equinox

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.

Coming in Like a Lion!

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As the old saying goes: “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” No truer words were ever spoken for the beginning of this March in the Northeast. We got slammed with a doozy of a storm as the month began, and as I key we are awaiting a snowstorm! Mother Nature doing her thing just when we began to hope for signs of Spring.

I’ve learned long ago, don’t get your hopes up looking for that green to emerge. Right now, in upstate New York, there is still lots of snow on the ground.

Do I dare say that the Spring Equinox is March 20th, just a couple of weeks away? There are two equinoxes each year, one in March and the other in September. It’s when the sun shines on the equator and there are equal periods of day and night.

There are many ancient sites that mark the Equinoxes. At Chichen Itza in Mexico, Mayans built a huge pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on the pyramid signals the beginning of the seasons. On the Spring Equinox, the light pattern looks like a snake. Mayans called this day, “The Return of the Sun Serpent.”

I remember in 2012 when I visited the pyramids in Mexico. There were so many sites reflecting the Mayan history and calendar. I remember leaving the hotel at two in the morning to be at the pyramids at sunrise. So many spiritually-minded folks from various countries were welcoming that important calendar year.

I remember also that that was two years before Masaru Emoto, whom I met there at the Mexican pyramids, passed away. (As per Wikipedia, Masaru Emoto was a Japanese author, researcher, photographer and entrepreneur, who claimed that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. “Emoto’s conjecture evolved over the years, and his early work explored his belief that water could react to positive thoughts and words, and that polluted water could be cleaned through prayer and positive visualization.” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto) He was an amazing and dedicated man, to be sure. It was wonderful to meet him and his son. He was ailing at the time of the 2012 event but managed to donate his book, The Hidden Messages in Water, to all of Mexico – honoring the 2012 Mayan calendar event.

I am not surprised about all the attention that the Spring Equinox is given because, after all, who does not love Spring (aside from some of those with Spring allergies)? Personally, I think that it is actually Spring rather than the “New Year” that is the time for putting into action, things you want to change in your life. One goal for sure is getting into shape and shedding a few pounds. With the warmer weather, it is easier to go outside and enjoy yourself. Also, we don’t feel that we need to eat as much when the weather gets warmer.

With the coming of Spring, it’s also a pleasure to experience the awe-inspiring changes that surround you. The Winter is much more of a solitude state, unless you live in a warm climate of course – but then the other side of that coin is that you have to get inspired in another way when Springtime rolls around.

Part of the oncoming of Spring is the fun we allow ourselves to have on St. Paddy’s Day, on March 17th. The tradition of food, dancing, and singing, along with the bagpipes (and of course drinking – don’t overdo it!), helps make St. Paddy’s Day one remarkable event. Indeed, March 17th is the time for one of the largest parades in NYC and Boston. Like we should do on all holidays, take what makes you laugh and enjoy, and leave the rest behind.

And let us not forget that later, at the end of March, begins Passover.

Ah yes, March! I’m truly looking forward this month to returning to Lafayette, Louisiana and Toronto! Gotta love that Cajun and Creole food and culture!

Happy Spring Equinox to all! And let us not forget:

One swallow does not make a Spring.
Bluebirds are a sign of Spring; warm weather and gentle south breezes they bring.
In Spring, no one thinks of the snow that fell last year.
Don’t say that Spring has come until you can put your foot on nine daisies.
Spring-time sweet!
The whole Earth smiles, thy coming to greet.

Spring Holidays and Traditions

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Welcome to April! Having just passed the Vernal Equinox, which arrived officially on March 22nd, we are now in Aries. The rites of Spring and new beginnings are upon us! Let’s enjoy!

Aries is the beginning of the Zodiac. Indeed, most of you Aries folks are aware of this, but for those not in the know, it’s a good time to check with your favorite astrologer and ask them to bring you up to speed on what the stars say is about to happen in your life.

This year, April features the holy days of Passover and Easter, which are so very popular here in the US. These religious holidays are reflections of Spring – and symbolize joy, re-birth and new beginnings.

Interestingly, Passover is celebrated at home whereas Easter is primarily honored at church (although, of course, Easter dinners are quite popular). While Easter begins at sunrise and Passover starts at sundown, both events feature family gatherings and traditions. For children, there can be the fun of an Easter egg hunt, or getting to see and maybe sit next to Grandma and Grandpa at the Passover Seder.

Interesting too that Jesus’ Last Supper is often thought of as a Passover Seder meal (although there is some disagreement about this among religious scholars). In any event, Leonardo Di Vinci’s great artwork, “The Last Supper,” continues to remind us that Jesus was a Jew who observed Passover.

Speaking of great art, if you have never experienced listening to the magnificent “Saint John Passion” or the “Saint Matthew Passion,” both composed by Bach, give it a try. Both are moving, inspiring, and beautiful works of music that can elevate your spirit.

Speaking of which, the story of Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday not only elevates the spirits of Christians, but symbolizes for all of us that there is life after death. This interpretation reflects the reality of my work, which is to help you maintain your continued connections to your loved ones who have crossed over to the Other Side.

Easter is also a reminder that by listening, praying, meditating, and keeping our minds and hearts open, we can communicate with our loved ones who have crossed over. For we are all spirits having a human experience on Planet Earth. While our bodies may eventually turn to dust, the true essence of what we are, like Love, does not die.

But getting back to Earth for a moment, I would suggest that you take advantage of this wonderful time in April. If you have any little ones, you know that they love painting eggs, and participating in egg hunts. Even at the White House, people are participating in “Easter Egg Rolls.” For my Jewish friends, make sure you attend that traditional Seder. If Grandma or Grandpa or any other loved one has crossed over, think of them while your are at the table, and perhaps say their names out loud if you feel that would be appropriate. At the very least, honor their memory in your heart. They will hear you. Chances are, they will be very close by. Our DPs love to come around on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Given the state of world affairs, there are many countries where the population is unable to celebrate their religious holidays the way most of us are able to do here. I would suggest that you send those folks some Love, for we are all connected no matter what our religious beliefs may be.

And finally, let us all be grateful for what we do have – which is something we should do everyday, but especially at this time of the year, as we begin a new cycle.

Looking forward to all my visit to your town, some new but many once again. To name a few: Chicago, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Rochester and New Jersey.

Happy Spring!

What is Important?

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Welcome soon to the Fall Equinox! For those of you who are wondering, or are a bit in tune, yes, the infamous Mercury Retrograde is indeed upon us, and will last until late September.

I know for some that this is a difficult or frustrating time, but remember, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a blip on your radar screen.

They say that travel can be tricky during Mercury Retrograde. Well . . . I travel a lot during this time, and usually experience no problems more than the usual travel annoyances. Annoyances, as we know, are not tragedies but just . . . incidents of little stuff that can make us “crazy” for a short period of time. Not really all that important – unless you let it be.

And by the way, especially if you’re a writer, musician, or any kind of artist, Mercury Retrograde can actually work in your favor since it is a time when you may become more creative. Also, think of it as a way to keep summer going, because after all, that’s what the Retrograde is about, standing still. Also a good time to explore your inner dimensions.

Speaking of which, in the context of discussing a deep loss, I was recently asked, “What is important?” Well, really, the answer is within you: what is important to YOU? Generally speaking, what I have discovered after having the very distinct privilege of sharing so many journeys with so many wonderful people, is that those folks who experience deep losses and sorrows in their lives do somehow manage to go on and find a healing place. What is important is to process the grief and “come out of it,” in your own time, commonly within a year, though there is no set timetable.

Most, although not all, of those people who do “come out of it” tend to have a deep faith, and know that there is a greater presence in their lives. Call it “God,” call it “the Universe,” call it “Spirit,” call it whatever . . . It is all a way of knowing that energy does not die, and that we, as souls currently inhabiting human form, will continue to exist in the hereafter.

Another key question I’ve been asked is: “Why?” For example, a very special woman whom I’ve known for over twenty-five years, asked “Why?” after she had recently lost not only her second child, but also her husband. It is always for me one of the most difficult questions to answer, but the short answer is that only your soul knows for sure – and that you signed up for the experience, or at least the possibility that the experience would occur, in order to achieve soul growth, and/or help another progress spiritually.

In this instance, this beautiful young woman is someone to be reckoned with, someone with an unbelievable zest for life! She is what I usually call the “glue-keeper” in the family. Their losses are always among the most difficult for the family to deal with, because it is the glue-keepers who keep the family together through all its trials and tribulations, and want to have all the answers at the ready.

I’ve talked about this in my books – it is not all that uncommon for families to lose more than one child, or sibling. Sometimes, this pattern runs through extended families. For example, both my grandmothers lost sons. And as those who know me realize, I also lost a nephew, who was a “son” to me.

Now, guys . . . please . . . don’t go nuts on me here. I’m not saying that this will happen to you. It is just a phenomenon that I have experienced along my own path, and in doing my work. There are more families that have not had such a series of intense losses, but instead have had lots of kids and siblings go on forever, and parents who live well into their nineties!

So please remember: we each walk our own path, and we each have the capability to enjoy every moment along the way, because each day is just that, another day in the life!

On a lighter note, I, for one, am still living off tomatoes from my garden in upstate New York. I’ve been giving away as many as I can to any pantry or church that will have the tomatoes for themselves, or others in need. So, summer continues. And although we are soon to be in the Fall Equinox, September 22nd to be exact, we have a good chunk of beautiful summer weather ahead: sunrises, sunsets, walks in the parks, hikes everywhere, strolls along the shore, a day at the beach, etc., etc., etc. Enjoy and embrace those warm daily journeys for we know, at least here in the Northeast, what is just around the corner.

Please note that I’ll be doing another event in the Capital region as it’s called in NY, returning to Nashville, Chicago, St. Louis, the Cape in Mass, the West Coast, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke just to name a few of my fall visits. And as always so looking forward to all I meet on my journey!

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.

Healing Through Relationships

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Welcome all to the month when Spring begins. The Spring Equinox is Friday March 20th
, three days after St. Patrick’s Day! Now I know some of you are saying, “Yeah, right! Spring,” given the huge mounds of snow and ice still prevalent. Even where it’s supposed to be warm, it’s cold. I heard even the birds this winter were a bit freaking out! But I assure you, those tiny buds are on the verge of pushing up through the ground! Spring is around the corner.

In life, things move in their own time, for their own rhyme and reason. Most of us humans, of course, want everything now, or yesterday. We forget the most important part of why things often don’t happen so fast, that being . . . we may miss the most important part of the journey, or the reason why this or that is happening. Everything happens for a reason, tho the reason is not always apparent.

While some folks seem to sail through life, often I’ll encounter people who have had many losses over a short period of time. They ask, “Why did this happen to me?” Or, “Why don’t I have good luck?” To be honest, I don’t have all the answers for the why’s of anyone’s life. But I do know that there is a reason for everything. Whatever that reason may be, you know deep inside. That is, your soul has the answer. So often, yes, discovering the reason does require looking deep.

I’ve often said that most of our soul learning happens in relationships. If for some reason you don’t learn with the Earth family you were born into, you will likely learn your lessons with a partner, and perhaps your partner’s family. Or perhaps, you will create a “family” through your friends or mutual interests or causes.

Look around you and notice the people in your life. Do they have strong family connections (which by the way is a concept that extends to cousins, aunts, grandparents, etc.). Or are they very involved in their partner’s family, parents, or in-laws? If you were raised with strong ties to a cousin, he or she can often act a sibling. If they have children of their own, the connection continues with them as your nieces and nephews.

Nowadays, with families living in so many different places, it requires much more work to stay physically connected. But I have to tell you that I meet many folks who make sure they personally connect with family and extended family every year or every other year to keep that relationship going. Also, iPhone and computer photos and videos can help bridge the gap. Folks know the importance of family, and they want that priority to be there for their children as well. This can be especially important with the “only child,” with cousins often becoming sibling substitutes.

Through direct and indirect family relationships, we can know or at least begin to understand what our soul program is all about. It’s so easy to look at another’s seemingly happy life and say, “Why not me?” But, you need only look a bit deeper to see that what is on the outside may not correlate to what is on the inside, and what your program might be. It’s not really about fancy houses or cars or diamonds, or the chenille dresses. I know of someone who had all that and she lost not one but two sons . . . one to suicide!

One of my favorite interviews is when Barbara Walters was questioning Gloria Vanderbilt. Barbara asked Gloria, and I quote, “Why you? Why did you lose a son to suicide?” Gloria’s answer, “Why not? Money never has nor will it ever exempt one from loss.”

In short, not everything is at it appears to be. Just as when we look at all the snow still piled up, we may not see the green coming up from below, but I assure you, it happens every Spring, which is just a couple of weeks away (officially). It’s just like magic! How can one not be amazed at Nature in her presence and beauty? What was once barren gives birth to flowers, leaves, bees a buzzing, and the animals (like us) adding a skip to their step.

So be patient. In life and in season, the change will come. Maybe not how you dreamed it or exactly how you wanted it to happen, but changes will arrive. Meanwhile, count your blessings – that favorite dish on the table, or just sitting down beside the one you love. Sometimes the simplest things are the greatest gifts that can be given, or received.

So come on Spring Equinox. Bring it on!

This Spring – besides being occupied by my seedlings – I am delighted to return to some of my favorite places: Lafayette, LA, Tucson, AZ and my hard core Northeast Connecticut homes.

Looking forward to it all.

Relaxing Into the Change of Seasons

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Happy Labor Day weekend (belatedly, hope it was grand), Fall Equinox, and most importantly, the changing of the seasons.

I have always felt deeply grateful for the simple moments and experiences in life. When giving messages, I emphasize that it’s the little things, personal words, and subtle feelings that are the BIG validations when connecting with our loved ones. And just maybe the change of seasons will help create one of those special moments for you.

Labor Day, although not about love, can inspire us to open up to what we can do, something that might become a labor of love. If so, we may be able to celebrate, or at the very least bask in the glow of a special moment of pure elation. We may get to say to ourselves, “I can’t believe that I’m having this breath-taking experience right now, at this moment.”

This past Labor Day weekend confirmed for me as always the importance of my work – my own labor of love, connecting with loved ones in spirit, our beloved DP’s – and went out on a very high note! Most North Easterners are somewhat familiar with Tanglewood in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Located in an idyllic setting, Tanglewood has been around for 75 years. The world’s best musicians go there to play and it’s the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Home town boy James Taylor still lives in Tanglewood and gives sold-out performances every 4th of July.

In Tanglewood, the aura of a dream surrounds you in the middle of Nature, as you share space with music fans under a open sky filled with sunlight or stars. The audience basically camps out on the huge lawn and brings all sorts of food and drink as they “get away from it all” and enjoy this beautiful place. This year, I saw Josh Groban under the stars. As I sat there listening to Josh, I thought, “Life doesn’t get any better than this.”

Josh is very charming and funny on stage. During his banter with the audience, Josh mentioned one of his big breaks on TV. Do you remember what that was, kids? Hint: He was on a show playing a young and upcoming singer who had lost his sense of wanting to sing after his mother had passed away! The show was Ally McBeal, and the song he sang was – {{{{{drum roll}}}}} – “You’re Still You.” Anybody who watched that show and heard Josh sing knew he was going to light up the world with that voice.

In the show, it was the loss of his mom that made Josh’s character realize that he was supposed to continue singing. Anyone who listened with an open heart could feel their own losses while realizing that their loved ones are watching over them. I couldn’t help but smile as Josh talked about all this during his performance at Tanglewood, as I reflected on how privileged I am to be able to do the work I do, as a labor of love.

I’m sure that many of the attendees at Tanglewood that night felt the connecting power of music while listening to “You’re Still You.” So yeah, I got to hear Josh singing it LIVE, at a truly very special place on Earth. Again, life doesn’t get any better than that! Music truly is the universal language of Love.

As we head into this new season and the Fall Equinox, I am promising myself that I will try to fit in a few more of those precious little moments, while watching the trees do their dance of the colors. As we know, the natural sense of changing of the seasons does affect our moods. Autumn has a very different energy than summer, but beautiful in its own right.

I’m thrilled that I will be doing two events in California this month, and returning to Connecticut and Roanoke. It is always special to return to these places each year and see so many of you. Later I will travel to Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Baltimore, Boston and Philly to name a few. I also am equally excited to be doing an event in my hometown of New York City, with John Holland in December. Check out my calendar for all the details.

For all of you in listen to me on Blog Talk Radio this week will be a full hour of readings with my friend and colleague, Austyn Wells. A wonderful way to bring in the new Fall season of change.

Perspectives from Nature

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Welcome to Fall! From my perspective, during the autumn equinox, there was a full moon rising quite brilliantly in the nighttime sky. I was in the desert at the time and this experience was especially thrilling. If you have not seen a full moon from the desert sands, put that experience on your list of things to do. Of course the sun is magnificent, but the beauty of the moon with its softer light, but equal beauty and boldness in its own right, always energizes me. And this last full moon was something special . . .

I was in the Sonoran desert because I had chosen to hold a workshop at Canyon Ranch Spa. I find that my workshops are always intensified when held in Nature.

At my events held in Nature, I find that it’s important to make those attending aware of the immediate surroundings, and as they stroll around the grounds, observe the animals that may appear. In a way, connecting to the animals – who are so sensitive – is reflective of the way our loved ones on the Other Side let us know of their presence.

My own walks in Nature at the desert retreat generated a number of interesting experiences which I shared with the group. Of special note, one interaction involved my encounter with a family of javelinas (also known as skunk pigs, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peccary). While in their presence, I walked calmly, breathed deeply, and for sure didn’t even think of running. As it turned out, this particularly family was quite present for many of the workshop participants who were taking their evening strolls. There was a special personal meaning attached to this experience for me and another woman in the group.

At the workshop, the discussion of javelinas really got the ball rolling. One woman talked about the thrill of seeing a bobcat (which are actually very shy animals). Another woman related her observation of a praying mantis, a species known to battle anything 10 times their own size if they are attacked of feel threatened. This discussion brought out the childhood history of a woman who shared how her brother – who had passed several years ago – had defended her more than once when she had been called names. See how the dots connect?

When I thought we had gotten thru discussing the zodiac of animals, one guy said, “Did you see all the vultures in the tree?” And I said, “Yes, they were huge.” I mentioned to him that vultures are really ugly, but they serve a very important function – they clean up all the garbage! He responded, “We need to send them to Washington!” Everyone agreed. Very funny indeed!

So yes, a wonderful workshop it was, and many connections were made. A lovely way to enter Fall.

While enjoying the colorful beauty of Fall, you can really use this time to think about how you can harvest some of the seeds sown back in the Spring. As you take in the foliage colors, and all of Nature is seemingly dancing, pay attention to whatever thoughts or feelings emerge about your own about life, the paths you’ve taken, the decisions you’ve made, and the journey you are on.

Yes, sometimes it’s hard to get ourselves moving, but never underestimate the power of resolving to “Just do it!” Move that energy, and it will move you. You’ll feel better, especially if you can do something that benefits someone else.

I was recently talking to a friend, and we were discussing people who had lost their jobs and/or their way of life. One of the things we hit on was that even if you’re looking and searching for that job or next direction, giving of your own energy to others – for example by visiting someone in the hospital or an elderly person nearby – is a wonderful way to shake up the energy fields and have that visit benefit you as well. Not only do generosity and altruism have their own rewards, you also never know when that redirected energy will spark an encounter and guide you on your path. Tap into that, and you may find yourself becoming empowered.

I know that for many of you, October is a time where there are lots of charity walks in honor of those who are losing or have lost loved ones to cancer. Members of many organizations donate their time and energy to this effort. I have always had tremendous respect for those who tirelessly follow their passions and donate their time for what they feel in their hearts is important. And there is no doubt that this kind of benevolent energy does in fact make a difference not only in the hearts of those here, but also to our loved ones on the Other Side. For those of you on this path, keep up the good work!

Enjoy this wonderful Fall! I look forward to connecting with my many of you in my autumn travels.

Spring and Nature’s Lessons on Overcoming Grief

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Once again, I’ve been wanting something to happen sooner rather than later. This time it’s Spring! However, Mother Nature says Spring will arrive when she’s ready, not when I want it to. I understand that, of course, but after all, we’re now past Easter, having devoured the chocolate rabbits, the colored eggs, and those special dinners. Before that it was the passing of Groundhog Day and the March 21st equinox, neither of which brought much warmth. Come on Spring, get here!

Okay, that’s my mini-rant. Now I’m calming down because this morning the birds – thank God for the birds – and especially robins were everywhere. As has been in the news, so many birds had to change their flight paths to adapt to climate change, some not so easily. But that life, isn’t it? Things change.

As many have experienced, sometimes when we lose someone, our lives change dramatically and it feels like we will never be the same. There is truth in that, of course. So we need to take time to grieve, and then sort things out. Sooner or later, we begin to figure out how to move on as best we can, despite that initial devastating blow.

Just like with the delay of Spring this year, when we lose someone close, there are no magic wands or remotes to fast forward us to the next chapter. As humans, we need to go through the grieving process. Those of us that don’t take the time to grieve, and instead do everything we can to avoid facing the reality of our emotions, are merely postponing the inevitable. At some point, now or 10 years from now, the loss will impact us emotionally. It’s a good idea to deal with the loss sooner rather than later, and let the healing process begin.

Here’s another thing I’ve learned in all my years doing this work. However long it takes you to get beyond the passing of a loved one, and into a mode of normalcy, honor that. If someone tells you to “Get over it” or “Move on already,” tell them, “Walk a mile in my shoes, and then we’ll talk about it!”

Just like getting beyond Winter is taking longer than usual this Spring, overcoming grief can take longer than we hoped and planned. If you find yourself in that kind of situation, just let Nature take its course. Don’t rush it.

Even though Spring is only here on the calendar, it’s very exciting to know that – unless there is another upcoming event that I am unaware of – I will be seeing many of you in the coming months. My special return to Cromwell always warms my heart, and I’ll be doing a fund raiser for Liam Nation this month. I’m then off to Roanoke, Chicago, Denver, Baltimore and Philly. Check out my events page for details.

Welcome to Fall!

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Happy Labor Day and Fall Equinox to all! I know for many this is a time of OMG! Summer is gone…back to the grid/grind. But many of those who have young children are thrilled to see them return to school and continue growing up. Others who have decided to commit to their own education begin the process anew each fall, while newbies are determined to finally make it happen.

I am personally reminding myself about the wonders of fall since it’s the end of those luscious tomatoes in my Northeast garden!

A friend of mine whom I’ve known for most of my life sent me the email below. I felt strongly to share it with all of you. It arrived at a perfect time for me since my mother has just had open heart surgery, and the message couldn’t have been more welcome. My friends who have “been there,” and I’m happy to say that this includes some wonderful men, know what this is about. Everyone else will be able to relate, I’m sure. What is so cool is that the lecture being described was given by a professor at Stanford University.

Lecture by a Professor at Stanford University

In an evening class at Stanford, the last lecture was on the
mind-body connection-the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man can do for his health is to be married to a woman; whereas for a woman, one of the best things she can do for her health is to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically, this quality “girlfriend time” helps create more serotonin-a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. We women share from our souls with our sisters/mothers/girlfriends, and evidently that is very GOOD for our health.

The professor said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym. There’s a tendency to think that when we are exercising, we are doing something good for our bodies, and that is true. But it is also sometimes said that when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged-NOT true. In fact, the professor advised that the failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our
physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!

On that note, I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of what I love to do and have had the privilege of doing for over 30 years now. So many of you have offered wonderful kind words on how I’ve changed your lives. You are most welcome.! Please know that you have changed my life as well, providing me healing, love, and a livelihood.

Looking forward to seeing so many of you this fall in New Hampshire, Chicago, Denver, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Toronto and…California, here I come! Please visit my website for details.