2024-NeurodivergenceBlog-featured

Are you neurodivergent?

by AdvocacyFeaturedSocial

Would you like to discover how “normal” your brain is or are you neurodivergent?

But before we get going here, let’s define a couple of terms.

Because there is no fixed definition of “normal,” researchers and educators have produced terms to help identify the different assets and challenges that human brains can include. The term “neurodiversity” describes a model for understanding how our brains function and takes the position that diversity is normal, that some brains just work differently.

Neurotypical is the term used to describe people whose brain function and development fall within the “typical” (most often seen and recognized) range.


Neurodivergent (ND for short) is the term used to describe people whose brain function differs in identifiable ways from the typical range. Those of us who identify as neurodivergent may recognize one of the conditions listed below. But since there aren’t any medical criteria or definitions of what it means to be neurodivergent, other conditions can also fall under this term. Here’s a list of what’s typically included:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (including what was once called Asperger’s Syndrome)
  • ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)
  • Down syndrome
  • Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
  • Dysgraphia (difficulty writing)
  • Dyslexia (difficulty reading)
  • Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Mental health conditions (bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc)
  • Prader-Willi syndrome (a rare genetic condition that affects metabolism. PWS causes individuals to have a robust, insatiable appetite so they never feel full after eating)
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder)
  • Tourette syndrome (identifiable as the result of uncontrollable movements and vocal sounds called tics. TS shows up in early childhood and improves in adulthood)
  • Williams syndrome (a rare genetic condition characterized by unique physical features, delays in cognitive development, and potential cardiovascular problems)

ND isn’t a disorder or a defect. ND folks aren’t broken and don’t need “fixing.” Their brains simply work differently, quite frequently in ways that enrich all those within their orbit.

ND folks are incredibly diverse. No two ND individuals, even identical twins, have the same experiences or requirements to be able to live successful, fulfilling lives.

Although some ND people have medical disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions, vast numbers of ND people do not, and may also boast superior memories, the ability to mentally envision 3D objects easily, the ability to solve complex mathematical calculations in their heads, and other similar gifts.

ND folks may also have difficulty making eye contact or reading body cues, sometimes stuttering is an issue, may have trouble focusing and have issues with self-control and remaining flexible in changing circumstances. They may also have trouble with certain stimuli (light, sound, heat, cold, travel, etc.)

An example of ND versus a typical human brain in everyday life would be comparing the following two people with a talent for playing the violin:

  • Person #1: A pre-teen with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who really struggles in social situations. His main ASD identifiers are social problems coupled with an unusually intense interest in playing the violin; it’s all he wants to do all day. Plus, his teachers say he is naturally better at the violin; taking classes and accumulating experience isn’t as crucial in further developing this extraordinary skill as it would be for a normal kid.
  • Person #2: A 40-year-old neurotypical adult; he is comfortable in social situations and makes friends easily. The adult consciously developed the creative skill of playing the violin throughout his life; his talent developed from much education, training, and practice, and took many years to develop.

    No one would say that the adult described above is abnormal because he (still) can’t play the violin as well as the pre-teen kid. At the same time, we don’t need to describe the child as anything other than “different,” or “neurodivergent,” since it’s natural for both the adult and the child to develop differently as they deal with their own unique abilities and struggles.

A great many ND people struggle in social situations, which makes it hard to find work because they tend to not have a stellar experience during the job interview. However, if they pass the screening and get the job, their attention to detail keeps them engaged in tasks that neurotypical folks might find tedious (record-keeping, accounting, data analysis, script-writing, coding, drawing, audio editing, etc.).

Some ND struggle simply because some systems and processes don’t give them the chance to highlight their strengths or don’t offer novel, ongoing challenges for them.

Also, some ND people can become overwhelmed in noisy environments or in chaotic, communal situations like open-office designs, emergency rooms, newsrooms, restaurants, backstage at rock concerts, and heavy construction sites. A pair of noise-canceling earpods (when safe) can help them sidestep the distractions so they can focus exclusively on their daily tasks.

Astonishing data point:

An estimated 15-20 percent of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence.

Are you “on the spectrum”?

The biggest category of NDs is found “on the spectrum;” this refers to the wide range of characteristics and abilities found in individuals with autism.

An example:

  • Unique strengths: Your vivid imagination and attention to detail make you an incredible artist. You create beautiful drawings that capture your imaginative world. You seem to have been born with this skill, so learning how to draw was never an issue for you. You’ve seemingly always known how to draw. (Savant: a person with an exceptional natural aptitude in a particular field, like music or mathematics or art, despite being impaired in other areas of intellectual or social functioning.)
  • Social challenges: You sometimes struggle to understand others’ emotions or to make friends easily.
  • Repetitive behavior: You have an obsessive interest in animals, and you love to learn about unusual species. You can spend all day reading books and watching educational videos about animals and then spend your evenings drawing them.

Every individual on the spectrum has their own set of strengths and challenges, which can vary greatly.

Difficulties with social interactions (understanding emotions or making friends) are common for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Many individuals on the spectrum exhibit repetitive behaviors or intense, even obsessive, interest in specific topics.

Although some ND characteristics (e.g., difficulty with organization, sensory issues) present challenges in traditional work or educational settings, countless ND individuals possess unique strengths that can improve productivity, quality, innovation, and engagement.

By Now You’re Probably Wondering…

If you’ve never thought about neurodivergence in these ways, you may be wondering if your brain is “typical” or if you’re perhaps an undiagnosed member of the ND tribe.

There are probably millions in the ND tribe who have gone unidentified because their unique internal/unspoken challenges haven’t been recognized or identified by their parents, teachers, partners, counselors, or peers.

Or, you may have discovered that someone you know and love may well exist in the ND world, which heretofore has seemed “off limits” or confounding to you.

Either way, here are some things you can do to embrace the ND individuals in your orbit, including yourself, if the above characterizes your lived experience and mindset:

Embrace neurodiversity. Recognize the unique perspectives and talents. Encourage/understand/accept yourself or your loved one as a unique individual.

Discern your/their specific needs so everyone gets the support required.

If you’re a ND type, develop ways to help yourself communicate effectively so you can advocate for yourself as the need arises.

Continue to explore and develop your unique passions so they can help you succeed in the ways you were designed to succeed.

Don’t be afraid to approach neurodivergent individuals in the same way you would neurotypical folks: with an open mind, empathy, and understanding. Ask questions. Get to know them. They will frequently surprise and delight you!

If you’re an employer or a mentor to ND individuals, proactively offer remote work flexibility, Zoom connectivity, noise-canceling earpods, and other options (examples: alternative lighting, full-spectrum, or natural lighting products; written forms, prompts, and instructions; recorded directives, messages, and materials, etc.) that will help them produce with the least amount of personal anguish. (ND conditions are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, so reasonable accommodations are to be provided.)

Finally, many who are ND are accomplished and successful. More and more ND people are coming forward and self-identifying, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, oscar-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, musician Florence Welch, scientist Temple Grandin, and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.

Experts would also suggest that Nobel Prize-winning chemist Marie Curie and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, artist Vincent Van Gogh, inventor Nikola Tesla, and author F. Scott Fitzgerald, would today likely identify as ND.

Finally, the Harvard Business Review published an article a few years ago that detailed the benefits of hiring those who are neurodivergent, stating it had been found it was a competitive advantage across many industries.

Great thanks to the National Cancer Institute for many of the insights I’ve expanded upon here, and here are links if you would like to read more:

ceotodaymagazine.com/2022/06/10-highly-successful-people-you-didnt-know-were-neurodivergent/

blog.ongig.com/diversity-and-inclusion/famous-people-with-autism/

2024-RevitalizeYourDayBlog-featured

Revitalize your day: crazy busy and on overwhelm?

by Energy MedicineFeaturedMeditation

In these insane times, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the verge of tripping and falling flat on your face. That report for work is long overdue, but you had to take time off to plan for your dad’s care. Your teenage daughter is falling behind in school while your youngest has yet another appointment for new braces. And to top it all off, your ex is late again with the child support.

Your clothes no longer fit since you’ve been binging on ice cream and cookies (not to mention the wine) to calm yourself down. So why oh why do you have to volunteer to head the church picnic this year…?

Crazy busy and there it is again, that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see your mile-long to-do-list. There is no way that you can get it all done and please everybody.

And where on that list does it say to make time for yourself? Who are you kidding? What does that even mean? Then you remember that old Simon and Garfunkel song: “Slow down, you move too fast.” But that didn’t really come with instructions of HOW can you do that…

Learn to meditate, that’s how!

And for that you don’t need to escape to a cave like a yogi. In fact, all it takes is a few minutes in your bedroom at the start of each day to make a significant impact. Despite my crazy schedule, I haven’t missed a single day of meditation in over 40 years!

Here are five tips to seamlessly incorporate meditation into your daily routine:

Start Your Day Right:

Make meditation the very first thing you do in the morning. Before checking emails, scrolling through your phone, or attending to the needs of others, dedicate just 20 minutes to meditation. You’ll find yourself in a calmer and more spacious mindset, setting the tone for a smooth day ahead.

Afternoon Recharge:

If you’re feeling frazzled in the late afternoon, gift yourself another 10-20 minute meditation break. Get creative—whether closing the office door or appearing to be peacefully napping on public transportation, create a space for tranquility. Remember, protect your meditative state from disturbances to ensure a seamless experience.

Create a Disturbance-Free Zone:

Safeguard your meditation space from disruptions. Equip yourself with noise-canceling earpods to drown out nearby talk, and consider putting up a “do not disturb” sign to ward off unexpected interruptions.

Embrace the Nod-Off Moments:

If you happen to nod off during meditation, celebrate it! Consider it a pat on the back, acknowledging that your body needed a brief moment of rest. It counts as meditation in those circumstances. However, if drowsiness becomes a regular occurrence, perhaps it’s a sign to adjust your bedtime routine.

Guidance Matters:

I firmly believe that the most effective form of meditation, one that reduces stress and elevates consciousness, is best learned from an instructor rather than a book, and involves a mantra selected just for you. I do just that in my teaching video which is a free bonus to the course I’m currently teaching, Master the Secrets of the Sutras. Come join me and all the others who, like you, are looking for serenity now!

2024-InnerPowerBlog-featured

Unleashing Your Inner Power: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs

by Energy MedicineFeaturedMeditation

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and negativity in the world? The constant barrage of distressing news, political turmoil, and personal challenges might have you questioning if everything has taken a nosedive. Instead of succumbing to the negativity, consider taking a proactive step towards a more fulfilling life. If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of despair, it’s time to dig deeper within yourself to discover the untapped potential for healing and transformation.

I vividly recall facing a daunting diagnosis of cancer back in my 20’s, a situation that seemed insurmountable at the time. The prospect of invasive surgery loomed, threatening to disrupt not only my health but also my career and active lifestyle. As a young adult accustomed to life in the fast lane, the thought of slowing down for introspection was far from my mind. However, a pivotal moment at a bus stop, where an advertisement about meditation caught my eye, marked the beginning of a profound journey.

In that moment, fear and hopelessness gave way to an unwavering determination to seize control of my life and manifest a brighter future. Little did I know that the path to healing lay in ancient and modern methods designed to release the emotional burdens associated with trauma.

Acknowledging our true emotions is a crucial first step in the healing process. I started by honestly documenting my feelings, discovering layers of jealousy and anger that I had been suppressing. Journaling became a cathartic release, allowing me to shed the weight of years of abuse and speak my truth. The process, though challenging, was transformative, paving the way for emotional processing that was essential for both my mind and body.

Meditation emerged as a newfound ally, offering solace and peace in the midst of life’s chaos. Committing to a daily meditation practice became a cornerstone of my healing journey, unlocking a multitude of benefits that extended beyond my expectations., Once there, I was introduced to the transformative power of the sutras.

The Sutras, ancient aphorisms originating from the Vedas, became a secret weapon in my healing arsenal. Learning and practicing these short sayings led to the quieting of the internal screams—the echoes of childhood trauma—that had haunted me for years. As I delved into the world of sutras, I found a sense of completeness and profound healing. Remarkably, around the same time, my cancer went into remission, leaving medical professionals shaking their heads, and offering the typical refrain – “whatever you’re doing, just keep doing it.”

You, too, can embark on a journey to heal emotional wounds and address their physical manifestations. By turning your attention inward and actively listening to your needs, a transformative path will unfold. With diligence and intention, you can become the highest version of yourself, living in alignment with your true destiny.

If you’re ready to reclaim your power, rediscover your voice, and stand up for what you believe in, it’s time to explore new avenues, take risks, and embrace the most potent force in the universe: love.

If that’s appealing, come join me in my best-selling course, Master the Secrets of the Sutras. Drawing on now 50 years of practicing the art of energy healing, I share invaluable teachings to guide you on your journey towards healing and empowerment. It’s time to refresh your perspective, transcend the challenges, and embrace a life filled with purpose and love.

2024-VedasBlog-featured

Unveiling the Sacred Mysteries of the Vedas

by Energy MedicineFeaturedMeditation

The Veda was the most precious gift for which the West had ever been indebted to the East.
~Voltaire

In the 17th century, the sacred teachings of ancient India reached the West, opening a new path of wisdom for those ready to embrace it. As French philosopher Voltaire acknowledged, the Vedas became the West’s most precious gift from the East.

Translated by European scholars from Sanskrit, the language of the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas stand as the world’s oldest literature. Comprising hymns, poems, and writings, these sacred texts were orally transmitted for generations before being recorded between 1500 to 1000 BCE, predating even the story of Moses.

The term ‘Veda’ in Sanskrit translates as knowledge or revelation, with authorship believed to be divinely inspired, akin to the Bible. The sages who recorded the Vedas lived and embodied the teachings, using the wisdom to connect with the Divine, the created world, and fellow beings.

Among those captivated by this ancient wisdom was American Transcendental philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who marveled at its power and beauty. Thoreau expressed, “Whenever I have read any part of the Vedas, I have felt that some unearthly and unknown light illuminated me.”

Thoreau’s sentiment captures the transformative experience the Vedas offer, containing universal truths that facilitate a profound connection to the Divine through study and practice.

Fast-forward through the centuries, and the wisdom tradition of ancient India remains relevant, offering keys to inner work that can bring about life-changing transformations.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, the Vedas hold the key to unlocking your highest potential. Whether you seek healing, personal development, purpose finding, or a deeper connection to peace and abundance, this ancient wisdom tradition can guide you.

Discover the power within you, as the Vedas impart:

  1. The power to face your fear: Move beyond limitations, exercise self-love, and contribute positively to the world.
  2. The courage to open your heart: Awaken your heart-felt connection to Source, freeing yourself to accept, forgive, extend, and embrace your purpose.
  3. The presence to live in the moment: Cultivate present-moment awareness and awakened intention to unleash the Divine creative power within.
  4. The faith to accept your life purpose: Embrace your strength and creativity, focusing on what lies ahead with divinely-inspired energy.
  5. The love to feel connected: Rediscover the joy of possibility through an unbreakable connection with the Divine.

The Vedas, with their collection of transformational Sutras, form the basis of my brand-new course “Master the Secrets of the Sutras.” This course teaches the skill of connecting to Ascended Masters and Spiritual Guides beyond this realm as well as delivers the most secret of the secrets, never before revealed. If you are interested in acquiring this knowledge and skill set, click here to learn more >>>

2024-ArchangelMichaelBlog-featured

Embarking on a New Beginning:
Navigating the Seas of Change with Archangel Michael’s Blessing

by AngelsEnergy MedicineFeatured

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved it until I set him free.” ~Michelangelo

Just as the great master found inspiration in freeing the angel within the stone, we, too, can draw strength and guidance from celestial beings. Imagine having a powerful ally in Archangel Michael, poised to provide divine guidance as you set sail for the new year and embark on a transformative journey.

Connecting with Archangel Michael: The Guardian of Strength and Protection

Archangel Michael, whose name means “he who is like God,” is a formidable force of protection, guidance, and strength. In moments of uncertainty, he stands ready to shield us from negative energy and infuse our being with the energy of unconditional love. Whether you are a healer, teacher, or simply seeking a source of strength, Archangel Michael is a steadfast companion on your spiritual voyage.

To connect with him, visualize his vibrant blue energy enveloping you as you meditate on your path. Seek his protection and draw upon his unwavering strength to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. In times of darkness, call upon him to channel divine love and healing to illuminate the path for yourself and those around you.

Choosing Your Divine Companion: Archangel Michael for Strength and Protection.

Just as Michelangelo chose the perfect strokes to unveil the angel within the marble, we can invoke Archangel Michael.
In your healing and teaching work, call upon him to surround you and protect you from any negative energy or darkness. To counteract the darkness, ask him to channel divine love and healing to everyone around you. Connect with him when you need a little extra strength, faith, and determination to continue your work.

In the spirit of embracing new beginnings, I invite you to a powerful guided meditation where I connect you to Archangel Michael to seek his blessing and let him guide you toward higher consciousness as we begin a brand-new cycle at the start of this new year.

Join me tomorrow, Wednesday, January 3rd at 1:00pm EST for a powerful guided meditation to embrace the new year with clarity and purpose under the wing of Michael’s blessings.

2023-SutrasBlog-featured

Discover Ancient Secrets From India

by Energy MedicineFeaturedMeditation

“The spirit sits near you, eagerly awaiting.”
~Patanjali

For millennia, spiritual wisdom has been preserved and shared by word-of-mouth, long before the written texts of the Abrahamic traditions and philosophies of the East were recorded. Ancient wisdom took the form of sutras, brief words and phrases that carry a wealth of power. These spiritual words and phrases of insight have been collected and weaved together through time, creating a secret code of profound meaning and significance.

Originating from the Sanskrit word for ‘thread’, sutras are much like threads of thought that can be woven together to create a whole. But they’re more than that – they’re like a secret code, with the deepest of meanings condensed and compressed into a single word or phrase. These sutras are passed from teacher to student, and when truly understood and enlivened in your personal energy field, can be incredibly powerful.

But how can you tap into the spiritual power of the sutras in modern times? Well, an effective way to do so is through a practice provided by a teacher like myself. First, I make sure your mantra meditation is effective. Next, I “seed” the sutras into the fertile soil of your consciousness, allowing you to reach higher realms of Spirit and uncover the unique gifts and powers that are meant to be yours, right now, in this body, in this lifetime. Lastly, I share the most secret of the secrets, never before shared, to make your practice even more profound.

By raising your personal vibration through the practice of sutras, you can help heal the world. Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, assures us that spirit and wisdom are not hidden from us – they are right beside us, waiting to be acknowledged and absorbed.

To open yourself up to the secrets of the sutras, join Deborah on her brand-new course: Master the Secrets of the Sutras. If you’ve studied sutras with Deborah before, here’s your chance to renew and recharge your practice and take it deeper, as well learn the secret meanings. This spiritual adventure of a lifetime will guide you through unlocking the mysteries of the ancient sutras, leading to a massive shift in your energy that will positively affect all aspects of your life.

2023-SutraRelaunchBlog-featured

What the Spiritual Science of Ancient India Can Teach Us Today

by Be a Modern MasterEnergy MedicineFeatured

“Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself.”
― Paramahansa Yogananda

Today, as miracles of technology are shrinking our world and bringing us closer together, the global village is growing before our eyes. Yet the challenges are growing, too, with climate change, conflict, and resource scarcity demanding more of the human heart, mind and soul than ever before.

What will it take to become worthy citizens of an enlightened future? How will people build the spiritual strength they need? Many have already discovered that the sacred wisdom of the past holds the key.

The spiritual science of ancient India has re-emerged in a modern setting with remarkable tools for navigating the path ahead!

When asked for advice by a fellow entrepreneur, tech giant Steve Jobs recommended a trip to India. As a teenager, Jobs had discovered the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, master teacher from India and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles. Jobs made a trip to India during his years of developing his iconic computer company, Apple, and gained a new realization of his purpose and his future in the home of one of mankind’s earliest and richest spiritual traditions.

Jobs made a point of rereading Yogananda’s book of spiritual wisdom once every year. Those who attended the memorial service for Steve Jobs when he died in 2011 each received a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi in a plain brown box. It was a gift from the heart of the best advice for living that Jobs had ever found.

In the twentieth century, the arrival in the West of teachers like Yogananda sparked interest in the spiritual traditions of Eastern philosophy and religion. Practices like yoga and meditation opened new avenues of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual awakening, just as quantum science began to open new vistas in the study of energy and matter.

Today the healing and empowering influence of the ancient wisdom of India is spreading like a breath of fresh air into classrooms, boardrooms, homes, and meeting houses. Technology is bringing the principles of yoga and meditation, mindfulness, positive thinking, and compassion into the everyday world of everyday people.

From celebrities attending yoga classes to school boards approving daily meditation sessions for young children, the practice of mindfulness is growing in popular culture, offering a new lease on spiritual life for millions. The opportunity to embrace this ancient wisdom has come at the perfect time.

It was my great privilege to live and study in India where I discovered the power of this ancient wisdom tradition. My personal quest for knowledge and spiritual training led me to India to explore what I knew was available there. The spiritual science of ancient India holds secrets about human life and the Divine that speak to a modern world overwhelmed by the increasing pace of life, the rapid change, the flood of information, and danger on a global scale.

The message of community, life purpose, and personal connection to nature and the Divine has never been more needed. In my work today, I see a huge blossoming of interest in the study of energy healing and amazing growth in the rate of initiations into higher and higher spiritual levels. Spirit is aware that our world is in a true state of crisis, so we need as many conscious people as possible who are willing to be of service.

What is it about the spiritual science of ancient India that offers inspiration to everyone who seeks it? What does this wisdom hold for anyone today looking for personal growth, fulfillment, happiness, and purpose?

I’ve got a free webinar coming up next week which offers an opportunity to discover the ways this wisdom of the ages can help you create a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life. The pursuit of wisdom involves taking an active role in study and learning and includes these important steps:

1.  Gain knowledge about the nature of life in the context of thousands of years of tradition. Learn how to think about your life in the most honest, productive, and compassionate way.

2.  Face your emotional ebb and flow and decide in what ways your emotions are hindering or healing you. Learn to make choices that center and calm you and move you in the direction of joy, harmony, and contribution to a loving world.

3.  Make peace with uncertainty and change in the world while recognizing the unchanging space within. Strengthen your connection to the Divine.

4.  Learn to create personal well-being through self-awareness and a positive outlook. By honoring the divine gift of life, you express gratitude and radiate love and kindness that all can share.

5.  Recognize the unity of all creation. Your compassionate service helps build the common good even on the smallest level.

If you’re attracted to this kind of learning, or you’re curious to learn more about mastering your spiritual life through the wisdom traditions of ancient India, join my free webinar on Thursday, December 14th 11am PST or register to receive the replay >>>

2023-FluBlog-featured

Worried about the Flu?

by Energy HealingEnergy MedicineFeaturedHealth

Stress can make you more vulnerable.

Tips to keep your immune system hopping!

We are officially entering flu season. And without fail, each season introduces a new reason to panic (such as the recent surge in child pneumonia in China). And while we certainly hope there isn’t going to be another global pandemic, one fact remains inevitable: illness will spread this season.

But there are a few things that you can do to get through this flu season with your health intact.

The number one best preventative measure against the flu is Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin. It protects you from colds and flu and works to boost your immune system. Good quality vitamin D is easily available. I take approximately 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day during the cold and flu season (check with your health care practitioner to see what level is appropriate for you). Our bodies produce vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun, so getting out in the sun every day—always a great prescription—also helps. And some foods, like salmon and sardines, naturally contain vitamin D. Maintaining healthy levels of Vitamin D in your body can also protect against cancer!

Another important factor in maintaining your health and keeping your immune system in fighting mode against infection is to get enough sleep. Go to bed in a totally dark room to ensure melatonin production. Melatonin not only helps you sleep better, but is also a powerful antioxidant—more protection against the flu.

And finally, try to stay emotionally balanced. If you are living in fear of getting the flu or worrying excessively about your health (or anything else), the stress leaves you more vulnerable to infection. Do whatever works best for you to maintain balance—exercise, meditate, journal, get out in nature, do creative projects, and find the inner joy and happiness that will sustain you through the winter months ahead.

2023-PerpetualThanksgivingBlog-featured

Perpetual Thanksgiving

by FeaturedGratitudeSelf Love

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” –Marcel Proust

It has been a tough few years. You have most likely been affected, to a greater or lesser degree, by powerful forces, including a pandemic, wars, and economic uncertainty sweeping the globe. However difficult this time has been for you, is exactly why it’s so important to reflect on all you still have to be grateful for.

And while we gather for Thanksgiving feasts, it’s important to go beyond the dinner, and go back to the true meaning of Thanksgiving . . . and give thanks.

Gratitude is more than a quick thumbs up for the pumpkin pie; true gratitude is a path to the divine. Henry Ward Beecher, the 19th century clergyman and social reformer who always focused on Christ’s love, said: “The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”

The ancient root of the word gratitude, gwere, means “to be in contact with the Divine.” Gratitude is a way to unleash a flow of positive energy in and out of your heart, and to open to the love of the universe that is available to fill you. Gratitude can transform your mood, shift you into your Higher Self, and connect you to Spirit.

So what do you have to be grateful for amidst the fears and worries of all that is going on in the world?

Start with your health. It may not be perfect, but you’re alive and breathing. Thank you, thank you for the chance to still be here, to appreciate the stark beauty of a winter sunset, the smile of a happy child, the ability to give praise.

Maybe you’re grateful for having a week or a month or, thank God, a year of sobriety under your belt. Being thankful for one day at a time is a good practice for everyone.

You may have loving pets that provide you true companionship. Their unconditional love (in the case of dogs) and noble tolerance (cats) of your perceived flaws are certainly worthy of thanks (and treats). Being grateful for their safe and non-judgmental love opens your heart effortlessly.

Gratitude is how you make your heart sing. When you are occupied with remembering those who have helped you along the way during this past year, your heart is happy. It’s interesting to note that you can’t be feeling grateful and unhappy at the same time. And as Piglet long ago noticed (thanks to A.A. Milne), “…even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”

I recently reconnected with an old friend and spent an hour doing something utterly frivolous: singing! Seriously, just the two us, singing to each other over Zoom, doing hilarious, impromptu duets, and laughing at our mistakes and off-key moments. It is easier than ever to connect with close friends, even if they are a great distance away. So, let’s all be grateful for Zoom!

Like everything else, there is a spectrum of gratitude, ranging from being thankful the sun is shining to down-on-your-knees, head-bowed gratefulness when your life or that of a loved one is spared. It includes your attempts to be grateful for those who have made your life more difficult; that challenge can humble your ego and give you the opportunity to raise your own vibration.

When you are filled with gratitude, you are connected to everyone and everything in the web of love that sustains the universe. Giving thanks for all that you yourself are, for the people, plants, and animals in your environment, and around the world, brings you into the present moment and into the presence of spirit. In the words of Shakespeare, “O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.”

Above all, dear student, my heart is full of gratitude for you, for generously sharing your spiritual journey with me. We are one in Spirit, and I am grateful for your companionship and support as, together, we walk toward home.

2023-EmbraceGratitudeBlog-featured

7 Reasons to Embrace Gratitude

by FeaturedGratitude

Thanksgiving is, quite literally, a holiday of giving thanks, so most people have some tradition of gratitude. Whether it is making a list of the things you’ve been grateful for this year, or sitting down at the family table piled with turkey and all the fixin’s with each person expressing thanks for one thing in their life, you probably consider gratitude as important a part of the Thanksgiving festivities as the turkey and pumpkin pie. But what about practicing gratitude the rest of the year?

Gratitude Is Not Just for Thanksgiving

Study after study has shown that gratitude is good for your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, so the more often you do it, the better you’ll feel! Gratitude has been shown to have numerous benefits, from increased life satisfaction and happiness to more compassion to better rest. And in energy healing, gratitude goes a long way toward keeping your chakras clear and balanced.

The best way to practice gratitude is to add it to your spiritual routine. Just as you set time aside each day for meditation, set time aside each day for a gratitude session. Journaling right before bed about what you are thankful for is ideal, but any time of the day will work, and if you would prefer to speak your list, that’s fine, too. The most important thing is to keep it up. Here’s why:

Gratitude can help you through tough times

Listing what you are grateful for seems like a small thing, but it carries so much weight. It’s so easy to forget how lucky you are, how much there is to appreciate even when things are rough. Think about how often someone who goes through a trauma comes out the other side with a new zest for life—this is the power of gratitude in action. When you are aware of and thankful for the small joys of being a body on this planet as well as a soul born out of light, you create a reserve of happiness that boosts you through tough times.

Gratitude is a natural sleep aid

If you’re worried and anxious as you drift off—or toss and turn trying to drift off—the level of stress hormones in your body wreak havoc with your sleep quality, which results in you waking up feeling like you need another night of sleep. And a worried mind is restless, making it difficult to drift off. Gratitude improves your sleep quality and duration by keeping you calmer and less stressed, and having a positive attitude when you get into bed helps you fall asleep faster.

It lowers your stress

Stress is responsible for so much damage to your mind, body, and soul that you should do whatever you can to help combat its negative effects. Just as energy healing is a natural stress buster, so is gratitude. When you are being thankful, you are in a positive frame of mind and you are focusing not on your troubles, but on a little piece of happiness. This moment of respite increases your ability to cope with the stressors in your life.

Gratitude deepens your relationships

As part of your nightly gratitude list, try recognizing the qualities and behaviors of the people you are thankful for. Maybe your best friend always sends you birthday flowers or your partner makes you coffee before you get up each morning. Being thankful for the little things your family and friends do makes you appreciate them more, and improves your interactions with them. This shift in focus also helps train you to see the best in people, and the best in yourself, which makes you warmer, kinder, and better liked, because you are a better friend, spouse, sibling, etc.

It speeds up your spiritual progress

In my healing courses I often talk about the importance of service to others. It’s one of the best ways to increase your chances of an initiation by providing a solid base for the new energy. Gratitude makes you more compassionate and empathetic to others, which means you are more likely to engage in random acts of kindness and help others in need. Thinking of others also brings you out of thinking about yourself, which makes you happier and speeds up the process of processing old wounds and traumas, an essential part of energy medicine.

Gratitude helps you live longer

Grateful people are usually more optimistic, and optimism has been linked to longer life spans, greater immune function, and lowered blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who are grateful and optimistic are also more likely to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Being thankful for all the small things makes you feel inspired, which turns into a desire to take better care of yourself, which can add years to your life.

Gratitude begets gratitude

When you begin to notice all the little things there are to be grateful for each day: the unconditional love of a pet, your health, the sun in the sky, a thoughtful email from a friend, the smell of freshly brewed coffee—whatever small and large things make you smile—you begin to feel even more grateful to be alive and experiencing all this world has to offer. Your happiness makes you more appreciative, which makes you happier and kinder to others, which then rubs off and makes them grateful and happier. Gratitude is a win-win, a vital part of increasing the love on this planet.

Do you see how gratitude affects all areas of your life and builds on itself? Thankfulness is an upward spiral. Being grateful makes you happier, which makes you kinder and more compassionate, which means others respond to you with more compassion and kindness, which makes you even more grateful. As an energy healer and spiritual teacher who has seen the power of gratitude, I’d love for Thanksgiving to be a springboard for you to begin your daily routine of giving thanks. Try it for a year, and I guarantee that next Thanksgiving, gratitude is what you’ll be most thankful for.

Right now, we are giving thanks to our community by offering some of the steepest discounts we’ve offered on our bestselling courses, workshops, and seminars during our biggest savings event of the year. Pick the course that’s right for you in your current stage of life, and begin taking the next step towards your personal transformation. See what’s available by clicking here >>

2023-GratitudeBlog-featured

3 Gratitude Tips That Will Change Your Life

by FeaturedGratitude

Expressing gratitude is one of the easiest ways I’ve found of living in the light. Gratitude is like manna for the soul. It nourishes you in both obvious and untold ways as it reverberates through your energy field and out into the world. Like no other tool so easily within your reach, it can transform and transmute anything that ails you. In my work as an energy healer and spiritual teacher, I’ve come to understand the immense power of gratitude when you make it the cornerstone of your life.

Being in a state of sincere appreciation is also the single most important way to create everything you want in life. Start with your feelings of gratitude for things you already have. Then begin practicing thankfulness as a positive affirmation of things to come. Envision what you want in positive and present words—as though it already exists—and then be grateful for it as though it has already been received. You’ll be connecting to the emotion that you would feel when you realize your desired result. Feeling grateful activates your powerful, unseen ability to manifest from the abundance of the universe.

To truly establish your attitude of gratitude, you’ll need to practice it on a regular basis until it becomes a habit—until it becomes the place where your thoughts naturally go as you move through your day, including when you face adversity.

Each day, take just a few minutes to make a mental list of everything you’re grateful for and, if possible, say your list out loud. For example, “Tonight, I am so grateful for my good health, another successful day at work, and the kind words from the man I met on the elevator. I’m grateful that I was kind back to him, that my favorite TV show is on tonight, that I learned a valuable lesson in my difficult interaction with my boss,” and so on. You want to give thanks for the many things, large and small, that you’re appreciative of—both the good things and those important learning experiences that enabled you to grow. When you make this a habit every day, you’ll soon find yourself constantly thinking this way and quickly see your life change for the better.

How to build your personal gratitude practice:

  • Keep a gratitude journal. Matthew McConaughey started journaling when he was 14 years old. Every day he writes down the things he is grateful for. He says that he has experienced “it’s a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates.”
  • Share your attitude of gratitude. Don’t keep the gratitude you feel toward friends, family, colleagues, service providers, or even strangers a secret. Tell those you love and work with and interact with that you are grateful for their presence in your life and their kindness, their attention. Thanking people is a blessing for them, too, because it invites them to feel good about themselves.
  • Walk about and notice the goodness. Take some time to walk around in the world—in a park, in your neighborhood, or in a natural setting you love. Dedicate the time spent on your walk to really seeing and appreciating the world. Look for things to be grateful for—from the leaves on the trees, the songs of the birds, the colors of the plants around you. Notice the air you are breathing, the sun on your face, and even your feet that carry you through the world. The more you look for blessings, the more you realize how much there is to be grateful for.

Gratitude is an expression of love, the essence of who you are, and your connection to Spirit. Practice being delighted with all that you can find to love and appreciate in your world. It won’t be long before you’ll need more pages for your gratitude journal and a new pen, too!

To discover more ways to apply energy healing to all areas of your life, start by joining our flagship LifeForce Energy Healing® Level I Certification program. It is the ideal first step in beginning your healing journey. A journey you’ll be grateful for taking!

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There’s a lovely song running through my head today. Have you heard Art Garfunkel sing “Grateful,” John Bucchino’s beautiful tune about feeling blessed? If so, you’ll recognize the lines—“Grateful, grateful…Truly blessed and duly grateful”—because they take up residence in your heart. The song is short and simple, but it says everything we need to know and feel about our connection to Spirit. We are blessed and the more we give thanks for our blessings, the more deeply we feel them.

2023-HallowsEveBlog-featured

The Spiritual Origins of All Hallow’s Eve

by Astral ProjectionFeatured

Skeletons and creepy spiders dangle in doorways. Jack-o’-lanterns grimace from front porches. Witches, scary monsters (from werewolves to politicians, grim reapers, ghosts, devils, and the walking dead proliferate on All Hallow’s Eve. Telling ghost stories, wearing costumes, and trick-or-treating are all ways to enter into the spirit that lurks in the darkness in a non-threatening way.

Despite its mass consumerism (between the candy, costumes, and decorations, Americans spend around 6 billion dollars a year on Halloween, second only to Christmas as a commercial holiday), All Hallow’s Eve actually has its roots in spiritual traditions. Hallows’ Eve or Hallowe’en literally means “holy evening”—the night preceding Hallows’ Day, or All Saints’ Day.

Trick-or-treating began in England when poor folks would beg door-to-door for food and would receive “soul cakes” after they promised to pray for the dead relatives of that family. It was called “going a-souling” and replaced the old practice of leaving out food for the spirits who roamed about on that night.

Many hundreds of years before the Christian era, the Celts, who lived in Ireland, the UK, and the northern part of France, had their New Year’s celebration, called Samhain (pronounced sow-win), on November 1st. It marked the end of summer and the start of winter (the Celts recognized only two seasons). Winter was a frightening time of food shortages and deadly cold weather, so the Celts honored the Sun god for their harvest and made sacrifices in large bonfires to appease Lord Samhain, whose name means “summer’s end,” as he came into his power and reigned over the long, cold, and dark months of winter. As they say in Games of Thrones, “winter’s coming.”

On the night before Samhain, October 31st, the Celts believed that those who had died during the last circle of the sun would rise up, searching for the passageway that would lead them to the netherworld. On this night, between summer and winter, between one year and the next, the veil over the passageway is at its thinnest. When the veil between the worlds is more transparent, the dead can return to earth and cause trouble. The souls of the dead become the ghosts, witches, elves, and goblins that are out to seek revenge on those who had harmed them when they were alive. On the night of October 31st, Lord Samhain roams the four corners of the earth to capture the souls who had “escaped” through the thin veil, so he can take them back to his dark world. 

And because the barrier between the dead and the living can be crossed during Samhain, offerings were left out in the fields or around villages for all the unseen beings, from ghosts to fairies. The Celts would costume themselves as animals and monsters so the fairies or other spirits wouldn’t kidnap them. 

The belief in ghosts—the spirits of the dead that were said to roam about and cause problems—is found as far back as ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. And it’s still here. A recent HuffPost/YouGov poll revealed that 45 percent of Americans believe in ghosts, although few in the scientific community are on board with non-material beings—their argument is: if they can’t see them or measure them in some way, what’s the chance they exist? 

The scientific community has investigated “ghost-busters” who use a meter to measure the electromagnetic field to detect ghosts. There are also experiments with infrasound (sounds that are below the range of hearing for humans), since a “low frequency standing wave” can create a sensory phenomena that seems like a ghost. Scientists also explain away ghosts as being the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, sleep paralysis, toxic mold, schizophrenia, dementia, or just plain old imagination.

Nevertheless, those of us who understand the validity of different planes of consciousness know that those who have died are still available for communication. If you’ve seen or interacted in some way with a non-material being, you haven’t gone off the Halloween deep end. You’re just more open to other planes of awareness than the average guy, and understand that science is limited, as it is grounded in only what can be validated through the physical plane.

But you still have to be careful about a non-material being you may meet on the inner planes or be aware of one that is occupying the space around you. Everyone is on their own level of consciousness during their lifetime, but dying doesn’t necessarily lift them any higher. They may understand more than they did while living on earth, but they can also still have a desire for revenge for the pain they experienced while alive. So please remember to surround yourself in some form of protective light before beginning an inner journey.

After all, it could be a dark and stormy night . . .and winter’s coming!

If you want to connect with guides from other realms – including not only those from your personal past but other guides that are ready and willing to help you on your journey – considering registering for our best selling Astral Wisdom course by clicking here >>

And if you want to really embody the season’s spirit, you can relive a powerful live event that happened in the spiritual vortex of Ojai, California. Our Highlights of Hallowed Retreat video series will put you into the front row to relive a powerful event that is ripe for this time of year. Click here to learn more about it >>

2023-DarkSideBlog-featured

The Perfect Time to Reflect on Your Dark Side

by Domestic AbuseEnergy MedicineFeaturedRelationshipsSelf Love

As we enter the “dark” part of the year, with short days and long chilly nights, it’s time to look at the dark forces that we would prefer to ignore. It’s not just the ghosts and goblins of Halloween or the presence of dead relatives on the Day of the Dead that can give us the shivers.

Whether we recognize it or not, everyone has some darkness within. We store our negative feelings—jealousy, anger, bitterness, shame, hatred, insecurity (to name a few)—in our shadow side. When we don’t do the inner work of acknowledging and releasing these disturbing emotions, the shadow side can take charge and cause real problems for someone else.

Take Beth, for example. She was so excited when she got her new job, with a hefty pay increase. Soon, however, she could barely get out of bed, much less drag herself to work. I could see the problem clearly: Beth’s father, although he was outwardly proud of his daughter, was inwardly jealous of her success. He’d been laid off and was having trouble finding a job because he was “too old.” There was a psychic attachment between father and daughter—a negative “cord” that connected them. I taught Beth a powerful shamanic technique that is used to sever negative cords between people while still keeping the positive cords of love and respect. Soon Beth was happy again at work.

The dark side deals with pretty low-level energies. When you are under “attack,” you might find that you feel more tired than usual, have trouble sleeping, come down with one awful cold after another, or just feel blue and miserable. You aren’t functioning in your normal perky and organized way and can’t figure out why. Well, consciously or unconsciously, someone may have formed an intention to harm you.

Does your mother-in-law hate the fact that you stole away her darling son or daughter? That old “evil eye” she gives you is for real. Maybe your ex is still angry at you, even years after you split. Or maybe you have a “frenemy” who can’t stand the fact that you’re in a loving relationship while her marriage has fallen apart.

Most people are unconscious of 90 percent of their thoughts and feelings. Your mother-in-law probably isn’t aware of how she feels about you. Your ex may not realize he’s holding on to such anger. Your frenemy probably thinks you’re her best friend. That’s why I’m forever urging people to meditate and journal—two of the best ways to recognize what you’re really feeling so you can clear those emotions.

You always play a role in whatever happens to you; you aren’t a helpless victim. When you deal with your shadow side and process the negative feelings you have about yourself and about other people, you can transform the negative energy of a psychic attack and stay healthy, happy, and peaceful.

Don’t think psychic attack is too “out there.” It’s real, and happens all the time. However, you can learn to protect yourself from psychic attack and to clear yourself of negative energy.

Don’t be scared of the ghosts and goblins you harbor inside or the dark forces sent your way by others – you can clear them!

It’s all about being able to read your own energy, the energy of others, and gaining the skills and knowledge to heal that which needs healing.

Start your journey by joining our Level I Certification Program (which also grants you access to our private Soul Family community). Click here to take the first step >>

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2023-EarthChakrasBlog-featured

The chakras you didn’t know about (and their locations on Earth)

by Astrological EventsChakrasFeaturedPlanetary

The Earth Has Multiple Powerful Energetic Vortices. Here Are Seven That Serve As Its Chakras.

You undoubtedly know a lot about your own energy centers, the chakras, but have you ever thought about the Earth as having energetic vortices as well? As we slowly transit out of the Piscean Age and enter the Aquarian Age, we should regard the Earth as a sacred living being instead of as a battleground for the endless wars of humanity. One way to see the planet’s sacredness is to delve into the mystery of its highly-charged chakras.

The first chakra is Mt. Shasta, in northern California at the southern end of the Cascade Mountains. Shasta is the primal chakra of the world’s energy system. It is here that the universal life force is gathered before being formed into you and me and every living thing on earth. Mt. Shasta is like a geyser, spouting a huge uprush of prana into global circulation before it is embodied in various forms, just like the kundalini energy surges upward.

The second chakra of the Earth is centered on the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes Mountains. Here positive life forms are “birthed”—evolutionary advancements that will take us into the future. The raw material of Mt. Shasta is structured in new ways by the Lake Titicaca chakra. The great circle of the second Earth chakra also includes Cusco and Machu Picchu. How does the undifferentiated life force get from Mt. Shasta to Lake Titicaca? It travels an energetic current, called the Plumed Serpent (found in many myths from South America), which is one of the two great ley lines on the planet. (ley lines are mystical alignments of landforms)

For the third chakra we go to Uluru and Kata Tjuta—twin sites in Australia’s Northern Territory. You may know Uluru as Ayers Rock, the former name used to describe the huge red monolith. Kata Tjuta has many large red stones rather than just one. Here, the solar plexus of the globe functions to keep up the Earth’s vitality and that of all the species on the planet. The Rainbow Serpent, that great ley artery, comes up from beneath the Earth to emerge at Uluru, which then “sings” a special songline that moves on to Kata Tjuta. In Dreamtime legends of the Aborigines, it is said that this umbilical cord of the planet will one day unite heaven and earth.

Making the leap to the fourth chakra, the “heart” of the Earth is at Glastonbury, Somerset, and Shaftesbury, Dorset. The Rainbow Serpent sweeps through the sacred sites there, such as the Tor at Glastonbury and the Avebury Stone Circle. Glastonbury is famed as the center of the Holy Grail, while Shaftesbury holds the Sacred Spear of Purpose. When these two massive earth energies merge, the Rainbow Serpent will be able to carry the Holy Grail frequency around the world. Interestingly, this is where there are so many sightings of crop circles that have magnetic abnormalities. Here is where we can open our hearts and help to heal the earth.

The fifth chakra, in the Middle East, is the throat’s energy center, where the voice of the Earth is coming forth. It is the only chakra that is not along a ley line, but it is in the exact center of the Earth’s land mass. The turmoil in the Middle East is trying to tell us something, but it seems like no one is listening to the “cries of the mother” as the planet calls for help. Mt. Sinai is the center of the three sites that define the Earth’s throat chakra in between the Great Pyramid of Egypt and the Mount of Olives. Here is where a planetary “New Jerusalem” can be the eternal home of all faiths and cultures living in peace.

What about the planet’s “third eye?” The sixth chakra of Earth moves west, a twelfth of the way around the world, at the dawn of each new aeon. These days, the sixth chakra is located in western Europe, conjunct with the heart chakra. This Aeon Activation Center will next be in Brazil. In the same way as your pineal gland opens portals that let higher dimension energies enter you, so does this chakra of the earth.

Mt. Kailash, the “roof of the world,” is the most sacred of the Himalayan mountains and represents the seventh chakra, the crown of creation. Mt. Kailash connects the earth with its spiritual destiny just the way your crown chakra connects you with Divine Will.

It is said that there is a Lost Chord of Creation. In terms of the earth chakras, Mt. Kailash sounds the note of praise of the sacred; the heart center of the world sounds the note of love, and Uluru and Kata Tjuta sing of thanksgiving. When these three notes are combined into one force, the world will be regenerated!

Now that you’ve learned about the energy vortexes that represent the Earth’s chakras, you may be interested in reading, clearing, balancing, and charging your own personal chakras for healing. You could start by exploring our Chakra Wisdom course. And if you’d like to begin your journey toward energy healing (including the higher chakras), consider beginning with our Level I LifeForce Energy Healing Certification course. If you think you’re ready for more advanced and individual training and healing, check out our Level IV LifeForce Energy Healing Certification course. Either way, we’d love to see you here!

2023-ForestBathingBlog-featured

Forest Bathing – A Must-Try Therapy for Healing and Wellness

by Energy HealingFeatured

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears, does it make a sound? That’s an old Zen koan, an unanswerable or paradoxical question used to go beyond the intellect and help open the student’s mind to greater internal truths of spirit and intuition. But you don’t need a Zen Buddhist master’s koan to benefit from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

It doesn’t refer to sitting in a bubble bath in a grove of trees, although it definitely feels like it! Forest bathing is simply being in the presence of trees, doing nothing but hanging—not hiking, not taking photos with your phone, not talking. It’s simply being with the trees and letting your nervous system attune to their presence. The trees and all members of the plant kingdom are the highest consciousness on our planet; they instinctively know how to soothe us, how to heal us.

The Scientific Backing for Nature Therapy

According to an EPA survey, we spend 87 percent of our time indoors, plus another 6 percent in our cars. That doesn’t leave much time for the restorative benefits of the great outdoors.

One study showed that gallbladder surgery patients who just looked at trees through a hospital window had a faster recovery time.

The Japanese have spent millions of dollars to study the effects of forest bathing on the mind and body. A professor at the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo measured human NK (natural killer) cells in the immune system both before and after forest bathing. NK cells respond rapidly against viral infections and protect against tumor formation; they are a vital part of a healthy immune system. During the week following a forest visit, NK cell activity increased significantly, and positive effects lasted for a month after a weekend in the woods, including less inflammation, improved mood, better ability to focus, more energy, and better sleep.

You know how the air in a forest seems fresher than city air? That’s because trees emit essential oils (called phytoncide) to protect themselves from germs and insects. When you inhale phytoncide, it improves the functioning of your immune system.

Another Japanese study measured stress factors before and after a 30-minute visit to a forest. They found lower concentrations of cortisol, blood pressure and pulse rate went down, there was more parasympathetic nerve activity (rest-and-digest system) and less sympathetic nerve activity (flight-or-fight responses). In other words, hanging out with the trees makes us humans less stressed.

Trees are not only good for your body, they are also good for your spirit. Another study showed reduced hostility and depression after being with the trees, or as one researcher put it, “therapeutic landscapes.”

As a regular practice, forest bathing can deepen your intuition, increase your ability to communicate with the land and various species, increase your life force, and overall sense of happiness.

Forest Bathing Clubs

In San Francisco, there are hundreds of members of the Forest Bathing Club Meetup who forest bathe once a month to take a break from the stress of constant technology—your computer and phone and invasive social media, emails, and texts.

There are even certified Forest Therapy guides.

Check to see if there are such clubs near you. If not you can go on your own – or use this as an opportunity to start your own and club and build a community.

Trees in Myth and Religion

Many myths from around the globe tell of a “world or cosmic” tree, where the roots, trunk and branch represent the underworld, earth, and the heavens. The bible mentions the “tree of life” as well as the “tree of knowledge of good and evil.” The Buddha reached enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree. Druids worshipped in sacred groves of trees. And Kabbalists celebrate the 15th of the month of Aquarius (on the lunar calendar) as the birthday of the trees.

It’s said that even spiritual teacher, Krishnamurti, found his enlightenment in Ojai under a pepper tree.

A number of trees have always been regarded as sacred. The willow tree is associated with the movement of water and the moon, so priestesses of the Goddess Hecate of the Moon use willow water as part of their magic. Celts considered the oak, apple, birch, and ash trees as sacred, with the ash tree known for healing and enchantment. The largest yellow oak in the U.S. (in Oley, PA) is 500 years old and is said by the Delaware Indians to have the power to heal. The Bodhi tree of India is a symbol of Buddha’s presence, while the banyan tree with its unique aerial roots represents eternal life. The bible mentions the Lebanese cedar 75 times.

Take Advantage of Nature’s Free Therapy

Trees help us physically by providing oxygen and shade to the planet as well as shelter and habitat for animals. Like all living things, trees have an energetic vibration and aura. Their grounding energy comes from having roots that reach deep into the earth, and give trees their vibration of security and stability.

So bathe your body and spirit in the forest (or your local city park) as you mingle with the trees. Go ahead and have a moment and physically hug a tree. Release any negative energy (as well as all those EMF’s you absorbed from your TV/laptop/phone!) and let them travel down the tree’s roots and get recycled by Mother Earth. At the same time, you’ll absorb the nourishing energy Mother Earth sends up through the tree’s roots as you rest against the tree’s trunk beneath its leafy branches.

For one moment, no need to do anything, just be. 😊

Interested in learning more about natural and holistic approaches to health? Your greatest source of truth for your wellness is yourself and your intuition (along with some accurate information). Register for this free webinar with Deborah to tune up your Medical Intuition abilities >>