blessings
The Magicless Misery Of ‘Compare And Despair’
I once attended a Toastmasters meeting where a gentleman was delivering his first speech to this specific group. It was an ice breaker to have us get acquainted with him. Instead of the typical short autobiographical introduction this speaker chose to give us an overview of his philosophy of life.
He told his audience that he sees himself entering a new phase of his life right now. He spoke about how important it is to get to know yourself and to take care of yourself first and foremost, and to always live in the moment.
After the speech and applause, the toastmaster reflected briefly on what the talk meant to him as he had listened. He said it reminded him of a mentor who had once, many years ago, said to him, “Compare… and despair”. If in life you are constantly comparing yourself to others, or comparing what you have with what others have, or what you feel you lack, or need to achieve, then all that will do is bring yourself unnecessary despair.
The only thing you should ever compare yourself against, his mentor added, is yesterday. Today did you do something constructive or grow in some way that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?
Too often we compare ourselves with our peers, both in our personal and professional lives. Why did he get a raise and not me? Why can I not find a soulmate like she did? Why can’t I be a successful entrepreneur like him? How come they get to have all these wonderful vacations?
My Childhood Psychic Awakening
Being gifted from an early age, I had lots of questions, and wanted specific, detailed answers about psychic phenomena, spirituality and the mystical. This later became my norm to everything, and the world around me. The why’s and how’s continue to fascinate me in every aspect of my life.
My spirit guides have been very helpful over the years, as I found that humans can seldom answer my questions clearly, nor adequately. Over the years, my guides provided me with the stepping stones for my personal psychic development.
My guides assured me early on that they would never give me more than I could handle. They also made it clear that the truth of anything can always be confirmed by simply asking. I believed them, and each time I had an unusual sense or feeling, I asked for confirmation. I still do.
My first paranormal encounters and psychic experiences were with the animals. Their energy and communication is easier to understand, just like my guides, and they always communicate with unconditional love.
This also led to a special bond with nature, and especially the trees. Soon after came the wind, and the water, their sounds so soothing and calm. As a child, I always experienced a deep, tranquil feeling of well-being, serenity and inner peace whenever I was outside in nature. I still do.
My next extra-sensory experiences were of premonitions and forebodings concerning the safety and well-being of others. At such a young age these presentiments were tricky to relay to adults.
The Spiritual Significance Of 888
When the number 888 begins to show up in your life, it’s not just a coincidence — it’s a cosmic signal pulsing with divine alignment. This powerful angel number carries the vibration of harmony between the spiritual and the material — a sacred dance between higher purpose and earthly action.
When you repeatedly see the number 8 or 888 — on license plates, receipts, phone lock screens, anywhere — it is a sign that you are in sync with your higher self, spirit and the divine.
It confirms that you are developing a powerful faith in the benevolence of the universe. Trusting in this divine flow empowers you to let go of fear and scarcity thinking and proceed in the knowledge that you are always provided for.
It suggests that you are on the right path, guided and supported by unseen forces. The balance of spiritual wisdom and practical momentum in your life is creating fertile ground for manifestation.
It reminds us that when thoughts, emotions, energy, and actions flow together in unity, the universe responds in kind, opening doors, aligning events, and bringing dreams to life with what feels like effortless magic.
The number eight signals a time when you are supported by universal energies and are developing a deeper understanding of how energy moves through your life. This deepening awareness brings powerful new insights and often coincides with a phase of spiritual maturity and awakening. Continue reading
Honoring Your Divine Purpose In Uncertain Times
Knowing your purpose and consciously living it in this day and age is one of the greatest blessings one can experience in this lifetime.
Yet, in a troubled world of mass distraction, upheaval, fear, and uncertainty, many spiritual seekers struggle with doubt, confusion, or even despair.
Many people feel lost and uncertain these days. It’s part of being human in the digital age and living in very uncertain times – the pain of questioning, the longing to understand why we are here, and what we are meant to do.
But this is not a sign of weakness or failure. In fact, it is an essential part of our spiritual growth and conscious evolution.
For me, my personal definition of “purpose” has evolved over the years, but at its core it remains constant: exploring the spiritual or higher realms, the invisible threads that weave through our existence, the vast mysteries of spirit and the cosmos.
I believe my soul purpose is to venture into the unseen realms to continue my own immortal, infinite path. I am meant to do this not only for myself, but also for the collective.
My mission is to bring back what I learn from these journeys and share it with others, to offer illumination in the dark corners, to reduce chaos, and to help restore balance to the universe. In short, I strive to be a source of hope and enlightenment, a humble guide to all who are willing to receive this wisdom. Continue reading
The Soul Legacy Of A Life Well-Lived
It is natural for spiritually aware people to reflect on the lives we live and the impact we have on the world. We often ask ourselves, are we making a difference? Is our contribution meaningful? How well are we serving our family, community, nation, environment, spirit, the divine?
Some people’s legacies are marked by awards, innovations, or public achievements. Some live their lives as great inventors, artists, scientists, philosophers, activists, spiritual leaders, leaving a measurable trail of impact to make the world a better place.
The names of those with such remarkable legacies are etched in history books, and their contributions change the course of societies and industries. We witness their contributions in news headlines and biopics, and learn about them in books and classrooms.
But these remarkable individuals represent only a small minority of humanity. What about the rest of us?
What about those of us who get up every day, not to chase fame or fortune, but to fulfill the humble, yet noble responsibilities of everyday life — raising children, maintaining a home, showing up for work with integrity, running a small business with courage, caring for neighbors, rescuing animals in need?
For most spiritual seekers, our life’s legacy is not about accolades or recognition. It is simply a reflection of the heart, a matter of daily presence, generosity, kindness and compassion, and the quiet ripples of goodness we send out into the world.
The Touching Tale Of The Praying Hands
In the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, Germany, lived a family with 18 children. Yes, eighteen! To put food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by trade, worked nearly 18 hours a day at his trade, as well as any other paying job he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, Albrecht and Albert, two of the older children, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they were well aware that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to an art academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down to the nearby mines and use his earnings to support his brother, who would attend the academy.
Then, after four years, when the brother who won the coin toss finished his studies, he in turn would support the mining brother to also attend the academy – either by selling his artwork or, if necessary, by working in the mines.
They tossed a coin one Sunday morning. Albrecht Dürer won the toss and went to Nuremberg to study art. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and spent the next four years financing his brother, whose creative work at the academy was almost immediately a sensation.
Albrecht’s etchings, woodcuts, and oils were far superior to those of most of his fellow students and even his professors, and by the time he graduated he was beginning to earn substantial fees for his commissioned works.
Miracles Happen When We Release Attachment
We tend to hold on to things and people that no longer serve us. Fear keeps us attached, as does the comfort of the familiar.
The unknown can feel unsettling, even when we know deep down that letting go is the best way forward. Our attachments, whether to relationships, material possessions or past experiences, often come from emotional bonds that make letting go feel impossible.
Some people cling to relationships, even when they have been treated badly, because they do not believe they are worthy of anything better. Their self-worth is so wrapped up in the presence of the other person that the thought of leaving feels like losing a part of themselves.
Others cling to material possessions not because they need them, but because these things give them a false sense of security or define their identity in some way. The more we hold on to something, the more our energy becomes wrapped around it, creating an invisible barrier that prevents new blessings from entering our lives.
This was a hard lesson for me to learn and overcome. Years ago, I put my father’s house on the market. It had been on the market for over a year and not a single offer had come in. At first I couldn’t understand why. The house was structurally sound, in a good location and fairly priced. But despite my best efforts, no buyers came forward.
Later I realised that my own energy of resistance was preventing the sale. I was not emotionally or spiritually ready to let go. My attachment – rooted in resentment, anger and unresolved emotions – created an energetic blockage that kept potential buyers away.