December Flip-Flops and Frozen Margaritas

It's December and all around me I feel a change in the air. What is it that seems to lie just beneath the surface? Holiday music fills every nook and cranny of every building I enter, be it a trip to pick up asparagus or make a deposit at the bank. It can either make you feel all tingly inside or set your teeth on edge. This is a matter for you, but like it or not the season of merriment is upon us.

When you live in the land of palm trees and pelicans its hard to conjure up images of fresh fallen snow and glistening icicles. Although I no longer own a TV, I am aware that every station begins the onslaught of special holiday shows depicting garland laced windows, brightly lit trees and children building snowmen. Apparently their version of the holiday is only celebrated in cold northern climates and for many years this is exactly how I witnessed it. I was a Jersey girl and I knew the meaning of the season. It meant wearing extra sweaters, sloshing through snow that often fell into my boots and hitching my scarf up a little tighter over my frozen nose as I sledded with my friends.

That was then this is now. It's December alright and the sailboats look whiter against the teal waters of the Clearwater Bay in sunny Florida. The only scraping of our windshields come from the occasional droppings of the sea birds. But many around me are excited as the holiday festivities approach. Santa's sleigh being led by flying pink flamingos adorn some of the rooftops while mechanical penguins wearing Hawaiian shirts wave to passers by. When I first moved to Florida I found all of this appalling and now... well, I guess I have mellowed as I see that even people wearing flip-flops find joy in the simplest of things. Children still hang stockings and parents still kiss under the mistletoe. Yep, it's December again and the sunsets are more radiant then ever.

Meditation can help you find your own radiance for more information how you can connect with this self-loving energy please read Meditation Mojo

A Holiday in Mourning

"But this wasn't how it was supposed to be...he wasn't supposed to die."
"Yes, but he was very sick."
"But how will we go on without him?"
"I'm not sure I don't have the answers."
"But we thought we had forever."
"You still have a future."
"I don't want this one- I don't want this day."
"What do you want?"
"I want him back."
"What would you say to him?"
"So many things... how much I loved him, LOVE him, what sharing a life with him meant to me."
"Do you tell him this now?"
"Yes." Tears falling reaching for a tissue. "I do but he doesn't answer back."
"Can you still feel his presence?"
"Yes, but I don't know how to go one- he's so close but I can't touch him."
"And your family and loved ones that are still here?"
"They can't help me- they are grieving themselves- we are all a mess...and Christmas is coming."
"Yes, it is."
"I can't begin to think how I will be able to celebrate this ever again."
"Maybe you can take a break from holidays- maybe have an Un-Holiday this year."
"And do what?"
"Maybe volunteer to help others- maybe visit a shut-in, work in a shelter. Give."
"But my heart is broken."
"I know."
"I don't know how to do this."
"No one does."
"He loved Christmas so much."
"Did he?"
"Yes, he just loved all of us so much."
"He still does."
"Yes." More tears, more tissues.
"It's a new day. A new road before you. I can't walk it for you, but I will hold your hand and be there when you need me."
"Thanks, this means a lot."
"Keep talking to him and take time to meditate."
"I'm afraid of being alone with my thoughts."
"Then stop thinking and turn it off and sit in silence."
"I saw a hawk. Remember how we saw a hawk during his memorial service? One lone hawk circling low?"
"Yes."
"Every time I see a hawk I think of him- as if it's somehow spiritually connected."
"How does this make you feel?"
"As if he is somehow communicating- but I'm not sure what it's trying to tell me."
"But how do you feel when you see the hawk?"
Blessed."
"Then meditate on this and embrace this blessing."

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day. While she was cooking beside her children I took the dogs for a walk. A lone hawk slowly circled directly over her home. I stopped and looked up and was reminded of this spiritual connection.

We all need to look up and embrace life and the loved ones that are still living and breathing beside us. Yes life here on earth is short- but we are blessed abundantly by the connection with the world around us. Look up and feel this blessing. If you know of someone who is grieving please take the time to validate their pain- BE LOVE and be a blessing to others.

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

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.

Crystal Conversations

Months ago I was told by my guides that I would be attending a workshop regarding crystals. I sort of shrugged and didn't give it too much thought. It came up again and again in meditation almost as an urgent, "Don't question...just GO!" And so I told my spouse..."um yeah..the crystals are calling me, I need to book a flight." Luckily he's used to all of this by now and just smiled.

I was led to a couple in Blue Ash, Ohio and as I navigated my rental car to their home I felt myself settling into a zone. Never having driven down this road, you'd think there'd be some anxiety...yet it all felt so natural. The moment I stepped into the room I was among friends. I had never met these people or these stones... however deep within we knew each other very well. Everyone attending was local. I was the only outsider– or was I? We all seemed to complete a circle.

As I listened to our competent instructor sharing her insights, I was moved by her compassion for the rocks. She and the stones were excellent communicators and I marveled at their ability to teach. Her husband sat beside her and offered assistance and they blended seamlessly and it warmed my heart. They truly have a deep appreciation for these living entities of the earth.

The crystals were speaking and as the workshop progressed, they carried me along in a river of love– love for myself, the students, the teacher, the universe and especially for the crystals themselves. For they were very much alive to me and I found myself in tears among these wonderful loving friends. My guides were beside me throughout the seminar and at times I felt as if they were dancing with joy.

I laughed continually and felt my cheeks hurt from smiling. I felt such elation surrounded by this energy and as I switched partners for each lesson, I gained a greater insight to the diverse qualities that make us so individual. Like the crystals that allow themselves to be used in this way, I saw the connection that each of us can bring as we work together.  We all have unique gifts and when we blend for the highest good, well...it is amazing what we can do. Is this why my guides urged me to come? Was this part of the lesson? It wasn't in the book!

Workshop and home of The Crystal Guy

As the workshop came to a close I found myself wishing it would never end. What was it that kept me so filled with heightened energy? Is this what it feels like when you raise your vibration? This incredible glow of love has stayed and I am meditating with such peace. I look forward to sharing all that I have learned as I know that I was led to this class for a purpose. Yes, I am more informed about the healing properties of crystals - but more importantly I was reminded that we each carry our own abilities. If we join together and embrace this loving energy within, then together we can create magic. This crystal clear connection is something you can find for yourself. Start meditating and learn to work with these amazing energies and like me you may just discover a few more friends.

To learn more about meditation please visit Meditation Mojo.

The Dragonfly Whisperer

Flying Arrow Illustrated by me

For many years dragonflies have appeared in the most unusual circumstances. Winter or summer they have materialized so often that I now acknowledge them as trusted friends. When I began to see winged creatures appear during meditations...well, let's just say synergy is something I no longer ignore.

Years ago when I was struggling to leave a bad marriage they appeared to me in material objects. Funny, I had never noticed that the fabric on my chair was covered in dragonflies, my glass bowl was etched with them along with other personal treasures. I was depressed and I was searching for a path to find my way out of the gloom and here they were saying, "Don't forget about us we have been with you all along."
I packed all the items into my tiny car and drove 1400 miles to live in a new community. I knew no one. I had to begin fresh. I unloaded everything into my tiny shared living space and went to take a walk on the nearest beach. I should not have been surprised when I was greeted by a swarm of brilliant red dragonflies.

Follow me

Soon I began working in a new job. I had formerly been paid very well as a professional artist and now found myself working in a pub as a hostess for meager wages...but I was starting from scratch. A dragonfly flew in one day and perched himself on the wall behind me. My co-workers stood mouths gaping as this insect seemed to follow me around the room. I laughed it off as nonsense until I found it waiting for me in the ladies room.

Yes, they are constant reminders in my life— little affirmations that I'm never alone. I feel and sense them before they appear and I love their ability to hover and see from so many perspectives. Are they here to help redirect mine?

Those depressing days are long gone. Now I'm a happy being, moving along my path with a passion of purpose. Recently I moved to place called Clearwater and upon my arrival I was met by a huge swarm of brilliant colored dragonflies. They bounced and hovered close to me as if greeting me. I laughed and asked them to come closer to show me their color and one landed and stayed very still so I could take the photo that you see above.

Why are these tiny creatures attracted to me? Is it my scent...am I sending signals that I want to communicate with them? Is it my aura? Or is it something less mysterious?

Let's meditate together

Recently while meditating on the beach, I was visited by several as they darted about happily. I began speaking to them with my thoughts and left my hands palm up. One alighted onto my fingers and then flew up to sit upon my head. Luckily my camera was sitting nearby and my partner shot two continuous minutes of photos. He said it was tap-tapped with its legs, sending me code? Ha!

Transition is something we all go through, be it a failed relationship, death of a loved one, changing careers or moving into a new home. It is how we navigate these times in our life that will be most beneficial to ourselves and others. For me I believe the dragonfly is here to guide me and I now send them thoughts of blessings and well being. I see them as little arrows pointing me in the right direction.
Who is guiding you? What little signs keep appearing in your life? Meditation can help illuminate your pathway and bring you guidance every day. Look about you closely and see if your guides have left you a compass...seek your own synergy and when you find it...use it lovingly to help others. 

To learn more about meditation please read  Meditation Mojo.
Since writing this, with many hours of helping others with animals in spirit, missing animals, etc
I am a Professional Animal Communicator, I can speak with your animals! learn more

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.