spiritual lifestyle
What If There Is No Tomorrow?
A sense of anguish sometimes strikes us while we are experiencing something good in our life. In the midst of the delightful feelings of happiness and joy, we grimly remind ourselves that we must enjoy it while it lasts, because all good things come to an end.
Yes, everything does come to an end, right up to our own passing from this world to the next. Yes…our inevitable death. Thinking about this can be sad and depressing, but it also not… if we choose otherwise.
There is an ancient philosophy of reflecting on one’s mortality known as memento mori, which in Latin means ‘remember death.’ This profound saying does not only serve to remind us of that our death is inevitable, but also invites us to think about death in a more meaningful way.
In Stoicism, a school of ancient Greek philosophy, memento mori was seen to be a thought process to attribute deeper meaning to life. The philosopher Epictetus famously said, “Keep death and exile before your eyes every day, with all that seems terrible – by doing this, you will never have a base thought, nor an excessive desire.”
Although the notion of memento mori seems at first scary, sad, or tragic, it is in truth a reminder that everything and everyone will eventually come to an end. The moment we sensibly embrace this universal truth, we become so much more aware of how precious every moment of our life is. And ideally it then inspires us to live more fully and intensely, without wasting any more time on trivial things and petty issues.
Control Is The Opposite of Love
I have learned that communication glitches and other side-effects of a Mercury retrograde can actually offer us valuable life lessons if we choose to pay attention.
For example, during the recent retrograde my daughter suffered a migraine on a day she was supposed to visit me. I decided not to pick her up, because she said she was not feeling strong enough. She is prediabetic and I pray and light candles for her daily.
So, I texted her a get-well soon message along with an animated chicken soup meme. Feeling worried about her, I checked in periodically throughout the day see if she had received her ‘virtual chicken soup.’ But the message read receipt only showed ‘delivered.’ No read receipt.
The next day, the text message suddenly showed it had been ‘read,’ but it had the previous afternoon’s timestamp? I noticed a similar phenomenon when co-parenting communication with my daughter’s father also suddenly failed repeatedly and produced delayed read receipts.
Instead of becoming frustrated about it, I contemplated the matter and came to an enlightening conclusion. Spirit clearly said to me, “The need for control is the opposite of love’s vibration.”
This is so very true. Controlling energy is toxic energy. It was a gentle reminder that I need to keep working on releasing my desire to try and be in perfect control of everything in my life at all times.
When we constantly feel the need to control every aspect of our day, rather than letting the energies of universal love, joy and abundance flow freely in our life, we block our blessings and personal growth.
The Healing Power Of Tree Hugging
Trees and plants are the most powerful energy conduits on the planet, next to the various bodies of water, such as the ocean, lakes, rivers, ponds, and so on.
It is no coincidence that many of the powerful energy vortex locations on the planet are typically surrounded by forests and abundant vegetation, such as Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England; Es Vedrà on the Spanish island of Ibiza; Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County, California; Machu Picchu in southern Peru; and the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico. All these spiritual power spots feature either natural or man-made rock formations with a unique structure or design that draws energy from the surrounding vegetation, especially the trees.
Did you know that without trees humanity would not survive? Without trees to filter and replenish our air with oxygen, we would not be able to breathe without wearing gas masks. Trees are a vital link in the carbon cycle – a process in which carbon dioxide is constantly circulating through the atmosphere into organisms and back again.
Carbon is the second most valuable element to life, after water. Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere and turns it into energy. The carbon is then either transformed into oxygen and released into the air we breathe, or stored inside the tree until it decomposes into the earth.
Without trees we will also starve, as there will no longer be nutrient-rich soil for us to grow food, and there will be chronic droughts. Planet Earth will in time become an arid wasteland. There will be no food to eat and very little fresh water to drink. Trees are essential to the energy of life.
Seasonal Crystals To Prepare For The Spring
The second half of the winter season, after the solstice, is an ideal time to establish new patterns and laying the groundwork for the coming spring and summer. Now is the ideal time to start adopting healthier lifestyle habits and plant spiritual seeds that will bloom in the months ahead.
Crystal that pairs well with this kind of winter energy work is clear, transparent quartz. It is a metaphysical staple for many practitioners, regardless the time of year, as it facilitates mental and emotional clarity and helps clear out negative energies. However, like a pristine winter pool of icy water, it also does not tolerate shadows and secrets.
Another winter-friendly crystal is selenite, which resembles an opaque spike of white ice. It acts as a cleanser, sweeping away the painful memories of the past and embracing the transition into a new year. Selenite is also closely associated with guardian angels and spirit guides, so it helps us to tap into their guiding wisdom more clearly.
Warmer, more fiery crystals can also help us generate some sparks and bring new heat to even the coldest, most hibernated of intentions. Citrine, with its inviting citrus hues attracts good luck and prosperity to the bearer. This crystal helps us stick to our goals and fulfill our greater purpose.
If you are wanting to increase your creativity and productivity this year, try fiery carnelian, with its sweltering deep orange and red-brown overtures. Its leading energy associations are inspiration, determination, and tenacity. Also, red or fuchsia garnet (appropriately also the birthstone for January) increases motivation and allows us to manifest our goals and aspirations.
Take Some Time To Envision A Better Life
The most valuable thing we can do for ourselves is to envision a better life and future for ourselves. We are the creators of our own reality and the masters of our own destiny. If your life is not the way you wish it to be, then you can begin to change it for the better starting today.
The best way to begin is to take honest inventory of your life – focusing on those things that are within your control – to determine what achievements and successes you are proud of. At the same time, also take careful look at what you might want to do differently or accomplish going forward.
If you are unhappy with your life as it currently is, know that your circumstances do not need to remain the same for the rest of your life
If we look at our current lifestyle, prosperity and well-being and do not like what we see, it is usually a sign that our level of self-worth or our sense of feeling deserving has been very low and that we have most likely succumbed to negative thinking and beliefs in recent times.
To transform our lives for the better, we must then change our thinking and visualization habits, in order to start attracting the superior conditions and improved quality of life that we would prefer to have in our lives.
It’s perfectly okay to dream of greater glories, whether that means more money, a new home, a loving partner, or something all-encompassing such as delightful happiness, superior health, and true abundance.
Why We Need To Give Up Hope
I am not someone who believes much in having ‘hope.’ I never hope for things. To me ‘hoping’ means ‘clutching at straws’ and ‘selling myself short.’ To merely hope for something is to remain in uncertainty and demonstrates a lack of trust and faith in the abundance of the Universe.
I learned this the hard way in my own life. In the past, whenever I used to ‘hope’ for a change or outcome in my life, it seldom brought me anything worthwhile. In fact, it usually just prolonged the misery.
The notion of ‘hope’ reminds me of the popular adage: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” People often say this whenever they deem something impossible. And herein lies the problem with the word ‘hope,’ as it carries the same negative vibe: “I don’t believe it likely or possible, until proven otherwise.”
This kind of intentional energy is contrary to the creative power we carry within as spiritual beings. Constantly expressing doubt and skepticism is certainly not a sign of higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. Instead of demanding proof for what we wish for, what we should be saying instead is: “I’ll see it when I believe it.” This carries a completely different vibration, don’t you agree?
Do you find yourself being more of a ‘hoper,’ instead of a believer? If so, then you may find it helpful to change this kind of negative, defeatist energy when you need a change in circumstances or you are wanting something positive to manifest in your life.
Are You Consciously Guided By Spirit?
Our guides are constantly directing us toward our highest good and the fulfillment of our soul purpose, whether we are aware of it or not. Their guidance is all the more effective and efficient when we are consciously aware and open to it on a daily basis.
We are all here to fulfill our soul’s mission in this lifetime. We have agreed to come to Earth for a specific purpose or calling. I also believe that if that mission is not accomplished, we will keep coming back to this plane of existence until it is.
Our spirit guides are with us every step of the way to assist and support us in achieving these life goals. These non-physical beings are an essential part of our spiritual journey. Just as we have teachers, mentors and protectors in the physical world, our guides provide support and encouragement in the metaphysical realms.
Everyone has one or more spirit guides assigned to them. These guides are aware of our life’s purpose, challenges and lessons, and they help us navigate these aspects of life. Every day our guides nudge us in the right direction with signs, synchronicities, gut feelings, hunches, ideas, dreams, visions, inspirations, insights and warnings as we navigate life’s challenges and pursue our goals. They are also sources of unconditional love and understanding.
There are several types of spirit guides, all of which have different roles and functions. Some are the spirits of deceased loved ones and ancestors, or even nature or animal spirits. Others are guardian angels, ascended masters, or other spiritual beings or entities who have lived many lifetimes and reached a high level of spiritual evolution and enlightenment.
Spirit Guide Teachings & Traditions
The concept of spirit guides or similar beings who assist us on our spiritual journey is found in various spiritual and religious traditions around the world. While the specific names, forms, and functions of these beings can vary widely between cultures and belief systems, the underlying idea of benevolent spiritual beings providing guidance, protection, and support to individuals is a common theme. The following are some of the promiment teachings and traditions:
Shamanism: Shamanic traditions from various cultures, including Native American, Siberian, African, and South American traditions, often involve working with spirit guides. Shamans communicate with spirit helpers, often in the form of animals or ancestral spirits, to receive guidance, healing, and insight.
Indigenous and folk traditions: Many indigenous and folk traditions around the world believe in spirit helpers or guardian spirits to assist individuals in their daily lives and spiritual endeavors. These traditions often involve rituals, ceremonies, and prayers to invoke the help of benevolent spirits.
Neo-paganism and witchcraft: Modern pagan and witchcraft traditions, such as Wicca and Druidry, may include the concept of spirit guides, familiars (spiritual animal helpers), or deity guides. Practitioners may establish relationships with these beings through ritual, meditation, and spellwork.
Spiritualism: Spiritualism, a religious movement that emerged in the 19th century, emphasizes communication with spirits of the deceased, including spirit guides. Spiritualists believe in the existence of spirit realms and advocate mediumship to connect with spirits for guidance and messages.
Esoteric traditions: Esoteric traditions, such as Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Rosicrucianism, often include the concept of spiritual beings or guides. These traditions explore hidden or mystical aspects of spirituality and may include practices for communicating with spiritual beings for enlightenment and spiritual growth.
Occult practices: Occultism encompasses a range of mystical and magical practices that often involve contact with spiritual entities. Occultists may work with ceremonial magic, divination, or astral projection to connect with guides or entities for spiritual insight and empowerment.
New Age spirituality: New Age beliefs encompass a wide range of spiritual practices and ideas, many of which include the concept of spirit guides. In New Age spirituality, spirit guides are seen as wise and loving beings who assist individuals on their spiritual journeys through intuition, dreams, and synchronicities.
Eastern spiritual traditions: Certain Eastern spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, include a belief in celestial beings, or bodhisattvas, who serve as guides and protectors. Followers may invoke these beings for help and blessings on their spiritual path.
Judaism: Angels (malakhim) are considered divine messengers and servants of God in Judaism. They are believed to carry out God’s will, deliver messages, protect individuals, and assist in spiritual matters. Although they are not personal guides in the same way as in some other traditions, angels play a crucial role in Jewish theology and mythology.’
Islam: In Islam, angels (malāʾikah) are considered beings created from light who serve as messengers of God and guardians of creation. They perform various tasks at God’s command, including delivering revelations to prophets and recording the deeds of human beings. Angels are believed to play a role in guiding and protecting believers.
Christianity: In Christianity, angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as intermediaries between God and human beings. They are often portrayed as messengers, protectors, and guides. Some Christians believe that each person is assigned a guardian angel for protection and guidance throughout life. Christians also believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power active in the world, guiding believers, inspiring spiritual growth, and providing comfort and wisdom. The Holy Spirit is seen as a personal divine guide who dwells within believers, helping them to understand God’s will and empowering them to live the Christian life.
Are You Consciously Guided By Spirit?
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the daily guidance of spirits and do not recognize the messages they send. Often the messages our guides send are lost on us because our lives are too busy and our minds too busy. To make matters worse, we also tend to ignore signs, synchronicities, and intuitions. This often leads to poor choices and decisions, and sometimes to disastrous, even life-threatening situations!
Spirit can only suggest, encourage and recommend. Our guides cannot force us to do anything against our free will. Nor can Spirit interfere in our lives and direct our choices without our participation and consent. In other words, our guides can only help us if we are willing to help ourselves. For the best results, we must ask for guidance and support, and then be open to receiving it.
When we are consciously and willingly guided by Spirit, we become more empowered and begin to believe in ourselves and our ability to make the best choices. Once we begin to believe, our highest good begins to unfold and we begin to manifest what we need to fulfill our mission and live our best life.
When we are open to Spirit’s guidance in making the right choices and decisions, more things begin to fall into place easily in our daily lives. Spirit can provide the pieces of the puzzle that we need. All we have to do is ask and then pay attention when the answers come.
Connecting With Your Spirit Guides
It is important that we strengthen our connection to our guides through spiritual practice and increased metaphysical awareness. We will be better for it in the end, in this life and the next.
Cultivating stronger and clearer communication with your guides involves developing your spiritual awareness, openness, and sensitivity to subtle energies and messages. Here are some spiritual practices and techniques that can help strengthen your connection with your guides:
Automatic Writing: Sit quietly with pen and paper and allow yourself to write freely without consciously directing your thoughts. You may receive messages or insights from your guides through this practice.
Candle or Crystal Work: Light a candle or hold a crystal with the intention of connecting with your guides. Focus your attention on the flame or crystal and invite your guides to communicate with you.
Divination: Use divination tools such as tarot cards, oracle cards, runes, or pendulums to communicate with your spirit guides. Develop a personal practice of divination that feels resonant and meaningful to you.
Dreamwork: Pay attention to your dreams. Before going to sleep, set the intention to connect with your guides. Keep a dream journal by your bed to record any guidance you receive during dream states.
Intention-Setting: Clearly state your intention to connect with your guides. Affirm your willingness to receive their guidance and support. Setting clear intentions helps to align your energy and focus your attention on connecting with the spiritual realm.
Intuitive Development: Engage in exercises that develop your intuition, such as guided intuition meditations or workshops. Trusting your intuitive senses can strengthen your ability to perceive your guides.
Journaling: Keep a journal to record your spiritual experiences, dreams, and any intuitive insights you receive. Writing down your thoughts and experiences can help you identify patterns and messages from your spirit guides over time.
Meditation: Regular meditation practice is key to quieting the mind, enhancing intuition, and deepening spiritual awareness. Set aside time each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and create a calm inner space where you can be receptive to the guidance of your guides.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness throughout the day helps you stay present and aware, making it easier to notice subtle signs, synchronicities, and intuitive feelings that may be messages from your guides.Prayer: Set aside time each day to pray or speak directly to your guides. You can use traditional prayers or just speak from your heart. Ask for guidance, protection, and clarity as you connect with them. Prayer is a beautiful way to express your intentions and gratitude to your guides, fostering a deeper connection and sense of awe in your spiritual exploration.
Prayer: Set aside time each day to pray or speak directly to your guides. You can use traditional prayers or just speak from your heart. Ask for guidance, protection, and clarity as you connect with them. Prayer is a beautiful way to express your intentions and gratitude to your guides, fostering a deeper connection and sense of awe in your spiritual exploration.
Self-reflection: Spend time in nature or in quiet spaces where you can reflect and connect with your inner self. Being in a natural environment can increase your receptivity to spiritual energies and messages.
Signs & Synchronicities: Make it a habit to ask your guides for signs or symbols that they are present and guiding you. Be open to receiving these signs in unexpected ways, such as song lyrics, animal encounters, or meaningful coincidences.
Visualization: Listen to guided visualization meditations to invite your guides into your consciousness, or do your own visualization exercise in which you imagine a sacred space where you can meet and communicate with them.
Before connecting with your guides, invoke spiritual protection and set clear boundaries. State your intention to communicate only with benevolent and loving energies that have your best interests at heart. It is also important to express gratitude for your guides and their presence in your life. Thank them for their support and guidance, even if it’s not always obvious. I like to start with a prayer:
My beloved Spirit Guides, I open my heart and mind to your presence. Please guide me with your wisdom and love. Help me to recognize your signs and messages. I am grateful for your support on my spiritual journey. Thank you for being with me always.
Remember that developing a strong and clear connection with your guides is a personal journey that unfolds over time. Be open to experimenting with different practices and approaches to discover what resonates most deeply with you and strengthens your spiritual connection. Trust your intuition and inner guidance as you explore the realm of personal spiritual guidance and communication.
Your guides are always with you and working for your highest good, even if you don’t immediately sense their presence. Cultivate patience and openness to receiving guidance in divine timing. Consider working with a trusted psychic advisor, spiritual teacher, or intuitive mentor who can offer guidance and techniques for strengthening your connection with your guides.
Spirit Guides In Psychic Reading
One of the best ways to receive messages and guidance from your spirit guides is to request a reading with a psychic, medium, or trance channeler. Many of my clients seek guidance from spirit guides for personal growth, healing from trauma, or making important life decisions.
Spirit guides play a significant role in authentic psychic and medium readings by providing valuable assistance and information for the reader to pass on to the recipient of the reading. Spirit guides are involved in readings in the following important ways
Facilitating communication: Spirit guides act as mediators or facilitators during psychic and medium readings. They help connect the psychic or medium to the spirit realm and the energies of deceased loved ones or other spiritual entities.
Provide information: Spirit guides relay information, insights, or messages through the psychic or medium during a reading. This information may come in the form of thoughts, feelings, images, or symbols that the reader interprets and communicates to the client.
Interpretive assistance: Spirit guides also assist the psychic or medium in interpreting the information received from the spiritual realm. They may provide additional context, clarification, or guidance to ensure that the messages are accurately conveyed and understood.
Protection and guidance: Spirit guides play an important protective role during readings, ensuring that only benevolent and helpful energies are allowed to communicate. They also guide the psychic or medium in maintaining a safe and respectful connection with the spirit realm, and help to create a sacred and harmonious space in which to conduct readings, infusing the environment with positive energies and spiritual protection.
Professional guidance: Spirit guides serve not only the recipients of readings, but also the readers. They provide ongoing guidance and support to psychics and mediums in their spiritual development and professional practice. My guides continually assist me in honing my reading skills, expanding my psychic awareness, and deepening my connection to higher consciousness.
Setting boundaries and ethics: Spirit guides help establish ethical boundaries and guidelines for conducting readings. They help ensure that the reader approaches his or her work with integrity, compassion, and respect for both the living and the deceased.
Overall, spirit guides play an integral role in psychic and mediumistic work, serving not only as sources of information and guidance, but also as supportive allies and teachers for readers, channelers, healers, and other spiritual practitioners. Their presence and assistance enhance the quality and authenticity of readings and foster meaningful connections between the spirit realm and people seeking divine guidance or communication with loved ones beyond the physical world. Working in partnership with spirit guides allows psychics and mediums to offer profound insights, healing messages, and spiritual guidance to those they serve.