charity
The True Meaning Of Bliss
I have been contemplating how often a friend’s photo on social media, a call from a customer, an advertisement, the written word, or an overheard phrase has triggered a really significant memory for me. This was the case again last night, when the word “bliss” featured in a commercial for chocolate on my TV screen. For some reason this prompted a memory from many years ago.
I was working temporarily in a retirement home as a caregiver. Although I didn’t have long-term plans to remain in that job, I loved working with the old people, and used to give them reflexology treatments and healing massages in my free time. The short treatments gave them great relief, and they began asking if I would come back and help them again.
This caused a lot of animosity with the rest of the staff, who were already unfriendly towards me. They made it clear that I was not ‘one of them’. I was the outsider, and not from ‘their village.’ The home’s matron asked me to stop doing any healing or therapeutic work with the residents, because it was not in my job description. Continue reading
Life After Life (Part 6 of 7) – Love
When it comes to near-death and shared-death experiences, they may have different qualities to them for different people. It is clear that the experiences we have in this life do influence the experience we have when we transition into the next.
I believe that the reason for these differing experiences is to make our transition into the next life as gentle and meaningful as possible. Spirit orchestrates the passing experience in such a way that it is as unique as the person that is transitioning.
There are some cultural and ancestral qualities that are fairly consistent in the individuals experiencing the transition. For example, if you have a specific religious icon that is meaningful to you, it is very likely that will be a part of your transition experience. Continue reading
Forgiveness As A Spiritual Life Lesson
I remember telling my friend Audrey many years ago how well she was handling an upsetting situation. The matter related to a mutual friend who had borrowed a significant amount of money, and even though swift repayment was promised, the promise was not kept, nor acknowledged by the borrower.
Audrey seemed to take a really spiritual approach towards the situation and said to me, “I don’t lend money without first considering that I may well have to write it off in the end.” This was ironic, since he wasn’t exactly well-off herself.
“Why should I choose to be a victim, and to carry that huge load of resentment around on my shoulders, when I do have a choice to simply put it down? To carry that heavy knapsack of anger and resentment would only be draining to my health and peace of mind,” she explained. Continue reading
Giving Of Yourself Is A Win-Win
One of the best ways to feel better about yourself, while making a difference, is to get involved in your community. So many worthy organizations need help year-round, even though the obvious time people think to give is during the holidays.
Think of the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. You can certainly donate toys any time of year, or else participate in a fund-raiser in your area. Likewise for St. Jude’s Hospital, which provides medical care at no cost to children with life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Taking part in a fun walk or run, or donating time or goods, is a great way to raise money for a wonderful cause. Continue reading
An Astral Visitation With Michael Jackson
I recently experienced another astral visitation with Michael Jackson, whom I have connected with him on several occasions since his passing. I have always felt a deep connection to the famous singer. We are both Virgos and he was born only two days before me. He was also born in the same city my mother and her family grew up in, and some of my uncles attended school with him and his brothers.
Our prenatal birth charts show that both Michael and I originate from Alioth. Alioth is one of the seven stars that make up the “Big Dipper.” I have done much research on this and find it very interesting. We both have the same star strength and many things in common. I was even a professional dancer myself at one point in my life, and I have also had to deal with negative people that try and bring you down, because of either jealousy or insecurity, like Michael did. I have always felt connected to his energy and my being resonates with his song lyrics. Continue reading
Grounded In Spirit When Caring For Elderly Parents
I have a friend that is going through the challenging process of watching her aging mom dwindle away. Her mother is losing her memory and the ability to take care of herself the way she used to. So, I try to help when I can. For most of us it’s an issue that we will all most likely face one day.
The spiritual connection to our parents is often a relationship with a history that is very complex. Not everyone has a wonderful, loving relationship with their parents, right? Those of us who do, should never take it for granted. We are truly blessed. Continue reading
Change Your Karma For A More Fulfilling Life
It is true. Karma is real. And it can change your life. Whatever you think, say, or do… it always comes back to you. When you give selflessly, it always comes back. And when you hurt someone you are truly hurting yourself.
We are all created equal, and all equally valuable, whether we are on this, or that side of the world. We matter just the same. To think of yourself as better than others is always going to come back in a negative way. Not to mention the fact that it is not very attractive! It is vitally important to live with a mindset that allows us to be mindful of how we treat each other. I know this from many years of working with people all over the world. I also know this from my personal spiritual practice. Continue reading