health
The Power Of Knowing Your ‘Why’
In a recent spiritual counseling session, I had the privilege of working with a woman who was facing a profound life challenge — stage 2 locally advanced colon cancer.
She spoke with a quiet resilience as she recounted her journey through chemotherapy before surgery, followed by four additional rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy.
There was little emotion in her words, but the weight of her experience was undeniable. It was a story of survival, perseverance, and the sheer will to move forward.
She then admitted that she longed to live a healthier lifestyle, but struggled with unhealthy eating habits. She had gained a significant amount of weight after her surgery, and despite her best intentions, she found it difficult to resist sweets and processed foods.
After hearing her story, I gently reminded her that I could not give her medical advice. Nor am I a nutritionist, and I advised her that professional guidance was essential for her dietary needs.
What I could offer, however, was a way to break the cycle of unhealthy habits. And I could help nurture her mind and emotions and guide her toward a life of greater wholeness and balance.
She lit up with hope. “That would be wonderful!” she exclaimed.
What The Mind Believes, The Body Perceives
Self-talk and inner dialogue play a crucial role in our overall well-being – body, mind and spirit. The way we think and talk to ourselves shapes our reality, affecting not only our emotions and moods, but also our physical health.
For example, if we wake up and immediately think, “I feel terrible. I’m still exhausted. I don’t want to face the day,” our body will respond in kind. We’ll move sluggishly, feel each ache more intensely, and reinforce a state of fatigue.
Negative self-talk can even affect digestion, metabolism, and immune function because the body takes its cues from the mind. When we repeatedly tell ourselves that we lack energy, the body responds by slowing down.
However, when we consciously shift our thoughts to a more positive perspective, we cultivate an inner environment that supports healing, resilience, and vitality.
The same principle applies to how we perceive ourselves physically. If we stand in front of the mirror and focus on perceived flaws, our posture and energy will reflect that self-criticism. We may unconsciously choose clothing that reinforces our negative self-image and move through the day with slumped shoulders and diminished confidence. Our bodies reflect the beliefs we hold about ourselves.
Conversely, when we practice self-talk that is uplifting and empowering, our body responds accordingly. By consciously choosing to carry ourselves with confidence, even if it feels unnatural at first, we initiate a shift in both our emotional and physical states.
Tarot Forecast April 2025: The Five Of Wands
The Five of Wands sets a confrontational tone this month, predicting energies of challenge, competition, and inner or outer conflict.
But don’t be alarmed by the mayhem and drama it implies — this is not a card of disaster. Rather, it’s a reminder that the most meaningful growth often comes from pushing through obstacles, navigating differences, and finding our unique voice amidst the chaos and discord.
The Five of Wands represents differences that are not insurmountable, but rather opportunities for growth through constructive conflict. You may find yourself in situations where differing opinions, clashing ideas, or rivalries take center stage.
While these moments may feel chaotic at first, they have the potential to lead to breakthroughs and innovative solutions. Embrace the chaos as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and prove your resilience.
In the coming weeks you may experience moments of intensity, whether in your relationships, your career or your personal life. But this energy also urges you to rise above, to think creatively, and to remain adaptable.
While this card does not promise smooth sailing, its message is one of growth through resilience. By maintaining balance, addressing conflict head-on, and remaining open to collaboration, you can turn this month’s challenges into stepping stones to success. It’s a time to fully engage, adapt, and emerge stronger on the other side.
Tarot Forecast March 2025: Ace Of Swords
This month the Ace of Swords heralds a time of clarity, breakthroughs, and decisive action.
Representing the power of the mind, truth, and the ability to cut through confusion, the Ace of Swords signals a month filled with sharp insights, important conversations, and fresh perspectives.
Expect newfound mental strength, intellectual growth, and the courage to face reality — bringing clarity to various areas of life in the coming weeks.
Visually, the Ace of Swords presents a striking image. At its center, an upright sword with a gleaming blade symbolizes intellect, reason, and the ability to pierce through uncertainty. A golden crown encircles the blade, adorned with a vine or wreath, signifying success, authority, and the rewards that come from truth and justice.
The sword emerges from a cloud, representing divine inspiration or sudden insight that dispels confusion. Surrounding it, small flame-like orbs known as yods embody divine energy, enlightenment, and guidance from a higher power.
In the background, jagged mountains reflect the challenges one may face — reminding us that while clarity is powerful, the journey to truth is often met with challenges and obstacles.
The Ace of Swords signals a fresh start in thought, ideas, and perception, urging us to embrace truth, reason, and the transformative power of the mind. In the coming weeks, embrace truth in all areas of life — honesty will set you free. Use both logic and intuition, allowing your mind to guide you while staying connected to your heart. Cut through distractions and focus on what truly matters, eliminating unnecessary mental clutter.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life!
We’ve all had those days when all we do is tear ourselves down. In moments of self-judgment and negativity, we tell ourselves that we’re not good-looking enough, rich enough, smart enough, young enough, thin enough, talented enough… the list goes on.
While occasional self-criticism is normal, for many it becomes a lifelong habit of self-torture — an internal dialogue of negativity that shapes their reality.
Negative thinking and judgmental self-talk have profound effects on both mental and physical health. Chronic self-criticism fuels anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and inaction. On a physical level, this mindset increases stress and weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to disease.
But beyond psychology and biology, this pattern also has metaphysical implications — it acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we tell ourselves that we are unworthy, incapable, or unlucky, the more these beliefs take root in our energy field. Over time, they manifest as actual experiences in our daily lives, reinforcing the very negativity we wish to escape.
The good news? Just as negative thoughts shape our reality, so do positive thoughts. When we shift our mental energy toward uplifting, empowering, and constructive thoughts, we raise our energetic vibration. Over time, this inner shift produces tangible results — our confidence grows, new opportunities arise, and life begins to feel more fulfilling.
Protect Yourself From Toxic Emotional Influences
A client I read for once told me that he chose to be a loner because people always wanted something from him. “People either want money from me or they want to bend my ear with their problems,” he said. This statement struck a deep chord with me.
Over the years, I have noticed a significant increase in clients asking how to protect their energy. I find more people are becoming aware of how they are spiritually affected by others, especially those who bring negativity into their home or work environment.
I have had callers tell me how they come home from work exhausted – not from work, but from a toxic work environment. Even a simple telephone conversation can be draining if the person on the other end is met with an outpouring of worry, complaint, or anger. I dare not even mention the many toxic energy pitfalls of today’s dating scene!
I firmly believe that the influence of toxic energy on our systems is vastly underestimated in our daily lives. Our endocrine and nervous systems are particularly affected by our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. A lack of emotional balance and a concern to avoid unnecessary toxic energy has undoubtedly become a priority.
Years ago in South Africa, I consulted a brilliant homeopath for what turned out to be an overactive thyroid. He diagnosed my condition using reflexology and his medical intuition. After the diagnosis, he said to me: “I’m going to give you some muti (a Zulu word for traditional medicine used in southern Africa). But until you sort out your emotional situation, it’s probably not going to make much difference.”
Prayer Is A Refuge From The Noise And Chaos
It is easy to feel overwhelmed these days. Modern life presents many challenges, from personal struggles to global issues.
We live in a world increasingly dominated by negativity, division and fear, where cruelty and hatred are not only considered acceptable, but even celebrated.
It’s really no secret to the spiritually aware person that there is an increasing battle between good and evil. Negative influences often masquerade as appealing or trendy, making it even more important to stay connected to your inner truth and divine guidance.
I often have to turn off my cell phone and television these days as I see the forces of evil growing stronger than ever. It can be hard to stay grounded in hope and clarity.
Fortunately, we have access to a variety of spiritual practices to help us stay grounded, find clarity, and maintain our inner balance. My favorite is a powerful, time-honored tradition: prayer.
While prayer is practiced in many religions and spiritual traditions, it is universal and can be embraced by anyone, regardless of their belief system. It transcends cultural and religious boundaries and is not tied to any dogma or required ritual.
Traditionally, religious prayer follows specific doctrines, but prayer is an open practice available to anyone to contemplate and express their deepest thoughts, feelings, and desires in a mindful, empowering way.