Earth

Wisdom Gained in Chile, and Celebrating Spring Holidays

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Welcome to April! We are now officially in Aries, the first sign in the Zodiac, corresponding with the March 20 Vernal Equinox.

This would be a good time to check things out with your local, trusted astrologer. Let them get you up to speed on all that’s happening from their astrological perspective, and see what resonates and works out.

This April has many religious holy days — Passover and Easter being the most well known here in the U.S. Many of these days reflect Spring celebrations and beginnings. Eggs are set at the table for Easter and Seder, and lamb and greens are served at both celebrations. Yes, whatever your religious persuasion, a table with lots of food to eat makes for a grand time.

I know that for many families during this holiday season, what is very important is enjoying the children who are smiling and having fun. Coloring Easter eggs, going on Easter hunts, etc. At Seders, the little ones get to sit next to grandma and ask four questions.

One theory holds that the symbol of the bunny rabbit on Easter stems from a pagan tradition, specifically the festival of “Eostre” — named after a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

I recently traveled to Chile. OK, you’ve heard me rave about Africa, still my favorite trip. But I now have to say that Chile comes close to tying Africa as my favorite destination. If Chile is not on your travel list, I would highly recommend that you add it, and don’t hesitate to go!

I know many of you have heard about Patagonia, a famous place in Chile (seen in the picture above). However, there are many other beautiful places there, including deserts, lakes, and mountains where the third largest glacier is.

Mother Earth (Mama Pacha, as the Chileans refer to her) is revered by the indigenous people who live in harmony with the Earth, and do all they can to preserve their traditions, land, and country. Chileans are very proud of their country, and are very willing to express their love of Mother Earth with others.

A shout-out to Almendia, who enlightened me regarding the Chilean land, history and culture. Lots I didn’t know. For instance, there is a huge German population that emigrated to Chile.

People travel from all over the world to get to Chile, and it’s very cool to interact with those fellow travelers. Mostly I met Brazilians and Argentinians, but there were also lots of Brits, Germans, Canadians and Asians, as well as many Americans.

Interestingly enough, although Chile is a Catholic country, while there I heard that many parents have left the Church, because they are disappointed with much of what’s going on within the Church itself. The holidays remain important in relationship to the family, but not the Church. I’m sure many of you can relate.

I’ve always been a big believer that sometimes we need to stretch out of our comfort zone, to better ourselves. Traveling to Chile, or to another country, or even another area in your own state, is one way of stretching out.

There are many ways to travel, and many wonderful companies that can arrange your adventure at a very reasonable rate. One thing I’ve noticed is that many retired teachers love to travel! They deserve it for all the services performed to help educate children.

Speaking of children, I’m doing a fundraiser on April 4th, for TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) — a small grassroots non-profit social service agency in North Grosvenordale, CT. They began in 1985 as a group of volunteers that joined together to meet the needs of “Three Rows”, the largest mill village in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson. The community volunteers determined their focus was to create a safe place for children to play and to foster “self-help.” In 1988, TEEG was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. At TEEG, they have always believed that the quality of their service rests on two things: Compassion for those who seek their service, and accountability to those who fund their programs.

Ah yes, Spring is here! Enjoy this wonderful time of the year. And kids, it’s time for those seeds to be planted! Quite literally, and of course symbolically on other levels as well.

I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming events. Yes, it’s all about those we love.

Presence Through Transitions in Life

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Let’s start this newsletter with a {{{{{drum roll}}}}} for the greatly awaited Spring Equinox, coming March 20th!

For those of you who may wonder what an equinox actually is . . . well, an equinox is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane of the Earth’s equator lines up with the center of the Sun. This occurs twice each year: around March 21st and around September 21st. It is the moment when the center of the visible Sun passes directly over the equator.

Interestingly enough, the March Equinox occurs when many folks are beginning a new project for which Winter hadn’t provided any inspiration. Spring is also a time when many folks look for a different job, career, or new relationship.

I, for one, am always chomping at the bit waiting for Spring to arrive. Don’t get me wrong, though. Winter, like all the other seasons, has its beauty and place. But I’m a Spring and warm weather gal at heart.

I’m also a gal who has certain moments when I realize what it’s like to be living (as I do) in two different “worlds” — not only doing the routine things here on Earth, but also of course connecting to the Other Side. Somehow this realization reminds me of how precious each moment on Earth is, and how life can change on a dime. Like when suddenly we are faced with losing a loved one to physical death.

I recently went through something like this with my sister, who lost her sister-in-law (her husband’s sister) who had made her transition. The sister-in-law was the center and “the Rock” of her immediate family which was devastated by her loss.

The family really doesn’t yet have a clue how to put any of the pieces back together again. Life will never be the same for any of them, and adjusting will take time. Yet, this tragedy can be an opportunity to grow.

I actually got to meet the departed sister-in-law several times before she crossed. Not only was she the Rock, but she was also “the Connector” to her siblings and their 93 year old mother.

This is a pattern I often see — many women serve as the Rock in the family. And when they cross over, well, a new reality of life begins for all those whom “the Rock” has touched. Indeed, there is a ripple effect among all those who loved her, and for all those who were loved by her.

In my work, I have met many folks who have gone through this difficult experience. Ultimately, every second, minute, and hour of the day has to be experienced from a new perspective. Life doesn’t come with a manual, and death affects each of us in different ways. We have to figure out how to move on. But, it ain’t easy!

For the record, the last thing many of the mourning want to hear is something like, “She’s in a better place,” so consider avoiding that phrase (even though it is literally true) because at that moment, the deceased’s family’s world has fallen apart, and “good news” words like those don’t truly resonate with everyone.

During the conversations I had with my sister, all I could repeat to her during her sobs was that she should hold the husband’s hand, listen to what he has to say, and mostly “just be there.” And yes, tell him how much you love him, how much your sister loved him, and that Love never dies.

Of course, we can never walk another person’s path, or pain . . . but it is good for those who can be there to just be there.

Remember that if you believe that Love never dies, and if you can keep your heart and mind open, you can hear or feel your DPs around you. It takes a big leap for some to accept this, but that is what continuing Love is all about — opening up your heart, paying attention, and connecting.

Sending you my thoughts of Love, along with this reminder — we are not walking this journey alone.

As always, looking forward to seeing so many of you this upcoming Spring when the cycles of life in Nature remind us that rebirth is upon us.

Check my website for my upcoming events.

Love, Faith, and Lessons of the Soul

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Happy Month of Love!

If you live in parts of the country where the weather is cold, you will welcome all the warmth of love coming your way in February! For, we know it’s all about Love, Love, Love, as recited so poetically by Lin-Manuel Miranda who was the winner of eleven Tony Awards for “Hamilton” (I still can’t get a ticket), and of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize. He also has two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Picture and Best Song for “How Far I’ll Go.” To be honest, for me it couldn’t be better said. He is a very “in-tune” man who has expressed the message of “Love, Love, Love,” over and over again, throughout all his work.

For most of my adult life, I have repeatedly heard from loved ones in spirit, as well as from those still here in the physical, how much Love means. The deep intense feeling we experience when we suffer the loss of someone close to us, and how their passing impacts our lives, has to do with the fact that we loved that person.

I realize that we all have to sometimes work hard to keep the faith through Love, and make it replace fear. Not always easy, but necessary for one’s soul growth.

Many of you have written to me about the current state of affairs on a spiritual basis. Firstly, I’m with Lin-Manuel, Love, Love, Love. It couldn’t be more important in these moments of tension and fear to keep Love as a focus. Again, I know how difficult that may be, but I am and will always be a firm believer that Love will always win out in the long run. We may not always see the results we desire, but please believe me, Love is what God, spirit, and soul learning is all about.

Most of you know by know now that I honor and have the greatest respect for Mother Earth. She who feeds us, shelters us, and offers escape via trails to follow; oceans, rivers, and lakes in which to swim; mountains to climb, etc., etc. In sum, it is Mother Earth who allows us to exist. She has a whole world to take care of, and she does it, tirelessly tending for us. Mother Earth is the ultimate nurturer and the example for women to follow as caretakers.

Men too! I have as well in my work experienced many wonderful men who take care of their loved ones – children, wives, mothers, sisters, etc. That is what nurturers do – lend a helping hand, especially during those overwhelming moments.

For Mother Earth, taking care of the land and the waters that support us, is a full-time job. I have for a long time known that trees communicate with each other and like us, have families and communities. Indeed, a well-known scientist studied trees in Nature for a twenty-five year period and learned that the trees actually communicate with each other underground. For example, if a certain type of tree needs a particular nutrient or more sun, the other trees will adjust to make it happen.

So, in response to those emails about fear of what may be coming, whatever it is, let me remind you of my book Everything Happens for a Reason. Love, free will, and lessons of the soul are paramount.

Through our love as nurturers, remember, Mother Earth needs us to do everything we can to help share her burden. Recycling is just but one small example. Each of us needs to do our part to make the world inhabitable for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. who will inherit the Earth when we transition to the Other Side.

With regard to free will, remember, God helps those who help themselves. We have the free will to do the little things that are the big things that make a difference. This can be as simple and taking cloth bags to the market and not using plastic bags. In some cities, plastic bags come with a price (a hotly debated issue in NYC right now), which is a disincentive to using them. When I worked in Denmark, there were NO bags in the stores, period! The oceans will be very happy if less plastic ends up there.

Lessons of the soul. We don’t die, we continue. More precisely, although nobody here gets out alive, every soul does. And the love in our souls continues after we leave the body.

Still, our bodies are important in our souls’ purpose and for learning. And Earth – a tough but wonderful school – is the stage upon which are bodies perform.

Take care of Mother Earth, and she will better take care of you, now and perhaps in a future lifetime.

As we start the New Year. I look forward to connecting in Love on the journey in which we really are all connected. I’m doing many new events this year in places I haven’t done for awhile, to name a few: Somerset, New Jersey, Baltimore, Rochester, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland, while returning to many others I love. Visit my calendar for a complete schedule.

Happy Valentines Day, my friends!

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 Importance of Forgiveness

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August clearly has to be for many, a favorite month. “Summertime, and the Living is Easy,” as the song goes. A good time to unwind and enjoy life a bit more, feel young again while enjoying all those summer activities we did as children, back then perhaps with our loved ones who have since made their transition.

I know our DPs have a hand in showing us the beauty of Nature. Maybe you came from a family of fisher-people, sharing meals over a campfire under the sky, eating the fish that your mom just caught with lures your grandfather had made. Or perhaps your uncle was an avid bird watcher, and could whistle their sounds, and caw like a crow.

I might also remind some of you who say you’re city people, Teddy Roosevelt was raised in NYC. When he became sick, his father took him to the Adirondacks which is where he learned his love of Nature. The result is well . . . without saying, you should check out the amount of land he protected which led to the creation of the National Park, amazing for a so-called New York City boy! I would encourage anyone with “i-Generation” children (Hey! Did I just coin that term?) to encourage them to put down their i-everything’s (iPhone, iPad, etc.), and let them experience an incredible day or week in Nature – a wonderful way to experience or recapture the magic of youth.

I would also suggest that you never forget your childhood and mature dreams and visions. You have them for a reason, and part of the mystery is to figure out that reason.

One way I have found to connect to those dreams and visions is to take a walk through the woods, or ride in a quiet canoe or sailboat, or just gaze at the stars or a beautiful sunset. Of course, all oceans, lakes, and ponds are also part of Nature, and all so beautiful – unless of course the polluters have ruined things. But thank heavens for the environmental movement of which Teddy Roosevelt would be proud. We should all seek to preserve Mother Nature’s majesty and beauty. I have always believed, as many others do, that Nature is God’s true church and temple. Connect with Nature and you will be empowered, for Nature’s essence is empowering. I know with so many of you that I may be preaching to the choir, but it is worth remembering and reflecting on the fact that the Earth feeds and houses us, and provides much joy in our lives-we should never take that for granted. Rather . . . love, cherish and honor the Mother who provides so much for all of us.

On another subject, I wanted to personally share something that I recently experienced, involving the passing of one of my friends whom I’d known for forty years. Sometimes, during a session of mine, someone who has lost a loved one will quite literally yell at them for not taking care of themselves, and therefor allowing himself or herself to die before their time. Yes, people sometimes do get angry when a loved one passes. With my friend, I couldn’t believe how some folks sat in judgment of her decisions and actions that may indeed have contributed to her passing, but honestly who knows?

My friend’s soul of course knows her path but who else should be there to judge, or more accurately, condemn? As they say, “Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Or, to put it another way, “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Or, as Jesus himself said, “Let he who is without sin throw the first stone,” and “Judge not, lest you be judged!”

In any case, I must say it really threw me to witness all the anger and resentment because my friend was to me an amazing woman. One of the most independent and talented people you’d ever want to meet. Always up . . . maybe a bit too much for some folks, and yes, a Peter Pan aspect as well. But all in all, a good soul. She gave of herself to many, me included, sometimes with others to her detriment financially. However, the generosity she showed was rewarded at the end when so many people gave back to her when she got sick. When her time came, she didn’t burden anyone with her illness, said she was going to heaven, went to sleep, and passed peacefully.

It is so easy to sit in judgment of someone else’s life, decisions, or actions. We all do it now and again, whether we realize it or not, every time we say something like, “What in the world was he thinking?” But negative things happen in life, and like the old fashioned photographs, we develop from the negative.

Trust me, no deed or action or even thought goes unnoticed by Spirit. Of course it’s not easy for us to not be judgmental, myself included, but it’s important to try and minimize that tendency and especially to avoid condemnation of the person. Easier said than done but we should all try to be conscious of all walks of life, and to be caring even if it’s just with a smile.

And never forget that energy or Love does radiate and does make a difference. So, be as loving as you can.

On that note . . . think summer! Fun! And being free of whatever holds you back from having fun. Enjoy life in this glorious month of August. Remember God loves you when you work, but really loves you when you know how to play!

Wonders of Autumn

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Fall officially began on September 22nd. I’m sure many of you don’t want to rush it, particularly if you live in cooler climates, but here we are now in Autumn,  the time of Harvest.

We are nonetheless, wherever we live, affected mentally by where we are physically.  Everything contributes to our state of mind and helps determine how we are able to “go with flow.”

All part of the rhyme and reason. Everyone knows this, a time and a season, but those who are daily stewards, our caretakers of the earth, they know all too well the first hand effects created by the change of seasons. We are now ready for our Harvest, yes, it tis the season to think about reaping what you sow.

I just recently saw the 1979 Peter Sellers movie “Being There,” which somehow got into my Netflix batch.  Being an avid gardener, it was so easy for me to relate to the movie’s theme.  Ah yes, the importance of gardens, and the rhythm of the seasons.

In the movie, “Chance the [simple] Gardner ” is mistakenly believed to be “Chauncy [the aristocratic] Gardiner.”   Although he had never been out in the world, living his life as a gardener, Chance is forced into society after his employer crosses over.  How Chance impacts those who come into contact (including Shirley MacLaine as “Eve”) is quite intriguing, as Chance’s views of life as a gardener convey so much to the sophisticated people he meets. More than an interesting movie, it really tells us how we live our life through seasons, whether we are a gardener or not.

While watching the movie, I reflected on how the weather and seasons play into things.  As I write, I’m harvesting my tomatoes, a little late because of too much rain in Northeast.  I know that once I’ve laid the foundation, which is crucial, there is only so much I can do.  Nature assumes control.  Of course, I do weed the garden and try to keep the critters out. And I naturally contribute lots of love and nurturing.  But I can’t make the sun shine or the rain fall.  That is up to Nature.  Still…I’m helping and the connection to Nature creates in me a marvelous state of mind/body and soul. Gardening truly teaches one to be in the moment here on Earth, and to love life to its fullest—which is a beneficial way to be because we never know what’s around the corner.

Living my life as a medium where I know that daily at any moment life can change for any of us who loses someone.

I know this so significantly with my work to be true, and then there are those moments that I experience it personally. While visiting my mother this summer, I got to share some special moments with a dear friend—Bonnie, my sister’s best friend in fact—while in her garden.  There was a lot of talk of purple basil.  She’s Italian and I knew her grandfather who came from Italy and never spoke much English.  He passed along to Bonnie his love of gardening and green thumb.

When we were together, I didn’t know it would be my last time seeing Bonnie “in the body”—in her garden, so appropriate, when she passed just one month after our time walking thru her greenhouse.  She gave me some purple basil, plus loads of mints and other plants I’d never even heard of.

As Bonnie was the last matriarch of her family, her passing was a major blow.  I’ve known the family my whole life and although they don’t share my blood, they are family in every other way. Her passing for me was very personal, and a reminder of how important it is for each and every one of us to live every moment to its fullest, as best we can, and let everyone whom we love know how we feel about them.  That’s a state of mind we should all strive for and it is truly one of the most important ways to be—Be here in the now and love each moment.

As I sit writing this letter to you, I am pausing to snack on some of the best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted, right from out of my own garden.  And, as a special touch, I added some of Bonnie’s wonderful purple basil.  Along with a sip of wine thinking, “I raise my glass to you, Bonnie, because in this moment, we’re enjoying garden delights together, a truly beautiful welcoming to Autumn.