The Power of Intention

The power of intention is one of the most wonderful tools to work with to co-create the life of your dreams. A working definition for intention is: “To claim a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, or aim the heart at a goal or intended outcome.” If we lack intention, we can float and wander aimlesly or live a confusing and chaotic life. But if we consciously work with intention, the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible things, possible.

Here is a quote from Wayne Dyer that I love: “Intention is not something that you do, but rather a force that exists in the Universe as an invisible field of energy.” Ralph Waldo Emerson has also talked about the power of intention when he said: “A good intention cloths itself with sudden power.” When you think about it, everything around you starts with intention, every house or building ever built, a newspaper, a book, a car, a cup of coffee, a piece of art…this blog! The list goes on and on.

I start every day with conscious intention. If I have clients or classes my intention is that I am a conduit for Spirit, love, wisdom and healing. If I have a day off, I often set the intention for relaxation, grace and peace. When I paint a mandala or write, I ask for inspired creativity or revelation. We can use the power of intention for all things big and small: from getting in your car and driving safely to your destination, to having a sacred drama-free holiday season, to making a heartfelt fabulous meal - I even used a detailed intention list to manifest my amazing husband!

The power of intention is not necessarily like handing your wish list to God and expecting it to be fulfilled(although sometimes it does seem to work this way!) It is letting the Universe know your preferences and then holding them lightly in your hand. Then allowing God do with it what He will - and handing it back in a way that is for the highest good of all concerned. Sometimes, we may get something very different than what we believe we want…and often it is so much better!

I used the power of intention constantly when I was completing my Ph.D. and as I wrote my book “Manifesting Love from the Inside Out.” I set the intention for grace, clarity of thought, and easy execution. I also set the intention for it to get into the hands of those that it could support, help and heal. However, I had no idea what that would look like. Right after my book was published, I was asked to work with some women in prison, and I was invited to make my book part of the curriculum. This was not something that was on my conscious radar, but it was of great support to many wonderful women in a way I could not have anticipated, predicted or created all on my own.

When we set intentions, we invite the power of the Universe to join with us and participate in the creation of our lives. Really, what better partner could we ever have? I have witnessed so much synchronicity, miracles and grace through this powerful, simple practice. The hardest part is just remembering to do it!

So, what are your intentions for this day, this week, for the holidays and this New Year? Play with this powerful practice a bit and let me know how things go! My intention is to connect with those who receive value, have fun, and enjoy this fantastic intention-based-adventure! Sending you blessings of a happy, grace- filled, miracle-filled, holy-day season to you!

For more about the power if intention, listen to my interview with Rosemary Sneeringer on Empower Radio! http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/377-Journey-Center-with-Tammi-Baliszewski.html

Giving Thanks

The Holiday season is now officially underway! With Thanksgiving comes the turkey, accoutrements, family, friends and hopefully many prayers of gratitude, appreciation and thanks. Giving thanks is a quality that everyone would benefit from weaving into a daily practice and a consistent habit. According to Abraham Hicks, gratitude and appreciation are the highest of vibrations, and more akin to the energy of the Universe than even love. I know my life dramatically improved when I made the practice of gratitude more prevalent than my practice of complaining – but really, I had so much great fodder for complaint! I had been dumped, I had no job, no friends, no money, and my health was compromised. Of course I wanted to talk about that. I wanted sympathy, understanding and some help! What I did not understand at that time was what we talk about and think about is what is coming down the pike.

As I was meditating one day, I asked Spirit why my life was not going the direction I wanted it to. I “got” it was because I was looking with regret at my past instead of being optimistic about my future. I realized with crystal clear clarity, I needed to let go of my story and start a new habit - that habit was gratitude. I read that Oprah kept a gratitude journal; I figured if it was good enough for Oprah, it was good enough for me. I went and splurged on a blingy purple and pink journal and sat with it every night to consciously consider what I was grateful for. Some nights I just looked at it with tears in my eyes, life was so hard, and so confusing, it was challenging to think of things to be grateful for. However, I was consistently grateful for the beauty of the magenta and glitter; somehow it soothed and comforted me.

As I made writing in my Gratitude Journal a habit, I started to think of more and more things to be grateful for - and slowly life seemed to move in a more positive direction. I thought perhaps it was a coincidence, but did not want to take a chance and stop! I felt like the lotus reaching up through the darkness of the mud, and gratitude was my lifeline to the Light.

I have been told by teachers I respect that a new habit takes 32 days to cultivate. Now when dealing with clients who are struggling, I ask them to commit to a 32 day process of gratitude. In every situation, their lives change positively and dramatically. Gratitude is a magnetic energy and the more we consciously focus on it, the more we attract things to be grateful for. It is a simple practice that just takes practice. Gratitude an energy that opens the door to miracles, synchronicity and Divine support.

The science community is also getting on baord with the power of gratitide! It turns out, giving thanks is good for your health. A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being. People who feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy or substance abusers. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections. So, gratitude is good for us physically, mentally, emotionally, finacially and spiritually!


Here is a quote I LOVE from author Melody Beattie: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.”

If you want more money, take time to bless and give thanks for the money you do have. If you want more love, be grateful for every drop of love you have ever given or received. If you want more miracles, be still and sit in gratitude for the miracle of your heartbeat and your breath. Meditating on the quality of gratitude, lines us up with the generous and prosperous nature of the Universe. Live with an open, grateful and receptive heart and keep your eyes open for magical and amazing things!

I now am living a life of beauty, wonder, amazing synchronicity, immense support, crazy opportunity and profound love - and I attribute it to the practice of giving thanks. Have you tried it? If you have and have a story to tell, get in touch with me and share! If you haven’t, give it a shot and let me know how it goes! Happy Thanksgiving to you and may you be blessed with grace, healing, wholeness, fulfillment, prosperity, Divine support and great love.

Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction is a powerful law of the Universe. Like gravity it is consistent, but unlike gravity we can choose to consciously work with this law - or not. However, if we DON’T work with it, we create our lives by default and end up feeling like victims.

As aspects of Divine Mind, we all have so much more power than we think. One way to start exploring this power is to create affirmations. It is a simple concept, but practice and diligence is necessary to get the best results. To put Law of Attraction in a nut shell water finds its own level and like attracts like.
You get what you put your energy and focus on, whether wanted or unwanted. The Law of Attraction is neutral.

All forms of matter and energy are attracted to that which is of a like vibration.

You are a living magnet.

Energy attracts like energy

"That which is like unto itself is drawn." Abraham-Hicks

I have been playing with affirmations and the Law of Attraction for a while. I have found I cannot have an attachment to when or how things show up. I seem to continually be surprised at the sense of humor the Universe has.

After I set the intention to be of service and be prosperous I was presented with several opportunities to do volunteer work, and other opportunities to make money. It all turned out very different than I expected.

Then I became aware that an aspect of me was still not satisfied. I was missing LA, dressing up and fine dining. So I revised my affirmation to “I am of service, I am prosperous and I am glamorous!” I didn’t really know how the glamour was going to show up, but I had fun imagining the possibilities and relaxed. Several days later I was invited to a red carpet event in LA and the following day I got a call from Vanna White. She wanted to by 10 copies of my book and invited me to the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills for lunch. As I was shopping for some new cloths, I laughed to myself and thought about how effective my new affirmation seemed to be!

Once you start to get it, the Law of Attraction can be great fun! Once you put your desires into motion and remove and dueling intentions, or blocks of unworthiness, you can sit back relax and wait for your desires to manifest.

So what exactly is the Law of Attraction formula? Here are the basic steps.

1. Ask and be clear about your desires.

2. Source says YES!

3. Relax, feel good, be grateful and graciously receive.

If inspiration “drops in” in regard to taking action steps, be prepared to do so. If something feels right, do it. Then just relax and expect great things. Feel good knowing you deserve the life of your dreams and your desires are on their way to you.

Don’t worry about if, how, when, where and what everything is going to look like. Let the Universe take care of the details and the method of delivery, when you will receive it, etc. RELAX and ALLOW. Although this may sound easy, it can often be the challenging part of the manifestation process. I call it the period of “patience and faith.” Eliminate any doubt; all you need to do is expect it. Get into the feeling state of already having it and BE GRATEFUL!

For more about the Law of Attraction and the other “Laws of the Universe,” listen to my interview on “Journey to Center” with life coach Roxy McAllister on Empower Radio. Here is the link: http://www.empoweradio.com/home/index.php?news=377
And if you would like, drop me a line and share your thoughts and stories, I would love to hear from you! You can leave a comment here or email me at j2center@gmail.com. May you be blessed with grace and ease as you manifest all of your hearts desires!

Success

Success? How do you define it and is it only for the select few? Perhaps not everyone is destined to create an empire and manifest billions of dollars but I think everyone IS wired for success.

I believe everyone has incredible gifts, an important purpose and a “particular brand of magic” that no one else possesses. I think the ones who really create abundance with their magic are those who KNOW they have value. So how does one go about rewiring for success? For me the recipe is: Meditation, Contemplation, Action steps and Celebration.

Meditation: Success first and foremost comes from being happy and lining up with the energy of the Universe. To quote Marianne Williamson: “The same energy that can move planets around the sun and turns embryos into babies, can take care of our lives - if we let it!” So the first important step is inviting that energy in. It can be as simple as turning our attention inward with the intention of aligning with the organizing intelligence of the Universe. I recommend taking five minutes at the beginning of the day and focusing on the breath, or seeing the light within. This reduces the “mind chatter” and allows the energy and wisdom of the heart and soul to bubble up. The heart is THE most effective companion, compass and guide on the journey to success.

Contemplation: Once I reduce the mind chatter, I ask questions, then I LISTEN! Prayer is like talking to God, meditation is listening to God. Some of my greatest learning’s, powerful analogies and awesome “advice,” has come from my attention being “turned inward.” Then, I listen and contemplate the information that comes forward. A powerful example of this was when I was involved in television project that seemed “stuck.” I was frustrated, because I had done my part and could not seem do anything else to move it forward. So, I meditated. I asked the inward oriented question: “What do I do?” What came forward from my “Inner Intelligence” (aka: II) was: Write. Me: “Write? I’m not a writer, I don’t want to write!” Again I hear: Write. Me: “Write what?” II: Write about what you know. Me: “I don’t know anything!” II: You know how you got from a pattern of unhealthy relationships to one that works. Me: “….well, I do know that.” II: Write about that. I had never written and did not have a conscious desire to write, but a deeper part of me knew this was an aspect of my destiny and an important ingredient in my “success.”

Action Steps: Science of Mind has a great quote: “Treat and move your feet.” Do the inner work, then do the outer work. After I had done the inner work, meditation and contemplation, now it was time to take the action steps. Start writing. Since I had never written anything before, I had no Idea how to start. But I had an idea…I would sit with a notebook as I meditated and write down what came forward. I also slept with my notebook, and as I would start to fall asleep, ideas for chapters would drop in, and eventually the chapters started to fill out. I also went back to school and was further supported by some required writing classes. To me this was an example of taking one step to God and God taking several to me.

Celebration! So, do the inner work, do that outer work, and don’t forget to have fun along the way! I think it is vital to express gratitude for ourselves and to the Universe. It is also important to take those moments to be proud of ourselves, nurture ourselves and CELEBRATE ourselves! Plants grow better in an environment of love, children thrive in it - and so do we! We do not have to wait for someone to do it for us, we can do it for ourselves. For in truth, we are all deeply loved and the children in whom God is well pleased. And in order to receive it in the physical world from others, we need to carve out the place inside of us to receive it. The world would be a much happier place if more people would validate and celebrate themselves, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for them. Dance in your own light. Enjoy the unique expression of the Divine that you are. Celebrate the beautiful spirit that is you. And soon you will notice you are not dancing alone!

My Divinely Inspired book “Manifesting Love From the Inside Out” is now complete and is going places and doing things I never would have imagined. It is in the hands of women in prison, on Amazon, Kindle and expanding in surprising, exciting and grace-filled ways. I recently got a call from Vanna White, she said my book was not only inspirational and transformational, but also the best self-help book she ever read. And my ego thought I had nothing to say!

I had no idea I was wired for success, but now I know that I am…and so are you. Please let me know if you explore the simple steps I have outlined here for you, I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and your stories. And please be in touch if I can do anything to support you along the way. Write me at j2center@gmail.com. Take care and God bless on your path to success!

Do you want to be right..or happy?

I am fairly confident you have heard the oft posed question: “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” After being unceremoniously dumped years ago, I was determined to have both. I had clearly been treated badly and was very attached to my story. I was RIGHT about being right about being wronged. Two years later I was still telling my sad story and garnering a certain about of sympathy. But the “happy” part of the equation was elusive.

As I sat and meditated about my dilemma one day, I asked the question “Why am I not happy: why is my life not moving in a positive direction, why can I not obtain my goals, why am I seeing my ex-fiancés head everywhere?” (Unfortunately for me he was a well known actor at that time). The information that dropped clearly into my awareness was I was facing the wrong direction by telling my story repeatedly - and I could not move forward until I was willing to let go of the past and my need to be right. I was not happy about this revelation. After a week of considering it, and continuing to tell my story to whomever would listen - I finally really GOT I had to let this go if I wanted to be happy. * EXASPERATED SIGH* Oh alright. If I only get one or the other, I am going to go for the happy now.

Almost immediately, life started to shift. I started to book auditions, attract clients, and make more money. My old habit of telling my story tempted me, but I remained strong in my resolve. NO I want to be happy!

I also started to do some conscious forgiveness work. When my ex would pop into my head, I would repeat the mantra “God bless you on your path, God bless me on mine.” I also did a guided meditation where I would have my Guardian angel or Higher Self cut the tangled cords that connected us. I would them see him floating away in an irredesant bubble.

A short time later I met a wonderful man, and I know this would not have been possible had I not surrendered my negative connection to my ex. I also went back to school, got my Ph.D. opened a private practice, wrote a book, started painting and teaching classes – a MUCH better use of my time, energy and life force than holding on desperately to my old story and being right!

The “letting of a being right” practice has been so liberating on many levels. I am now willing to be wrong in my opinions, perspectives and memories. I don’t feel the need to convince anyone of anything. What I eventually came to realize I had a deep seated belief that I had to be right, and convince others it was so, in order to be worthy of having value. What a relief to find out that this wasn’t true. I can be flawed, make mistakes and be wrong and still be worthy! I am no longer attached to being right about almost anything. I don’t feel the need to argue my points, tell my story, or garner sympathy. I feel all of this has softened me and made me more flexible and more lovable human being - at least that is what my husband, that wonderful man I met years ago, has told me!

What I have found by letting go of my story is that respect feels infinitely better than sympathy, and happiness feels so much better than being right. Is it easy? No. Is it always fun? Not so much. Is it worth it? HECK YEAH!

Write to me with any thoughts at j2center@gmail.com. And For more about being right or being happy, listen to my podcast about surrendering control on emoweradio.com. http://www.empoweradio.com/home/index.php?news=377

Claim your Good Now!

I was sitting in unmoving and unmerciful LA traffic the other day thinking to myself OMG I am SO annoyed! Anger and frustration were bubbling and brewing as I muttered at the other drivers that were in my way. I thought, once I get home I can relax, align and feel peace. Then another thought dropped into my awareness, I can choose that experience now - why do I have to be home sitting on my couch to feel the presence of Spirit? I can choose peace and connect with Spirit in THIS moment. I laughed at the simplicity of the thought: God is available in every minute - every second, every millisecond! I felt the dark cloud of discomfort dissipate, and a ray of sunshine pierced my consciousness. I felt Spirit smile and my connection to the Divine was reestablished – right there in the midst of crazy LA traffic!

Many people are struggling financially, emotionally and in their relationships right now. Not many would argue that these are strange and tumultuous times - but even in these times, God is present and our connection to Him/Her is available. I know I have thought to myself, once I finish my book THEN I will feel peace, once I make the money THEN I will be content and happy, once I am on vacation, THEN I will relax. Many people are peddling hard and fast to their future to arrive some perceived destination or cross some finish line where they can finally feel better. But what is that destination? Where is that finish line? I wonder how many people get to the end of their lives and think, why was I in such a rush? This must be what Ekhart Tolle was talking about in his book, the Power of Now. “Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be.”

Because our lives are reflections of our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, our outer reality changes AFTER our inner reality shifts. Most people want their outer reality to change so they can feel better. I say choose to FEEL BETTER NOW and then life will improve.

Ernest Holmes the founder of religious Science wrote these wonderful words:

My Good is complete; it is finished; it is now here
and is conscious of me and of mine.

I do not have to wait for my Good; it is at hand and ever
ready to spring forth and express itself to me.

I accept my Good and gladly acknowledge it to be
my daily companion.

My Good is mine now, and I can see it and feel it and know it.
Today I claim my Good.

Are you ready to claim your good? Are you ready to be happy? Are you ready to claim your connection with Spirit? I invite you to take a deep breath, allow your body to relax and imagine aligning with your soul. Feel the presence of God and know He/She is smiling at you. This is the relaxed state of connected awareness where you can be assured all is well, you are loved and life is good! Now get ready to expect miracles!

Resurrection

Resurrection

Don’t you just love synchronicity? Anyone who knows me even a little bit, knows I LOVE synchronicity! Carl Jung coined the term in the 1920’s and referred to it as “meaningful coincidence.” In other words, God is winking at you and the Universe is communicating with you directly, lovingly and personally.

Recently peacock feathers have been coming to me in dreams and in physical world reality. It made me curious about the message they may carry. My research revealed some interesting facts about the history, beliefs and legends of this strangely magnificent creature.


Something I learned was the peacock has the unusual ability to eat poisonous snakes without being harmed. In ancient Egypt the bird became a symbol of immortality and resurrection, because of the peacock’s assumed incorruptibility. This, in turn, led to the custom of the feathers being used at funerals, meaning that the deceased person was not really dead, the spirit survived and eventual rebirth was assured. In Christianity, the peacock once again is the symbol of death and resurrection. Perhaps another reason for this symbology is peacock feathers are shed, replaced and renewed annually.

Marianne Williamson has often talked about beauty, color and iridescence of peacock’s feathers coming from the activity and pain of digesting thorns. As humans we digest the thorns and walk through the pain of our lives, and through this process we are refined, humbled and transformed into more authentic, luminous and beautiful expressions of the Divine.

So for me, the personal message I have gleaned from the peacocks repeated visit to my consciousness, is death to an old way of being, the shattering of the ego and the purging of shame. It is also the rebirth into a new and unexpected place of beauty, awareness, confidence, and celebration. Yes, it seems we are right on track with this one! So many of my clients, friends and students are currently dealing with these lessons - these subjects have also been the fodder of my recent musings, blogs and radio shows.

So, once again, it seems to boil down to this: Do you believe the Universe is a safe and loving place or not? As I was meditating about current challenges, a question dropped into my awareness: “Do you believe God loves you? Um, yes? Do you believe that God wants you to be happy? Um, yes? Do you believe that everything happening is for the highest good of all concerned? Um…..yes?" Then I hear, “Can you say “yes” without question marks at the end?” Um…maybe?

It feels like we are being asked if we are really committed to this human adventure. Are we really ALL THE WAY IN? The mind cannot serve two masters: So are you frantic or faithful? Do you choose love or fear? It seems we are being honed and refined and being invited to go deeper. Yes, things are uncertain, and yes life can be scary and strange, but for me the peacock is yet another synchronistic messenger to remind me that all is well, we are loved, and to encourage us in saying “YES!”

Join me and say YES to:

All aspects of beauty

Immortality

The ability to see into the past, present, and future

Dignity

Self-confidence

Rising out of ashes

The journey from confusion and death to rebirth and resurrection!

I invite you to write me with your thoughts or feelings at j2center@gmail.com . And know that I am sending you blessings of grace, ease, healing, expansion, transformation, revelation and great joy!

Rise Today

Have you heard the saying, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution? In reality all we can do is take responsibility for ourselves. Are you ready to let go of the competitive confines of ego? Do you want to heal, evolve, change, grow and expand? Do you want to rise despite any one else’s reality or choices? I know I do! Here are the lyrics to a song, “Rise Today,” by the band Alter Bridge. I love the message and it resonates deeply for me - let me know if it resonates for you!

"Rise Today"

The wind is blowing cold
Have we lost our way tonight?
Have we lost our hope to sorrow?

Feels like we're all alone
Running further from what's right
And there are no more heroes to follow

So what are we becoming?
Where did we go wrong?

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
Oh, won't you rise today
And change this world?

The sun is beating down
Are we ever gonna change
Can we stop the blood from running?

Our time is running out
Hope we find a better way
Before we find we're left with nothing

For every life that's taken
So much love is wasted

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
So won't you rise today
And change

This world
Only love can set it right
This world
If only peace would never die

Seems to me that we've got each other wrong
Was the enemy just your brother all along?

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
Oh won't you rise today
And change this world?

Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

The Void

If you are on a spiritual path, then it is inevitable that you will go through periods of discord and discomfort as you seek to raise your vibration. I refer to this as “The Void.” Our Higher Selves know the void is great opportunity for expansion - but our personalities don’t like it very much! Our egos and small selves like the experience of safety and security, but if we truly want to evolve, then safety does not always serve us.

The Void often comes with crisis, confusion and lots of questions like: What is going on? Why am I here? Where am I supposed to be and what am I supposed to do? There may be the experience of instability and loss if identity, coupled with resistance, anger, depression and fear. Let’s face it, it’s not fun to not know what is going on and not feel on solid ground within ourselves! The rules of the game are changing, but we don’t know what the new rules are yet!

The Void is a state of transition and transformation and while in it you may find yourself needing more time alone, more sleep, a change in diet, or you may want to do a cleanse, throw away old cloths, or alter habits and patterns. The Void shakes us up and insists we relinquish control. The most important thing we can do is meditate and surrender to what is. This can help us flow more gracefully into our new state of being and a more expanded awareness. In other words, relax and trust the process!

Challenge yourself to consider, explore and visualize the life of your dreams and practice positive self-talk. As you emerge from the void, you will find you are connecting with people on deeper level and have more clarity about who you are, why you are here and what you want.

Find the comfort in the discomfort and make friends with the not knowing. Times of uncertainty are also times of rebirth and new possibilities. The Universe is a friendly place and it IS on your side! Are you in the Void? Do you have any questions, stories or wisdom you want to share? I invite you to Email me at tammibaliszewski@aol.com and let's talk about it!

Let your Light Shine!

Our souls essence is that of light. We have heard of people who have near death experiences and see this remarkable loving light. The word enlightenment means one has attained spiritual mastery and is lit up from within.

Our soul is a spark of divine radiance. As humans we get to have this wonderful adventure - the illusion of being separate from God; the experience of free will and choice. But the truth remains the same. We are love, we are light and we are God incarnate.

It is your inner light that determines what you attract and experience. As you increase your wattage and turn up the volume of your inner light, you naturally release those forms that are not aligned with your soul, and draw to you new ones that are. You will be able to create a future filled with light, abundance, joy, and inspiration.

If you allow your inner light to increase and shine through you, not only will you achieve inner peace and abundance, but inspire those around you to do the same. This is an exerpt from a profound and powerful speech given by Nelson Mandela:

"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our fear that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.


We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in every one of us, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Nelson Mandela

The question is: Are you going to say yes to your essence? Are you going align with the light and express it your unique way in the world? I hope you say yes, because I sure am! Join me and let’s shine! Let's brighten up the world with our our creativity, our joy, our light and our love!

Your Soul's Purpose

Many of you know my story from my book, Manifesting Love from the Inside Out. Ten years ago, I ended a relationship with a TV star filled pain, betrayal, Hollywood-sized egos and the loss of my sense of self. From financial and personal ruin, I went on to earn a degree in psychology, two Masters Degrees in spiritual psychology and a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling.

As a young woman, I had everything society tells us we’re supposed to want – the successful modeling career, the relationship, the fame, the fortune -- and I found myself more depressed than ever. Why? Because I was not lined up with my soul’s purpose. Finally after significant pain and disappointment I changed my conversation with Spirit: rather than telling God what I wanted, I began to ask God what He wanted from me. This radically changed the direction of my life. I am now aligned with what my soul came here to do, I am happy, productive and fulfilled. But I could not have successfully journeyed the terrain alone - I could not have gone from confusion and despair to grace and joy without support from some amazing teachers, healers and friends.

Deepak Chopra has a wonderful quote: Within each of us is the embryo of God, and all the embryo of God wants is to be born. I consider myself a “Midwife to the Soul.” My degrees in psychology and spirituality offer a balanced approach to healing and wholeness. Often people on a spiritual path haven’t done their own psychological healing, so they tend to gloss over painful emotions. It is important to review our history and the beliefs we established as children -- what were the decisions you made about yourself as a young person? Do you believe the world is a safe place? Is money hard to come by? What were your relationships with your parents like? What were their relationships like? You’re going to tend to re-create those relationships you witnessed or experienced. What we experienced as a child is indelibly etched into the unconscious mind.

The other vital component is our relationship to the Universe, our connection to something greater than ourselves. For true healing to occur we need both sides of the coin: the head (psychology) and the heart (spirituality). One without the other is incomplete.

Our path home can begin to reveal itself when we have an earnest conversation with Spirit about what He would have us do, where He would have us go, what would He have us say and to whom. You have probably heard the saying, when the students ready the teacher appears. I have always found this to be the case.

Are you lined up with your soul’s purpose? Are you heading the right direction? Are you fulfilled in your life? If not, and you need support, be sure to be in touch! I am available for sessions, both in person and on the phone. Also I invite you to write me to share any thoughts or feelings.

The Nature of Happiness

Nature - it is just so natural! I have never considered myself much of a country girl - I really feel I more the city type. I love Nordstrom’s, fine dining and the occasional play. However, my husband invested in a cabin in McCall Idaho, and has occasionally insisted that we visit the place. I begrudgingly acquiesce, usually heavily armed with my paints, canvases and a nice bottle of wine.

This month he decided to surprise me with something ‘special.’ “We’re going on a sleigh ride with the kids,” he shared enthusiastically. “Great” I mutter. “We are going to feed the Elk” he continued. “Yea, O.K…Wait, what?” He knows I am an enormous lover of anything with feathers or fur, and I would be overjoyed at the prospect of seeing some wild critters up close and personal.

I have to admit, I have never been happier in my life than hanging with the Elk. I made good friends with a young female and I gave her some dating advice. My city girls laugh at me, but I think I may be coming into balance with the whole city/country thing. A few days in nature does seem to support me in down shifting into a more graceful, easy and gentle gear. And with the chaos and the craziness of the world, it can be a very pleasant change of pace.

The Course of Miracles says: “The problem is, you don’t KNOW what would make you happy.” I have found that to be true. Years ago, I had gotten everything I thought I wanted, and felt empty and depressed. I remember clearly saying to God, “I JUST WANT TO BE HAPPY!” In that moment I handed over the steering wheel of my life to Spirit – and He has taken me in a radically direction than what I would have consciously chosen for myself. Fortunately, God knew me better than I knew myself, and life has become a strange, supportive, surprising, amazing and fun-filled adventure.

Are you happy? Who is the captain of your ship? Write to me and share your thoughts and experiences!

Happy New Year!

2009 was a profound year for change and transformation. Unfortunately we cannot have the experience of rebirth without dying to the old way of being, which generally consists of confusion, pain and angst. Now that 2010 is underway I get the strong sense of new beginnings, optimism, relief and joy.

A simple exercise I recommend to students and clients is to consider where they were a year ago, and all they have learned and accomplished in 2009. Then express gratitude for the lessons and blessings (even if they were difficult or painful). The next step I recommend is choosing four or five words as anchors or intentions for the New Year. My words are Service, Prosperity, Celebration, and Co-Creation.

Service - May I easily find and connect with the souls whom I can inspire, empower, sooth and support. This is my prayer: “Dear God, where would you have me go, what would you have me do, what would you have me say and to whom?”

Prosperity - As I graciously receive all the Universe has for me, may I light the way for others to prosper, create and play. I finally understand I do not need to struggle financially to be spiritual or noble. I love not having to worry about money and instead use my energy to expand. Prosperity is our Divine Right and should be like breathing: I am graciously receiving and generously giving.

Celebration - We learn through sorrow until we learn how to learn through joy. I feel I have tipped over to the side of joy and life feels great. I want to thrive, play with others of like mind, and light the way for those who want to do the same!

Co-Creation - One of my greatest joys is that sense of being lined up with the Divine, and creating, teaching, and living from that space. I love the saying: “Go for God and all things can be added unto thee.” My strongest intention for the New Year, is to keep my eye on Spirit and consistently live life from this powerful,connected, joyful and miraculous space.

What are your words and intentions for the New Year? Write me and let me know, I would love to hear from you!