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
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, both available on Amazon.
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.
Meditate on these words. Let me know what changes for you in a week. I love reading your comments!
The Nine Noble VirtuesHonor your elders (statue of Native American elders)Diurnal cycleJesus in the centerAlways consider PerspectiveMandala drawingWalk a mile in another’s moccasins Consider the relicsCompleted Mandala – We Are All Connected The healer in me, honors the healer in you. Medicine wheel; Sedona AZBe creative. Give back to nature.ALL paths are merely suggestions.Symbols remind and instruct us.To ground us. To guide us.Even about how to heal ourselves.And learn new ways. An Iris is miraculous.Activate your DNA daily. Feel the Godbumps (like goose bumps, but deeper).Share your soul with others.About your soul family.And if you feel hurt… forgive yourself and your others.Your vibration is ALWAYS key.Connect with a tree. Even through a window.And remember, even the most spiritual have to buy food, and take out the trash. Namaste.Hold hands. Whenever you get the chance.
Tips for staying Connected
Walk outside
Smile at someone (even if you have to fake it)
Say something to someone
Write someone a note
Hug someone
Hold someone’s hand
Help someone
Chat online
Bridge the age (frequency) gap
Join a group (yes, even a networking group)
Open your home to someone
Take a class
Grow something
Give something away
And if you burn something, send your kisses with it in the smoke
Hey, if you’d LOVE to talk about this, let’s open a popup room in my club on CLUBHOUSE!
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, both available on Amazon.
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.
I am sooo glad I attended this aWEsOMe class four years ago:
Chakra Balancing: Yoga to Balance the Mind, Body, & Spirit offered by Dr. Ronald Porter in St. Petersburg, Florida
In the yogic tradition, the chakras are known as wheels of spinning energy found throughout the body.
Usually, energy has the ability to flow though us with ease. However, the situations we encounter in life can often leave our energy blocked and unable to flow freely.
Gentle way to bring healing to your body. It’s as close to you as your breath.
Working with the chakras through yoga is a means of restoring a healthy flow of energy throughout the subtle energetic body, therefore bringing balance to the physical body.
Dr. Ronald K. Porter proved to me (during the workshop) that through movement and breath, I could partner with the Energies in my body to heal it!
In the class, we explored both the meaning of the chakras and subtle energetic body, and engaged in a yoga practice specifically focused on balancing the chakras.
Practicing yoga in this way, and incorporating it into my soul helped me realize I was also doing some very deep soul work too. Thus, why I added Soul to the title of this post. ❤️🦋🌀☯️
I found relief in my body, as I did the breathwork to move Energy into spaces and places I had not focused on in years, if ever.
Specifically guiding my breath, brought immediate healing to one of my knees, and kept the energy medicine working on it for several days later! I knew I had found a healing method I was going to continue to use for the rest of my life.
I now incorporate basic elements of this in my transformational self-coaching program, Integrated Spiral. Won’t you join me?
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, both available on Amazon.
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.
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. ❤️🦋🌀
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.
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 on http://RichardMurrey.com or check out his latest 24 songs here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53E21F-JlTW2iQmPcEIWkQ
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 new book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format). Buy it here.
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 loneliness through teaching and sharing group collectives, help those exiting toxic relationships, and while reminding us ALL that we are stronger than we think we are, and that “Everything Resolves to Gratitude” in the end.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
Today, and everyday, the peace of Omnipotent God, or what I have been given to know as, Omniscience—envelops me. May I see more aspects of OM.
From a place of peace.
I am enveloped by Omniscience
May I become more consciously aware of the essence of Omniscience, or Omnipresence.
Omniscience is always. There. Here. In. Through. Out. Around. East. West. North. South. Above. Below. Beside.
I love the empty space, white space, shadows, etc. and I recognize they aren’t really empty at all. ❤️🦋🌀
Light appears as ALL colors.
We are fractals of Omniscience
And we are each emanating Energy as a fractal of YOU.
All attachments are illusion. Even the attachment to your Ego isn’t real. The multi-faceted aspects of ourselves often do not shine from our innermost being or truth. This is because, human nature being what it is, personalities evolve (for better or worse), at differing rates of speed.
I can forget all things except the Love of Omniscience. 🌀
Quotes by Sheila Murrey
Open my awareness of boundlessopportunities
Creator, as I awake each day, open my awareness to the boundless opportunities and abundant miracles (big and small), that I may enhance and expand my perception of ALL things. And as we share eternity, may I feel unlimited by time.
Energy control.
Time knows no bounds
I observe only growth, and note how each item of your creation grows at differing rates of speed, be it bird 🐦, bee 🐝, or me. Growth transcends time. I make a conscious choice not to judge others who have not learned the things I have learned (are not up to speed with me), and I choose to be easy on myself whenever I am tempted to feel that I am not up to speed with others who have reached their highest potential. I give myself Time.
Abide in Love & Compassion
The more I fully open and express to abide in You, the more I shine brilliant Love. And from LOVE, compassion, peace, and joy ripple and spiral outward. ❤️🦋🌀☀️🌱🎼😘
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 on http://RichardMurrey.com or check out his latest 24 songs here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53E21F-JlTW2iQmPcEIWkQ
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 new book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format). Buy it here.
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 loneliness through teaching and sharing group collectives, help those exiting toxic relationships, and while reminding us ALL that we are stronger than we think we are, and that “Everything Resolves to Gratitude” in the end. ❤️🙏
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
Your chattering mind may be telling you that negative, wrong, or hurtful things seem to happen to innocent people (and children). But dear heart, we don’t know why they came to live at this time in history, or the lessons they are here to learn. As well, other people’s problems aren’t really our business—unless of course, they ask for your help.
As well, when you get pulled DOWN by such thinking (about others), that is the law at work. Balancing ALL. ❤️🦋🌀
Now is the time
We are living in such awakened and conscious times! Yes! And we can look back and see the historical suffering that has occurred and learn from it. We are the ones we have been waiting for! We are the healers and light bringers. We can raise the vibration of the ALL!
True help
When you look at others who are confused or hurting, you desire to help. But true help, their growth—is an inside job (for them). You can be kind to them and offer them compassion, and comfort, but often growing can be painful.
Racists can be kind.
Meditate. Go within yourself to ease and clear your old patterns. This will expand the consciousness of those around you, as a ripple emanating in the water as a stone is dropped in. Those with lower vibratory tendencies will shape up, or ship out (and away from you)! You’ll know this is true as you begin to lighten up, and notice many around you, in your sphere of influence, living a lighter life.
Reach out
Reach out to me if what I have said resonates with you. I am in your circle ready to share tips and practices with you as you step up your inner game.
I’ve been where you are, doubting the law of attraction and that the path of least resistance is real. I’ve valued my intellect over my intuition too. But no more. Now, I observe detached from problems and focus on self compassion, play breaks, and time basking in meditation. I was one they said was “so serious.” I’ve lightened up and know you can too.
Light workers don’t hate
Lastly, you may consider yourself a light worker. But here is a big truth. Light workers don’t hate.
So, if you are struggling with that or find yourself questioning this truth, please reach out. I would love to offer some wisdom (and a whole lot of unconditional love), I feel will offer you freedom from some of the heavier thoughts you may be thinking.
❤️🦋🌀🙏☀️💦🌱
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 on http://RichardMurrey.com or check out his latest 24 songs here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53E21F-JlTW2iQmPcEIWkQ
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 new book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format). Buy it here.
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. But 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 got the few stories that she chose to share with me. I was 18 years old when she died, and I as 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 left with no way home, had my ex sneak his way into my office screaming for me to come home, and thrown out of our house (all our belongings 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 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 on http://RichardMurrey.com or check out his latest 24 songs here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53E21F-JlTW2iQmPcEIWkQ
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 new book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format). Buy it here.
I am an independent person (and critical thinker) who beat co-dependency. I have learned that I cannot control anyone else, nor do I need to. I only ever need to manage my own Energy.
I have figured out a way to find balance and eternal Gratitude in ALL. There really is value in Everything.
Be as receptive as I / we / you can be. There’s no need to push against anything!
I sense that everything in life comes down to Balance. And that can be achieved. It is doable. Fix everything—no. But feel better, feel good more of the time—yes. Help yourself. Help others. Love. Smile.
Be as water. Seek your own level.
Be one who predominantly appreciates and loves.
If someone says or does something that upsets you, it’s okay if you don’t know or say the right thing “in the moment.” After all, you don’t have a staff of writers at your beck and call. And nobody’s perfect.
Just breathe and take a moment to ground and recenter yourself. Take a moment to feel freedom and peace within and outside of yourSelf. Balance.
In my experience, people either speak from their ego or their programming most of the time. It’s rare to talk with someone soul to soul, and priceless when you do! ❤️🦋🌀
My mission and mantra
I’ve read again my previous articles here and here and redefine my mission as follows:
In every moment, while BEing my deep, authentic self, acknowledging and integrating Source Energy (Spirit) in ALL I do, I release Ego and judgmental thoughts and hold true to my “GodBumps,” (as my physical guide, to remember “to thine own temple be true”), I will seek to awaken, and connect independent souls to their limitless talents and potential. I will empower them to shine their brilliance no matter what challenges come their way. ❤️🦋🌀🙏☀️🌱
On feeling the need for Protection
No protection required.
What is “Protection” about anyway?
It acknowledges (and often promotes) that there is anything or something “out there” to fear. And I want to “fear not.” I believe in a friendly universe. And Omniscience has my back anyway.❤️🦋🌀🙏😉☀️🌱🎼
On feeling down
Whenever I am feeling low, or in a down state, I reach for “a better feeling thought”, typically one of the enveloping Omniscience that exists in and through ALL (that immediately dissolves BS, whether it be from others, or of my own making), or that Everything Resolves to Gratitude. Then I say aloud, Thank You. I see it all as the Universe bringing ALL back into Balance. Lessons learned and healed. ❤️🦋🌀😘
Presentmoment
Why live in the present moment?
To feel freer
Audaciously awaken
Fully engage my authenticity
Function from a positive or neutral place
Open to new awareness
Balance any imbalances
Embrace limitless possibilities
Empower mySelf and others
Love and nurture my independence
Be open to receive MORE out of life
Worry less
Fear less
Notice ALL of the abundance around
Focus on the far-reaching effects
Release old programming
Ease out of old unwanted habits
Connect MORE
Commune deeply
Communicate with MORE clarity
Our minds tend to get convoluted and play tricks on us. Sometimes referred to as the “monkey mind”, our individual minds often skew our reality according to the “old tapes” (phrases) that play over and over in our heads, fears, conditioning, past traumas, invalid prejudices, opinions that belong to others—not our own, beliefs that no longer serve our highest and best version of ourselves.
When you are aware your mind is filtering your reality based on the past, you can change it with that awareness. In fact, awareness is the change.
I never understood “worry.” I’m too independent and determined for that. ❤️🦋🌀
COVID-19
I thought you couldn’t believe in things you can’t see? This virus has expanded your thoughts about the unseen things, hasn’t it? Now, do you understand the phrase, We Are All Connected?
So much love… to you, through, and around you…I feel it too (though not as severe as you experienced yesterday, but who knows. Maybe my time is coming. And now, thanks to you, I will know more). So, for me, it is all the other changes we’ve been going through, plus when I go to the store, I see many empty sections: no eggs, less vitamins, no rubbing alcohol (wanted for bug bites, not for hand sanitizer recipe), etc. I had to really force my conscious mind to notice the fresh produce, and canned goods, water, and so forth. It is all so weird. I am quite a mix of energies at the moment.❤️🦋🌀
On death
I feel into this and it aligns and resonates for me. After losing (in the physical), both of my parents in the last couple years, and having beautiful visions from both of what they experienced during/after their souls departed, I no longer see death as any kind of end. I’ve never feared death, though I used to cry a suffer through grief when anyone close to me died-especially pets. But, after seeing all I have seen, some of which is on my blog, I do not grieve anymore. All we need to do is love and keep our intentions pure, always helpful, always kind. Because in the end, Everything Resolves to Gratitude. Amen and Namaste. OM ❤️🦋🌀🙏
Mirror neurons and Soul-connections
I learned long ago that we cannot change another person. The habits they have and their personal characteristics are held deep within themselves—they may hide certain habits to win you over too. But, what they showed, that attracted you to them. For example, in the beginning of the relationship if they cursed a lot, you thought it was funny or cute. Ten years later, when your significant other curses, it annoys you. Really, that is your issue. You’ve changed. They haven’t.
After a year of dating, another year of cohabitating, and then five years of marriage, my mirror neurons synchronized with my husband’s mirror neurons. It took a job loss, our two doggies getting older and slowing down, and my proving to him that we couldn’t pay for our house (that at the time we had 25 years left on our mortgage), to get him to come around to the idea of full-time RV living. But, two weeks after we had moved into our 5th wheel—and I am NOT KIDDING—he sat across the living room from me and said, “I love this! We own this? Why didn’t you MAKE me do this YEARS ago?” Hahahaha I about fell out of my chair!!! I don’t MAKE him, or anyone, DO anything!❤️🦋🌀🌱🤩😉
From the sacred texts
“We can escape this world by giving up attack (negative / social conditioning) thoughts.”
—A Course in Miracles.
“Be in the world, not of it.” —Holy Bible.
“Ye are of this world. I am not of this world.” —Quron
Daoist thought has been interpreted within the Dao De Jing (and Zhuangzi) to reject, or become unattached to ones body and the material world.
And we find the Hindu words that seem to point out a need to find receptivity or be alert to:
“…that which is not of this world.” —Veda
Amen, brother. Awomen, sister. We know our LIMITLESS, Ever-Living, Filling-ALL-Space, Creator, Source, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent, God!!! Namaste. OM ❤️🦋🌀
Put your hands together when you meditate and pray. (It connects the circuits.) 🙏
Soul Connections
I LOVE talking with others about deep topics, God, Spirit, visions, dreams… ❤️🦋🌀
I connect with so many people and on such a wide range of topics, that I am never lonely. I feel we all have the ability to connect on a soul level.
I am passionate about connecting you (We Are All Connected) to NON-TOXIC, “It can’t hurt you” foods (like raw vegan foods), health products and holistic methods that I personally use (see this and this) because they truly work—they nourish us—and my knowing (from a deep spiritual place) is that we’re all okay in our well-being.
We are—each of us—wholly well WHEN we remind each other, which is why there’s not only one of us here on the planet! We are each a fractal of Omniscience and bright shining as the sun. ❤️🦋🌀🙏☯️🍀🌹
Loneliness
What’s the difference between being Alone and being Lonely? I always knew there was a reason I loved that old song, “Love the one you’re with.” I’ve learned not to put anyone on a pedestal. Actually, I have had to learn that more than a few times. And as others here have said, family isn’t always defined by blood. Spending time with and being present with those you love is the best gift any of us can give/receive. And if you don’t have anyone, go find someone new. After all, there are 7 billion people on the planet. No one needs to be alone. Oh, and loneliness is not a lack of people, but a lack of purpose. And all of that wisdom cost me a lot more than two cents!❤️🦋🌀🎄🎁💫
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 on http://RichardMurrey.com or check out his latest 24 songs here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53E21F-JlTW2iQmPcEIWkQ
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 new book (in the making for 13 years), Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, that’s now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format). Buy it here.
Until recently, I didn’t know a whole lot about the Solstices.
Previously published on The Wellness Universe, December 20, 2019
Except that many years ago, I had been told by a particular religious group that the Christmas holiday was celebrated at about the same time that Pagans celebrated the Winter Solstice. I knew that astronomically-speaking, the Winter Solstice was the shortest day, (a day with the least daylight), that we experience during a year. So if this is your first dive into the topic, you’re not alone.
When is the Winter Solstice?
In the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs from about December 18th to the 25th; depending upon the year. Most people acknowledge the Winter Solstice only on December 21st or December 22nd. At the prehistoric sacred site of Newgrange in Ireland, the sunrise Winter Solstice will be observed and celebrated between the dates of December 18th to the 23rd, 2019.
Since many people from around the world revere the Winter Solstice as a deeply spiritual time, that reason alone makes it an interesting topic to understand. We all know how fractional religious matters can be. Yet, Spirit seeks to unify the fragmented parts of the whole.
Different Views
Some think the Winter Solstice is a time of connection, quiet reflection, and profound joy. Others experience this time as busy, complicated, or even chaotic; and not just around planning celebrations or such. Sensitive or intuitive persons actually dream a lot or experience spiritual downloads of information!
Naturally, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season may make it difficult to find time for ourselves, but we can use the Winter Solstice as a way to excuse ourselves from some of the drama and overwhelm and take a pause. Yes, take some time and sit for awhile to reflect on your hopes, wishes and desires for the future.
It might also be a good time to contemplate about how your year went, and maybe set new intentions and realign your priorities.
Eastern beliefs offer an explanation of how the Solstices affect us. Not only symbolically, but in a very real sense; yin energy is the darkness before the Winter Solstice and then at sunrise, the dark opens to the lightness of the yang energy.
By seeking to first understand, we may actually give ourselves more space to live and let live, let go of the past and give ourselves a break from feeling the need to control.
Curiosity, Like Love, is Eternal
Like the spirals engraved on the neolithic and monolithic rocks at sites like, Knowth and Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge in England, humans have sought to leave their mark on the planet.
I listed Knowth first because some believe it to be the oldest of the astronomically-oriented structures built. Unfortunately, the caretakers of the Knowth site do not allow entrance into its chamber.
Exterior of the large mound at Knowth
Thankfully, near Knowth you can visit the larger site of Newgrange and go inside its tomb. However, to enter the burial chamber during the Winter Solstice sunrise, you must fill out a lottery application and be chosen to gain entry. The lucky few who win the opportunity to go inside the tomb at sunrise, get to see the rays of sunlight fill the chamber via a lightbox cut-out of the stones above the passageway entry. Those inside the chamber during sunrise will watch as sunlight fills the entire chamber, (weather permitting), for 17 precious minutes. Yes, it’s a very big deal and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Entrance to the Newgrange neolithic chamber
Interestingly, Stonehenge may be the world’s most famous prehistoric monument and sacred site to host the Summer and Winter Solstices that is aligned to the Winter Solstice sunset; while Newgrange only aligns to the Winter Solstice sunrise. I find this dichotomy intriguing.
The opportunity exists for all of us to visit these sacred sites and stir our inner curiosity about who and why all of the etchings were made on these gigantic stones. And we can be grateful that we are alive during this time in history when it is possible to visit these sacred sites.
I have been forever changed by visiting the West Kennet Long Barrow, (an Avebury site), Knowth, Newgrange and Stonehenge. Where allowed, I stood, walked, sat near and touched, many of these incredible stones; marveling their presence.
Last July, while meditating at Stonehenge inside the stone circle, I came to know of our “rightness to BE,” in the world. The experience quickly put me into a meditative state; when I am home, it takes me many minutes to reach that state of meditation. At Stonehenge, I became aware of why certain sites are sacred, and why, if we have the opportunity, we should protect them.
As I take the next long and luscious deep breath, I reach for the grace to continue to live and travel to these highly energetic places for many years to come. I want to take my granddaughters to these sites when they are of age.
Marking the Time
Nature shows us the effects of time. The inner rings on the trees mark the passing of years. Very few things last forever and no one agrees on the age of the neolithic structures that still stand on the earth.
Astronomically-speaking, the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of longer days and shorter nights. This is why it makes sense that as we head into the dark time of year, with shorter days, we allow ourselves the luxury of some time to journey within.
The Winter Solstice is observed by various cultures; not only Pagans and Druids. Eastern and Western cultures give meaning to the Solstice, because it marks the transition from darkness to light, or cold to warm.
In Japan, the Winter Solstice is a celebration of all things pertaining to the fruit Yuzu; that typically includes taking hot bath soaks filled with different tart citrus fruits. This event ushers in an important change in season. Cleansing rituals like celebrating the Solstice are honoring, both to us and our ancestors, before the earth makes another journey around our golden and life-giving sun.
Balance and Synchronicity
For me, this will be the first holiday I’ve experienced without my dad and third without my mom; at least in the physical sense, and I am an only child. Perhaps that is why the Universe has gifted me with so much recently; I’m thrilled, no matter the why or how!
I am simply grateful that through the use of all the holistic tools I have put into my proverbial “wellness toolbox,” I finally feel centered and balanced; even when emotionally triggered. Yay!
As an aside, one of my blog articles, “Why Am I So Emotional-Tips for Grief” was scheduled to be published on January 6th, 2020; that is my parent’s wedding anniversary! When I read the email from the Wellness Universe with that publishing date, I immediately sensed it was because my mom and dad are still with me in spirit. Truly, you can’t make this stuff up!
Yes, I see the synchronicity more clearly and feel this statement that was given to me spiritually or psychically years ago, even stronger now; “We Are ALL Connected.”
I write this as an aside, and that it’s a big reason why I am personally going to spend dedicated and focused time before and during the Winter Solstice to unpack my thoughts and set a new course for adventure!
I hope this article has been interesting and informative and that sometime soon you can experience the joy that awaits for you on the Winter Solstice in whatever way you observe this time marker.
I won a place for myself and a guest, (out of 30,861 lottery applications drawn by children from three different schools), to go inside the Newgrange burial chamber for the Winter Solstice sunrise on Dec. 18th, 2019 in Ireland and we are going! Stay tuned for the next post to read all about what mysteries it unlocks for me.
