I have been speaking (and singing) in front of (and for) large groups ever since I can remember: in church settings, elementary school (putting on plays), college, social clubs, flea markets (selling products), networking events, yoga and music festivals (as emcee), and health fairs. I am no stranger to the stage. But, we can all refine and polish our public speaking and presentation skills, I am no exception.
I read an article today that prompted me to make a list of my tips, based on my experiences:
Before you speak
Know your subject well, yes do your research
Be able to defend or argue your story from multiple perspectives
Write down your speech and remove any filler words or phrases
Practice your speech in front of a mirror
When tempted to use, “you know,” “uhm,” or such just BREATHE (this space is necessary to slow your speaking rate down, as well as give the audience time to rest, make notes, and such)
Practice your speech in front of one or two people and ask for their feedback on how to improve it
Grand tips for speakers and presenters
Day of your speech
Meditate and expand your Energy out to ALL
Greet attendees or meet as many people at the event as possible, shake hands, fist bump, kiss babies, etc. (okay, maybe not kiss babies post-COVID times, but you get the idea)
Ease any jitters or “butterflies” using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), or such (even humming to yourself works)
Once on stage, tune into your heart center and share your story from “that place”—from your soul
Look at some audience members from different sections of the room
Make eye contact with friendly “light” faces
Provide VALUE— never tell a story that doesn’t make a point (Thank you, Les Brown)
Involve your audience, ask “Have you ever…” or “Has this ever happened to you?”
Smile and laugh genuinely, when it fits
If you ever feel nervous, off track, forget what’s next, or self conscious, be quiet for a moment and breathe, focus and speak from your soul, not your ego
Add color and depth to your personal stories, but don’t drone on, complain, or get caught up in negativity
People want to hear what you learned and how you grew from overcoming adversity
Don’t assume you know your audience—now, on Clubhouse, you probably won’t know them at all, and people are quite multifaceted these days
At the end of your lecture, bow and authentically with humility thank your audience for hearing you—they gave YOU moments of their lives
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
For many of us, WE wouldn’t even pose this question. And yes, I do draw a distinction between “real” and “exists,” such as if I were to ask, “Does God exist?”—a similar, yet different question.
WE undeniably KNOW God is—but, is the isness real (as in physical matter), or spirit?
Those who know God is Real don’t just believe, but came to this knowing through experiencing God, via our senses, by way of esoteric phenomena that we can only attribute to God.
I believe atheists and doubters have asked either or both questions at some point in their lives, because everyone experiences some things that they can’t explain.
I’m not here to change an unbelievers mind, but I would like to present a slice of my reasoning for believing the answer to both questions is YES.
Defining Reality
Any good survey starts by providing definitions. So, let’s examine my previous articles to provide my thoughts on the definition of “Reality.”
And as interesting as it is to attempt to define Reality it is even more thrilling to ponder a definition of the undefinable enigma, God.
God, Omniscience
I have been sharing my innermost thoughts about God, Omniscience, for several years (since my first audible experience in 2005). Links to my previous articles follow:
In the article, Research Is Shedding New Light on Hearing Voices, the author writes that William James, who established the first experimental psychology laboratory in America at Harvard, concluded:
God is real in the reality of the impacts on those open to the possibility. Considering whether or not to choose such openness, James decided that it is more beneficial to act as if there is a transcendent that gives an ultimate meaning to life.
William James, Philosopher and Psychologist—Father of American psychology.
Granted, not all believers in God claim to have heard God’s voice, such as Neale Donald Walsch, author of the series of Conversations with God books. Nevertheless, most believers do credit God with healings and a variety of phenomenon (such as synchronicities) that cannot otherwise be explained.
My friend and fellow spiritual author, Elliott Eli Jackson also writes of conversations with God in his series of The Sapiential Discourses books.
Sacred Sites
This is a huge topic, and one that I have written about before, so I won’t go into it all again, except to provide a list to my previous articles and say that I continue to reap energetic benefits from the time I spent at Newgrange in County Meath, Glendalough, Ireland, Stonehenge in England, and multiple sites in Scotland, especially on the grounds of Rosslyn Chapel and castle, Isle of Skye, and the Faerie Glen.
As you may recall, I wrote an article, https://sheilamurrey.net/2019/04/19/a-surreal-vision-of-soul-departing/ after my dad died (crossed over to the Grand Beyond), which was quite the profound experience. That surreal experience, as well as others regarding my still born sister, Christina (link in the section: Metaphysical Experiences), lend to my knowing of Life After Death, and add to my beliefs of Omniscience (my name for the unknowable Dao, or God).
Friend, film producer, co-founder of the Spiritual Cinema Circle, and author, Stephen Simon has now, published a book with his beloved wife Lauren (who crossed over to the Grand Beyond in her sleep). I am so thrilled their book, What Dreams Have Come: Loving Through The Veil, is available on Amazon.
Update: The Kindle version is available! I have read it and have a book review in process! Love it!
What Dreams Have Come book cover
Also from the same Psychology Today article,
Studies with non-clinical populations have suggested that people are especially likely to hear hallucinatory voices during times of loss or bereavement. In one study, 30% reported hearing the voice of their deceased loved one within the first month of their death, and 6% still heard them a year later. In another study, 13% of persons heard the voice of their deceased spouse, including some who had been widowed up to 40 years prior to being interviewed.
To date, thanks to the metaphysical experiences I’ve had, I have learned that we’re never alone. This knowing gives me eternal peace. The following articles offer a glimpse of the experiences I’ve had:
Because I just can’t put all my trust and faith in any ONE person, concept, or teaching anymore, I have turned towards Spirit to lead and guide me.
I consider all I have learned up to this point in my life, as guideposts. Like training wheels help a child learn to ride a bicycle with proficiency and under self locomotion, that is how I view all religious instruction. Good for a time, but once you’re strong and steady in your knowing, and you have fully integrated Spirit, God, Source, Divine Essence, live the Dao, accepted the garment of the Christ, etc. you’re walking your path.
In closing, for now: ALL of this leads me to more study and live more in tune with nature, as I seeOmniscienceEVERYWHERE. I am strong and steady in my walk. ❤️🦋🌀
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
For as long as I can remember my mom bit her nails. And I always wondered why. She used to tell me it was “just a habit.”
My mother was a woman of strong faith, having been raised in a devoutly Christian home. She was also a deep thinker, earnest student, and hard worker. Mom’s parents never argued in front of their children either. So, what caused my mom to feel inferior (which can be a cause for such types of habits)?
As an aside: I picked up the habit from my mom and bit my nails for over 20 years. I had low self esteem as a teen, and often thought I had an inferiority complex!
Asking the question
Now, in my fifties, one morning (three years after my mom’s death), I sat in meditation and silently asked, “Mom, why did you bite your nails?”
The answer: “It was a way of hiding.”
And I got an image of how one hides a smile behind a hand, and when a man twists his mustache hair. I never had the thought before that one can hide behind their hand while biting one’s fingernails.
Hmmm, hiding? Hiding from what? I quickly retorted in thought.
Almost as soon as the first answer came, the second came. Hiding her soul.
How does one hide their soul?
Then, I was on a quest.
Why and how do we hide our soul? And is this a fight with our inner-being?
Are we reserved in behavior because we are afraid to let our innermost thoughts out?
Do we feel we will be judged?
Why would my mom have felt she would be judged? As especially in her youth, when presumably her nail biting started, she would have had no reason to fear judgment.
But, my mom was painfully shy. Always preferring to stay in the background. My mom preferred solitude to group gatherings—unless the gathering was in church (but even there, she didn’t like the spotlight).
Do we question our power?
One of the only times I saw my mom speak publicly, was when the church congregation was asked to share an individual testimony (of God showed up or intervened in their life).
I would listen to my mom’s personal testimony with awe, each and every time. And I had often wished my dad could have been there, at the prayer meeting, to hear mom’s words. Mom spoke with a gentle tone, but at the same time, a commanding authority. To me, this meant mom was speaking from a profound knowing. From a place of truth.
Are we afraid we can’t live up to the expectation of our soul?
As I searched the Internet on the subject of our soul, I found a series of quotes by author, Parker J. Palm. One of his quotes that caught my attention follows:
Parker J. Palm quote
As soon as I read Parkers quote, I realized he had also touched on the soul phrase given to me in the early 2000s that set me on my Awakening journey. The phrase, which became my mantra, We Are All Connected.
In summary
So far, the way I commune with my soul, and share what I find, (that aligns with the lessons I have learned by sitting with these questions), is the way I speak and share about the mantra, We Are All Connected. We Are Not Alone. And that we are more powerful than we can imagine.
Community means never losing the awareness that We Are All Connected.
Whether we feel less than, insecure, are shy, fearful, or that we may not express our truth in a clear way, we CAN speak and share from our soul, from our innermost truth. We simply need a courageous push or willingness to do so.
Perhaps we are old souls. But that is a question for another meditation. OM
About me
I have a passion for WORDS and Connecting people. In particular, I love speaking and writing about spiritual and consciousness raising topics, holistic wellness and simple healthy living. I am empathic, intuitive, compassionate, and kind, with a keen and unified wisdom about life.
I’m an Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon. Plus, I’ve written a health book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s available here.
Observations about the author
Conversations surrounding emotional balance, moral ambiguities, and deep spiritual truths (such as We Are All Connected, and Put Your Hands Together When You Pray), are what Sheila is most passionate about. She feels a profound empathic Connection with people and what they’re going through by merely sharing her own truth, by speaking freely about her personal struggles and the challenges she continues to overcome. Sheila strives to ease lonelines, help those exiting toxic relationships, and to remind us all that we are stronger than we think we are, and that Everything Resolves to Gratitude in the end.
Let us serve you
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he is a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (of over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to all of his songs at: http://listen4music.com
Whenever you are ready to blame someone for hurting you, take a breath, take a walk, or sit with the situation for awhile before reacting.
Reframe the event several times to see if you can find where you played a role.
When I have allowed myself to get upset over something, I have found that if I can have a few minutes to an hour alone, without someone taking my side right away, I can usually turn things around in my head and get out of blame. And it feels better to me when I can manage to stop blaming another—and not see myself as the victim.
How to step out of blame
Breathe
Take a few moments to change your state
Take a walk or change your environment
Consider the situation from another’s viewpoint
Do something else for a bit
If possible, message or call the person who caused your upset
Take a shower
Meditate or say a prayer (not just about the situation, but for all involved—including you
Sleep on it
Blue light butterfly 🦋
What can you learn from this?
Butterflies signify transformation because of the way they change during their metamorphosis. Try to see if you can find the lesson you can learn from the event you just experienced.
The person that caused your upset may have no idea they upset you. You may merely need a change of perspective. In nearly every case of upset I have experienced, I was too much in my own head about the situation and when I changed my environment (as in walking outside, watching a movie, jumping on a business call, or sleeping on it), I was able to thoroughly change my view of the event and release my hurt feelings.
Ego
Yes, usually our hurt feelings have something to do with our ego. When I’m upset, it’s usually because my ego was bruised in one way or another—even if only a tiny bit.
And I don’t even consider myself to have much of an ego, but apparently I do.
It won’t hurt me to let go of more ego either. When we can embrace humility, it can help us stand more confidently. We can accept that we have a lot to offer others, in service—whether we are praised or not.
When people talk bad about you
I know it feels painful when someone talks bad about you. But would you rather be right, or feel good? If we want to feel better, reframing the situation can help.
I have had these situations occur in my life. I don’t blame the people (because to do so would put me in victim mode), but I have used those episodes to help me make better choices.
I used to shake my head before walking away, but I don’t do that anymore—because even that is a waste of my energy. I say to myself, they just aren’t on the same wavelength as me. Sometimes I teach by sharing, but mostly I just let it go. ❤️🦋🌀😉
A bit about us:
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he is a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (of over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to all of his songs at: http://listen4music.com
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
When my mother passed away, or as I believe, crossed over to the other side Beyond The Veil, I felt that I needed to find something of hers to hold, to sort of self soothe or comfort myself.
I remembered mom had given me a teal color gemstone pendant many years before. And I sought to find it.
I looked for the pendant several times. We live in an RV, so it isn’t like there are that many places where it could have been stored. I searched through all of my jewelry. But, I couldn’t find it. Maybe the thought to look for it was something put in my mind to keep me busy. I don’t know.
Instead of finding the pendant, I found my mom’s wrist watch and a very old pocket watch, which I think had belonged to my maternal grandfather.
Mom’s wristwatch and grandfather’s pocket watch. Also, a photo of my my aunt and my mom when they were very young.
When I brought both watches from the bedroom to the living room and sat down, the thought dropped into my mind that mom was telling me something: It was time. And that I was given both watches in case only finding one wouldn’t get the message across—and she then impressed upon me something only she could, “because you can be thick headed.”
Understanding this message from my mom, made me laugh a little and really lift the sadness I was feeling about her death.
My mother died in West Virginia. A state she had always loved. It took some time for us to travel from our Florida home to where my parents had been camping in their motorhome.
As soon as I pulled the car into the driveway in West Virginia, my dad greeted my husband and I and handed me the thin gold chain my mom had worn everyday for the last several years of her life. We hugged. And cried. And my papa was not a man to show tears.
Gold chain
I wear the gold chain daily that my papa handed to me when my husband and I arrived in West Virginia. And yes, I eventually found the teal pendant that my mom had given me. It had been in my jewelry box all along! But it had been wrapped up in a tangle of smaller chains and until I took the time to unravel the chains, I couldn’t see it. When I discovered the pendant, I was surprised and was certain this was another lesson from my mother.
Time with dad
While we were in West Virginia, my dad and I walked, talked, and appreciated ALL.
While walking through a nearby campground, that a long time friend of dad’s had owned, Papa told me about all the different kinds of trees there, which thrilled me, as I didn’t know dad knew all of the names of the trees in that area.
I told dad about the how I’d found the watches and asked if he knew who the pocket watch had belonged to, and he wasn’t sure. But dad also wore a wristwatch and always had. I never looked at the kind of watch dad was wearing.
Awhile later, papa found another one of mom’s wristwatches and gave it to me. It was one that the face was in a heart shape and had little footprints 👣 inside. It symbolized the story of “footprints in the sand.” And I recalled mom wearing that watch for many years.
All four watches
21 months after my mom passed away, I received dad’s personal effects from the funeral home, and low and behold, dad’s watch had a blue face (when the light shines on the face the blue looks different). Looking at dad’s watch, brings my mind right back to the story I wrote as, That Little Blue Dot. I instantly tune to the knowing that, mom, dad, and my unborn siblings (in particular, Christina), are ALL together.
While driving the little car I inherited from dad and mom, I placed each of their watches on the shifter to always keep them with me, and to honor them.
I recall sitting in dad and mom’s little Hyundai (about a year later), and thinking how mom had always wanted to give me a car. She talked about that often. Mom had not wanted me to have to work at age fifteen to buy a car, or make so many car payments over the years.
So, in one clear, mystic moment, I said, “Thank you.” Thank you mama and papa for leaving me your little car. Thank you for Everything.
Growth transcends Time
I observe only growth, and note how each item of Omnipotent God’s creation grows at differing rates of speed, be it bird 🐦, bee 🐝, or me. Growth transcends Time.
Time with mom
I share spiritual moments with my mama still. When my heart is open. When I am washing pots and pans she gave me years before she died. When we use the stoneware she gave me. When I drink from the crystal glasses she left behind.
My heart is full. We are all connected. We are all one. Gratitude envelopes me. I resonate with ALL of this knowing. Eternal. No time. Everything happens as it should, and mostly for reasons that mostly only later dawn. ❤️🦋🌀🙏☀️💦🌱☮️
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he is a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (of over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to all of his songs at: http://listen4music.com
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
Thank you for helping me choose a better feeling thought!
I don’t know if I’ve ever (publicly) explained this before, but I absorb, and tolerate, even accept ”upset“ to a point, but after kindly expressing my concerns or frustrations (to one or more people), and not being heard, I then speak in a firm, perhaps demanding ”tone” or get loud.
At some point, my emotions boil over. And it only seems people hear me then. Ugh!
Either you want people to share, or you don’t. I am not shy, nor boastful. I am nice. I am kind.
The stream of consciousness, when cut, will come out in another way. Because Life ALLways finds a way.
Have you been belittled, or picked last?
In my 58 years on this planet, I’ve learned that I’m typically too nice, overly sensitive, and emotional. But, I am not a victim, and certainly do not wallow in victimhood.
I’m a deep and careful listener, loyal friend, and strong advocate (especially for the underdogs, misunderstood, misfits, and those who create a healthier world for us all—beyond the next 7 generations). I am a critical thinker. And embrace individuality. I love the freedom I find in BEing independent.
I have a profound knowing that We Are All Connected. And that we’re only as strong as our weakest link.
We can pull together, or we can pull apart.
Notice the separation of the colors of the rainbow 🌈? What does it make you appreciate?
Even the rainbow’s colors are separated. But, by what? Though the colors are separate, we love the rainbow.
I listen first
I sit and I listen, gratefully with as much compassion as I have access to with mySelf, as others talk, often sharing too much of the current discord.
Then I speak.
But, it doesn’t feel good to me, when my voice gets “put in the back of the bus” by someone.
I only speak when I feel a strong urge. When I am compelled to share. I am propelled by Omniscience. And when my voice is cut off while I am sending love, what shall I do? This physically hurts me. I care deeply. But because of my complexion, my pain doesn’t matter? We ALL have a message, but here I go again, having to write it through my tears because SOMEONE felt they needed to hear from their more important “in that moment” others.
Imperfect action
In my humble opinion, promoting or monetizing poor behavior—is of a low vibration. And it serves to perpetuate one-sided, dense thinking. And yes, I know how that sounds. I am well aware that is a judgment, and obviously, others see nothing wrong with it to further their “cause.” We never really know who (or how) others, no matter their complexion or ethnicity, have been persecuted.
Learning all the time
Do you believe as I, that life is a school? And that Everything, in particular, every experience we have is presented to us for learning?
Do you often wish you would respond to each challenge with your best response? Perhaps people use bullying tactics to feel empowered. Perhaps bullying is their way of standing in their power. But, to the one in their way, it feels as though they are preying on the vulnerable or weak person.
I write a lot about the power of words, and tone. And tone can be expressed in writing, as well as when spoken. Thus, I thought I had grown to a place where words couldn’t hurt me. But, I believe that we all mirror each other to some degree.
Mirror work
I don’t want to mirror someone’s dark side, so I often walk away, and simply stop arguing or fighting. I realize that “sending them love” would be my highest vibrational response, yet I am not always emotionally strong enough. At times, I have pushed back and been direct, only for the situation to escalate—even to the point of physical abuse.
An example:
This brings me to relate a recent situation: I was emotionally triggered by a response (that looked and felt quite rude), to a comment made by one of my longest and dearest friends on my group, We Are All Connected. My dear friend had expressed her deeply religious comment (based on her belief) to a beautiful photo I had shared. The problem was that an acquaintance didn’t like my friends’ comment and felt offended by it because he is an atheist.
Initially, when I read his comment I felt it in my body. And the feeling wasn’t good. My gut wrenched because I felt like I had been punched! I wanted to spare my friends feelings, and as the admin, I removed HIS comment. That set off more back and forth from him because he felt I was choosing sides. And I was. Not because I don’t like him, or dislike atheists, or because I like her more, and approve of her religious beliefs, but simply to FEEL BETTER. (And he clearly broke the group rules anyway—he was not kind.)
Second example:
I have taken a lot of being talked down to, even in the business coaching program I am currently in. I often receive criticism, push back, month after month. Though we are encouraged to think big, and come up with a program worthy of a $10k price-tag, MY ideas are often dismissed as either “fantasy,” “unrealistic,” or that we may not be UP TO delivering what we want to offer.
So, I had one of those “last straw” moments in a group the other day. And unfortunately that moment coincided with other personal stressors (which I had tried to explain to my coach the day before, but was ushered to focus on our objective for efficiency’s sake).
Either you want people to share, or you don’t. I thought the point of a small group discussion was to speak our heart?
Of course I honor everyone on our intimate group calls. But, they had been quiet and I felt the inspiration to speak, so I broke through any thoughts about being misunderstood, and I opened my mouth to speak healing.
I will never know, now, what the last sentence would have been (it was only one more sentence), because our coach felt he needed to hear from others in our group (whom had not spoken in 8 minutes, and no one knew why). And thankfully, I had gotten to share a few thoughts, a few minutes earlier. I think my grandmother may have been speaking through me. And it’s sad her words were not allowed to be heard. I think she wanted us to realize that we never know who or how others, no matter their complexion or ethnicity, have been persecuted. But apparently, that was not the time (to speak that knowledge aloud).
Empowerment Coaching
I can find value in Everything. And I can turn, turn, turn, to the next best feeling.
All that to say, as a writer, and spiritually open-minded, caring, empathic, and such, I came abruptly, face-to-face with my own fallibility. I am human. I am not perfect. So how can I be an empowering coach?
By teaching you this? Thank YOU (in appreciation of whomever is challenging me in any moment), for helping me make a better choice.
Ponder
Maybe we need to start by changing the way we think about these words:
black and dark, white and light.
Look deeper.
Consider this:
People for whatever reason, even as children, are afraid of the dark.
Light complexion people tend to call anyone with a darker complexion, black.
Black in the light spectrum is the absorption of all the other colors.
Others?
Let’s ponder this.
At some point, in the spiral of time, humanity will learn to appreciate, honor, and even revere, the CONTRAST that brings about Creation.
ALLways remember:
You are worthy.
Your inner YOU is L-I-M-I-T-L-E-S-S
As ALLways, thank YOU for helping me make a better choice.
❤️🦋🌀🙏☀️🌱
A bit about me, your Spiral Sister
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
Is it possible to walk in another’s shoes? Really? To see and even begin to understand another’s plight or their perspective on life?
I’ve tried on used shoes before and they hurt! Physically, they can throw your spine out of alignment too.
A whole lot of us are trying to understand our brothers and sisters pain right now, because we innately know, We Are All Connected.
How can you see life through the lens of another’s experience?
We must access knowledge.
How do we gain insight when we can’t trust the media or mainstream narrative?
We can watch and listen to those we know. We can open our hearts and minds to those we meet. But we still may find ourselves upset and off balance.
Ethnicity
I am of English, Irish, Dutch, German, and Native American lineage (Cherokee tribe).
And my grandmother was persecuted for being Native American. But, though I remember a few of her stories, I didn’t live her life.
I only learned the few stories that she chose to share with me.
I was 18 years old when she died, and I was only really ever interested in her stories during the last few years of her life, because I was focused on being a teenager.
We all bleed the same color.
Humanity trumps race
A friend of mine has called for all of us to check the box: Other —and write in HUMAN, whenever we have to fill in ANY form that asks us for our race and ethnicity.
Are you willing to do that?
I am.
I consider myself a mixed bag anyway, and have never thought of myself as “privileged” because I have worked (since I was 15), for everything I have ever had (even putting myself through college, putting braces on my teeth, etc.).
Brutality
As I mentioned, my maternal grandmother told me stories about how she and her Native American ancestors were persecuted—some of her elders had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears.
I have a book about the Trail of Tears and haven’t even been able to read it—yet. As I recall, I had nightmares from watching Roots when I was young.
We don’t watch TV, but I see headlines when I log into web applications for my work. And on breaks, I see stuff on Facebook. But, as an empath, I have known for several years that if I am not careful, I can easily get sucked into other’s drama, because I always feel that I can help ease their pain–somehow. (See my 2016 article: https://sheilamurrey.net/2016/03/08/walking-more-than-a-mile-in-anothers-moccasins/
Does the color of my complexion, mean my pain doesn’t matter?
Everybody hurts
I have been bullied, lied to, cheated on, yelled at, cursed at, gaslighted (way before I ever knew what that was), left alone to fend for myself and my two children (when they were young), raped twice, betrayed, abused, kicked, shot at, had my car taken away while I was at work (and left with no way home), had my ex sneak his way (behind someone with access to enter) into my office and scream for me to come home, and thrown out of our house (with all our belongings thrown on the driveway)! So, I can very much relate with agony and PAIN!
Is that what you want to hear? To see?
I RISE!
With every fiber of my BEing, I take it upon myself to RISE!
I alone am personally responsible for how I feel, and how I respond. I have mastered being quiet. Now, I need to speak!
I believe we can all RISE together—if you are willing to put forth some effort (and acknowledging that your level of effort may differ from mine and that’s okay)!
I am all about personal responsibility. I hold myself, thoughts, words, and actions to a higher standard. And always here in ALL ways to offer a hand UP.
Complaining and Protesting
I learned years ago, that protesting, as certain people and groups are currently doing in cities across America, would never feel good to ME because I am a peacemaker by nature and by what life has taught me to be.
Years ago, I tried to take part in a march against Monsanto. And I tell you, I was fired up and READY to march. But, I felt the Energy shift in me when I arrived on the scene. I saw some hypocrisy among the organizers. And I saw the money being made. I felt my emotions had been hijacked, so I left. I remember distinctly making a conscious choice to leave and not sew any seeds of discord. I chose to never use any chemical product of any sort again. I chose to become more connected with my food and what I put in and on my body (See my Being Wholly Vibrant blog.)
Discord
Now, I realize there is a time for Everything.
I do not have my head in the sand.
I had to sit with a situation that disturbed me this week. And then, I asked the Universe why it had to happen THIS week because our generator quit, we live off grid, and only have the SUN to supply our power needs. Plus, we aren’t receiving much sunshine all week due to a tropical storm in the gulf! Frayed nerves!
I just had to sit and receive what I could learn from it. And remember to activate my faith.
Rememberinglessons
I always have the power of choice and can choose to balance my emotions
Complaining adds to the discord and never makes me feel good
Judgment keeps me sitting and spinning in repeating patterns
Not my circus, not my monkeys (though this week it WAS my circus!) LOL
I’d rather laugh than cry!
We are going with the FLOW of nature, and wanted that so much!
No one can FIX anyone else
It is an inside job
Only I can manage my own Energy
I wanted to be one with the earth (now, hoping more above it than below it!)
I know everything happens for a reason
I know Everything Resolves to Gratitude
As of today, going through what I have, I now know that I am more of a Creator, than a Destroyer.
Last night was a full moon. I took some time to hold ceremony outside, though I could not see the moon for the full cloudy sky.
I remembered cutting the cords of repeating patterns three years ago, but here we go again. And it’s okay.
Energetically, I cut the cords of all of our karmic and ancestral wounds for my granddaughters and the generations to come. No curse remains.
Here and now I state, my grandchildren will not have to take any historical family burdens upon themselves. They can be self-filled. Self-motivated. They can help others as they choose. Free spirits! They can care for themselves first, without guilt. They can choose to do what they love! They do not have to repeat the sins of their parents, or of mine. They do not need to try and figure anything out. The past is the past and it is abSOULutely done.
I continue to sail on this ship of fools. And it’s ALL okay. Everything is in motion.
To find my feet upon this beautiful earth, I keep repeating: BE HERE NOW.
At some point, in the spiral of time, humanity will learn to appreciate, honor, and even revere, the CONTRAST that brings about Creation.
I am human. I am imperfect. I am empowered. I am free. I am LOVE. ❤️🦋🌀🙏☀️🌱
A bit about me, your Spiral Sister
Fractal of Omniscience. “Spiral Sister”Observer & Perceiver of Energy & Wisdom from Nature. Empath|Author|Connector|Speaker|Singer. ❤️🦋🌀〰️🔥🙏☯️
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, natural health foods store, art fair, music or yoga festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. I’m an Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon. Visit my author’s page here.
Some people seem to thrive on arguing. I’m thinking in particular of lawyers, couples in tumultuous relationships, and those who always stir up or fuel discord on Facebook (and other social media).
My dad would often tell my mom to, “Change the subject.” And then he would change it!
I don’t think dad really ever liked arguing with my mom, though they constantly bickered. And all of that lead to my awareness that, “The truth lies somewhere in between.” And “It takes two to fight.”
Yet, it took me decades to learn that one of the two in an argument simply needs to STOP FIGHTING (in essence, release the resistance), to end the argument.
Yes, though my parents loved each other passionately, their love was not unconditional. Through watching them, I learned all about conditional love. So, how could I know what true love was?
Observations of parts
I observed, during a Bible class I participated in a few years ago, that some attendees argued more about specifics, like healthcare and sexism as related to Trump. I had to keep pulling people up to the macro general level and why we were there.
I seemed to only see the downside to love growing up in a dysfunctional family. I never thought anyone got it right. And then later, when I fell in love (or what I thought was love), I perpetuated the toxic cycle.
Truth lies somewhere in between
Which part am I?
I am not my body
I am not my mind
I am more than the sum total of my collective experience
I can list my likes and attributes, but you may still have a better idea of who I am, than I will ever have.
As my adult children and I have recounted stories from their youth, they certainly saw a different side of me than I self witnessed. The same must be true of how I viewed my parents volatile relationship.
Examining my characteristics
I am honest
I am sensitive
I am empathic; sometimes intuitive
I love deeply
I am resilient
I have fought tough relationship battles that might have wrecked others
I am a loyal friend (and keeper of secrets)
I allow my feelings to be hurt (and sometimes become resentful, until I become fully aware that I allowed my feelings to be hurt).
I hold stuff in (I say it is to “protect” others and spare them from having to observe it or get involved—but is that really true?)
I have been a codependent (but does one ever really heal from codependency?)
I don’t want to hold stuff inside, but anytime I get mad or speak my mind it pisses other people off.
I struggle with people pleasing. Or people not listening to me. I never saw my mom get too far when she argued with dad or others, so I decided early to forgo the arguments. Or so I thought! Both my first and second husbands argued with me. Ugh. And my children were witnesses to so much of that—and I hate that!
Learning from the lessons
Whenever I am emotionally triggered, I read this:
I never like to be disrespected, bullied, or have my intelligence questioned, or be treated less than I am! But I know I’m not always right. As well, others, no matter how well or how long they have known me, don’t know all of my thoughts, wishes, or desires, and that I strive to always respect others and show kindness if nothing else. I know many people are hurting, sad, mad, over or under medicated, or are hungry for love. And I realize no one knows Everything—not yet.
❤️🦋🌀🙏😉
What to do?
I am too analytical to blindly follow
I am independent
I am curious and always seeking
I can focus on the positives
I have some clairsentience and clairaudience abilities, though not tuned specifically to aid others. Perhaps I will offer these senses and abilities more of my time.
Fight to feel better
…When you feel bad nothing works. You labor to get out of bed. You stub your toe on a table that has never moved and you’ve known for years where it is. You lose your car keys, glasses, or phone. Walk around with a big old frown on your face and you know it drives people away from you. You’re fighting with yourself about something. Let go of whatever you’re resisting and your day will improve.
From my book, Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life!
Be as water
I love the water (but looking at it, or walking along the shore more than swimming in it–though I love to float!)
Water doesn’t fight with itself. Or does it?
Water rages. Water flows. Water falls. Water is still.
I will EXPLORE more ways to be like water!
Yes!
I will find my own balance.
I will find my own level.
I will start by reminding myself that the truth lies somewhere in between. I will not judge by what I see in the mirror, but simply point out the many facets of truth, per the mirror disco ball.
As Scott Buck, a writer on both Six Feet Under and Dexter series dramas often made a foundational point of saying, “We never really know a person.”
I like to compare our personalities to facets inside a kaleidoscope or disco ball. We reflect what we see or imagine others to be. ❤️🦋🌀
Even racists can be kind. And I am about over all the hate from the other side. ❤️🦋🌀
A bit about me, your Spiral Sister
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
This is not a political post. This is a psychological inquiry into mySelf and human nature.
WARNING! You may not like this post of self examination because it may challenge your own personal beliefs or biases. So, only the strongest of will, most open-minded, and highly mature persons are allowed. Hahahaha! Not really. But sometimes I feel like those are the only people reading my blog! (I love you ALL! ❤️🦋🌀)
The list
I am like Trump because I feel an urge to speak my mind, publicly. This has been true of me since I was a teenager and started talking to anyone and everyone on my dad’s CB radio! 🔈🎤
I am like Trump because I love looking at the whole enchilada, or big picture of a situation (and of life). And it’s freakin’ HUGE! (By the way, I love using the word “huge” and don’t want to stop using it. I know at any given point, we are only seeing and experiencing a small segment of life (that which we ourselves are living), but beyond my own personal space, I see a huge world! A ginormous world full of abundance and unlimited possibilities for ALL. ❤️🌀
We are only ever seeing part of the picture.
I am like Trump because I think I could be a goodleader. (Emphasis on “think.”) I would rather lead than follow. And true leaders, learn from their mistakes. 🧐💭
I am like Trump because while I dislike criticism (who doesn’t?), I can tolerate it, learn from it, and on my better days, use it to empower mySelf. A lot of my best ideas have been born from changing my perspective. One of my mantras is: Thank you for helping me make a better choice. And it was birthed after working for someone who irritated me—DAILY! ❤️🤪
I am like Trump because I often follow my feelings, especially about medical stuff (duh, my book, which offers advice to others), and how I take care of my own health. I don’t wait for double blind, placebo controlled studies—I Am The Placebo. Nod to Dr. Joe Dispenza. ❤️😉
Oneness. It’s not just loving what we like.
I am like Trump because I like to use Twitter. It is a cultural phenomenon! (Actually, that could be said about all social media.) I write like I speak also. Mostly, my brain isn’t fully engaged until my mouth starts moving! Hahahaha! Yes, that gets me into trouble at times. But, you hear my honest answer, even if you don’t like it. I am not a politician! 🤯🤣 I love how Twitter helps keep me from overthinking (as I am obviously doing now), while coaxing me to write concisely and in the moment—though I don’t tweet very often, I have a strong urge to tweet. 🐦😉
I am like Trump because I am not always right, but I am always considering my next move—often 3 steps ahead. (A good chess player, though I don’t play chess.) 😉🤯
I am like Trump because I am a strategic thinker, or critical thinker. And at this point you may be thinking critically of me! Hahahaha! Why does the Billy Joel song, “You May Be Right” ring in my ears as I write this?!? 🎼🙃
I am like Trump because I value a solid work ethic, and highly promote personal liberties, assuming proper guidance (learn and earn). ✍️💵
I am like Trump because I value education. I value street smarts as much as higher education (as I have learned from both). I taught my children (and those under my watch), not to touch the hot stove. (I recognize controls and rules are not necessarily a bad thing, and are good until a level of maturation, independence, and critical thinking is achieved. 🕰💡
So, you see, I can write a short blog article! Hahahaha! 🤣😂🤣
I may not have a lot in common with President Trump, but my dad thought a lot of him (as my dad was a wheeler dealer and thrived on the art of a deal), and so do millions of Americans. ❤️🇺🇸
Thus, I thought it might be wise of me to analyze (and note), where I align with our president—in particular, before criticizing him for his tweets or decisions. And as you know, I really dislike labels, name-calling, and such.
This was the inspiration for my process and write this article:
My dads RC “trainer” – check out the name: Apprentice
I am like Trump because I wrote a book! Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life!
As my husband often says, “He who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted”!
As always, I hope I have inspired you to find a better feeling thought! Please comment and let me know. Much love and many blessings to you and yours.
Amen. Awomen. Namaste. OM ❤️🦋🌀
A bit about me, your Spiral Sister
Fractal of Omniscience. “Spiral Sister”Observer & Perceiver of Energy & Wisdom from Nature. Empath|Author|Connector|Speaker|Singer. ❤️🦋🌀〰️🔥🙏☯️
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, natural health foods store, art fair, music or yoga festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. I’m an Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon. Visit my author’s page here.
My husband and I turned off the television and cut the cable about 2 years ago. Why? There were many reasons that still hold true today, as I will elaborate:
CHANNEL
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMMING
BIG BUSINESS
A child of the 60s
Being a child of the 60s, I used to sit on the floor (or lay down), and watch television (TV) for many hours. Hours on end. And when I wanted to watch a different show, I had to physically get up to change the CHANNEL. (Gasp! I know, right?)
Ah, yes. All those shows, or rather PROGRAMS. They were funny, sad, dramatic, or fascinating. They were full of words and actions all specifically geared to grab and hold my attention via a CHANNEL and PROGRAM me! And boy, did they keep me focused. They put me into such a trance like state that my mother often had a hard time getting my attention!
The dawn of reality
Many years later, it dawned on me. They call it television PROGRAMMING for a reason. And I had been hoodwinked to think they had just been entertaining me. But, the entertainment industry is a business. BIG BUSINESS.
Fast forward some 40 years. My husband began watching my favorite soap opera with me. After a few weeks, he said, “They just keep bringing these characters back from the dead, don’t they?” And then something clicked in me. It’s all the same story—repeating all the time! I began to spot the patterns. And in every show on mainstream TV, we could surmise the storyline and tell what the plot would be, before it even happened!
We quit watching
Eventually, after being lulled to sleep enough times, or annoyed by lazy screenwriters, we quit watching any mainstream TV and switched entirely to the pay CHANNELS! The writers for the shows on HBO, Showtime, and such were so much sharper! But even with that, we would find ourselves bored in one or two seasons of most series, and watch movies instead.
More importantly, we could see certain agendas being pushed. Common narratives. Plus, we were always being “sold” something. The advertising was getting so ridiculous! And we wondered if we were the only ones awakening to the games show BUSINESS was playing.
What was happening to the masses of people watching?
Dumbing down
First, let’s start with those monotonous soap operas. We know they were originally developed to sell the stay-at-home moms, soap. Yes, literally.
Then, there were episodic shows that prompted the whole consumer mentality to “keep up with the Joneses”—whomever the Joneses were! And who would care? Apparently, a whole lot of folks. And the beast of advertising every product or service from A to Z began to run rampant.
People tend to literally zone out in front of the TV and in that mental state, whatever they see and hear gets absorbed into their mind—and into every cell of their body!
We lose track of time when we watch TV. And many of the shows seem to push dogmas or agendas. And when one disagrees with those threads of dogma, that can cause anxious feelings or ANXIETY! I want to feel FREE and at peace.
Historically speaking, when the television remote came onto the scene, people as a society began to mute the commercials. Why? And when we got a video recording device, for me at least (it was an $800 VCR from a rental place), we could fast forward through all the commercials! I loved that, but didn’t think about why. I was just happy that I could watch my daytime soaps at night after I got home from work! Oh, those were the days!
But, I digress.
Story lines and plots
It seemed every family show was full of chaos and challenges. Everyone was always buying something new. Or one of the characters had some lingering issue. The dumber or more silly the story, the funnier we thought it was, until it wasn’t. Every good family value seemed to be shaken.
I yearned for smart stories and plots. Intelligent writing that would intrigue me. I wanted more love and no fear—because I’d learned that every choice came from clear discernment.
Open and expand with less fear
Truth in advertising?
We have been overly stimulated by the commercials. Big business runs it all anyway. I mean, who else can afford a TV commercial?When alcohol and tobacco ads were banned, the pharmaceutical and insurance industries jumped in to fill the void. Oh, brother!
Those big pharma commercials began to bother me so much, I would get mad! And that’s when I began to awaken. I began to question what the hell was going on. The list of side effects include DEATH!
It all matters
I’ve been a holistic health researcher and proponent of alternative health methods since 2005, but actually my interest in natural health began much earlier (when I was 6 years old). I explain this all in my book, Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life! (Hint: my mom and her parents believed and used spiritual healing ways, and chiropractic.)
When I questioned myself and why it took me 20 years to quit watching my favorite soap opera I realized it all boiled down to consumerism. And I had been programmed since I was a toddler!
Thankfully, I’ve emerged from the PROGRAMMING! And it’s a good thing too, because we are too busy to watch TV now.
What do we do instead?
I work a day job (see my holistic resume)
Working our new business, Murrey Makers—multimedia advertising that combines my intuitive word coaching and writing skills, along with my sharp eye for details that most people miss, with my husband’s award-winning graphic/illustration talent and songwriting, to draw in dream clients
Chat with those interested in our new business to see how we can help them
Video conferencing with our 8 year old granddaughter (and 3 year old twins when she shares her time with them… haha!)
Researching health issues such as COVID-19
Building new friendships online
Reading
Walking / Exercising (mostly at home)
Speaking/emcee – The Awakening Wellness Festival
Moving
Learning new skills and applications for running our new business by working with a high ticket business coach
Singing / rehearsing some of my husband’s 400+ original songs and marketing them online
Sifting for people to share with about our non-toxic health supplement (see my previous articles)
Writing (I have written 3 books, and have a 4th in progress—and I jot down my visions)
Blogging on my two sites and updating articles when links change
Contributing blog articles to The Wellness Universe
Creating new designs with my sayings on them for: t-shirts, mugs, cell phone covers, stickers, shopping bags, tapestries, and more
Going “Live” on Facebook and managing groups and pages there
Making “Off Grid” videos at the new place
Socializing with friends before we moved Feb 29th and after, meeting new neighbors
Putting in solar – adjusting to the new lifestyle
Putting in a garden
Adhering to all the rules around COVID-19, grocery shopping and washing every can, bottle, jar, and such since my husband is 65+ and can’t leave the house
Whew! Until I wrote this, I hadn’t realized why I was so tired! (And why I had been feeling down for a week or so and missed a business retreat).
Yes, I still must take care to actually DO my own self care!
Why all PROGRAMMING bothers me?
We’re smart. Too intelligent to be sold to or duped for long. We’re Awakening. Stubborn and independent. And we’re critical thinkers. Yep. That’s why.
Why big pharma ads bother me?
No one knows your body (and mind) as well as YOU! And this is where (and why) I get all spiritual, because everything is Connected.
We can be our own shaman, guru, preacher, healer, and priest.
We love heart energy and work on renewing our minds everyday. We are fully capable of reaching, listening to, and communing with Spirit everyday.
Spirit created the body and renews the mind, if we but open ourselves to receive.
Jesus, the Christ came to show us the Whole way to live. With God (Omniscience). And that each of us have all that we need. We don’t need a church—sure it is nice to fellowship there, share, show compassion, or enjoy some time, but the point is that we don’t NEED it. Empower yourself with self study. Or simply commune with God as a little child.
A bit about us:
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he is a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (of over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to all of his songs at: http://listen4music.com
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural fair or festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
Wholly Integrating Spirals 