Celebrating Happiness- Do You Do It? Lessons from The Chimp Paradox

Happiness is in fact a choice. And for the most part I have always thought that I WAS happy. I mean- it's one thing to be "happy" when things are going good. I think most of us have that part down pat. It's another thing to choose to be happy even when our outward reality looks like crap. And in the past few years, I certainly worked on THAT!! And pretty much feel like I have been doing a good job at being happy despite outward circumstances. 

Even with the ups and downs in life, there are those who CHOOSE to be happy among even the tough times; and these are the people I chose to emulate.

But the other day I read through the Chimp Paradox book and it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, I was doing something wrong. Maybe I was missing a huge piece of this puzzle. This is a fantastic book that deals with our mindset. And more importantly, how we can take better control of our mindset!

You see, the book stated that pushing to do too much can actually push us to want even MORE "things" to bring about happiness. In other words, we focus so much on the goals, the end result and the "steps" to that ultimate goal; that we are essentially conditioning our minds to always WANT. So what happens is that when we finally do reach that "ultimate goal", we are UNABLE to truly have happiness with it. 

Consider this example from the book: 

An athlete who never celebrates the "smaller" accomplishments on the way up to getting that Gold medal, will likely not feel that happiness she is expecting when she does get the gold. She'll want to move to the next potential win.

When I read that, I realized that this was something I had been doing for a long time now. I never truly celebrated the moments in life that I should have. (All those stepping stones to that ultimate goal). When I got my Associates degree, I was happy on the inside. But, at the same time, I immediately began to focus on the next goal... the Bachelor's degree. And so on and so forth. Each time, I realized that I had never truly celebrated each accomplishment and allowed myself the experience of being and expressing happiness. And then when I finally reached that final goal, it wasn't quite as sweet as it could have been. 

So, from this point forward, I will allow myself to CELEBRATE the wins. I will bask in the FEELINGS of happiness with each success. And I challenge all of you to do the same! Forget being humble and not wanting to "brag"! Share your successes! Share your moments of happiness! And bask in that happiness for each of those precious moments in your life! 

Try this exercise from the book... I've added a few things to it!

Make a list of all the things in your life that you believe that you need to be happy. Next to this list, write down how you can bring those things into your life. Next you'll want to work that list. Bring those things into your reality. And finally- be sure to celebrate each success! 

Book Review: The Goodly Spellbook ~ Olde Spells for Modern Problems

Probably my second most reached for book on the shelf would have to be this book: The Goodly Spellbook ~ Olde Spells for Modern Problems by Lady Passion, High Priestess and Diuvei, High Priest (Dixie Deerman and Steven Rasmussen). I have this book in soft cover format. I don't quite recall why I chose to purchase this particular book, but I suspect it had something to do with the description on the back! 

"The Goodly Spellbook traces the history of magic and teaches you how to create spells for your own needs and circumstances. Relying on ancient tried and true material as well as on the authors' real-life experiences and anecdotes, this book details global Craft history, teaches hands-on magical techniques and provides ancient and modern spells." 

If you are strictly looking for spells- no doubt you will find those here! But what you also find so much more in the entire first half of the book. The authors begin by discussing the "how to's" of spell workings. They delve into topics such as divination and planetary correspondences. They show the magic that can be found in musical notes and how to create effective sigils and seals. That is just a sampling of what is covered in the first half! It is fairly in-depth and offers quite a bit of information that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere. 

The second half of the book details the spells. They cover healing, protection, attraction, discernment, concealment and repulsion. They often show spell variations as well, which is useful for many practitioners. What I particularly like is that they detail the origins of the spell and the magical theory of each spell. I tend to like to know the "why" of what I'm doing and have always loved the historical aspect. 

I think the only thing that keeps me from reaching for this book more than any other is the grouping of the spells in the table of contents. I know it seems petty, but seriously, that's all I've got! It could just be that I'm getting older and prefer bolder font... or that I am too lazy to consider which category a particular spell might fall under! By taking half a second to use my brain and think- it's clear that money spells, for example, would be located under spells of attraction. But, I am so often used to seeing them under the topic "MONEY". So, technically, it isn't even a negative towards the BOOK, but rather my own "issue"!! 

Overall, I think this book has a great deal of merit. It's very good for beginners as it allows the reader to learn some of the basics. At the same time, an advanced practitioner will undoubtedly learn at least ONE new thing! This will likely be one of those books that you keep going back to intermittently as you grow in your path. 

Share your thoughts on this book in the comments section!!! I'd love to hear what YOU have to say!

5 Ways to Fail with your Spell Work

1. Willy Nilly Substitutions

Now, before everyone starts bashing me for this one, let me clarify! On one hand, I do believe that those tried and true spells that have been passed on for generations should be left as is. After all, they have a proven success rate. On the other hand, I do realize that many times we may not have a particular ingredient and may NEED to substitute something else. The thing is, when we are making substitutions, it's extremely important to research the QUALITIES of the ingredient we are needing to find a substitute FOR and making sure that we choose an ingredient that matches those qualities. I've seen so many comments and posts that haphazardly ask for a substitute for a particular ingredient and well meaning people sharing what they would substitute with. I can only hope that the person asking will then take the time to research for themselves to be certain. You wouldn't want to inadvertently substitute with something that may offer slightly different qualities. 

2. Lack of Focus

There are many new practitioners who wrongly believe that simply lighting a candle and walking away will produce the desired results. Sadly, this is not the case. Focusing on your intention as your spell is working can be a rather important part in the process and one that is often neglected. It is so important to clearly visualize the outcome you are shooting for. Seeing it as though it is real in your minds eye. And even more than that- FEELING it. Allowing yourself to actually experience the emotions that you KNOW you will have once this manifests. 

Now, here's the thing with focus.... 

When I say it's important to have focus... I mean, WHILE you are doing your spell. When you've consecrated, anointed and lit your candle (for example); you may find better results if you sit in front of that candle and do your meditation- visualizing the outcome, etc. Even if you have to leave the candle for a time (because it's a taper candle or simply takes longer to burn down); you'll want to be sure that you remain nearby and at the very least, intermittently look at your candle and focus on your outcome. 

AFTER your candle has burned down- you'll want to TRUST and have FAITH that your spell has been successful. KNOW that the universe has things in the works to bring about your desired outcome. ACT as though this is already happening. 

3. Being a Micro Manager

You walk into work Monday morning and your boss gives you ONE task to do for the entire week. You're pretty excited about doing this because you know you've done it so many times before and you know exactly how to get it done. You got this! 

A few hours later, your boss is looking over your shoulder questioning your methods. All week he's popping his head in your office checking up on your work and offering his advice on how to do it better. So, what was meant to be a quick and easy work assignment turns into an absolute nightmare for you! You want to turn around and shout at him "If you think you can do it better, then just DO IT yourself!!"

Nobody likes a micro-managing boss. Remember, "as above, so below".... same holds true for the spirit realm! When we start micro managing HOW our spell is supposed to manifest, we are micro managing! When we get a new job, it often comes with a JOB DESCRIPTION. We are supposed to be responsible for what's listed on that job description and avoid taking on the duties and tasks that aren't in our job description. The "HOW" part of spell workings is NOT in our job description! That's the universe's job. (Or whatever deity you've called upon for help). When we do a spell and then constantly look for the outcome to come to us in the way WE expect it to.... we are imposing limits on a limitless universe. When Jeff does a spell for an extra $500 bucks to come his way in the month of December and then only focuses on whether or not he's getting that Holiday Bonus from work- he's placing limits on the universe. Quite possibly, the universe planned on bringing that money in a very different way. Maybe it was coming in smaller amounts from other sources. Maybe it was coming in the form of winning a new flat screened television in a raffle he had entered. Poor Jeff will never know since he's only looking at the HOW that HE was planning for. 

4.  Being a "Doubting Thomas"

Consider this scenario-- it's been four days since Janice did her candle spell and she hasn't seen any indication of it working yet. Her ex-boyfriend is still dating someone else and hasn't responded to her last text message. Out of frustration, she tells her best friend "he's never coming back! he'll probably even marry this new girl!" ..... What did Janice just do here? I'll tell you what she did... she just screwed up her entire spell. In fact, she just spoke into existence the exact OPPOSITE of what she wanted! Don't be like Janice!!!! Cut out the negative talk, texts and posts!! There is NO room for doubt in spell work! 

5. Getting super disappointed 

So, you've done your spell and nothing happened. You did that money spell 3 weeks ago and with one week left in the month, you've gotten a whopping $0 .... So you start getting depressed. And anxious about how you're gonna pay those bills. And even though you don't actually SAY anything negative (because you know damn well you don't wanna SPEAK that negativity into existence!)... your inner self starts thinking of what you're going to do when you can't pay those bills. Our thoughts and emotions play a big part in our spell workings. Remember the old saying... If you think you CAN, you're right... and if you think you CAN'T... well, you're right, too! Allowing that sadness, melancholy, and anxiety to creep into your thoughts can have a negative impact on the outcome you're trying to achieve. And believe me, I know it's normal to have those feelings and thoughts. We've been conditioned all of our lives with those thoughts. But I also know how important it is to recognize them, acknowledge them for what they are and then symbolically PUSH them out of your mind. They do nothing to serve you. Instead, think of all the possibilities that the universe may bring your way in that final hour!!!  

Eliminating these 5 bad habits from your spell casting will help you to experience the results that you're looking for! There's a lot more to spell workings than just what I have posted here, but these issues have been the most common ones that I have seen in people who struggle with success. Share in the comments below- any other ways that you've seen or experienced with spells that don't seem to manifest! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Giving... a part of the manifesting process... But HOW to give when we got no $$$$!!!!

When we talk about manifesting what we want in our lives, we hear a lot about the act of clearing out clutter and giving to others. For many of us, the act of "giving" brings up immediate comments and feelings about "how can I possibly GIVE to others when I, myself, am in so much need??"

But, alas, everything we read or watch related to manifesting indicates that when we give we seem to be opening the doors for the universe to bring about "more" in our own lives. Giving is paramount. But let's get our heads out of the clouds and get real for a minute. How the heck does someone GIVE when they seem to have nothing TO give? 

Last week I put my "request" out to the universe. I asked that money just come to me and said "I am open to receiving" any and all money. And then nothing happened. Well, nothing miraculous anyway! In fact, what I got instead was a friend in NEED of some money! Well, even though I didn't have much to give, I sent some anyway. At this point, I had sort of forgotten that I had asked the universe to bring money TO me. I sent it without an expectation in return. And what I got was so much more than what I had sent. Just after that - I got a two month subscription for free. And the bigger (in my mind) thing that came about was that the following day I got an email that my Ad-Sense account had been approved again! 

There are a few people who know that this whole ad-sense thing and monetizing my YouTube videos has been a thorn in my side for the past six months at least! (Ever since YouTube changed their rules!) So, for me to get this email was a HUGE moment of gratitude and happiness!! 

You see, at first I didn't make the connection between the different incidents, because when you look at them on the surface, one doesn't have anything to do with the other. But, in the grand scheme of things, I believe that they ARE in fact interconnected. I honestly believe that the act of giving helped to open those doors to the others. 

But I do realize that it isn't always easy to give when it comes to money; especially when you're struggling to make ends meet. Trust me, I get that! So I wanted to talk about other ways we can give. Ways that are (maybe) a little more manageable when handing out cash isn't an option. 

1. Cleaning out a closet and donating what you don't need. It can be simply dropped off to the Goodwill OR you can make a post on Facebook (or Facebook Market) and offer it for FREE. Take it a step further and donate clothes to a transgender teen or young adult who may be struggling with other expenses. Or donate your "professional" looking suits to a charity that gives clothing to people just entering the workforce. 

2. Make something and give it away for free. Are you crafty? Have a specialty? Can you whip up a knitted hat and scarf set in no time? In the hospitals, the maternity wards always need hand knitted or crochet hats for the babies. And I'm pretty certain anyone who is homeless would love a hat, scarf or blanket in the cold weather. Maybe knitting isn't your thing- how about drawing or painting (if that's your thing) and donating your pieces somewhere. 

3. Offer to help someone with a task. I don't necessarily mean cleaning or yard work here. It could be something as simple as helping someone edit their blog post or showing someone how to set up a web page for their new business. 

4. Got some knowledge to share? Teach a quick workshop online or in person and offer it for free. Online can be done in a live video presentation or in a classroom platform such as Zoom. In person, can be done at your home or even at the local library. You can even offer to tutor kids at the local library. 

5. Send some energy healing out to someone! Maybe you know Reiki or some other form of energy work. Maybe you can just send out some loving pink light instead. 

6. Send a handwritten letter to someone in the military. We often forget how meaningful handwritten letters and cards can be. And as we go about our busy lives, we tend to neglect people we know who are serving our country. They may be busy too, but getting a quick letter from you may be just what they needed that day! (Don't know anyone? PM me... I got peeps!)

7. Send a letter to someone serving time in prison- if you know anyone! They are often VERY appreciative of letters! (Don't know anyone? PM me, I got these peeps too!)

8. Offer to babysit or elder-sit for a mom or dad who could use an hour or so of free time!

9. Got a truck? Offer to help someone who needs to move something or pick something up. (within your town/city). 

10. Have old towels you were going to toss? Bring them down to your local animal shelter or pound and donate them instead. Maybe grab an inexpensive bag of dog food on your way. While you're there, show some love to a few animals!

11. You know all those extra things we get in the mail? I'm talking about those little note pads and free things companies send in order to get a donation. My mom gets tons of Native American "God's Eyes", small/thin blankets from animal charities, and so much more. Why not gather all of those things together and donate them to a school, church or convalescent home? Or even a homeless shelter? 

12. Did you go through menopause? Or get some form of birth control where you no longer menstruate? Sounds super weird.... but I can tell you that tampons and pads are VERY hard to come by when you're a homeless woman! If you're not using them... DONATE them! 

When we really take a minute to look around - we have SO much more to give than we may initially think. I have seen the homes of people who live in other parts of the world and can tell you for a fact that we in the USA are truly blessed beyond measure. Anyone who has ever seen a stray dog or a homeless person sitting on the corner- has seen a NEED. 
When I look in my kitchen and see those crackers that I bought that I think taste like shit. Or the instant rice I got for convenience, and then realized I don't like the taste- I am looking at STUFF that someone else can use and that I can GIVE. I can go on and on with so many more examples!

What are some other ways we can GIVE without money? 

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Valuing our Female Relationships

Showing Support and Making Connections 

What does it mean really? In days past, we would show support to our community of people and friends by stopping by with a loaf of bread or even picking up the phone and having a heart to heart conversation. 

But, alas, times change, don't they? When was the last time you spoke to a friend on the phone? For that matter, when was the last time you made something and hand delivered it to someone as a caring thought?

Showing support is such an important part of our relationships with other people. Having people to support you allows you to maintain positive coping skills and lead a happier and healthier life. 

Watch out for the pearls....

A long time ago, I worked in nursing homes quite a bit. They were primarily filled with elderly patients. And, guess what? I would say roughly 90% of those elderly patients were WOMEN. I can remember one patient in particular. She used to tell me to value my female friendships. I didn't understand what she was really saying at the time. But with age comes wisdom. 

That lovely little lady was giving me pearls of wisdom... if only I would listen to the melody behind the words. In our life, women will likely outlive our male partners; and it is vital for us to develop and maintain our friendships and connections with other women. 

But in this day and age, showing support can often have a very different "look" to it. And yet... showing support remains just as important NOW as it did in days gone by! So, the question then becomes, HOW do we show support in this electronic age? How do we show support when our friend doesn't live right next door... or even in the same state? 

Just how CAN I show my support?

Let's hash through some of the ways that we can still show support and build connections with others in the digital age. 

Being "present". Just like in days gone by, showing your presence continues to be a vital part of maintaining strong relationships. How can we show our presence online? Well, it's actually pretty easy. And in fact, takes very little time out of our busy lives. It involves clicking a LIKE button. Being present can mean SHARING a friends POST. This shows your friend that you value them and want to help in their success. 

Just shooting someone a quick message via Facebook messenger, Text, Twitter or any other social media account let's that person know that you are still in their thoughts. Letting this be a more individual message, rather than a chain message goes a lot further! I know a few women who have done this for me and if I recall, I didn't even respond. I wasn't in a space to be social at that time as some depression was kicking in and I was simmering there for a bit... but I can promise you- those messages helped. 

What are some of the ways YOU have shown support and strengthened those connections in a digital world? 

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Do you KNOW yourself? Do you Accept yourself?

When you know yourself, you are empowered. When you accept yourself, you are invincible!

A simple quote with so much meaning! But... what DOES it mean? What does it mean to "know yourself"? I mean, really know yourself. 

To know yourself means to know your beliefs, to know what you like and don't like and what you'll stand for and what you won't stand for. In other words- you've set some boundaries. It involves an awareness of WHO you are as a person. 

I am a spiritual person who holds various views on spiritual issues that I have come to learn over a period of YEARS. I like staying home and I dislike being excessively social. I am accepting of others views; but I won't tolerate others pushing those views on me. Knowing these things about myself has resulted in a feeling of empowerment. Much like a newly trained employee who is being sent into the workforce... you know, like a college kid! You've got some values and belief and you are excited to stand in your truth. 

But, often times; we stand in our truth and don't expect the backlash that comes. Maybe we aren't prepared, or as prepared as we thought we were. In those times, a person may begin to doubt their truth. They may become unsure of the position they've taken or the path they've chosen. 

The second part is ACCEPTANCE

When we ACCEPT ourselves, however; we become invincible. Accepting ourselves includes accepting that even if our truth or beliefs don't jive with the rest of the worlds; we are okay with that. This is me and I am comfortable with the ME that I am. Acceptance is just that; a trust and confidence in where I stand on certain topics; be they large or small. 

When I am acting like a "bitch"... I am OWNING that shit!! That is ME. And I am okay with the ME that I am, even if others around me aren't comfortable with it or even LIKE it. The opinions of others are none of my business!!

So, I ask you this: Do you KNOW yourself? And even more so, do you ACCEPT yourself for who you are, flaws and all? 

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The Biggest Lie I've Ever Told

We've all told a lie at some point in our lives... no matter how upright and ethical you claim your life to be or try to be. And I suspect, for many of us, we continue to tell lies.... in fact, I can almost guarantee this!

You see one of the biggest lies I've ever told is this... 

"I'm fine"

And I have a strong feeling that 90% (or more) of the people reading this have told that very same lie!

For so many, when asked how they are doing; the rote answer of "I'm fine" is what comes out of their mouth. We wonder 'does this person truly want to know?' Saying anything else may bring a slew of questions with it. "I'm lonely" would likely bring comments telling the person all the reasons they SHOULDN'T be lonely or shouldn't feel that way, rather than validating the emotion. 

Other friends may offer up recommendations on how to NOT be lonely. All of these with good intentions of course. But none of them acknowledging the emotional response and simply allowing for space to be held. 

Plus, let's face it; the mere thought of a different response causes us to consider how uncomfortable it will make not only us, but the other person as well. 

What might change on an interpersonal level, if we eliminated the phrase "I'm fine" from our lingo? How would our relationships be changed if instead we allowed our authentic emotion at that time to be shared and exposed?

I have pondered those questions a bit here and there. On one hand, I wonder if in being more authentic in that regard would alienate people from each other. After all, most people don't want to be face to face with uncomfortable feelings and issues in themselves, never mind in another person. 

On the other hand, quite possibly, being more authentic in our response has the ability to allow us to have a more human experience. Allowing us to serve and help each other on a more intimate level. 

Do you find yourself responding with "I'm fine" when you truly don't mean it? What do YOU think would happen if, instead, we answered with how we really feel?

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To my younger self.....

I know many of you have heard of this before! If you could sit down and give your "Younger You" some advice... what would it be? 

As I sit in meditation, it occurs to me that I have so much I would want to say to my younger self that it is rather difficult to pin point just ONE thing! 

I do believe that the one point I would want to drive home is the instruction to QUESTION EVERYTHING! 

Everything? Yes, everything. Every little fact that the world presents as truth. Every single story you are taught in school as "truth". Every single statement that is told to you and every single concept or idea you encounter. 

When you go through the journey of life and people tell you 'that's just how it's done'... question it. When you read a historical story... question it. Train your mind to look at every story and every fact from an alternative viewpoint. 

Throughout history, governments, media, and people in power have been the ones to write and document that "history"; those "facts". And those facts have been told from their perspective. 

By questioning these things, we allow our minds to open to other possibilities. WHAT IF... everything we believe to be true was ingrained in our minds from the OPPOSITE perspective? How different would our lives be? I honestly feel that just by entertaining that concept, we open our minds so much and allow our brain to develop an increase in neurons and electrical connections; increasing our knowledge, awareness and overall wisdom. 

What is one thing that YOU would tell your younger self? Share in the comments below!

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Identifying Belief... SMASHED! (Hint... I'm NOT a Stepford Wife!!)

During my weekly journal prompts the topic came up of taking a serious look at certain beliefs that we hold and how they may have changed over the years. Looking at various topics or issues and writing down your belief about that issue that you had in childhood, as a teenager, as a young adult and then now as an older adult. The process allowed me to see the pattern of changes that have occurred over time. 

Some of those beliefs remained constant throughout; but many others changed quite drastically over time! Today I'm going to focus only on ONE of those beliefs!  

One of the most prominent beliefs that came up was that of being the "good wife". As a young woman my views around this revolved around having to be submissive and somewhat of a "home-body". Unfortunately, this whole idea of what a good wife was just didn't fit with the PERSON I was! In my mind the good wife was quiet and submissive. Someone who was unconditionally supportive of her husband... (who just happened to always have the best of intentions and acted in the utmost way both ethically and morally). She was someone who baked cookies and made sure dinner was ready for her husband. She would never do or say anything that her husband found offensive or remotely inappropriate. 

She was a stepford wife... and trying to fit that ideal was so far removed for me. I was loud and opinionated. I was terrible in the kitchen! And quite frankly, didn't feel like I should have to take on ownership for the way someone else responds or feels or reacts to something I say or do (within reason). 

Fast forward to mid-level adulthood and my beliefs on this issue have done a drastic 180'!  Well... that's not to say I've become a TERRIBLE wife!! But, more so an empowered woman! I've learned to re-evaluate my own interpretation of what a "good wife" entails. I've accepted that I am not a submissive, quiet person; but rather an opinionated and, quite frankly, a rather loud individual. And those qualities are OKAY....  and that they mesh well with certain people even if they don't jive with others! 

What brought about this change in this belief? The short answer is enlightenment. And the little bit longer answer is that I went through so many crappy, controlling relationships that I was (finally) able to recognize what a crappy relationship LOOKED like... so I could actually be on the lookout for the complete opposite! In this particular instance, I believe that the change in my belief around what a good wife is, has been a positive one. It is empowering and liberating on so many levels and has allowed me to flourish in so many other areas of life. 

What is ONE belief you had that eventually CHANGED over time? Has it been a positive or negative change? Share in the comments below!

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5 Things I Appreciate About My Previous Spiritual Paths

Many people who leave the religious beliefs that they were brought up in harbor a great deal of negativity towards that religion. There are few who can look back on that journey and pick out a few aspects of it that can be appreciated. 

Why should we "appreciate" something we walked away from, you ask? Well, for one thing, that path that we WERE on helped to bring us to the path we are currently on! So, in many cases that path was a necessary part of our journey to bring us to the path we may be on currently. And there's something to be said for that! 

Here are 5 things that I have come to appreciate about the spiritual paths and religions that I was a part of before coming to my current spiritual path!

1. Those paths taught me the meaning of DOGMA!

From Wikipedia... Dogma is an English term transliterated in the 17th century from Latin (Latin dogma) meaning "philosophical tenet", derived from the Greek 'dogma' (Greek δόγμα) meaning literally "that which one thinks is true" and 'dokein' (Greek dokeo) "to seem good."

As I journeyed on my previous paths, it became very clear to me that we were to accept particular "truths" without question. Oh, I know, there are many people in those previous paths that will shout out 'No! Not true! You are always able to question!' But to them I say hogwash! I had seen it first-hand that certain questions were frowned upon or simply left unanswered as the inquirer was made to feel "less than". 

I have seen dogmas defend themselves regardless of the alternative facts presented. And I have seen faithful believers cling to dogmas, creating a false sense of security in their lives. 

And it was in seeing these things that I began to fully understand the meaning of religious dogma and how significantly it impacts the lives of so many people. In this knowledge, I became even more adamant on questioning everything that was presented to me, as I began to equate religious dogma to the image in my head of a horse with blinders on. 

2. Those paths gave me a foundation of "religious knowledge".

I've always believed that knowledge of any sort is powerful. And so it has proven true with religious "knowledge" as well. Despite the fact that I may not subscribe to the "knowledge", having that background has helped me to question things that I had formerly accepted as truth. Had I not had this indoctrinated education, I would not have been able to put some of the pieces together to even begin to question them. 

As an example- if I were to look at a major religion that I have little knowledge about, and someone were to state a "fact" about that religion; I would not be able to debate it or discuss it with considerable certainty as I have little knowledge of those "religious facts" (as they are taught). Knowing the historical basis of certain religions has helped me to see a BIGGER PICTURE in regards to religion and its place in history. 

3. One path showed me the reverence of RITUAL

Fun fact... I went to Catholic High School. I can recall having to attend "chapel" and often bailing out of it to hide out in the Guidance office... or anywhere really! Well, this one day I had nowhere to go and we were all corralled into the chapel. As I surely wasn't interested in what was being said, and couldn't hear most of it anyway; I was whispering about something completely off topic to the friend sitting at my side. It was then that one of the teachers pulled me aside and explained the importance of showing respect and reverence despite the fact that I may not follow that path. 

From that point on, I would attend and sit in respect. And in doing so, I observed those "rituals" and the more active participants. I realized that when performing a ritual of ANY sort, one is showing respect, not just to the faith, but to the energies and deities that you are calling upon. This respect for the reverence of ritual practices made it a natural progression for me when I began to show reverence for my ancestors while on my current path. 

4. My previous religion showed me that what someone does within church walls is not as meaningful as what one does outside those walls.

I can remember sitting in a service years ago and hearing the preacher flat out tell everyone that "we do no good while sitting here, the only real good we can do is that which we do outside of these walls". He then went on to say that it didn't even matter that all of us were sitting in that church if what we did outside of those walls didn't show others that we live our beliefs. 

This was probably the last time I even sat in a "church" to be honest! For it was then that I had the epiphany that how I lived my life was of far greater importance. This realization instilled in me the importance of "living my truth". 

5. I appreciate that one path taught me to "Avoid the Appearance of Evil"... and here's why!

I can remember arriving to an evening church service in my beat up Dodge Aspen with newly applied Grateful Dead stickers plastered all over it. Oh, the looks I got! At the time, I was young and absolutely had no idea what the big deal was! Finally, one of my friends pulled me aside and explained the "evil" in that music and why it "didn't look good" that I had those stickers on my car. 

He went on to share a (hypothetical) story about a man who is seen parked in front of a liquor store even though he had been going into the adjacent food market. Explaining that because he happened to be parked in front of the liquor store, should someone impressionable see his vehicle there; it may cause that impressionable person to lose their faith. 

Hmmm..... well, I can tell you it didn't change my mind about the stickers OR the music; but it did bring to light a more powerful message in my eyes. People will judge you based on what they see, even if they aren't seeing the whole picture. 

What are some of the things that YOU appreciate about the spiritual paths you have been on in your life? (The ones that you are no longer following that is!)

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Sound Vibrations and Energetic Healing... What a Combo!

Have you ever noticed how certain music makes you feel a certain way? When you listen to lively, upbeat music it gets you in a better mood. And when you listen to more mellow music- it offers a sense of relaxation. The vibrations that these sounds put out effect us on a deep level.. spiritually, mentally, emotionally and yes... even physically! 

When I began to incorporate sound vibrations into my healing sessions, I noticed that the effects of the healing became so much stronger. I often use recorded sounds of drumming and even Tibetan Singing Bowls to enhance the energetic healing. 

As a Reiki practitioner, we can utilize the Reiki symbols to "charge" the music with the intention that the vibrations will aid in the healing of our client. Doing this adds yet another element to our treatment session and offers our client an added layer of healing in so many ways. 

Learn how to add the Reiki symbols to YOUR next healing session here: 

Do you add the element of sound vibrations to your healing practice? Have you noticed a difference? 

If you don't practice Reiki- of course, I encourage you to learn!!! But... in the meantime... check out my FREE course on Elenari Healing! This is a channneled energy healing technique that works with the Fae Realm. You can find more info at https://www.facebook.com/groups/422720494736594/

Interested in Online, Self-Guided Courses? Check out my online courses in Reiki, Shamanic Soul Retrieval Reiki, Karmic Reiki, Divining with Playing Cards (Cartomancy), Remote Viewing and Pendulum Divination!! www.ravenhaze.com (Payment plans available for Reiki courses!)

This month I am offering a Spirit Guide Adviser Session via phone, Skype, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger Chat (1 hour... discover what YOUR guides have to say to you!) ALONG with a detailed emailed tarot reading for the crazy low price of $65 USD! 
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Message from Spirit: Visualize Your Future So Clearly... it is ingrained in our minds like the back of our hand!

It's always welcome and wonderful when spirit visits in our dreams with advice and inspiration! Many nights, when they come- the messages are so cryptic and the symbolism can be fairly deep and challenging to comprehend. 

Last night, however, I was blessed with a pretty clear-cut dream with easy to understand symbols! Now we're talking!

In this dream, I was being told that I had to visualize so clearly;-in fact, I was to memorize-  the second and third floors of a mall. I had to be able to see each and every store in my minds eye; with the entire third floor being full of restaurants. Once I was able to do that- I was shown that I would be able to obtain a position in a small shop that wasn't even attached to the mall. And despite my feeling (in the dream) that I was ill equipped to run that shop- I was shown that the line would be quite long at the register. 

Does this seem rather cryptic to you? Well, thankfully, I was awakened in the morning with such a clear understanding of the meaning and a certainty surrounding that. When we dream of a mall that often indicates the choices and decisions that we have to make in our waking life. It speaks of the plans we have and is a positive indication that we are on the right path. 

When we dream of a restaurant or several in this case, we are being told that we should be of service to others or that we are seeking service from others. In this case, having to memorize each restaurant seems to speak more to the point of being of service in the chosen path. 

The image of running a small shop with a long line of customers speaks of being successful in business and able to handle that resultant success. 

The overall meaning seemed to suggest that visualization is of utmost importance when we are trying to manifest success in our lives. Being able to see with perfect clarity, how we desire things to be. WITHOUT worrying about the "HOW". Just visualize it. Never mind how it will happen - much like the dream, I wasn't concerned with HOW I would memorize each of the shops and locations, I just knew that it was important that I was able to see each one in my minds eye as clear as day. And that the result of this intense visualization would be success. How we serve others will be welcome and well received. 

Well... most of us already know the importance of visualization; so what's so special about this? Was it simply a reminder... a nudge in the right direction? Or was it something a bit more? Well, I believe that it suggests that we have to "up our game" somewhat! It isn't enough to just visualize our goals randomly whenever we feel "stuck"... we need to visualize them as though it's part of our JOB! Much like we are studying for a test. When we study for a test we set aside time each and every day to ingrain those facts in our mind and so we must do this with our goals as well. Take time each day to memorize what that future will look like. 

Do you take the time each day to visualize your goals and what you want your future to look like? Or are there days when the mundane aspects of our current life get in the way and we neglect to spend a few minutes visualizing it? Can you imagine the changes that we could manifest if we made visualizing our dreams and goals a priority?? I challenge you to spend 5 minutes each and every day visualizing your goals this month. 


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Interested in Online, Self-Guided Courses? Check out my online courses in Reiki, Shamanic Soul Retrieval Reiki, Karmic Reiki, Divining with Playing Cards (Cartomancy), Remote Viewing and Pendulum Divination!! www.ravenhaze.com (Payment plans available for Reiki courses!)

This month I am offering a Spirit Guide Adviser Session via phone, Skype, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger Chat (1 hour... discover what YOUR guides have to say to you!) ALONG with a detailed emailed tarot reading for the crazy low price of $65 USD! 
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Cleansing OURSELVES! 3 Methods you can do Today!

In a previous post, I discussed cleansing of our personal spaces... our homes... and the impact that has on our health and well-being. But what if you've done all that and still feel that negativity? Quite possibly, that negativity and energetic "crud" is actually coming from YOU! 

Now, this in no way means that you're a "bad person" or that you're "cursed"! It could simply mean that you have picked up some negative energies when you go to work, or go out anywhere. It could be that you've been in a slump for a while. Maybe you've felt sluggish or withdrawn. Or you may find that despite repeated house cleansings, you are still irritable and grouchy. It happens. We've all been there. 

In this case, it is important to do a cleanse on OURSELVES! And I'm not talking about jumping in the shower with the Dial Soap and giving ourselves a good scrub! I'm speaking here about a more spiritual cleanse. A cleanse to eliminate the negative energies. Remember, that negative energies will undoubtedly rear their ugly head in the way of physical symptoms, as I discussed in a previous post. This speaks to the seriousness of doing a spiritual cleanse regularly. We don't want to let the "crud" fester and turn into physical ailments! 

In fact, oftentimes, a spiritual cleanse- designed to eliminate negative ENERGIES- will result in an improvement on the PHYSICAL level! I have been witness to stories of pets who were unable to walk or diagnosed with tumors; being completely healed following a spiritual and energetic cleansing. I know people... yes, human people.. that have had remarkable results on the physical level following a spiritual cleanse. 

So, how does one go about performing a spiritual or energetic cleanse on themselves? 

Herbs to the Rescue!

There are many methods to choose from! One of the most common ways is to use herbs. You can boil the appropriate herbs in a pot on your stove. Charge the herbs for their purpose or pray over them as you do this. After it comes to a boil, let the water cool completely. Then strain the herbs out. This water can then be added to your regular bath water or simply poured over your head if you are more inclined to shower. 

Everyone has an EGG!

Another method is called a Limpia. This is a Spanish word which means "cleanse or cleaning". This method uses a simple EGG from your refrigerator. You can learn about the Limpia here: 

Use Some Incense

A method which uses incense is also appropriate. If you have loose incense or resin of Frankincense and Myrrh you can burn them on a charcoal disc. As you do this, you will want to remove all of your clothing and sit in a chair. Place the burning resins beneath the chair (on the floor). Then wrap yourself completely in a sheet- allowing the smoke from the incense to rise up and immerse your entire body. 

There are many other methods to do a Spiritual Self-Cleanse! These are just a sampling! What other methods are YOU familiar with?

I challenge you to try one of these methods and experience the difference in how you feel! 

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