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! 

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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When Times Get Tough... The Tough KEEP GOING!

As I was meditating the other day and channeling the Goddess, it occurred to me that one of the common themes lately is that of perseverance. I'm being shown the importance of being steadfast, consistent and having tenacity! And I know that this message is as much for me as it is for others!

It wasn't too long ago that the theme I was getting was that of "pushing through the fear" and to "just do it!" And, being the procrastinator that I am, I'm guessing that was the theme because I just wasn't getting my ass in gear and DOING IT!! 

And so it is with the current theme of "sticking with it". Only, this time, I don't want to be stuck on the same theme for months on end; especially due to my own shortcomings! So, this time, I intend on actually DOING what the Goddess is suggesting! 

But, alas... let's delve deeper into what she actually means by perseverance! Looking at the actual definition of the word we can see that perseverance is: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. 

What does this mean in terms of our spiritual life? In terms of waiting for things to manifest? Well, to me this means continuing to SHOW UP and be present-- even though we may not see immediate results that its been successful. Even though it may be hard to do because we are "too tired", "too depressed" or "too anything [insert excuse here!]

It means making a commitment to yourself to be determined in your efforts. NO. MATTER. WHAT. 

This concept seems so easy. I'm sure you're sitting there reading this and saying "well, duh!!!" But in our current society of instant results -- sometimes sticking with it is a little more challenging than it sounds. Sometimes "showing up" and "being present" isn't always the easy thing to do. 

For me, being consistent is a huge part of perseverance. And I think this is probably the biggest part of this concept that I fall short on. Maintaining regular contact with people in a meaningful way. And, so I work on this... and make lists each week and each day; reminding myself that I am committed and I am moving forward... albeit slowly! And part of those lists include my little reminders to "show up" and "be steadfast". 

I challenge you today to remind yourself to PERSEVERE by being consistent and "showing up", despite the perceived difficulties and despite the lack of perceived results... stay the course! I would love to hear your story! Share a time when you really weren't seeing the fruits of your labor and maybe, just weren't motivated to "show up"... what was it that motivated you to persevere and press on?

And then... check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ravenhazehealingdivination    and stop by the web site for some freebies!! www.ravenhaze.com

Manifesting and Acceptance... And how to screw that shit up!

As many of you know by now, I am a big believer in manifesting. By this I mean that I strongly believe in the power of positive affirmations, aligning your emotional experience and vibration to that which you desire to manifest in your life, and trusting in the universal response to acknowledge my desires and formulate them into my reality. 

Sounds totally crazy to anyone who isn't familiar with the whole manifesting process... but I've seen it work. Not just once, but many times over. And not just in others, but in my own life as well. 

Now, I've written about manifesting in the past and tried to explain the process in the easiest way I could at the time. I prefer that concepts... any concept... be broken down to the simplest format possible. In this way, it makes it easier for just about anyone to comprehend and master. 

Part of manifesting is using positive affirmations. But those alone will not get you what you desire. I can state every day that I have a million bucks, but that statement alone isn't going to cut it. I need to add substance. That substance is in the form of our emotions. I need to feel it. Feel what it WILL feel like when I have a million bucks. Feel it so deeply and so clearly that I KNOW that feeling and am comfortable with that feeling. And certainly we want to express gratitude to the universe for what we are manifesting... because we KNOW it IS coming. 

Now, as you simmer on that part of the manifestation process for a bit... let's take a look at some of the other parts. Some of the parts that can fuck up the whole process.....  
Because as much as I am able to manifest in my life... I am equally as good at fucking that shit up royally! 

The first way that I tend to screw up my manifestation is when I don't TRUST!
Let's look at this in this way... say I give someone a job to do... and then, before they are even finished, I take it back because maybe I feel like they aren't getting it done fast enough or maybe I'm just a control freak. Either way, I haven't even given them enough time to show me that they CAN get the job done! It's much the same with the universe. We have to trust that the universe CAN get that job done! And then give the universe TIME to actually do the work! 

The next big way to screw up the manifestation process is to allow FEAR to set in... Oh, not you, eh? Let's just see... 

How many times have you tried to manifest a loftier goal... only to have an option present itself that scared the shit out of you? Or... you've been working on manifesting something kind of lofty and an opportunity presented itself... and you went with it... following through... but all the while had this nagging sense of inadequacy and fear that kept creeping in?

It's said that there are really only two emotions: love and fear. And it's that fear that rears its ugly head in the form of anxiety, nervousness, shame, guilt and so many more of the "undesirable" emotions... 

It's so important that we face that fear, acknowledge it and push through it! "hey, fear... thanks for showing up... but you're not needed at the moment!" GTFO FEAR!!!

We can't deny it exists. But we can choose how we respond to it. And since it comes from within US... we can send it to the back seat! Now... even if you push through the fear... we can't let it linger even a little bit. Say you are going to do a TEDx talk. You realize the universe granted you this amazing opportunity! You've prepared for this and now the time has come. Of course fear decides to step up to the plate. Well, you know you're going to push through it and get on that stage anyway. BUT... if you let that fear linger even a bit... it could sabotage your whole speech! Your nerves and anxiety may show through in your words or your lack of enthusiasms. Because when you're focusing on fear... you aren't focusing on your objective. 

The third way we can screw up our manifestations is when we don't have a clear objective. Putting it out to the universe that you want a "good life" is too broad and too subjective. A good life to one person may be a simple cottage by the sea with a wood burning stove and herbs hanging from the ceiling. A good life to someone else may be more along the lines of a Mercedes in the driveway and a ten bedroom house. We need to explain a little bit more when it comes to manifesting. 

But, with that being said; we don't want to be SO specific that we limit the options that the universe has to bring us those desires!  If I wanted to manifest $5,000; I would have better luck simply trying to manifest that money without putting limitations on HOW that money is to come. In other words, I may choose to AVOID saying "I will manifest $5,000 from my job" because that would limit where that money comes from. 

What are some of the ways that YOU tend to mess up YOUR manifestation process? It's okay... you can share them here! Throw them in the comments below!

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Can Kindness Heal?

Emotional Pain? Not I...

I do believe that many of our physical illnesses are made that much worse by the addition of emotional hurt and pain. I also believe that the only two (main) emotions that all of the other emotions come from; are fear and love. So, it makes sense to me that emotional pain stems from a place of fear and an absence of love, at a particular point in our lives. 

When someone hurts us it leaves an emotional scar deep in our inner most being. And this hurt and pain manifests itself in our lives through depression, sadness or withdrawn behavior. It may even rear its head through expressions of anger or resentment or even unkind words. 

Most days I don't consider myself to be in need of emotional healing. 'That's okay for others, but I'm good!' as I focus on growth and manifestation and all that positive stuff. But, then something happens. I may see a post on Facebook that is quite hurtful and hits a nerve. Or someone says something when I'm at the grocery store that has an air of nastiness to it. And it's at those times that I realize, that I, too, could use some emotional healing. Clearly, there are old wounds that open up during certain situations. 

Today I did some meditation as I normally do; but this time I took it a step further and channeled the goddess energy for insight. The primary message that I kept getting was to focus on love. But what the heck does that mean?? 

Often spirit speaks in a vague way! Mainly through symbols or short phrases, which can be a bit frustrating for left brain people! But what she was saying was so simple, in fact; that I just needed to accept it for its simplicity. 

She spoke of being kind and simply letting kindness enter your being.. your mind, your thoughts, your speech. As I am sarcastic by nature, showing kindness on a daily basis can be quite a challenge. That probably sounds very odd to the people that DO show kindness daily! 

So, what exactly does it mean to show kindness?

Part of showing kindness means to give of yourself. Even if all you can give is your time. By giving of yourself you are opening doors and making connections; human connections. And by showing kindness to others, you are in fact; showing kindness to YOURSELF. 

Not only does an act of kindness make someone else happy- it also does the same for you. When you show kindness, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine which produces happiness in YOU. Studies have also shown that acts of kindness can actually reduce stress levels; and we all know the health benefits of THAT! I was shown that this simple act can actually OPEN DOORS to emotional healing.

It sounds almost too simple. And yet, even though it IS simple; I realize that I have seen the effectiveness of it. You see, I use a pendulum to change energy in that way regularly. Using a pendulum, we can eliminate a negative and bring in a positive. When using it for emotional healing, we eliminate the negative emotion present and add in the corresponding positive emotion to replace it. 

Replacing emotional hurt and fear with love and kindness. 

But stepping outside of your comfort zone to show kindness can leave you open and vulnerable... vulnerable to even more hurt, right? No doubt, it is hard to show kindness when we are hurting emotionally. And yet, showing kindness is one way that we can begin to heal ourselves. Focusing on love and kindness rather than focusing on our inner pains and fears. Essentially, sending our energy outward to produce a positive effect INWARD. 

Just for today, let's be vulnerable and try to show some kindness to someone! In fact, let's challenge ourselves to make an effort to show ONE person some kindness each day. And watch the changes that occur in OURSELVES as we begin a journey towards emotional healing. 

Share your experiences in the comments below! What act of kindness did you show? How has it impacted YOU?

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Grateful, Thankful, Appreciative...

"I am Grateful. I am Thankful. I am Appreciative."

Don't these words just mean the same thing?

So often I hear people say they are "thankful" especially around this time of year. This got me thinking about the differences in being thankful, grateful and appreciative. I know you're thinking- 'what's the point? Aren't they all just the same thing really?' 

Well, I don't think they ARE the same. When we talk about manifesting, we also talk about how important it is to express gratitude and appreciation. So, if both of THOSE terms are mentioned, it stands to reason that there must be differences; albeit subtle ones!

Some references will tell you that being grateful and being thankful are synonyms for each other. And in today's day and age, they are often used interchangeably for sure. However, if we really analyse the words, we can see that they do in fact have some differences. 

Generally speaking, being grateful is a noun. This is something that we ARE... and often after the act of being thankful - which is the adjective. So, in essence, when we express thanks for something, we then become more grateful.

The same concept holds true for the word appreciative. Many sources will indicate that being appreciative is a synonym for being grateful. Appreciative is an adjective as in "showing appreciation".  One can truly only show appreciation for something that they are both thankful for AND grateful for. To show appreciation is to recognize and realize internally, the beauty or value of the thing which you are speaking of. 

Can you be one without being the other?

I can be thankful for my job, but certainly not be grateful for it or even appreciate it. However, if I am grateful for my job, then it stands to reason that I am also thankful for it and had expressed that thankfulness at some point. But, alas, I still may not be appreciative of it! 

I may be thankful for the dinner being served on Thanksgiving, but that in no way would mean that I had taken the time to really appreciate the food that is going to sustain my body. 

And, I certainly know that come Christmas time, my young children are thankful for the presents they receive- but are they grateful? Have they really internalized how grateful they are to receive presents? And going further, are they appreciative of those presents and what it may have taken in order to get them under the tree? Since many Christmas presents (toys in particular) become forgotten or stuffed away somewhere only a week or so after the holiday, I would have to say that gratefulness and appreciation are quite probably not in the mix!

So, what is the answer?

So, after much research into this I have come to the following conclusion: (particularly in regards to putting these concepts into action with the Law of Attraction and manifestation in our lives). 

I believe that the first step is to be grateful. This means that we need to really FEEL that feeling of thankfulness. Internalize it.  We start with a feeling of being grateful for what is before us. I believe this involves our senses in a way. So, we look at our home and realize we are grateful for having a roof over our heads. We hear our children and realize we are grateful for having people in our lives who love us. We smell the food cooking on the stove and realize that we are grateful for that food. And only then do we turn that inward feeling into an outward expression. When I am grateful for (the job, the person, etc.) I then express thanks to the universe for that thing and am able to realize more fully just HOW thankful I truly am. 

This brings us to being thankful. Being thankful is an outward expression of the feeling of gratefulness.  Whether that be to an individual, entity or even just putting it out to the universe. I believe that thankfulness is that outward expression. It is when we say to someone "Thank you" (for being there, for this job, etc. etc.). It is important to express this thankfulness regardless of circumstance when we want to manifest in our life. You may hate your job! But, there must be SOME aspect of that job that you are thankful for- even if it is ONLY that you get a paycheck every week. No matter what it is, express thanks for it. Verbalize it. Put it "out there" to the universe, God, the Goddess, your guides, whoever you choose. The important thing is that you express it. Sort of like saying an affirmation. In this step you are simply saying it. But, that alone will mean nothing until we move on to the other part.

Finally, we must have appreciation. Much like when one is looking at a piece of artwork, we must really feel how this gratitude we have impacts our lives. Once we have had that feeling of gratefulness and then taken the time to express it outwardly with thankfulness; we need to then simmer in that feeling so much so that it creates such an intense appreciation for it. To really appreciate it as one would appreciate great artwork, is the true meaning of this step. Realizing, acknowledging and understanding that your world and your life is a better place because of that thing which you are appreciating. 

I challenge you to mindfully take each of these words and make them real in your own life! As we spend time with families, friends and loved ones this season; take a moment to feel the gratefulness within you. Express the thankfulness and then take time to simmer in it and really appreciate it. Find something, ANYTHING, in your life that you feel gratitude towards. As you do this, I am certain that your life will be more abundant for it! Take a moment to share in the comments below some of the things in YOUR life that you are grateful for, express thanks for, and appreciate fully. 

~ Raven Haze Healing and Divination

Find me on the web at www.ravenhaze.com and on Facebook at Raven Haze Healing & Divination as well as my GROUP at Raven Haze Group

Recharging with your Tribe

There are times when I am in a down swing. Now that I have grown more spiritually, I am better able to notice when these periods come and to recognize that during those times my vibration is much lower than it usually is. And when these "down-swings" come along- it's never been very easy getting OUT of them! 

A long time ago when I was a teenager, someone told me to be mindful of who you hang around with; who your friends are. The reason, they said, was because it is always so much easier to be "dragged down than it is to be lifted up". 

This stuck with me and I think of it often. It holds true not just for friends, but for life in general. It is so much easier to be brought down to a lower vibration than it is to be lifted into a higher one. 

This makes sense to me on a scientific level as well. It takes more energy and effort to throw a ball UP into the air than it does for that ball to drop back down. 

But sometimes, just sometimes, the universe brings people into your life that make it much, much easier to be lifted into a higher vibration! Those are the people to cherish. Those are the people in your tribe!

This weekend I had the privilege of spending three full days online with some really fabulous and talented people! These people, each in their own special way, unknowingly helped me to be lifted from my funk and raise my vibration! It's so important to surround yourself with people like that! People who lift you up. People who are, what I call, "encouragers". 

Even though we may be miles apart and on different continents, having that much needed time to connect with my tribe helped me to recharge and renew my own focus! Think about the people in your tribe... Think about those that seem to help you to "recharge" when you're feeling low... The people you seem to have a "soul" connection to... and make time to connect with them! It is one of the most therapeutic things you can do!

Find me on the web at www.ravenhaze.com (and get a FREE guide to working out YOUR psychic abilities!)  and on My Facebook Business Page. Looking for some more in depth knowledge and discussion? Try my group at Facebook Group Raven Haze

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I "Want", I "Need", OR I "Have"??

The Law of Attraction and all that Hocus Pocus

I wanted to talk a bit today about setting your intention out into the universe and the law of attraction. I have heard so many people talk about how the law of attraction is pure rubbish lately. This made me really sit down and reflect on it. In fact, I actually meditated on it and was given (reminded of actually) some valuable insight from my spirit guides that I would like to share with you here.

I believe very strongly in the ability to manifest and I also believe very strongly in the law of attraction. What you put out there WILL come back to you at the same level of vibration that you are working in... whether it's good or bad, in your best interest or not. 

When you repetitively talk about how your job sucks... the universe will happily oblige you; though not likely in the way you anticipated! I've seen many instances where people (myself included) have spoken those kind of words regularly, only to find themselves fired or "let go" with no further job prospects. Guess what? That sucky job you were talking about... the universe has removed that from your life for you! 

I "Want"

When we go around saying or thinking "I want...." this, that or the other thing in our lives; we are putting that intention out into the universe with the idea that it will manifest itself. 

The problem with "I want" is that what you are putting out there is what you will get... more "want". 

I "Need"

The same holds true when we put out to the universe the intention that starts with "I need....". The universe already knows what you need. No point in perpetuating that concept! For example, if I put out my intention that "I need a new car"; what I am really putting out is the constant "need" for a car. And that is exactly what I will get back... continued NEED for a car. 

I "Have"

On the other hand, when we put out to the universe the intention with the phrase "I have" we will attract the same! The universal law of attraction states that "like attracts like". So, it stands to reason that if I put out the intention that "I have a reliable and attractive vehicle that I am blessed with", I will be putting out that intention on the same vibrational level as that which I am truly seeking... a reliable and attractive vehicle! 


I have a client who had come to me in complete frustration over this. She told me she has been putting her intention out into the universe for a solid relationship for the past year and nothing has ever manifested for her! She was at her wits end! We discussed it a bit further and I asked her to tell me what it was she was "putting out there". Her mantra was "I want a committed man who will love me and honor me for a long-term, lifetime romantic relationship". She was a step ahead of the game in making her intention specific; but what was she actually putting out into the universe? The constant feeling of WANT. She was indeed manifesting exactly what she put out there! She had a constant WANT for the past year! We changed her mantra a bit to say "I HAVE" instead, and I am quite confident that this will change her outcome sooner rather than later!

So What's the Take Home Message Here?

In order for the law of attraction to be effective, it's super important HOW we phrase our intentions! Bearing in mind that words have meaning and words have POWER! Does it feel like you're lying somewhat? Probably! But in a way, as the old adage goes: FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT. In other words, put that intention out into the universe as though it has already manifested and REALLY feel the emotion of what it WILL BE like when it DOES manifest! 

Keep your vibration at the same level of that which you want to bring INTO your life. And above all, express GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION for all that you have and all that is to come!

What are some of the things that you've ATTRACTED into YOUR life with the Law of Attraction? Were they good things or have you had some experiences with inadvertently attracting the more negative things? Share your experiences in the comments below!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook Fan Page. Looking for more discussions? Then check out my closed Facebook group: Raven Haze GROUP

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Recharge Yourself!

Finding Solace amidst Stressors

Where do you go for solace? Where is your quiet place? Taking time to recharge our souls, our spirit and our mind can make all the difference in the world when it comes to facing the harsher world that we are a part of.

The importance of recharging

Often times we can get so caught up in the negativity of the world. What do I mean by this? Well, we get caught up in negative emotions such as anger or frustration. We can even get caught up in stress and worry; particularly when we are talking about finances! The past several weeks I was getting caught up in a negative mindset brought out by having family with us who would constantly perpetuate a “poverty mindset” by their words and actions. I didn’t want that mindset leaking over into my head, because as you know, what we put INTO our minds is what we will get OUT of our minds. And what comes OUT will surely be manifested~ whether it is for our highest good or not.

For me, listening to someone rant on and on about negative things in their life, is exhausting. In the past, I would have listened like a “good friend” and confidante. In fact, I probably would have encouraged them to release their feelings and maybe even support their thoughts. However, now that I am in a better mindset myself, I don’t do those things. I don’t encourage negative self-talk. I won’t feed into your negative ranting, particularly when you are perseverating on it. And worst of all, I suppose I worry that the negative mindset mentality will; much like a virus; infect my own thoughts, and that makes me nervous enough to shut those conversations right down!

How I recharge

So, after several weeks of dealing with the negativity and the poverty mindset, I knew that I had to reset my own mind. I had to get back into my mojo of positivity and abundance mindset. The very first step I took was to clear my SPACE. For me, having a clear space in the physical realm is pertinent before working on the mental and astral realms. To put it in a different perspective, it’s hard to do a surgical procedure in a non-sterile environment, right? So, assuring that the SPACE that I am living in is cleared of negativity was the first step. I do this by first cleaning... yes, literally cleaning. I wipe down every surface and then get to the floors. In the Hoodoo tradition, floors are a primary way that negativity can enter your space. I use a good floor wash to both eliminate negativity (ammonia) and bring in abundance (abundance floor wash) along with a dash or two of Rue Water or Florida Water. Once the physical cleansing is completed, I work on the more “astral” cleansing. I do this using two methods, although it can be done with many more! I use a bell which I ring throughout the house as I chant that “negativity go away; you’re not welcome here any day!” The next step is to use incense to literally change the ions in the air. I normally use a Sage and walk through the whole house. Now, if I feel as though the Sage isn’t going to cut the mustard (because it isn’t the STRONGEST incense one can use) I will burn Frankincense and Myrrh or Sandalwood on a charcoal disc.

The final step in finding my solace and regaining my positive vibe is to meditate. I will take the time to sit quietly and meditate on my intention. I ask my spirit guides to help to refocus my thought patterns away from the poverty mindset. When that is done, I will crank some uplifting music to further raise my vibration!

Meditation is my solace. That is my quiet place! And that is the best way I have found to recharge my soul, spirit and mind. But as you can see, it isn’t JUST the meditation. It is the process leading up to it that is just as important. It involves not only an inward change but also an outward change. And when I change my immediate “outward” surroundings a bit and then alter my inner being – only then am I able to really make the bigger changes!

What is YOUR quiet space where you can RECHARGE? When life is throwing you lemons, how do you RESET your mindset?

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook Fan Page. Looking for more discussion? Check me out at Raven Haze Facebook Group. 

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Push Through the FEAR... Like a 9 Year Old!

For the past several MONTHS... (yes, you read that right... MONTHS) I have vacillated about doing LIVE videos in my Facebook group Raven Haze Healing and Divination Group. I seemed to have some sort of blockage or fear about doing it. I've been told that really there are only 2 different emotions that everything else stems from: FEAR and LOVE.

This fear really had no basis. I have no idea where it came from or why it decided to manifest in that way. You see, I had already posted videos in the group that were pre-recorded and I had already done live videos in one of my other groups for addiction recovery. So, why this mental blockage kept me from going live in this particular group was beyond me! 

Then, one day after I had posted a pre-recorded video to the page, I had a newer member ask me if she could share it. And it seemed that the only way she could share the video was if it were posted to YouTube first so she could embed the link. Well, I'll be honest, she caught me off guard! But, I didn't even give myself TIME to think about it! I just went and quickly uploaded the video to my YouTube account and sent her the link. 

So, since I had just "put myself out there" by posting a pre-recorded video to a public forum; I knew it was time to move forward and get that live video done! (And I did!) 

What really intrigued me though was that when my 9 year old daughter came home from school that day; I told her that I had uploaded a video to YouTube. Now, this child has been harping on wanting to be a "YouTuber" for about a year now and I've been putting it off for just as long! Well, since I had just uploaded my own videos, I told her that I'd upload a video for her that day if she wanted. 


Without batting an eyelash, she ran to the table, set up the iPad and began recording herself! No Fear!! No preconceived ideas of rejection ever entered her mind! Like the Nike commercial says... she "just did it!" 

My personal mantra for the past several months has been something along the lines of "Push through the fear, because on the other side is SUCCESS". And that day my own 9 year old embodied that affirmation right before my eyes. 

But How Do We Do It??

It isn't an easy thing to do by any means. I think the most important way to push through the fear has got to be to just dive right in! Try not to even think about the "what if's". You'll have plenty of time to do that afterwards! 

Something to consider on the flip side. By letting those fears get the best of you; essentially you're allowing yourself to be controlled by them. You're giving the fear the power! And I don't know about you; but I want to be in control of myself... I don't want to allow some emotion to be the one in control!

Another way to help overcome the fear is to use certain crystals. Carry them with you, stick them in your pocket or bra, or if you're like me; stick them in the bun on the top of your head! Let yourself be guided to stones that are red in color as a general rule; such as Carnelian or Ruby. 

Share an experience you've had where you've PUSHED THROUGH the fear and found success on the other side!!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook. Looking for more discussions and interaction? Check out my closed Facebook group then: Raven Haze

Are You Attracting The Good You Want into YOUR Life?

Manifesting Shmanifesting!! Why can't I get what I want?!?!

Well, let's start with these two questions to break this down a bit...

1. What sort of things do you WANT in your life?

and then...

2. What sort of things are you actually GETTING in your life?


If these two answers are not the same, then "Lucy, you got some splainin' to do!"

You see, the things that you WANT in your life, should most definitely be the things that you GET in your life! After all, you deserve it. And even more than that; we have the POWER to achieve it! 

The fact is, it's all about energy, thoughts and emotions... all combined in a delicate balance...

We are all familiar with the concept of positive affirmations. Think positive thoughts and positive stuff will flow your way, right? Wrong. There's a bit more to it than that. Positive affirmations are wonderful, don't get me wrong. In fact, we should most definitely have our set of positive affirmations that we ingrain in our minds regularly. Our "mantra's" if you will. This is only a part of the equation though. 

What you need to go along with the positive affirmations (brain work) is the emotional component (heart work). This means that you need to really feel what it is like as though you already have that which you desire. 

So, here is where some visualization begins to come into play. Close your eyes and really visualize that you already have this thing/quality/etc. Consider what it would feel like if this were already true in your life. Think back to a time in your life where you HAVE experienced it and bask in that feeling for a bit. Own that feeling.

Don't even know what that might feel like? Maybe it's something that you truly have never experienced in the past. Well, you'll have to use your visualization techniques a little bit harder then! Imagine how you will feel. But when you do, don't imagine it as something happening in the future. Imagine it as something that has already manifested!

The third part of the equation has to do with energy. This is something that is two-fold. On one hand, it relates to the physical energy that you will put out into the universe in order to manifest your dream. This could mean, putting the energy into applying for particular jobs that get you closer to your goal; or taking whatever steps in the mundane world that you know will bring you that much closer. 

On the other hand, it also speaks of spiritual energy. And in this way I am speaking of taking time to meditate and focus on your goal. Lighting a candle, using incense, holding certain crystals or stones... really making a ritual experience out of your time. You are basically doing the spell work needed to help manifest your desire. Putting your desires out into the universe and allowing the elements of earth, air, water, fire and spirit to do what needs to be done!

What are some of the other ways that you have been successful in manifesting what you desire into your life? If you've had a difficult time with it in the past, I encourage you to follow this formula and share your results! If you have any questions, I'm only a click away!!

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook!

You can also check out my "closed" Facebook group for more discussion at Raven Haze Closed Facebook Group! 

Until next time!

~ Heather

Women: Take Back Your Power! 5 Steps to Empowerment

There's a buzz word going around and it is "empowered". Now as a woman and small business owner, I have had many different experiences of being and feeling empowered. And that got me thinking... were these experiences just random? Or are there specific things I can do in my own life to feel empowered all the time? (Or at least MORE of the time!)

Let's take a look at some of the best tips for feeling empowered! Ladies, it's time we took back our power and lived in that reality!!

1. Set your boundaries... and KEEP them!

This one is something I've been working on lately myself. Oh, I am pretty good at setting my boundaries, but keeping them and sticking to them is another story all together! So, what this means is figuring out what you will and will not accept from others. We know that we can't change someone else, but we CAN change our response to other people. That's what is important. This means knowing when you need to say "no" to other people. Knowing what behaviors and actions from other people that you will or will not accept. The harder part of this, for me anyway, is sticking to these boundaries. What this involves is really standing up for yourself. Being able to verbalize that you are not able to do the thing that may be asked of you; and knowing that you don't owe anyone an explanation as to why that is!

2. Surround yourself with other people who appreciate and respect your boundaries.

What this means in a nutshell is - surround yourself with your tribe! These are the people that support you. The people that treat you as an equal and not as someone lesser than they are. And on those occasions when you do meet someone who tries to treat you "less than"; you'll have the backing of your tribe for support and to help you to feel more empowered. These are the people that will cheer you on in your endeavors!

3. Treat YOURSELF like the Queen that you are!

You are beautiful and powerful! But that doesn't mean a damn thing if YOU don't believe it! It's important to realize your own worth and value. Accept that you are gorgeous in your own rite and own that! Take time during your day to work on YOU. That means taking time to become the best version of YOU that you can be. Maybe that means working out a bit, taking a course, or even just taking the time to relax in a quiet, soothing tub. Whatever you need to do to treat yourself the way you would expect a queen to treat herself is what you should be striving for here! You are worth it!!

4. Be your own best cheerleader!

We all have those negative thoughts that creep into our heads on a daily basis. "I can't do that because XYZ", "I'm just not that good yet", and so on. It's normal. But those thoughts don't define us and we don't want to dwell on them. Make a conscious effort that when those thoughts enter your mind, you'll replace them with a positive thought. For example: when the self defeating thought of "I can't possibly do a live video recording" pops into your mind; you'll want to recognize it as a self-defeating thought and replace it with a positive thought such as "I have worked hard and that training has absolutely equipped me with the knowledge and confidence I need to do a live video recording!". You control your mind! 

5. Know your truth... and OWN it!

What does it mean to know your truth? Well, that simply means that you accept who you are, what you do and what you hold true and dear. It means living authentically without concern for other peoples expectations for you. It involves being comfortable with those things and you won't feel guilty about what your truth is!

What are some other ways that you've stepped into your own empowerment? If you've done any of the things mentioned above; what were your results? Share your success stories in the comments below!

~ Heather

Find me on the web at Raven Haze Healing and Divination and on Facebook