Excuse Me, What Did You Say?

This week, once again, hosts a question presented to me by a reader. And the answer comes from a couple of excerpts of my book, Channeling the Divine. It covers the various ways we connect to Spirit and how this is a unique experience for each of us. It also talks about how our “alternate” senses, like our physical senses, can have one or two that dominate, and this may have an effect on how we receive messages. To help you find out which of your alternate senses is strongest, check out my free guided visualization called “The Lemon Exercise”.

Have a wonderful, spirit-filled week!

With Love.

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From Over There: 2.1.15 Weekly Focus

Q: Is there a universal way that our guides or higher selves communicate with us? How do we know when they’re communicating with us vs. us making stuff up in our heads?

[Excerpts from Channeling the Divine]

I Can Be Reached At…

While opening yourself up to channel it’s important to be aware of the potential ways the information may come through to you. Everyone has some level of intuitive development – it’s part of our natural way of being – though the ability to connect with Spirit is a skill that you can definitely hone. Even so, the one thing that I’ve encountered repeatedly when guiding students in my channeling classes is their lack of faith in their abilities. Time and time again I hear how they don’t think they’re connecting because they can’t “see” anything. My response to that is, just like your physical senses, your intuitive or “alternate” senses are unique. Meaning, just as you may have higher auditory perception, or clearer vision, or a better sense of smell, or stronger sense of taste than someone else, your connection to Spirit will likely come through in a variety of different ways as well. Keep in mind that it doesn’t always come through “sight”, also known as “clairvoyance”, and it is important for you to know where your strength lies in regard to your alternate senses. Knowing this will help you better understand and recognize the messages when they come through. You’ll have the opportunity to uncover your strongest alternate senses in an upcoming exercise.

Another way my students have questioned their connection is that oftentimes there is an expectation that the experience is going to blast through in a profound way. While yes, you just might hear a chorus of Angels singing, or see bright lights streaming down from above, it’s rarely that grand an entrance. What you really want to strive for is strengthening the everyday connection that doesn’t disrupt your daily life. The more subtle the flow of information the easier it is to use throughout the day, and sometimes the messages you receive will be useful right at the moment you need them. Just know that with continued practice receiving messages in this way will begin to flow more naturally over time.

It’s important to not get too attached to Spirit’s method of delivering a message or you may miss something. Take special notice of repeated phrases that you randomly hear through songs or conversations. At the time it may feel like coincidence, but there’s a pretty good chance it’s something you might want to pay attention to.  I remember one time turning on the television and receiving all sorts of profound and useful information from watching a – I have to admit – pretty dumb sitcom. I can’t remember the name of the show, all I know is that it’s something that I normally would never have watched. Now I’m not suggesting that you purposely watch bad TV in hopes of receiving life-altering insight, I’m just giving you an example of some of the off-the-wall ways information can present itself. The Universe can, indeed, have an interesting sense of humor, so be open to information from unusual sources now and then.

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It’s All in Your Head…

Many times when you first start to notice that you’re receiving information you may feel as if you’re “making it up”. That you’re just imagining things. When you pull in messages through visual images they very often feel like they’re just flights of fancy or daydreams. This is especially true when the images that arise seem a little off-the-wall if you were to take them literally. It’s important to pay attention, even if what you’re “seeing” doesn’t immediately make sense. I constantly receive images that are purely symbolic, and I need to “decode” them in order to find their meaning. If something comes through that doesn’t make sense or is difficult to decipher, simply ask for clarification so you can better understand it.

This is also true when receiving information via thought process. It often feels like your own random thoughts flying around your head, but the difference will be in the message itself. When receiving messages from benevolent energies there will be less emotional charge than if they’re coming from your ego. You will never be left feeling assaulted or demeaned in any way. If it does come through in a way that doesn’t feel supportive, then it just may be a sign that it’s your ego is popping in. Take a step back from it when this occurs and see where it’s coming from. If it feels like your ego, inquire a little more on what it would like you to know or see. Oftentimes messages from the ego are colored by past experience, so see if the information is truly useful, or just the ego acting out of fear.  

Another thing to keep in mind when first starting out is that you may find yourself straining to force the appearance of a message. It can be frustrating when you feel the need for a quick answer and nothing presents itself immediately, but when you try to force information it moves you out of receiving mode and into effort. While in this state of effort it blocks the flow of allowing, making it more difficult to receive. I know that it might seem a little backward at first. How can you stop the receiving of something that you put effort into getting? What it boils down to is that when you go into effort your ego takes over, demanding the information to come through. When you’re working from a place of ego, you’re working with lower or denser vibrations and this doesn’t match the higher frequencies of Spirit. A calmer state of mind is needed to allow the messages to come. This being said, the more you practice this form of communication, the more easily you can access it.

I know that I’ve had instances where my state of mind was less than calm when searching for an answer. When this occurs take a deep breath, calm your nerves a little, and then ask again. No matter how connected any of us are, our human nature has a tendency to surface. The important thing is to stay aware of it. Another reason you might not get the answers you’re seeking is that you might not be ready to receive them. This happens when we’re overly attached to our perception of a situation or individual, or what we think our desired outcome should look like. Stay open to having your mind changed and it will make it easier for the flow of information to keep coming through. In any event, when information comes from Spirit, know that it is for your highest and best good.

Just Lettin’ It All Go…

Once again, this week’s message comes from a question I was asked by a colleague. It concerns the topic of letting go and why it’s sometimes so hard for us to do just that. Have you ever had an issue with letting go of a situation, relationship or job that you knew no longer served you? Yep, we all have. Sometimes we get so attached that the act of letting go practically feels like death. But just like the Phoenix rising, there can be renewal at the end of a pile of ashes.

At the base of our inability to let go is – you guessed it – fear. This fear comes from making a wrong a decision or missing an opportunity. But the truth is that like it or not things are continually changing all around us anyway. We just latch on to the idea that we can hold on to something or someone. Even if a job or relationship or other situation lasts over the span of years, all you have to do is think back and you’ll see that it’s not the same as it was in the beginning. The only thing we hold on to is the fear of our failure. And we all know how great that serves us.

As this week’s message tells us, if we stay present with ourselves and those around us then there really isn’t such a thing as a bad decision. Sometimes when we look back on a deviation from a path we can see the useful lessons that bring us to something even better than what we originally had planned. And at the very least we’re hopefully a bit wiser.

So just pay attention to what’s going on around you and go forth – onward and upward!

With Love.

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From Over There: 1.25.15 Weekly Focus

Q: Why do we sometimes have a fear of letting go?

Is it a lack of trust in oneself. It is to mistrust one’s ability to know the best course of action for the self. Understand that if one commits to conscious awareness then the course of action will never be futile, as through this awareness lessons will be learned. In remaining consciously aware there is no need to fear a change of action or mindset. In a state of awareness this can only lead to growth, whatever the outcome.

Q: How can we keep ourselves in a state of conscious awareness?

It is through the act of staying present. It is to notice what is happening in the moment. It is to avoid distracting and numbing mind through denial. This is to pay attention to your words and actions and of those around you. It is to take responsibility for the impact your words, actions and thoughts have on you and those around you. In doing so you gain greater perspective of the words and actions of others and do not take them personally, understanding that they respond out of their own beliefs and fears. This is practicing the act of presence, and it leads to greater growth for the individual who chooses this practice.

Money, Energy & Martin Luther King, Jr.

This week’s message comes from questions I was asked by a colleague. I invite questions from my readers that can be useful to those who read this blog. The subject this week is at the top of just about everyone’s list and something that seems to be coming up a lot in conversations I’ve had as of late: money.

This being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I wondered how money might relate to honoring his legacy and for those who continue to bring a voice to the disenfranchised. Well, since there are still those in power who use poverty as means of control over certain sections of society, and on the flipside having money gives us greater opportunity to do good in the world, I guess the messages below tie in quite nicely. It’s all about empowering ourselves and using that power to uplift those around us. If use altruistically it can help unite us as a global community and build a more positive future for the world. I’d say that’s a good thing.

Happy Birthday, Reverend King.

With Love.

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From Over There: 1.18.15 Weekly Focus

 Why are so many of us concerned about our financial well-being? Why does it seem to be an issue for just about everyone?

It is cultural. In your particular culture there is a mindset of the need to have more. Even if you are one who chooses to live outside of convention, there is still a cultural energy that surrounds you. This leaves one in a state of eternal lack, as if there can never be enough – no matter how much money one has, there is a fear of not enough.

Many hold onto the idea that money is outside of them and unattainable. Money is simply a form of energy exchange, and it is necessary to align with the divine perspective of money in order to break free of the binds of cultural mindset.

Can you speak on how to become aligned with the divine perspective of money? Why does it seem that some of us have a clear connection to it and others don’t?

It is not in whether one has a clear connection to this energy, rather it is the underlying beliefs one holds that builds their relationship with it. Money is simply energy activated by intent. What does it represent to you?  Does it represent achievement, love or happiness? Is it viewed as a mechanism of survival?  Do you give it authority over you, or allow those with large amounts of it to control you? Does the amount you receive make you feel inferior or superior to others? Give you a sense of entitlement? Or a sense of shame? Does it represent betrayal, abandonment, anger or resentment? When you think of money, what feelings arise? Being mindful of these thoughts, feelings and beliefs will help you understand the core of your relationship to this energy. It is through a dedication to stay conscious as these thoughts and feelings arise that will uncover beliefs that you may not have as part of your conscious awareness. It is in exposing these beliefs that one may rise above and begin to build a more positive and powerful relationship with money.

For money to be a positive influence in one’s life, it must be met with benevolent intent. It must be a source for creating a more empowered life and as a mechanism of support for oneself and others. When it is used as a way of controlling another or allowing oneself to be controlled by another, the relationship with money falls out of divine alignment. When one’s sense of self is controlled by how much money they have or do not have, then they have fallen out of divine alignment in their relationship with money. It is in perceiving money as an energy just like other types of energetic forces. All energetic forces are fueled by intention. The more empowered your thoughts around money, the more good it will bring to your life.    

Stand Up

The terrorist attacks and murders in Paris this last week have once again left most of us feeling devastated and outraged. Following this was an inspiring show of solidarity as thousands – from a diverse spectrum of spiritual and religious beliefs, including many Muslim – took to the streets in support of those who were killed. It shows that we can rise above these acts, even in the face of fear.

This week’s post is an excerpt from my upcoming book and it covers the act of bullying. The violence that was perpetrated at the hands of the terrorists is an act of bullying at it most extreme. This excerpt is more directed toward instances where we might feel pushed around by someone who chooses to use intimidation tactics in their daily interactions instead of playing fair. It’s something we all encounter at some point in our lives, though we can make ourselves better equipped to protect ourselves with a little shift in consciousness. We may not be able to stop global acts of terrorism, but we can at least defend ourselves and others in our day-to-day lives from where we stand right now.

Sending love to the 12 killed, to their families and to everyone affected by the Charlie Hedbo tragedy. Je suis Charlie.

With Love.

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From Over There: 1.11.15 Weekly Focus (excerpt from Channel Surfing)

 “Q: Can you speak to us about the act of bullying and how can someone rise above the pain – especially when they’re young and vulnerable?

A: This type of behavior occurs when the perpetrator only understands anger as the way to empowerment and value. These individuals lack a conscious connection to their true source of power – their spirit-self. They are cut off in such a way that they do not recognize themselves as the divine being that they are. They have forgotten this. The one who is acted upon has also lost touch with their divine self and is seen as weaker than the perpetrator, so therefore an easy target of the anger. It is through each individual finding their own value – especially value in their uniqueness – that renders the perpetrator ineffective. Only through fear do individuals prey upon the well-being of another. In the presence of love no such act can stand. When one loves and values oneself, they understand their value from the perspective of love, and through this perspective find no joy in bringing harm to others. It is through the desire to accept and appreciate one's uniqueness that one begins to build the true source of strength and power - the spirit.

I feel it necessary to add a side note here. The answers to this question may seem over simplified, and to our dense energetic existence they are, though it’s important to remember that in the world of Spirit, anything is possible and easily attainable. The answers are guidance to help you understand that in appreciating and valuing ourselves, we lower the risk of being the victim of bullying or assault. Someone who exudes confidence does not make an easy target. Though this isn’t always the case and sometimes we’re simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, or we are caught in the crossfire of someone else’s dispute. A good point to remember is that regardless of the trials or tribulations that may come your way, a good dose of self-love just makes life so much sweeter and those trials and tribulations more easily surmountable.”

Watch What You’re Stepping In

The word power can have either positive or negative connotations, depending on your definition of what it is. Though embracing true personal power – not a dictatorship-like hold over others – is one of the most positive things we can strive for in life. When we’re in our power we have greater confidence and are more apt to pursue those things that we’re good at and enjoy doing. We feel a sense of accomplishment and inspire others to go for what they want as well.

If we all fully stood in our power there would be no jealousy, back-biting, greediness, entitlement and most likely no horrible reality shows. Sounds good to me! And as Marianne Williamson so famously said, “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine...”

So step on up, step on in, and shine!

With Love.

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From Over There: 1.4.15 Weekly Focus

Embrace your power. Do not apologize for it, nor shrink away from it. Stand up for yourself. Do so with compassion for both yourself and those around you. To stand in your power is to acknowledge your value and confidently use your talents. To recognize your unique strengths and use them to their fullest potential offers them as gifts to serve the world and fulfills your own happiness.

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Q: How can we confidently step into our own power, especially if we feel a bit unsure?

A: It is to focus on your strengths to uplift you. It is to recognize each individual’s own unique abilities and to not compare yourself with others. When one compares themselves to another – whether through feelings of inferiority or to instill a sense of superiority – it is a sign of self-directed disrespect. It devalues the individual and leaves them feeling separated from their true source and interconnectedness. Direct your focus on your talents. Use them and enjoy them for self-gratification and do not be discouraged by the opinion of others who may not understand or resonate with them. Sharing your gifts and enjoying the gifts of others is the ultimate expression of human potential.

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Thanks & Blessings!

At the End is the Beginning and the Beginning is the End

The New Year approaches and with that we often reflect back on the year that’s coming to a close. For myself, I’ve been more than happy to say “goodbye” to the years filled with challenges and have looked forward to the New Year as some sort of do-over. It feels doubly so and very symbolic, because very shortly after the beginning of the New Year my daughter and I celebrate our birthdays. A complete fresh start.

Funny thing is, when I look back over the years my big changes haven’t always occurred at the beginning or end of the year. It’s more about using the symbolism of this time to create change for myself. In other words, it’s a time to consciously choose a different way to approach something or stop procrastinating on getting going on a goal. It’s also a time to think about what you want to create in the year ahead.

The truth is we set goals and change our minds and course of direction all the time. And as this week’s message states, we can either use the concept of “beginning” and “end” to our advantage or disadvantage. It just depends on whether it’s being used as a mechanism to avoid something or motivate action.

So set your intentions, be kind to yourself, and get ready for the best year ever!

With Love.

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From Over There: 12.28.14 Weekly Focus

There is no beginning, nor end, only perception as such. Life extends before and beyond the physical.  Relationships change, and at times seemingly end, though since they have occurred are always part of your story and an ever present element of your evolution. It is the human need to categorize components of time that creates the perception of a beginning and an end. Life is cyclic.

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Q: Does it hinder us in any way to view life through beginnings and endings?

A. The perception of a beginning and an end can be helpful in one’s ability to move through painful situations or when moving toward achievement of a goal, as it gives a marker to see how far one has come through a process. When this perception is used as a means to avoid responsibility for one’s actions or to avoid the processing of pain, then the perception of a beginning or an end is counterproductive. To move on from a relationship or situation without processing through the pain or taking responsibility for the outcome is to avoid the potential wisdom gained from the experience. To begin a new relationship or situation without processing through the pain or taking responsibility for the outcome of that which came before risks repeating the experience. To understand the cyclical nature of existence is to honor all phases of life as valuable and to learn from the lessons each instance brings.  

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Thanks & Blessings!

Merry & Bright

For some of you this may come as a surprise, but for others it’s common sense: happiness is a choice. Yep, that’s right, a choice. This is not to say that once you make the conscious decision to be happy that your life is going to be all rainbows and lollipops – we do, of course, live on this dense, challenging planet – but you’ll be much better equipped to move through the difficult times when they do occur.

It’s all about perspective, and it’s a lesson that in many regards I believe I’m still learning. The bottom line is that the more you appreciate and value your life, the more life tends to give you back what you appreciate and find valuable. And being in this mindset makes those bad days pass much faster and the good days so much sweeter.

Take a moment and focus on those things in your life that bring you happiness and let that be your guidepost for pulling in more of the same. May all your days be merry and bright.

With Love.

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From Over There: 12.21.14 Weekly Focus

The way of happiness connects one with the light of the soul. Through this connection one understands their purpose, and forges a deeper awareness of how their actions affect them and those around them. There is no act so trivial that it passes without any influence. It is simply the level of individuals that are affected that may come into play. To choose the way of happiness is to affect one’s life through the soul’s light. The soul’s light is a joyous light. This is a joyous way for all.  

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Q: How can we choose happiness when we may be going through a challenging period?

A. It is first through choosing kindness toward the self, through compassion for the self and respectful acts upon the self. It is through these self directed practices that one has the capacity to truly be thoughtful of others. This leads to greater acceptance and appreciation for oneself and of those around them. This, in turn, diminishes critical judgment of the self and others. To be less judgmental is a liberating experience. It instills in one a sense of freedom, no matter one’s life circumstance. It is within this sense of freedom that one easily chooses the way of happiness.

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Thanks & Blessings!