A client self-care story...and video!

The people I support through my healing practice are amazing individuals. They are taking bold steps, opening to new possibilities, breathing through their fears and finding the courage on the other side of that fear coin. As one of my teachers says, "Fear is simply courage without the breath!"

I was particularly honored that Anthony Scimonelli asked me to serve as his faculty advisor for an independent study. As a student in the Transformative Leadership and Social Change program at Tai Sophia Institute, Anthony was embarking on the Independent Study phase of his learning with a focus on self-care and breaking free from old stories and shoulds about writing and publishing his original music.

Among other learning activities, Anthony came for regular Reiki and Sound Healing sessions, which assisted him in opening to new possibilities and ways of being in his life. He discovered patterns of harshness, striving, and efforting that took a toll on his physical, mental and emotional health. I coached him to partner those patterns with a gentler and more nurturing approach, particularly in how he spoke and related to himself. As he took steps to express his creativity through original music, he broke free from old personal and family stories that he wasn't good enough to perform on his own. It was a joy to watch him move through the fears, create and honor space in his life for music practice, and proudly share the results with me and others.

Anthony is an audiovisual expert by day, and also loves to use those skills in his creative life. So he designed his Independent Study to include a music video chronicling his experience. It is now on YouTube (check it out!) and includes the first song he has recorded on his way to producing an album. Congratulations, Anthony!

I feel fortunate to be doing work that is so deeply rewarding. What a gift to be a companion to Anthony and so many others, as they break free from what is holding them back from bringing their unique and authentic gifts to the world. Kudos to all of them for honoring self-care as an important step to owning, embodying and sharing their gifts with the world.I am humbled and grateful for their trust in me as a partner on the journey.

Birthing Pains

I don't need to tell you about the massive challenges and changes going on around the world. The headlines are full of natural disasters, wars, economic roller coasters, a growing gap between the rich and the poor--you name it. And while it can seem like things are as bad as they can get, I think they are going to get much worse before they get better. I don’t say this to stir up fear. There is nothing to be afraid of. As the labor pains of childbirth can be painful and continue to intensify, so too are we in a time of intensification that can feel scary and be painful. Yet the beauty of new life—a true miracle—is waiting to emerge. It is a natural process...one we don't have to be afraid of.

This is true for each of us, and for our whole planet. With the end of the Mayan calendar, we are moving into a new Age of great possibility--one of greater wisdom, collaboration and respect for each other and the Earth. However, the old ways are still crumbling, and it is up to us to co-create a new reality on our planet. We are being called to release our clinging to external forms of guidance and support and strengthen our connection to the wisdom, intuition and spiritual guidance that comes from within.

To the extent that we choose to release our fearful and egoic tendencies to stay comfortable and maintain the status quo, it will be a painful process. Resisting the contractions of childbirth only only intensify the pain and difficulty of the process. Instead, learning to BE and flow with the changes, staying connected to our hearts, and making choices in alignment with our authentic self and guidance from Spirit will allow us to move more quickly and easily through this time of transition.

Here's to a more awake, conscious, authentic, respectful and loving society where we ALL are valued and supported to contribute our unique gifts, and live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the planet...for the sake of the generations to come. I am excited to be creating such a reality with you, in service to the Oneness that is in and through us all.