Monthly Archives: December 2020
To Live Gratitude Is To Touch Heaven
One aspect of spiritual living too seldom addressed is our lack of true appreciation and gratitude for all the blessings in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
Some spiritual seekers tend to be very keen on beating the drum of prosperity, and becoming fixated on the Law of Attraction and manifesting abundance, which is too often merely a thinly disguised obsession with material wealth and earthly comforts.
Most of us simply take too much for granted every day. We experience so many blessings of joy, beauty, forgiveness, protection and Divine grace, which we seldom acknowledge in our lives. We always have something to be grateful, or thankful for, no matter how difficult times may be. As a species we are very good at complaining about what we don’t have, but we seem to find it difficult to give thanks for what we do have.
We seldom express our gratitude and appreciation towards those we love and cherish, and we hardly ever remember to share what we have with those who have less – not because we feel obligated, but because we feel so much appreciation that we simply want to share our abundant blessings with others. Charity is not about lending a helping hand; it is about celebrating all that we have, and to share our joy and appreciation.
Research has demonstrated an indisputable connection between gratitude and spirituality. It is no coincidence that gratitude is regarded as a much cherished and valued quality by most world religions, including the Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu Jewish, and Christian traditions. When reviewing the large body of research done on the subject, gratitude seems to play a much more noteworthy role in our happiness and well-being than most other emotions and personality traits.
Several research studies in recent years have shown that people who have a tendency towards higher levels of gratitude also tend to report higher levels of psychological, emotional and physical well-being. People who are grateful have been shown to be happier, more optimistic and more content with their lives. They also appear to have lower levels of stress and depression, and they are more satisfied with their relationships and social interaction with others.
Pay It Forward With Holiday Gratitude
As the year end approaches, most of us would normally be shopping, entertaining and gathering with friends and family to celebrate the various holidays and the New Year. Lots of special food, drink and laughter would also be the order of the day!
With a few exceptions, many of our usual traditions are however being curtailed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, at a time when holiday shopping, traditional music and festive lights usually brighten the scene, many of us will have to be low-key and socially distanced, even isolated and alone.
In addition, although many people will be able to celebrate virtually, those with limited access to technology will not, so some loved ones will be forced to limit their contact to the telephone only, or even do without.
It is therefore even more important this year to think of those who will not be able to find an easy way to compromise or ‘make-do’ with alternative online shopping or virtual socializing.
Give thought to those you personally know who may have been cut off from their usual social activities, friends and relatives. Perhaps you can make an extra phone call or two, or send an old-fashioned Christmas card by postal mail, or surprise them with the delivery of an unexpected little gift.
Let just one person outside your intimate family circle know that they are still in your thoughts, even though you cannot visit or see them in person. It can make really make a world of difference for someone who is unable to get out to visit friends, or welcome family this year.
Many people have also lost loved ones in recent months and will be grieving this Christmas, instead of celebrating. If you know someone who is in this predicament, do reach out to them and offer a comforting word and some emotional support. Even just a little can go a very long way!
Slay Those Demons This Festive Season!
In my many years on God’s earth, I can earnestly say I feel I have ‘slain more dragons’ than St. George, ‘cast out more demons’ than the priest in The Exorcist, and conquered much bigger giants than young Jack when he climbed up that beanstalk. I am not hoping to gain sympathy by saying this, but merely to state that if I can put down my personal demons, with Spirit’s help of course, then I could help you do the same.
The year 2020 has been one of far too many challenges for most of us. Some of us have had to deal with unusual difficulties and challenges we may have never encountered otherwise. For me, it began with a cancer scare, then continued with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and ended with me supporting my husband through a bout of deep depression. Indeed, 2020 is a year I will never forget, as much as I may want to!
However, my guides have been reminding me that I have also gained some blessings from this year. For one, I would say that my inner resolve has grown much stronger, and my desire to be of service and help others have reached an all-time high.
I am not suggesting that everyone must have reasons to appreciate the challenges this year brought, but as 2020 draws to a close, I do hope that the following practical strategies may help you to ‘slay some demons’ and end this year on a more positive note, in order to start next year with more optimism, hope and joy.
Find An Inspiring Role-Model
The one person who has always given me a sense of strength is the late Martin Luther King. He famously said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Whenever I am in a difficult, stressful situation, I always ask myself what would Martin Luther King do in my situation? In fact, I even imagine him by my side, giving me all the strength and motivation that I need at any given time. You can do this too by finding yourself a hero or heroine that inspires you.
Astrological Forecast December 21- 27, 2020
The Sun moves into Capricorn today, setting the stage for four weeks of grounded and deliberate movement. Capricorn is the sign of responsibility, security and safety, as well as the epitome of enterprise. If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business or diving into a new creative venture, consider making your move after the first of next year.
In the meantime, this holiday week should unfold smoothly. Tuesday and Wednesday’s Aries Moon will give us the energy to get all our pre-holiday tasks completed in record time. The Moon will flow through Taurus Christmas Eve through Saturday, making for a pleasant, easy-going break. The focus will be on the people we share our time with rather than the gifts we give or receive, and bring out the true spirit of the holidays.
Sunday will be the ideal time to test out new electronics, socialize and visit with those far away, as the Gemini Moon promotes easy conversation and fun-filled activities. May your holidays be relaxing, safe and happy!
The Miracle Gift Of Spiritual Healing
I discovered that I had the spiritual gift of healing many years ago when I went to visit my father in the hospital. He was in great pain and something told me to gently touch the knee he had just had surgery on. It was not my intention to accomplish anything, just to comfort him. But then I saw his expression change from agonizing pain to instant relief. That to me was a miracle!
The next great healing miracle happened when one of my twin daughters was ice skating when she was about 8 years old. I was watching the children enjoy the beautiful winter day when my daughter suddenly slipped and fell. I will never forget her painful scream. I knew immediately that this was really bad! By the time I got to her, others were helping her, but she would not stop screaming. Hearing her in such pain shot through my heart like a bullet.
When I got to her, I immediately saw the bone protruding through her skin. I put my hands over the fracture on her forearm and said, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Immediately she stopped crying and said, “Mommy, it doesn’t hurt anymore. I was stunned and so was everyone else.
I held her arm all the way to the hospital, and when we got there, they made me remove my hands. Again I had to listen to my daughter scream in pain and I felt helpless.
After they immobilized her arm, they let me see her. I touched the cast on her arm and immediately felt that it was not properly applied. Of course, they refused to listen to me at first, but I kept insisting that something was wrong. Finally, they agreed to take a second x-ray, which showed that my daughter’s arm was indeed not in the correct position. So she had to have it done again. One of the nurses asked me how I knew. I never answered.
Once the second cast was on, I felt that her arm was now properly aligned. But now there was another problem. This time I felt that the cast was cutting into her bent arm. Again, they refused to listen to my concerns. To this day, my daughter has a deep scar where the cast cut into her arm.
Over the years, I have come to realize more and more that I have the ability to heal. Today I feel honored to be blessed with such a gift, but I have never felt that the healing comes from me. I am just the medium or the channel. The healing comes from God. Over the years this has been an invaluable gift, but I do not flaunt it. It is just good to know it is there.
Meanwhile, my guides have been very helpful in teaching me more about spiritual healing and energy medicine. For example, they have shown me that when you lay your hands on someone to heal them, you must first “air wash” their entire aura to cleanse the energy. Then, when you feel the heat from the injured area coming into your hands, don’t release it back into the atmosphere, but imagine putting it in a jar and then sealing the lid. Also, be careful not to let it go into your own body, as some people absorb the energy they take out.
What Is The Gift Of Healing?
The spiritual gift of healing is an ancient and revered ability that has been recognized in various cultures and religious traditions. From esoteric teachings to mystical practices, the gift of healing is seen as a profound connection to divine energies, enabling the healer to channel these energies to restore balance and health.
The universe and our existence within it are the result of a complex interplay of energies, and each of us is a microcosm of this greater whole. Spiritual healing involves restoring harmony and balance within the energetic systems of the body, mind, and spirit. The healer acts as a conduit for divine or universal energy, facilitating the recipient’s return to a state of equilibrium.
The spiritual gift of healing is a miracle gift due to its profoundly transformative and supernatural nature. It transcends conventional understanding and taps into the realm of faith and divine intervention. Those who possess this gift are able to channel divine energy or power to bring about physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration to people in need. The instantaneous or inexplicable recoveries witnessed through this gift often defy medical explanation and profound impact of these healings often leaves recipients and witnesses in awe.
Modern Healing Miracles
Here are just five examples of people who reported experiencing miraculous spiritual or faith-based healing:
Andrew Strom: Andrew Strom, an evangelist, recounts his own experience of healing from a chronic eye condition. Despite medical prognosis suggesting irreversible damage, he claims to have experienced sudden and complete healing during a time of prayer.
Anita Moorjani: Anita was diagnosed with terminal cancer. During a near-death experience, she reports encountering overwhelming feelings of love and acceptance. When she revived, she felt a newfound peace and her cancer was inexplicably in remission. Anita attributes this healing to her spiritual awakening.
Bruno Groening: Groening was a German healer who channeled divine healing energy. Thousands of people reported healings from various ailments after attending his gatherings. While medical explanations exist for some of these healings, the sheer number and variety defy easy explanation.
Delia Knox: In 2005, Delia Knox was paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. She attended a healing service where, during prayer, she felt a sensation in her legs. Subsequently, she stood up and walked, astonishing both herself and the audience.
Harold Fuller: Harold was born blind. Raised in a religious household, he fervently prayed for sight. He reports experiencing a dramatic healing during a religious service, regaining his vision completely. There is no documented medical explanation for this event.
Jaxon Buckley: Jaxon, a young boy, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Doctors gave him weeks to live. His family turned to prayer, and Jaxon reportedly experienced a vision of Jesus. Shortly after, scans showed the tumor had shrunk significantly, and Jaxon went into remission. There is no scientific explanation for this dramatic turnaround.
Jean-Pierre Bely: Jean-Pierre Bely, a Frenchman, suffered from multiple sclerosis, which left him wheelchair-bound and partially paralyzed. He visited Lourdes in 1987 and bathed in the waters of the Lourdes Grotto. Following this, he reported a gradual improvement in his condition, eventually leading to his complete recovery. ourdes, a town in France, is famous for its reported miracles associated with the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims visit the site, particularly the Lourdes Grotto, seeking healing from various afflictions. Numerous cases of unexplained healings, verified by medical experts, have been documented throughout the years.
Kathryn Murray: Kathryn was paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident. Confined to a wheelchair, she turned to intense prayer and meditation. Over time, she regained some movement and eventually was able to walk again. Medical science cannot fully explain the extent of her recovery.
Mireille D’Allance: Mireille D’Allance was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, which had metastasized to her bones. After attending a healing service at a church, she reported experiencing a sensation of warmth and energy, followed by a complete disappearance of her cancer upon subsequent medical examination.
These stories represent firsthand accounts of individuals who attribute their healing to spiritual or faith-based experiences, providing evidence for miraculous healing interventions beyond conventional medical understanding. It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and there is not always scientific consensus on such miraculous healings. Some may be due to misdiagnosis, spontaneous remission, or the placebo effect. However, for the people who experience them, these events are deeply meaningful and a testament to their faith.
Famous Spiritual Healers
Many important figures in various religions and spiritual traditions have been associated with the spiritual gift of healing, including:
Jesus Christ: Considered the ultimate healer in Christianity, Jesus is said to have performed numerous miraculous healings throughout his ministry. From healing the blind to raising the dead, his actions are seen as a manifestation of God’s love and power.
The Buddha: Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is revered not only for his profound spiritual teachings, but also for his healing abilities. The Jataka stories, which recount the Buddha’s past lives, describe various instances in which he healed people through compassion and wisdom. The Buddha’s approach to healing emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of suffering, which often arise from ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
Krishna: A revered avatar of Vishnu, Krishna is considered a divine healer. His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize detachment from worldly desires and finding solace in devotion to God, which can bring a sense of inner healing.
Hazrat Ali: The son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, Ali is revered in Shia Islam for his wisdom and spiritual authority. He is also associated with miraculous healings and is often called upon for intercession in times of illness.
Saint Peter: One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter is believed to have inherited the gift of healing after Pentecost. The Acts of the Apostles records instances of Peter healing the sick through prayer and faith.
Padre Pio: A 20th-century Italian Capuchin priest, Padre Pio is known for his stigmata (wounds resembling Christ’s crucifixion) and for reports of miraculous healings associated with his prayers and blessings.
Hildegard of Bingen: A 12th-century German Benedictine abbess, Hildegard was a prolific writer, composer, and visionary. She is also known for her herbal remedies and holistic approach to healing, which integrated physical treatments with faith and prayer. She wrote extensively on natural medicine and holistic health, incorporating her mystical visions into her healing practices. Hildegard believed that health was a balance between the elements and humors in the body, and she used herbs, diet, and spiritual practices to treat illness. Her approach integrated spiritual insight with practical knowledge, making her a pioneer of holistic healing.
Sai Baba of Shirdi: Sai Baba of Shirdi, an Indian spiritual master revered by both Hindu and Muslim devotees, is known for his miraculous healing powers. He has performed numerous healings, curing diseases and ailments considered incurable by modern medicine. Sai Baba’s healing methods included the use of holy ash (vibhuti), prayers, and his mere touch or presence. His healings were not only physical, but also aimed at spiritual upliftment, guiding individuals on a path of devotion and self-realization.
Yogananda: Founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, Yogananda brought the practice of Kriya Yoga to the West. He emphasized the connection between physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth, promoting a holistic approach to healing.
Paramahansa Yogananda: A direct disciple of Yogananda, Paramahansa Yogananda is known for his lectures and writings on Self-realization and Kriya Yoga. His followers believe that he had the ability to heal through prayer and spiritual attunement.
Jesus Christ: The Divine Healer
Jesus Christ is one of the most famous figures associated with the gift of healing. The New Testament of the Bible records numerous instances of Jesus healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. His healing miracles are seen as manifestations of divine power and compassion. For example, the Gospel of Matthew (8:16-17) says, “With one word he drove out demons and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.'”
Jesus did many incredible healing miracles. He healed a man blind from birth by making mud with his saliva, applying it to the man’s eyes, and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man received his sight. A paralyzed man was lowered through the roof of a house where Jesus was teaching. Jesus forgave his sins and told him to pick up his mat and walk,
Jairus, a synagogue leader, asked Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Although he had been informed of her death, Jesus went to her, took her hand, and told her to get up. She came back to life, demonstrating His power over death.
A Roman captain asked Jesus to heal his lame servant. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith and healed the servant from afar, demonstrating that faith, not proximity, is the key to healing. Jesus also healed ten lepers who were crying out for mercy. He sent them to show themselves to the priests, and they were cleansed on the way. Only one returned to thank him.
Jesus is a great role-model for the modern spiritual healer. The many healings he performed, as recorded in the Gospels, demonstrate his compassion, spiritual authority, and divine connection. They also illustrate his ability to heal a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions, offering hope and restoration to those in need. Through these acts, Jesus affirmed the importance of faith, the power of God’s love, and the spiritual potential for miraculous transformation in our lives.
The Wounded Healer Archetype
The wounded healer archetype plays a significant role in the spiritual gift of healing, influencing how healers perceive and approach their practice. The best healers typically draw on their own experiences of suffering, trauma, or personal life challenges to empathize with and heal others.
The wounded healer archetype emphasizes the healer’s ability to empathize with others who are suffering. Having personally experienced pain or adversity, healers can better understand and connect with the struggles of those they seek to help. This deep empathy allows them to offer genuine compassion and support, which are essential components of healing. Through their own wounds and experiences, healers undergo a process of transformation and growth. They learn valuable lessons, gain insight, and develop resilience that can be applied to their healing work. This personal healing journey equips them with wisdom and understanding that can benefit others on their path to wellness.
The wounded healer archetype encourages healers to embrace their own vulnerabilities and imperfections. By acknowledging and integrating their own wounds, healers cultivate authenticity and humility in their practice. This openness creates a safe and trusting space for healing to occur as clients feel understood and accepted without judgment. The shared experience of overcoming adversity is also a powerful catalyst for healing. When healers share their own stories of struggle and resilience, they inspire hope and offer encouragement to those they serve. This shared journey fosters a sense of solidarity and connection, reinforcing the belief that healing is possible for everyone.
While healers may often draw from their own wounds in their healing work, the ultimate goal is to transcend personal suffering and facilitate healing for others. By channeling divine or universal energy, healers act as conduits for healing forces that transcend individual pain and suffering. In this way, they serve as beacons of light and catalysts for transformation in the lives of others.
In essence, the wounded healer archetype enriches the spiritual gift of healing by infusing it with empathy, authenticity, and transformative power. By embracing their own wounds and vulnerabilities, healers tap into a deeper reservoir of compassion and wisdom that empowers them to guide others on their journey toward wholeness and healing.
Signs Of The Gift Of Healing
Do you feel a deep desire to see others healed, both physically and emotionally? Are you naturally drawn to environments or practices that focus on healing, such as prayer groups or faith-based healing services? Do you often find yourself drawn to people who are sick or struggling, feeling a nudge to offer support or prayer? Have you witnessed or experienced positive results after praying for someone’s healing? It’s important to note that this does not guarantee a gift, but it can be a sign.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be blessed with the spiritual gift of healing. Here’s a checklist of signs that you may have the gift of healing:
Unexplained Healing Abilities: You’ve experienced instances where your presence, touch, or words seem to facilitate healing or relief for others, even when you didn’t consciously intend to heal. This is usually the most important and obvious clue that you have a spiritual healing gift.
Intuitive Insights: You often experience intuitive flashes, gut feelings or inner knowing about people’s physical, emotional or spiritual conditions.
Strong Energy Sensitivity: You are sensitive to subtle shifts in energy and may feel tingling, warmth, or vibrations in your hands or body during interactions with others.
Healing Dreams / Visions: You have vivid dreams or visions related to healing, receiving guidance, or being in a healing environment.
Strong Empathy: You easily feel and understand the emotions and experiences of others, often feeling deeply connected to their pain or suffering.
Comfort With Touch: You have a natural inclination toward touch and find comfort in providing physical support or comfort to others through hugs, hand holding, or gentle touch.
Desire To Relieve Suffering: You have a strong desire to help others alleviate their pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and may feel called to assist those in need.
Healing Environments: You feel uplifted, energized, or at peace in environments conducive to healing, such as nature, sacred spaces, or energetically balanced rooms.
Feedback From Others: You receive positive feedback or acknowledgement from friends, family, or acquaintances about your ability to provide comfort, support, or relief during difficult times.
Spiritual Purpose: You have a deep personal connection and keen interest in spirituality, faith, or a higher power and feel guided by divine wisdom or inspiration to pursue a healing practice.
Interest in Healing Modalities: You feel strongly drawn to exploring various healing modalities such as Reiki, energy healing, massage therapy, or spiritual counseling as a way to deepen your healing abilities.
Past Life Memories: You may have a strong resonance with stories or memories of past life healing, or feel a sense of familiarity with healing practices from other cultures or time periods.
It’s important to remember that these signs are not definitive proof that you are a gifted healer, but rather indicators that you may have natural healing abilities. If you resonate with many of these signs and feel drawn to the path of healing, consider exploring the teachings of your preferred religion or spiritual tradition on the subject. Talk to faith leaders or healing mentors, and look for opportunities to serve others in a way that aligns with your values.
Time To Cleanse The ‘Energy Clutter’ Of 2020
The year 2020 is coming to an end. It has been a challenging year for most of us, to say the least. Some have lost everything that they thought was important in their lives, while others discovered what truly is important in their lives.
In many cases, the material and superficial things that we used to cherish so much have now been replaced by the simple longing to just hug a loved one, touch a friend’s hand, or just be part of a crowd of like-minded people at a music festival or sports event.
It has indeed been an exceedingly difficult year for our relationships, social life, careers, businesses, finances, and especially our mental health and well-being. The lockdowns, social distancing and mask wearing (or lack thereof) has been taking its toll.
Mental illness is said to at an all-time high, and suicides rates have increased significantly. Families will be celebrating the holidays this year without one or more of their family members, and many are having to grieve the tragic passing of a loved one.
You may look at all this stress, chaos and suffering, and ask yourself if any possible good can come from the events and circumstances of the past year?
Well, I do believe 2020 to be the best opportunity we will ever have in our lifetime to truly find the deeper meaning and purpose of life. This is the ideal time to identify everything that is not important in our lives and release what no longer serves us.
This is a time to cleanse your aura, clear your vibration, and discard the ‘energy clutter’ in your life. Loving and caring for yourself is fundamental at the moment. Be kind to yourself and do not judge yourself harshly for things you have no control over. Just do the best you can with what you have and take it one day at a time. We are simply being sidelined for a period of time. This to shall pass.
White sage is my go-to for clearing my living space and my personal energies. When bad vibes and negative energy clutter start to pile up, I take a few moments to simply breathe and relax, cleanse my aura with white sage, then breathe again. It lifts my inner being.
How To Have Peace And Calm This Christmas
The year 2020 has been quite a year! The pandemic has turned the world upside down. Given what we have all been through, there is now an increased emotional need to have something to celebrate, and with Christmas around the corner, we have just that.
However, as magical a time of year as Christmas may be, it can still be somewhat stressful, and this year may prove even more challenging due to the need for safety precautions, social distancing and travel restrictions.
Nevertheless, with a little pre-planning, you should be able to get your Xmas off to a good start and enjoy the celebrations to the maximum without experiencing too much stress and drama in the process! How good is that? Here’s how.
Set Clear Intentions
Given the kind of a year we have experienced, we can indeed be excused for not celebrating a perfectly traditional Christmas this year. We are now in an excellent position to enjoy the kind of Christmas that we prefer.
Let go of the idea this year that Christmas must be ‘perfect,’ and that you must make it that way for everybody. Set instead a clear intention for what your ideal Christmas will be. After that, all you need to do is make plans that go along with your vision. Having established what Christmas really means to you, you can then use it as a guide to prepare your celebrations.
Keep It Simple
Simplicity ensures peace and calm, whereas complexity causes stress and drama. It really is as simple as that! It is imperative that any Christmas plans you make are as simple, straightforward and as streamlined as possible. Doing so should help to create a sense of calm and empowerment, which you will no doubt need to take into the New Year with you.