt robbed of my youth. How dare he put my daughter on his lap and read her stories and listen to her dreams. And my mother, who was always buried beneath a mountain of dirty dishes, suddenly found time to watch a dress-up show with her grandchildren? I carried this anger beneath the surface and it wreaked havoc in many relationships. I recognized this in myself and even though it was a bit scary I confronted them and it's no longer an issue.

I am fortunate enough to have had many walks and talks with them before their crossing and there are no words left unsaid. We spoke of everything and old wounds were released and our relationship only blossomed. I recognized that although they were my parents they were two people. Just ordinary people that had hopes and fears laughter and sorrow just like everyone else and for some reason I expected them to be more than this because they wore the title of “parents.”
They bring me little reminders every now and again. My father is cigarette smoke that follows me everywhere even in the rain. At first this put me off as I am a non-smoker and it really annoyed me, but now I smile and say “Hi dad…back again?”

My mother leaves me clothespins in the most unusual places. At first I would find them and think nothing of it…perhaps my spouse accidentally put it on the freshly wiped counter, but no. She brings them again and again and I am delighted to have made this connection. As a public speaker I often begin introducing myself,  “I was raised by a champion clothes hanger-upper who did four loads daily without a dryer.” I spoke with her as I always do when hanging up laundry after selling our home in and preparing to move.  I said, “Well mom I’m gonna miss our times here. I won’t be hanging up wash here anymore,” and just at that moment the linen bag of clothespins broke and fell into my hands. They looked like a bouquet of wooden flowers and I was so overcome I ran for my camera in tears. She was telling me you have ME don’t worry about the laundry!

Daily meditation can bring so many wonderful life lessons.  As I hear a song reminding me of my childhood the thought drifts with the tune and an image will appear. It’s my parents dancing cheek to cheek and the feeling of their love for each other. It’s a powerful love that remains and it has enabled me to look at my own storms and see that there truly is sunshine behind those clouds. I want to take this light and pass it to my own children. I want to be the song in their hearts. Will I one day be smoke or clothespins? Probably not, but I will teach them that although I wear the name parent I am very much like everyone else. I hope I dream…and I love.

The Library in Your Mind is Now Open

Some people approach meditation to improve mental health much like dieting...and then they just stop. When asked why they discontinued meditation their answers varied:
"I never really "saw" anything or "went" anywhere and I got bored."
"It's too hard to sit and not think and I usually fell asleep."
"I can't "do" it like the books I've read or the videos I've watched."
"I don't have time and I hear it's something that you have to do daily."

Just like dieting for improved physical health there is no one-way-fits-all. As life energies I believe we are all connected; however I do not believe we all are wired to meditate in the same way. It is important to find one that works for you. Do not look for hurry-it-up instructions to achieve quick results. The method I teach, for example, is one of silence. Once I began dedicating 15 minutes daily, it became easier to drift away to my inner harbor of peace.

How can we move past that part of us that wants to use this like a diet? Of all the obstacles that can derail you, I find the worst is comparing yourself to others. This is the beauty of the meditation, it is your unique way of hearing your own voice. Find the method that works for you. Meditation can come in taking a walk by yourself, doing a household chore or soaking in a tub. Maybe listening to recordings of nature or Tibetan singing bowls (all available on downloadable mp3s) will help you to "let go" of thoughts and allow your mind to disconnect from noise and tune in to YOU.

We have all experienced power outages at one time or another. Our world comes to a halt as we look for candles and flashlights. Communication on the internet ceases and the TV zaps off. You had no choice but to sit in silence. If you really think of it you can find 15 minutes of daily disconnection.

Find the moment and space that works for you, whether it's dawn or evening it doesn't matter. What matters is that you value yourself. I used to get caught up in the noise and chatter of the world and now I don't even own a TV, but I feel better informed than most of my neighbors. Why? Because I have learned that I can find guidance within. Meditation is like using a compass to find your way in this murky world. It can help you form better relationships, make wiser decisions, relieve senseless stress and help you to love yourself in a way that removes all doubt that you are less. You are a beautiful spirit that has an entire library of how-to books all in your head...you just need to learn how to open the door and apply them in your life.

To learn how to meditate in silence please read How to Begin.

Monuments Crumble...What's Your Landmark?

Towers fall and crumble and we walk among the ruins. Civilizations of yesterday are now decomposed matter returned to the earth. The planning and building of their magnificent structures took years and cost them a fortune. The labor to produce much of this came from the sweat of a brow that had only known poverty. And with all of their splendor and finery they stood highest among men saying we are the best because we have the most. Wars were fought in hopes of retaining their riches and lives were spent trying to hold on to their wealth. So much struggle and now it has all disintegrated into dust beneath our feet.

Love is teaching children how to follow their passions

Meditation can sometimes bring the most profound thoughts. Today I was given this: Landmarks crumble but what you instill and pass on to others will last eternally. I was struck with the fact that I have been smelling what appears to be "chalk dust" for several weeks now and it's becoming stronger. The scent seems to intensify during meditation and so this revelation of statues and monuments deteriorating, well they seem to fit together.

Our lives are filled with working and planning. How are you using all of this energy? Where is your focus? Is it to amass property and to collect material items that you will someday leave behind? If you think of yourself as today's civilization where is YOUR landmark and how long will it stand?

I have had that moment in my life when I thought it was no longer worth living. Depressed about my loveless marriage, the loss of my parent and the constant feelings that I was not living up to my potential caused me to just pack up and move away. I gathered my art supplies and some clothes and left behind a home with all of its furnishings to start fresh on the money I received after cashing in all my glittering baubles to the highest bidder... the nearest jewelry store. I am not recommending this for everyone, yes it was pretty extreme. I quit a high paying job to replace it with one found on craigslist... a job that would take me over 1300 miles away to the furthest point south in the US...Key West, FL.

Love is sharing your talents with your children all their lives

So what will my landmark be? I believe it will be the lessons I have learned and have passed on. It will be the way I smile and the way I love— yes it will be the way I used the power of love. Not just the love I have for my family and friends, but to the planet and all that it has given me. This I believe is our greatest treasure and something you won't find in history books. Begin today to express love knowing that this may be the greatest recognition for time spent on this earth. This is what will live on, not your home, your automobile, your jewelry or your expensive toys. Use your meditation times to set your intent on being the best channel for purest love and watch how your true wealth begins to appear and spread. To learn more about how you can use meditation to enhance your life please read How to Begin.

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