Spirituality
Spiritual Hindsight Is Twenty-Twenty
As a teenager, I knew I had psychic abilities. I just wasn’t able to label it.
I think having intuitive abilities, such as knowing things before they happen, seeing auras, and sensing negative and positive energy, is something we all can do. I just had a real knack for tapping into that part of my mind, because I spent a lot of time by myself in the outdoors, or in my bedroom, and steered clear of drama and human chaos. Also, I hardly ever was exposed to electromagnetic poisoning by way of modern technology.
I was not raised Catholic, but while on a walk one day, I found behind a church a lineup of saint statues. At the end of the row was Mother Mary. I remember very clearly sitting in front of her sculpture and seeing an angel next to her. I prayed, as I was taught to do from a very young age, to be shown what I will be doing in my future. I wished to see who I will be, or at least get a glimpse of what lay ahead for me. Continue reading
The Protective Power Of Kyanite
I used to work at a beauty salon and spa, where the energy amongst the staff was highly toxic. We were a group of women who ideally could have come together in harmony and make others feel amazing, but that wasn’t the reality.
Initially, I was friendly and open, because I wanted to get along with my co-workers. They all smiled at first and made me feel welcome, but in time they began to show their true colors, which turned out to be less friendly and welcoming.
Eventually it no longer was a place where I wanted to be every day, but the money was great, especially during the holiday and bridal season. So, I had to make it work for the time being.
Every day, I was feeling out of place and exhausted by the time I got home from work, so I decided to do something about it. Continue reading
The Real Rewards Of Paying It Forward
What does it mean to ‘pay it forward’ from a spiritual perspective? On a simple level, paying it forward means we take a gift of kindness and pass it along to the next recipient, almost like a karma chain. We’ve all probably experienced such a gift, whether it was a cup of coffee, or a new car. But why do it in the first place? We’re all told that humanity is selfish, not selfless.
If we look at paying it forward beyond the superficial ‘it feels good,’ we see that it really does make us feel better on a physical and psychological level. Stress and depression rates are much lower for those who regularly volunteer, or perform acts of charity and kindness. Our brain experiences a ‘happiness boost’ almost immediately. Life expectancy is also higher for those who volunteer, compared to people who don’t. Doing selfless things simply does make us feel good. Continue reading
Connecting With Your Inner Bliss
I recently came across an article about spiritual seekers who travel to distant lands to achieve such a state of bliss and inner peace. But in my experience you really don’t have to go all the way to some exotic destination to achieve a higher state of consciousness.
When I am alone, I often find myself in a state of complete and utter bliss. When I am by myself, my energy is my own. I feel centered and complete, as if on my own little retreat. I have always felt this way and I savor the quiet moments of my day.
With a willing heart to carve out some time in your busy day, you can center yourself by being mindful and allowing your thoughts to simply come and go. Simply take a moment of solitude and go with the flow. Continue reading
The African River Man
During the time of my ukuthwasa (period of initiation to become a traditional healer or sangoma) some decades ago in Southern Africa, my mentor and some other village elders would join our group of ithwasa (sangoma trainees) by the campfire and discuss other spirits. That is, others in addition to those of our ancestors.
We heard many tales of other spirits who control the rivers, oceans and lakes, as well as those who live in the sky and control the rain. There were also stories told of sacred places where spirits inhabited mountains, trees and rocks. I loved hearing those stories from various individuals whom have had unique experiences and felt they had seen and communicated with those various spirits. Continue reading
Do Unto Others
Do unto others as you have them do unto you. It is also known as the Golden Rule. A simple and wise rule to live by, but something humanity struggles to adhere to.
It is also very close to another age-old axiom, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Again, this sounds easy enough. And what if you are one of those people, as many of us are, who are not in the habit of treating yourself very well at all?
How do you typically treat yourself? Do you like yourself? Do you love yourself? Do you approve, care, and not judge yourself harshly? Are you kind and encouraging to yourself? Or is your internal mental chatter and expression riddled with thoughts like: Continue reading
Spiritual Awakening Is A Double-Edged Sword
Many times in my life I’ve had to move on, leaving friends, family, relationships and spouses behind, because I outgrew them. The spiritual awakening process is a double-edged sword. When we awaken, our value systems change. The shift is a blessing, but burning bridges always hurts, and often when we least expect it.
One of the most obvious symptoms of knowing we’re no longer in sync with those around us, is when we can do nothing other than listen to our inner guidance, as it gets louder and louder. And, the more we tune into it, the more authentic we become and we can’t pretend anymore. Truth and integrity take over, because those values are more in alignment with our soul.
Often, those closest to us, align themselves with their own illusion of who they want us to be. They project onto us the values they think they most admire, and choose to find these in us, as opposed to who we really are. As Maya Angelou stated so wisely, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them; the first time.” Continue reading