Afterlife

Honoring the Caretakers

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Happy June!

The flowers are blooming, high school and college students are graduating and going to proms, other kids are taking a breather, and of course {{{{{drum roll}}}}} Father’s Day on the 16th! Oh, and lest we forget, the Summer Solstice arrives on June 21st, the official beginning of Summer. Whew!

Some reflective thoughts for this June. No matter who you are, or what your status is, no one is exempt from, well, life. And part of life involves moments of what should be incredible joy, but there is a missing piece. Like when someone near and dear has crossed over to the Other Side and is not there on that special day. His or her absence may at times dominate our thoughts and feelings, making us sad, even though it’s supposed to be a festive occasion.

I mention this because so many times in my work I see sadness when a dad or mom who has crossed over was not at a wedding, or even often when the first baby was born. So June, with all positives that are going on, can bring up sad memories.

Often we tend to reflect on those memories and ask woulda, coulda, shoulda. I meet so many folks who did so much for their loved ones but still feel it wasn’t enough. I’m here to say, it was more than enough, and your DPs want you to know that.

On a related matter, we need to respect and honor those folks who are caretakers, for that is probably one of the hardest jobs a person can do. It is often an unending uphill of battle of emotions, physically exhausting, and at times very deeply sad and painful. If a caretaker doesn’t have enough money, or anyone who will help, the experience can be especially overwhelming and swallow you up. Until you go through it, you can’t honestly understand the difficulty of being a caretaker.

If you are a caretaker, KUDOS to you. But please be kind with yourself, and find as many moments of quiet and peace as you can. And cherish those moments.

While I’m beyond thrilled that June is here, my heart goes out to those who are suffering through floods and other earth changes. We all know that life can change on a dime.

With all that said, I’m truly excited to be visiting so many of you in Salt Lake City for the Afterlife Conference, where I mentioned Terri Daniel had been giving free rooms, and I’ll be in Michigan, Chicago and St. Louis with Thomas John.

Enjoy and smell the June flowers!

Coming Together in Gratitude at the Afterlife Conference

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Here we are in November — the month of connecting with family and friends while enjoying food, drink, laughter, and most importantly, Love — especially on Thanksgiving.

“Sharing our bounty” where it’s needed is key. And sharing Love that’s needed around the world is part of the program. When giving to charities, be selective.

Just did another Afterlife Conference. This year the event was held in Orlando, Florida. As always, a very special conference — lots of sharing with so many wonderful people who worked tirelessly in giving, in any way they could, to help others.

Reminded me of hospice workers, nurse practitioners, shamans who assist their clients’ transition to the Other Side, and all those who are there to listen to folks who have had a loved one pass away, sometimes right before the holiday season.

And then, of course, there are mediums.

Whoever the speaker, the message always is this: We are all here to help heal and give in any way we can — to and for those who need our services. Yes, we are all at times called upon to perform a service, though some of us may not hear, or heed, the call.

For those of us who do hear and heed that call, there are so many ways we can assist. Whatever is performed, it doesn’t have to be of earth-shaking magnitude. It can be a simple task like helping an elderly person across the street.

The other day when I was home in NYC, a woman who was trying to get on the bus was having difficulties — her eyesight was so bad she couldn’t select from her purse, the right change to put into the machine to get on the bus. So, another woman and I helped her out and got her on board.

Then while I was in Orlando, there were several women in my workshop who talked about how there was a rainbow all around the Pulse area where the tragic and infamous Orlando shootings took place. The women were all in awe of the rainbow, and spoke of how beautiful and powerful the rainbow was.

Another gentleman in the workshop remarked about how he happened to be in Northern California when the recent fires broke out — right near where his dear friend Jill had a rescue mission for horses. What he couldn’t believe was, all the barns in that area had caught fire, except one, which belonged to Jill. She had been sitting on the road for over three hours in prayer, and her barn was the only one that didn’t catch on fire! He said that if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it. Yes, prayers can work!

These are just some of the wonderful stories that I have had the honor of hearing, as I performed my service as a medium.

Part of the joy of being at the Afterlife Conference was observing how so many attended not just because of a wish to connect with their loved ones on the Other Side, but to connect to Life here on Planet Earth.

I care about our existence here. My work is not about the DPs (dead persons) per se, but actually about the living folks who remain connected to their loved ones on the Other Side. However, all may and do benefit from the connection.

For all my living folks out there in Internet land, as we approach the holidays — Thanksgiving happens this month, of course — remember: don’t ever feel that the little acts and deeds that you do don’t matter, because they absolutely do.

Even a “Thank you” can mean so much. For example, a very humble young woman walked up to me after my workshop at the Afterlife Conference and thanked me for reminding her that there is no one way
for all of us who are on a spiritual journey, to proceed. I was so happy to receive that feedback.

Indeed, we are not all meant to be one thing. We are individuals meant to be who we are individually, and destined to engage the challenges that emerge along the way.

Next year the Afterlife Conference will be held in Salt Lake City. Hope to see you there.

Enjoy this wonderful time of giving and thanks. I look forward to connecting with many of you in my Florida events, Tampa, Boca and Fort Lauderdale and of course another special “Hope for the Holidays” in Roanoke!

The Special Bond of Fathers and Children

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Welcome to June, and of course, the upcoming Vernal Equinox which arrives June 20th.

During the Vernal Equinox, day and night are each approximately 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days before). The sun crosses the celestial equator going northward, rises exactly due east, and sets exactly due west.

For all you season lovers, and especially those who are longing for summer – well . . . it’s coming up and you’re going to hit the jackpot. A wonderful time for graduations, weddings, and for me always, a very personal Father’s Day.

As I always say, one of the most special privileges I have in doing the work I do is connecting with people’s departed loved ones. Recently, I was doing a session where a young mother had just lost her father. Her having a newborn daughter actually added to the woman’s missing her dad, for she was feeling that he wouldn’t be around to see his granddaughter. Of course, we know that “Grandpa” will be around – although not in the physical way that his daughter would want him to be. I remember her words in describing her father and they stuck with me. I found them in one way to be very profound in the energy they carried, and in another way the perfect description of what a father means to so many of us. She said, in a very special way, “He was the salt of the earth!” When she spoke these words, I “breathed” them in and felt how wonderful this young woman’s childhood had been with her dad, and how that magnificent experience will be in her heart and soul throughout her life, and after. Although she is sad that her dad has passed over to the Other Side, it is so beautiful that she experienced the love of such a man, and grew up being “Daddy’s Girl.”

I will tell you that in my many travels, connecting with people all over the world, and beyond, there are some pretty wonderful dads out there who have been just as special. Another example: I was just recently doing my Mother’s Day show, and there was a woman there who made a comment: “Why don’t you do a ‘Father’s Day’ show?” Not a bad idea! But . . . there were many chuckles in the room, even among the DJs – I guess because the work I do is not as appreciated among the males of the species as it is among the females. But honestly, truth be told, there are many dads, brothers, sons, and boyfriends – guys – who get it! And even if they don’t get it, they have worked tirelessly and endlessly to make sure that their moms, sisters, girlfriends and daughters, are provided with evidence of Love. That is, these guys have been “taking care” of their gals in the best ways that they can. And so, at the event, I gave everyone an opportunity to “shout out” how much every dad was appreciated.

Fathers and mothers – where would we be without them?

And of course there is Mother Earth, whom I always honor, even on Father’s Day. For it is she who feeds, clothes, and houses us . . . together with Father Sun beaming down upon us, making this Planet Earth of ours . . . inhabitable.

I would like to personally pay tribute to all those organizations and everyday citizens who are devoted to taking care of Mother Earth. I speak for the many who were so hopeful after the G12 conference in Paris, with people from all over the world coming together and making a pact to do the right thing in lowering greenhouse gases, and whatever else needs to be done in those places facing drought or other scarcities.

In this vein, let me share that I was recently watching a documentary about Kansas farmers whose farm had been in the family for five generations. The current owners, young sons and daughters, know that unless there is a change in the water situation, they will no longer be able to provide for their families. The crisis goes on in so many areas. I could relate. During a recent visit to KC, I had a few in-depth conversations with the folks there about water. I know what that Kansas family is facing.

Water isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for all living things. I know water is a “cause” for many, and especially for folks who live in arid parts of the world. For they are facing extreme challenges.

From wherever you are, do all you can do personally, and in your morning and/or evening prayers, don’t forget Mother Earth, especially on Father’s Day.

Please allow me to conclude this month’s newsletter with a GREAT BIG “THANK YOU” to Terri Daniel for yet another wonderful Afterlife Conference. I can’t begin to share all of the inspiring words that I heard throughout the event, many of which were spoken to me personally. The conference was so very important for so many. It was my honor to have participated. If you are wondering whether you should attend next year, don’t worry. Just go! You won’t be sorry.

Oh . . . at the conference, a woman from Canada came up to me and said that she would not have known about the conference if I hadn’t mentioned it in my newsletter. So glad to hear that! She had a great time. Maybe next time, that will be you! Next year the event will be in Portland. I will remind you.

As I write this newsletter, it’s that kind of day here in the Northeast where if you’re near the ocean, lake, pond or pool . . . jump in!

Have a happy June! Enjoy your fun in the sun and Father’s Day celebrations – even if your dad is on the Other Side. He will be watching over you. Guaranteed!

Please check my calendar for my upcoming summer events. I’ll keep you all posted! Meanwhile, for those of you in Baltimore, since I didn’t make it to you this past December, I’ll be doing a Saturday afternoon event June 18th. Again, please check my calendar for details.

The Merry Month of May!

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Happy Month of May! Most of you know that this is my favorite month of the year. Not because it’s my birth-month, but because in May, one can really feel that Spring has arrived.

I think it’s no coincidence that Mother’s Day comes in May, since May truly signifies the birth of Spring.

Needless to say, mothers are very important to us all, often THE most important person in our lives. Whether your relationship with mom is/was good, not so good, or really, really, really not good, it is still a key relationship. In one way or another, your relationship with mom will impact your entire life, and many, if not all, of your interpersonal relationships.

My friend Jane is always saying how she thanks her mother for all she’s learned, even though they have shared a very difficult relationship. There is wisdom in that perspective. We should all be thankful for the challenges we endure because, like old-fashioned photographs, we develop from the negative.

I recently had a wonderful session in which a young lady (let’s call her Mary, not her real name) came to me because she was receiving messages from her deceased mom and wanted to see if I could validate what was happening. What I got was that this was one wonderful mother who shared a rare honestly with her children.

There was a beach house that had been passed down from Mary’s grandparents who had borrowed money so that the family would be able to enjoy their summers together. Mary’s mother then passed the beach house to her and sisters but purposefully left out one sister who the mother knew would, because of her personality, create immeasurable problems in the family. Also excluded from the will was Mary’s only brother who was/is a gambler and drinker.

This was a mother who not only knew her children well but had the courage to make sure that the sharing of the beach house, which has now been in the family for generations, would remain a place of enjoyment. I don’t have to tell you how expensive beach property is, and nowadays buying one would be beyond the economic capacity of this extended family to purchase. I am sure Mary’s mom went through much soul searching before deciding to exclude two of her own children from her will for the sake of those that would continue to keep the beach house special, and free of acrimony.

During the session, as I sat there feeling how amazing a woman Mary’s mother was/is, I could not help but focus on the courage it took to exclude two of her own children from her last will and testament. More often than not, in my work, I often see how issues like this are often ignored, and then all the unfinished business causes chaos and splits families apart.

I’ve said it before and will share it a thousand times more – For those of us fortunate enough to possess some material wealth, there are three things we need to have:

  1. A will. It’s not only about money and property but also about your wishes regarding how you feel things should proceed after you transition. Be wise in whom you name as executor of your will. This should be someone you can trust to honor your wishes.
  2. Health proxy. Many of us know, or have at least heard about, the nightmare of not having someone appointed to make major decisions when a loved one is in a coma or on life support. Make sure you designate some who is NOT weak of heart. This needs to be someone who will, no matter what, follow your wishes, for example, with a DNR (do not resuscitate).
  3. Power of attorney. Again, if for some reason you cannot or are unable to make a decision while you are still alive, make sure you appoint someone who will carry out your expressed wishes. If finances are involved, give them the authority to pay your bills, etc. Often this will be the same person you name as the executor of your will, so when the time comes, that person will be familiar with your wishes and economic condition.

Although I connect freely with the Other Side, my work is about the living, as I’ve noted so many times before. For it is we who are left here on Earth, until our time comes, who must process our grief, and figure out how to move on after a loved one crosses over. It’s a challenge! And a time for soul growth. Of course, this may be especially tough for those of you who, this month, will celebrate your first Mother’s Day without your mom. But one thing you can be sure of this: she will be around. Watch for the signs, and trust what you feel and experience. Love never dies, especially a mother’s love.

So, in sum, on this coming Mother’s Day, make sure to celebrate all the mother figures in your life, whether they are alive or crossed over, and whether they are your natural born mothers or someone who has given you that motherly nurturing and loving. This of course includes grandmothers and great grandmothers, etc! Oh, and a reminder for all you husbands out there whose wives are moms-let your wife know how happy you are to be the father (or step-father) of her child or children. Make her feel special because, after all, she is!

One final reminder – never, never, never leave out Mother Earth from your Mother’s Day remembrances. She is the grandest mother of them all, the one who feeds us, houses us, clothes us, and allows us to breathe – while providing so much beauty in the world.

Please note that I will be doing two Mother’s Day events this year. I’m returning to WXLO in Worcester, MA for my 11th year on Friday, May 6, and I will be doing a very special Mother’s Day event in my own city, New York, with fellow medium Thomas John. I’m very excited about both. And, of course, I will again be at the Afterlife Conference in St. Louis on May 12 – 15. I’m so excited to be returning to Kansas City; I’ve been away too long.

Have a marvelous May. I’m so looking forward as always to connecting, spending time, and seeing so many of you again in my travels. As always, new friends are also most welcome!

The “Little Things” are the Most Significant

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Happy July! We are now officially in summer, the summer solstice having occurred on June 20, with a full moon to boot!

Somebody I know who is from the Northeast but now living in Florida was visiting up north and one evening came across some fireflies, also called lightning bugs where I grew up. She had totally forgotten about those magical little beings from her childhood and became reawakened to this wonder of Nature. I told her I get to see them every June and July from my porch, and each year still feel blessed by their presence.

The fireflies remind me that it’s the little things in life that often are most significant, and that we should cherish in our lives those precious moments, for life can change in an instant. Yes all the electronic gadgetry we have nowadays is great, but please do remember to take some time to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, a walk along the shore, a mountain hike, etc. All the better if you can share the experience with someone you care about, and discuss the magnificence that is Nature over good food and wine.

Of course, each season has its own beauty to experience, but being in the moment now means to recognize that it is July – a good time to play hooky from work, with the kids perhaps. Or just go outside and become a kid yourself.

This is also the month to sit outside, gaze upon the stars, and listen to the crickets. So relaxing! This is what a July day can hold for us.

Even New York City is much calmer than usual this time of year, although there are plenty of activities like concerts in Central Park, dancing on the piers along the Hudson, baseball and softball games galore, people flying kites, riding bikes, skating, or what have you. When the sun is shining in July, doing just about anything outdoors is great fun.

Before signing off, I wanted to give a personal “Thanks” for Terri Daniel once again out-doing herself for my third year at the Afterlife Awareness Conference. To be sure not my last. Terri asked me to return again next year! I met so many wonderful people at the conference I thank them all for letting me into their hearts! It was great meeting Eben Alexander and seeing Raymond Moody who will both be in Montreal for the 38th annual IIIHS (International Institute of Integral Human Sciences) conference. I will then be in Toronto, and will again be with Eben and Raymond at Omega. Gotta wonder: who is following whom? A fun-filled July for sure. I’m looking forward to meeting so many of you on my journey and your beloved ones in spirit!

By now we should all be over the winter time blues! So kids, get out there and smell the roses!

Honoring Fathers and Lessons from Machu Picchu

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Welcome June! The month when there is so much going on. From weddings, to graduations, to vacations, days on the beach, weekends in the country, to name a few. And let’s not forget those special dads and father figures who touched our hearts and made a difference in our lives. For June 16th is Fathers Day!

In my work, I am forever reminded of how many sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters, love their dads so deeply regardless of whether their dad is the “blood father” or not. So many wonderful men pick up the for those who did not or could not step up to the plate. Kudos to all those second dads who remain present! I have said it before and will say it forever, the blood connection doesn’t make a man that special dad or granddad in a child’s life. It’s his love and how he shows his love that counts.

On CNN this week, I heard a commentator observe that no one ever says when they are about to die, “I’m sorry I didn’t work more.” That reminded me about all the men in the work place who want more time with their families but just can’t arrange it because keeping a job is so crucial.

For those who have dads on the Other Side, this Fathers Day, and always, I suggest that you send them your thoughts of love. They will hear you. And if you are tuned in, you will feel the connection.

As some of you know, I just got back from Peru, and had my first experience with the Incas. It was such a thrill to visit one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.

The Incas built Machu Picchu around 1450, but were driven out a century later when the Spanish arrived. The existence of Machu Picchu was not revealed to the world until much later, by an American, Hiram Bingham III, of Yale University and National Geographic.

As we know, the ancient indigenous cultures strongly believed in the Afterlife, and shamans were held in high regard. The Incas were no exception.

What was most amazing to me was learning about the Incas’ advanced form of agriculture. Of course being an avid gardener and of farmer stock, I know the hard work farming requires, which is why I have such great respect for farmers. The Inca farmers were geniuses with their agricultural systems which included an amazing way of balancing all foods for every climate, knowing exactly what should be planted where and when. Needless to say, there were no GMO (genetically modified organisms) in their foods. No Monsanto to worry about! And the kicker, they had over three thousands types of potatoes!

The Incas may not have lived in the best houses but everyone ate! There were no food shortages.

If you are up for an adventure, Machu Picchu is a must. I promise, you won’t be sorry.

Or if you are in a mood to stay closer to home this summer, join me at one my special events. I’ll again be at the Third Afterlife Awareness Conference in St. Louis, a wonderful, wonderful gathering. I’ll be returning as well to Montreal and Toronto, and Omega in upstate New York for a special weekend at the end of July. Check the calendar on my website for details.

As always, I look forward to reconnecting with many of you, and hope to meet some new folks along the way.

Powerful Afterlife Messages

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On the front of Newsweek’s “Heaven is Real” Dr. Eben Alexander, a doctor’s experience of the Afterlife, another physician  Dr. Mary Neal, “Heaven and Back” and on Fox network news Dr. Brain Weiss talks about his new book “Miracles Happen”.  We are without a doubt in a time, of “enlightening” for lack of a better word, bridging spirituality and science.

I personally have been on the mission for quite sometime after working with Dr. Gary Schwartz of the University of Arizona on the HBO documentary “Life after LIfe”.  That was a huge leap for Dr. Schwartz who continues to work so diligently on survival of consciousness.

After thirty-five years of working as a medium, it continues to amaze with wonder how the need for all of us to know of life after death.  This is of course not only reflected of our own death but the death of those we love.  Our need to know, we will see them again, they are not in pain and that love never dies.

It is equally amazing to me with all and every experience, it is that, their experience.  Each of the Doctors had different experiences of the Afterlife but the one theme that prevails was that it was all about “love”.  A love beyond any love we possibly could experience in the physical world. That it was something quite literally hard to put in words.

In all the years of my work, that same theme has always prevailed, it’s never been about “proof” because I can tell you there is no proof of The Afterlife, or God, it is always in our experience.  What is now so wonderful is that that experience was so powerful that the need to share it by Doctors and scientist alike, brings on a whole new consciousness. I for one welcome it.

I believe Einstein approves of this message.

 

Happy Spring!

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I’m sure like me, you’re getting excited watching everything turn green, seeing the buds start to bloom on the trees, hearing birds sing, and quite simply observing Mother Nature do her thing.  I, as always, continue to be amazed how anyone can question the existence a greater energy or God Consciousness, once they’ve observed the beauty of Nature.  To be sure, for as long as we write poetry, compose songs, and sing about the joy of Nature, we’ve been recognizing a reflection of that God consciousness. If you want your children to experience this amazing connection, take them to the beach, go for a hike on a mountain, watch the sun rise and set, or gaze upon the stars.

For those who know me and the importance I stress regarding the integrity of my work, you recognize that I have always been very particular about with whom I align myself-be it a group, foundation or organization.  One key factor is their intent toward my work.  Sometimes, I come along someone very special, and just recently I had one of those experiences.

I spoke last month at The Afterlife Education Foundation, a non-profit organization started by Terri Daniels.

Terri is an Afterlife Awareness Educator, Certified Transition Guide, and author of two channeled books: “A Swan in Heaven” and “Embracing Death: A New Look at Grief, Gratitude and God.”  In her books, Terri offers a unique metaphysical perspective on birth, death and the afterlife, and teaches psychic development and after-death communication skills.  Terri started her foundation because of what she experienced while enduring the loss of a child.  Along the way, Terri was pushed to move beyond her grief and open a dialogue.  Her book “A Swan In Heaven: Conversations Between Two Worlds,” includes afterlife messages from a 16 year-old boy who began communicating with his mother telepathically after his death. What makes this account unique is that during his life, this extraordinary child was severely disabled and unable to speak. But after death his language was fluent and his words were insightful, inspired and eloquent.

Like others I’ve met and had on my radio show, Terri was able to open up a door of connection. This is a most significant healing process, as many have learned first hand.  In Terri’s case, she wanted to produce an event where everyone, from whatever perspective, could find a place to help them in their process.  Thus her presenters included prominent figures from the Academic, Science, Bereavement, and Spiritual communities, the latter of which I was a member.  You can read more about the conference here http://afterlifeconference.com/ and on Facebook.  If you have a chance, do try and be there next year.  The conference is an experience for anyone and everyone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one.  I will be returning there next year to help in my own way.

And isn’t that what life is all about. . . helping each other along our paths?