stress
Learning To Say Yes To Yourself
It is in the empath’s nature to say ‘yes’ to just about anything requested of them. It goes against our grain. For some of us, saying ‘no’ also brings on fears of rejection, abandonment or letting someone down when it may be important to support them. Rather than finding an excuse, or simply telling the truth, many of us give in and just go along. It just feels easier in the moment, and even validating or satisfying.
But when you end that phone call, or respond to another text, and you feel anxious and panicked, while you start going over all the other things that will have to fall to the wayside by saying yes, then you really are saying no to yourself. Self-care requires that we sometimes say no to others, in order to say yes to our own well-being and peace of mind. Consequently, the person that you said yes to won’t be getting the best of you. If you have said yes at your own expense, then what you bring to the table for that person is stress and anxiety. Your best self will not be fully present.
Saying yes, when you really want to say no, can also lead to resentment that you then attach to the person who asked for your assistance. Here the responsibility lies with ourselves. We teach people how to treat us and many times we don’t give others enough credit for understanding when we say no. Most people would rather hear. “No thanks, that time doesn’t work for me” or “I have other commitments,” instead of having to sense a half-hearted or less than enthusiastic yes.
A Few Minutes Of Daily Self-Care
I often tell my students to take some ‘me time’ each day, even if it’s only five minutes for self-care. And I have heard 101 excuses as to why someone cannot do this, ranging from parenting responsibilities and career, to house cleaning and maintenance. These excuses typically start with the words, “I have to…”
At one workshop, I had several people offer their excuses for not having even a few minutes for themselves on a daily basis. Then I narrowed it down to a simple question. When you have to go to the washroom, do you hold it in all day long, and all night, because you ‘have to’ do something else? After the laughter stopped, because I did do an exaggerated imitation of someone ‘holding it’ by rolling on the floor in agony!
And then I asked the next question. By holding it all day and night, and writhing in pain and agony, what did I accomplish? How much time did I waste focusing on this issue of ‘I have to go,’ but ‘I don’t have time.’
This is the simplest way to explain time management versus wasted energy and time. I take a bath or shower each day, as do most people. I am usually at least a few minutes under the water in some way. Water is my peacemaker and my calming force. It energizes me and charges me for the day.
The Spiritual Counselor’s Vision
Many years ago, I encountered a vision of a smiling toddler. The child’s joy was overwhelming. As I hung out in a rim state of consciousness to see more, the image faded as quickly as it came. Several years following this glimpse, I found myself staring into a photograph of my best friend’s two year old daughter. I realized at that very moment that the vision I previously experienced was a foreshadowing of my closest friend’s daughter, who is now an adult.
Throughout her childhood, I continued to receive spirit messages about her well-being. As each one emerged, I shared details with her parents. One message in particular came to me during meditation. I envisioned her standing on the grounds of what appeared to be a prominent university. While I could not make out the name of the school, I could see old stone buildings that were situated atop a beautifully landscaped hill.
She was smiling in the vision, as she proudly stood with her backpack in place between her shoulders. I interpreted this vision to mean that she would someday attend a great university and that any anxiety her parents held with regard to her future would soon dissipate in the blessing of a perfect match between student and university.
When Your Inner Guidance Loses Direction
No matter where you are in life, you are never without direction. Within each of us dwells a special voice that serves as a compass. This instrument of higher direction is always poised to guide us, especially when we need it the most.
Some call this inner guidance intuition or a sixth sense. It has been written about in the sacred texts of multiple faith traditions, and is often described as a special gift that some are born with or develop through life, when one’s belief in the celestial realm is augmented by a deep faith. For some this gift is also said to be cultivated over time through diligent metaphysical practice and study.
Whatever the origin is for intuition, we can affirm that this manifestation is a gift from a realm of higher consciousness that is accessible in the here and now. We can also rejoice in knowing that each of us has a capacity to tap into this amazing ability to guide ourselves, and each other.
A Sense Of Wonder – A Message From My Guides
We observe sometimes that individuals can be quick to settle into ruts. The day-to-day routines of school, work and family often become repetitive and, dare we say… monotonous at times.
During these mundane periods of discontent, people often focus on themselves, and their lack. They will complain about being overworked and underpaid. Whether professionally or personally, they often feel under-appreciated and under-acknowledged. Stress and resentment can start to build.
In order to alleviate stress, you already know that there are many options from which to choose. Whether people get into a daily habit of deep breathing, visualization, meditation or various forms of exercise, the body becomes transformed and stress is dissipated for the time being.
Rather than just staving off bubbling-under-the-surface irritation and potential health issues, we recommend taking things a step further. Most people have heard the phrase, “Stop and smell the flowers!” Well, whether you prefer to cultivate the soil or be an observer, it is vitally important to redevelop a new sense of wonder in the garden of your life.
Energy Vampires And Psychic Bullies
Is someone or something draining your energy? Most of the time it’s someone whom you are either trying to please, or get approval from, or someone you’re trying to help. You may begin to notice that something changes in your energy field each time you are around this person, or that you feel an imbalance of some sort afterwards. When I say being around a person, this can mean exposure to them through meeting in person, texting, talking over the phone, and even energetically, or psychically.
Energy bullies and psychic vampires are very good sucking the life force right out of you. Unfortunately, you may not notice this is happening, until after the fact. However, once you realize what has happened, identifying it is the first step to proactive healing, regeneration, and protection from allowing it to happen again.
Opal – The Powerful Seeing Jewel
Opal is known as the ‘seeing jewel.’ Its name originates from the Latin word opalus. I was told this by the owner of a beautiful crystal store in South Africa. Most Opal he said can be as much as 65 million years old! The stone contains a high percentage of water, which creates a play of color through light, and a sparkly phenomena.
Opal’s energy represents both the higher emotional body and higher mental body. This jewel adds light to the aura and helps to bring buried emotions to the surface. When I bought my first Opal from an interesting lady at a psychic fayre, she told me that the name originates from the Sanskrit writings and means ‘precious stone.’ It is amongst the most popular of stones sold throughout the ages.
The lady in question was from the Far East and said that in her culture Opal is a holy stone that holds the spirit of truth within. She added that the Greeks believed it provided protection from illness and the power of prophesy. She told me that Opal carries the energy of the Moon and water, and that it would enhance my psychic awareness. She also warned of its use in any rituals, because of its powerful energy.