Radiance March-April 2018

March/April 2018

Highlighting SoCal’s Spiritual Practitioners, Holistic Healers and Life Coaches

FREE! A One-on-One Divine Mountain Immersion Retreat, with Patricia Garza Pinto PAGE 30

How to Become a Manifesting Machine PAGE 22

Your Heart Can Go Places Your Ego Can’t PAGE 20

Holistic Healing Awareness Day is March 24th!

“Becoming Supernatural” -Book Review Interview with a Goddess, Part 1 How to Be a Conscious Eater!

RADIANCE

We

2

Our Holistic Community!

March/April 2018

C O N TAC T YO U R LO C A L : ENERGY HEALER C H I R O P R AC TO R F U N C T I O N A L N U T R I T I O N I ST I N T U I T I V E L I F E C OAC H I N T E G R AT I V E M E D I C A L D O C TO R S H A M A N I C P R AC T I T I O N E R M ASS AG E T H E R A P I ST H Y P N OT H E R A P I ST E S OT E R I C AC U P U N C T U R I ST AY U R V E D A S P E C I A L I ST SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE READER C E R T I F I E D E SS E N T I A L O I L S P E C I A L I ST C RYSTA L H E A L E R P SYC H I C M E D I U M M E D I TAT I O N C OAC H H E R B A L I ST YO G A T H E R A P I ST R E I K I M AST E R P SYC H OT H E R A P I ST MEDICAL INTUITIVE A N G E L T H E R A P Y P R AC T I T I O N E R H E A LT H & L I F E ST Y L E C OAC H

Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness.

HOLISTIC HEALING AWARENESS DAY IS MARCH 24TH!

Ask to be educated and be empowered with knowlege of your own self-care.

MIND-BODY-SPIRIT HOLISTICHEALINGAWARENESSDAY.COM

... AND ASK WHAT SPECIALS THEY'RE OFFERING ON MARCH 24TH. 3

TA BL E O F C O NT E NT S

RADIANCE

Table of Contents Where’s the Faire?

Testimonial It is finally our time as healers and light workers to step into our divinity. Having a powerful platform like Radiance magazine makes it possible for us to SHINE our gifts to the world. As we shine together, we create a dynamic healing community that is unique and held together by unconditional love.

Radiance magazine has created and nurtured this healing community. The heartfelt articles and stories are incredible and help shift our consciousness. Thank you Scott and Radiance for providing the way in which we can express our creative spiritual selves!

-Tina Ghahramani Singh, Esoteric Acupuncturist and Spiritual Life Coach

8

ON THE COVER

Sacred Soul Alchemy Retreat

10

Create Natural Antioxidants

By Tonya Fitzpatrick

12

If Your Pets Could Talk

By Kara of Pet’s Eye View

14

Treating Your Body’s Areas of Ease Interview with Abbey Hernandez

Joe Dispenza’s “Becoming Supernatural” Book Review by Jen Pearlman 34

16

Can We Sacrifice Our Judgments?

By Donna Bond

The Museum of Woman and the Goddess Within – Interview with Ava Park 38

17

The Fears We Don’t Face Limit Us

By Rev. Danielle Marie Hewitt

The Healer’s Journey

By Shaman Isabella

42

20

How to Be a Conscious Eater

By Les Dotson

44

The New Psychic Fiction by Scott Ware

46

Ask Shelly – Psychic Advice

54

Dissolve Your Abundance Blocks Interview with Lisa Douthit

22

Leaping to a Life of Meaning

By Beth Bell

24

Flirtatious Aries, Wild Child Taurus

By Teri Lynn Cansee

25

The Sacred Mountain Beckons – Certified Fitness Specialist and Shamanic Practitioners Patricia Garza Pinto Takes Women Deeper 30

Comatose, Not by Choice

By Rita Robinson

58

Seeing and Hearing Your Own Guides

By Janna Colaco 26 Creating Resonation Relationships

By Teri Stanley

28

Publisher and Editor: Scott Ware (714) 501-5050 radiancemageditor@ gmail.com | PO Box 4502, Laguna Beach, CA 92652 Associate Editor: Rita Robinson (949) 295-2392 rita.radiancemagazine@gmail.com Marketing: Rita Robinson, Elizabeth Hendershot Billing, Accounting: (714) 501-5050 radiancemageditor@gmail.com

issues of Radiance, go to radiancemagazine.org.

Subscriptions may be obtained for $25 per year.

Publisher’s Liability: Radiance Magazine and Temple of Light (non-profit 5013c) do not warranty any advertised services or products. Opinions and factually statements expressed herein are the responsibility of the authors and not necessarily endorsed or verified by the magazine nor do any advertisements necessarily constitute endorsement by the magazine, publisher or editors.

Radiance Magazine enables spiritual practitioners, holistic healers and intuitive life coaches to educate and illuminate the spiritually-inclined in holistic healing, wellness, and creating a life you love through a strong mind/ body/spirit connection. Feel free to reach out to the contributors and inquire about their services by phone or email, or take their classes at the various spiritual centers if you feel called to do so. You could find your tribe and begin a great life adventure. Radiance Magazine can be found in speciallyselected places like yoga and meditation studios, health food stores, holistic and wellness centers, healthy restaurants, metaphysical and crystal stores, certain coffeehouses and anywhere socially conscious people go.

4

March/April 2018

Reiki Master Teacher Rhonda Patrick

Ease Pain • Gain Mental Clarity • Boost Energy rhonda@organicacupuncture.com • (847) 894-3428 16831 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach, CA 92649

FEEL GOOD NOW!

“Chakra clearing and alignment with Reiki opened me up to become more fully connected to my intuition” Mention Radiance Magazine for $20 off your first treatment!

5

A N O TE F RO M T HE P UB LISHE R

RADIANCE

March 24: A Day of Special Offers from Holistic Practitioners Did you know there’s a Holistic Pet Day but not a Holistic Human Day?

Scott Ware is the Pubilsher and Editor of Radiance magazine.

Thus, Holistic Healing Awareness Day was born, to be celebrated near the Spring Equinox on Saturday, March 24. It’s a day set aside just for us holistic-minded and holisticcurious folks to get to meet a practitioner in a holistic field we’ve been wondering about.

It’s a day to call that energy healer, herbalist, flower essence consultant, massage therapist, Reiki Master, alternative medicine practitioner, hypnotherapist, life coach, spiritual guide, psychic, medium, channeler or any practitioner of the potpourri of modalities available to find out about the special offers they’re providing on that very special day.

Whether it’s a free consultation, reading or workshop, I highly recommend you take advantage of this special and first-of-its-kind opportunity to learn more about treating your mind, body, and soul together, holistically, for the most effective and fulfilling outcome.

Whether you call it alternative or integrative medicine, natural healing or ancient remedies, start your journey to becoming whole on this very special day. If you’re interested in finding a local holistic practitioner near you, go to holisticchamberofcommerce.com or call 310-4906862. (There are even efforts underway to get Holistic Healing Awareness Day on the state and national calendars, so stay tuned!)

If you’re a holistic practitioner, it’s a good time to join the Holistic Chamber of

Commerce.

Not only do they provide support for one another both in person and with a massive online database, but they have a lot of fun, too. In fact, before the Irvine chapter meeting (every third Wednesday), new members arrive a few hours early for the “Tustin Tour,” which includes the world-famous Meditation Gardens at Unity of Tustin and The Sanctuary Wellness Center & Yoga Studio, where our most recent group made beautiful connections with the owner, Ajita Patel. Ajita hired one of our entourage on the spot after hearing her sing a devotional song in Sanskrit. A few of the others are now renting healing rooms to see their clients in that sublime space. The spiritual community got more proximate and a little cozier.

My wish for you as you read this magazine: that you engage directly with the holistic and spiritual professionals in these pages and take advantage of the many exciting free offers, consultations, faires, classes, workshops and events found in these pages. Profound experiences await you.

Photo Caption: On the “Tustin Tour,” from left: Anael Milena Laska, Alexandra Wenman, Lorraine Flaherty, Scott Ware, Ajita Patel, Elizabeth Hendershot, Torin Lee, Radhika Vekaria Love and blessings, Scott Ware

6

March/April 2018

“Sacred Contract #1” by Paul Bond | paulbondart.com 7

RADIANCE

FAIRE When I first walked into a Spirit or Holistic Faire, I thought I’d see concession stands and rides, like at a county fair. And I soon realized there were rides: energy rides thanks to the energy healers and massage therapists… you get to experience concession stands in the form of the craft and crystal vendors.

There are even helpful free lectures, which are more profound than you’d expect.

And then there are spiritual beings giving you readings and guidance, which is so interesting. When you’re confused or just need confirmation on something, they’re great. Or maybe you’re just curious about the possibilities life has to offer. Their ability to see a little more than we can is super valuable and a lot of fun.

I know when I walk into a faire, I’ll be well taken care of. I will have all my needs taken care of spiritually, mentally and emotionally. And that really sings to my heart. — Lucinda Collis

Sat. March 17 The Feel Good Conference 1212 E Lincoln, Anaheim | 12-6 Sun. April 29 Soul Fest at The Sanctuary Wellness Center & Yoga Studio | 505 W 1st St, Tustin | 11-5pm Sat. May 19 Spirit Faire at Museum of Woman | 17905 Sky Park Circle Suite A, Irvine | 11-5pm

First Saturday

Psychic Expansion & Energetic Wholeness Faire at The Healing Key | 2117 E 7th St, Long Beach | 12-5pm The Mercantile Market – Your Wellness & Creative Finds at Carpet Diem |115 S Harbor Blvd, Fullerton | 10-4pm Groovy Soul Fest at Feeling Groovy Wellness and Café 863 S. Foothill Blvd, Claremont | 1-6pm

Second Saturday

Holistic Health & Spiritual Fair at Learning Light Foundation 1212 E Lincoln, Anaheim | 10-4pm

8

Holistic Faire at Spiritual Origins Psychic Readings & Crystal Shop 307 3rs St. Suite 101, Huntington Beach | 11-5pm

Third Saturday

Psychic Healing Faire at The Mermaid Cottage 26726 Calle Juanita, Capistrano Beach | 11-5pm The “Where Woo-Woo Meets Wellness” Faire at BOTI Studios–Beautiful On The Inside 607 South Harbor Bl. Anaheim, CA 92805 | 10-3pm

Third Sunday

Psychic & Healing Fair at The Mermaid Cottage 26726 Calle Juanita, Capistrano Beach | 11-5pm

Last Saturday

Monthly Holistic Faire at HeartSpace– The School of Multidimensional Healing Arts & Sciences 18271 McDurmott W, Suite H, Irvine | 11-5pm

March/April 2018

9

RADIANCE

Experience ecstatic transformation during the First Annual Sacred Soul Alchemy Retreat April 6-8 Does the idea of ecstatic dance, thrumming drums and a deep dive into your soul excite you? Then create space for yourself and go Inward for healing and transformation during the 1st Annual Our Inward Journey Sacred Soul Alchemy Retreat in Hendersonville, NC this spring. Join incredibly talented presenters from around the country, all with 20+ years experience, for a three-day transformational retreat April 6-8 at the Highland Lake Inn & Resort.

Presented by Peggy Zielinski, MSW, the event will take you on an inward journey with deeply personal experiences designed to open your awareness, tighten your bonds with like-minded people and includes ecstatic dance, soul introspection, kundalini yoga, essential oils, healing trauma, powerful drumming, including a drum you can walk through while it plays and so much more.

"Life is stressful, and too often this stress manifests as physical and emotional illness. We are typically so busy trying to seek solutions outside of ourselves that we forget that we all have a powerful Reservoir of Wisdom inside each of us,” said Zielinski. “The Sacred Soul Alchemy Retreat provides an opportunity to tap into that wellspring of sacred Inner Wisdom, while guided by gifted teachers and healers and immersing in experiences that will guide us through all our senses, ground us in our own unique truth, and bring us back home to ourselves. Please join us on this Powerful Inward Journey!"

Registration is now open for the three-day retreat.

Ticket prices start at $300 for commuters and go up from there to include two nights lodging and some meals. For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ourinwardjourney.com.

10

FEATURED SPEAKER: Sandy Chasteen, of Irvine, CA

Experience how essential oils can transform you through learning how to “Connect the Dots between your Physical Health and Emotional Roots to Balance and Heal the Body.”

During her presentation, Sandy Chasteen will help people discover the relationship between physical and emotional issues and how to use oils to shed what no longer serves them. Paired with 15 years of experience as a holistic health coach, Sandy intuitively guides people on their healing journey using essential oils.

In addition to her presentation, Sandy will introduce the AromaTouch Technique which is a clinical, therapeutic application of eight essential oils/ blends paired with human touch that creates a synergistic response allowing the body to ground and relax, boosts the immune system, supports a healthy inflammatory response, and creates a higher level of homeostasis. Through demonstrations and certification training classes, Sandy teaches how to properly administer this technique.

“I love partnering with other healers to bring this technique to retreat settings. It is a wonderful complement to other holistic healing modalities,” said Sandy. “Clients usually leave my massage table feeling extremely relaxed and grounded, enjoying a very restful night’s sleep…some may experience emotional or physical release. Outcomes vary depending on the individual’s state of health.”

Sandy is available for private consultation in Irvine, CA at (949) 439-7759 or www.sandychasteen.com.

Clients come to her home office or she travels to private residences and events. Aromatouch certification classes are also available for a fee.

March/April 2018

11

RADIANCE

Spurring the Body to Create Natural Antioxidants

A Potent Formula for Anti-Aging

Tonya Fitzpatrick is a heart-centered health advocate who coordinates events to bring Wellness to the community.

She works with Clar8ty and is a living testament to the effectiveness of their health remedies. –Editor Before you became a holistic practitioner, you spent decades in the corporate world, right? Yes, and I was so burned out… my health began to suffer, I was stressed out and in pain every day. I went to the doctor, and of course what they do is prescribe pharmaceuticals! I was taking muscle relaxers and painkillers just to get through the day.

As many people know, this doesn’t get at the root of the pain and leads to taking even more drugs. I learned about the Rebound Effect where your body becomes accustomed to relying on these external substances and then it stops producing your body’s own natural painkillers.

How did you break that cycle? I went through the painful process of eliminating pain medication and went on a search for something that was going to be real. I needed to get out of the toxic environment I was in. I also discovered a lot of the foods I was eating was causing a lot of the pain and inflammation I was experiencing, so I changed by diet. At one point when I was about 20 pounds overweight I was introduced to Calibr8 and the Clar8ty products and this time I was able to really make changes on a lasting basis both in losing weight and with my digestive issues. I easily cleaned up my diet to such a degree… I cut out gluten, dairy, and sugar, and with the support of Calibr8 they were just not even options in my life. I was getting good nutrition without the cravings.

You take it in the morning? Yes, and if I got afternoon cravings, I would take Calibr8 Kids, which gave me a little boost and satisfied my cravings.

It inspired you so much you went to work for them!

I became a Brand Executive so I could do events and fairs and share my story with people. I even talk about how my husband confessed that he had so much pain in his arm that he couldn’t get around on the mattress without tears 12

in his eyes, this tough guy hiding all the pain he’s in. He starting taking Calibr8 and it changed his life. The pain went away. He’ll never stop taking it!

How do you feel when you take Calibr8? More vibrant.

More alive! Shedding 20 pounds makes you feel amazing, of course. You’re more energetic. More energy, more vibrancy.

You have more passion for life.

More passion in your marriage? Absolutely, especially with Circul8. (laughs) We both feel as if we’re growing younger. It’s a youthening process. It allows the body to produce primary antioxidants on its own in the natural way it was intended to produce, it makes you feel as if you’re more connected to the natural life process as opposed to a vitamin or pill. Your body is healing itself.

March/April 2018

By Lorraine Flaherty innerjourneys.co.uk

13

RADIANCE

If Your Pets Could Talk, Here’s What They’d Say Two Things Your Pets Want You to Know

I talk to hundreds of animals a year. These are the two most important things they want you to know: “I need structure and order as much as I need love.”

At her owner’s counseling practice, Chihuahua Andi acts as an ambassador to the patients—and behaves calmly.

At home, however, there is no structure and, as a natural “beta” dog who doesn’t really want to be in charge, Andi becomes whiny, anxious and barky in order to control a home that has no rules.

Dogs, cats and horses need solid jobs. Dogs need training and a routine. If not, they’ll choose their own rules, which can get disastrous.

Owners often ruin a pet by being overly affectionate, talking in baby voices and smothering them. In the animal world, this fawning behavior tells your pet he is your leader.

Make them work for those strokes, the treats and then reward them with affection.

“Love me for me.”

We all have a mental image of the ideal cat, dog, horse or bird we want and didn’t get. Whether it’s the dog we bought for agility, who hates it and we’re disappointed, or the goofball cat who gets stuck behind the fridge more than once, we must learn to love the soul they are. I admit to getting annoyed at my cats, who prefer very little petting, because I like affection. But I know they love me. They’re just not “huggers” and that is my problem, not theirs.

Start loving that animal exactly where she is and she will open up. One month after you accept your aloof Russian Blue, she’ll be sleeping at the corner of the bed she once avoided. When you finally decide to keep that terribly abused Akita mix and stop whining about why he shakes after you’ve treated him so well, the day he stops shaking will come sooner.

Most importantly, don’t expect your second pet to live up to the first. The second house-pet often feels inferior.

This can even happen in a home where one dog or cat passed away and another was adopted. When animals feel 14

By Kara of Pet’s Eye View

compared, it creates anxiety. Giving each pet a different job, sending them images of great behavior and positively affirming their pawesomeness will reward you handsomely.

Do you have a pet who needs a better job or you need help loving where she is or just want to know more about the inner lives of your pack? I can help. (949) 282-3506.

Mention Radiance magazine for a discount.

Do you want to know your pet better? Contact me, Kara @ Pet’s Eye View, for an appointment at (949) 282-3506 or kara@petseyeview.com. Want to learn the basics of animal communication? Attend my September and October courses at Awakenings in Laguna Hills

March/April 2018

“House of Devotion” outiart.com

Shamanic healing Sound healing Guided meditation Chakra balancing Intuitive massage My name is Anasia. I am a Full Mesa carrier Shaman in the Q'uero Shaman traditions of Peru. My intention is to connect to your highest self and create a safe space for healing, releasing, and embracing the infinite potential in all of us.

www.shamamamatherapy.com info.shamamama@gmail.com (714) 975-0119

15

RADIANCE

Treating Your Body from the Areas of Ease Revolutionary Chiropractic Care

Interview with Abbey Hernandez Why are you called Prana Chiropractic? To let people know there’s a deeper aspect than regular chiropractic care provides. It refers to the vital force and innate intelligence present in each person. In addition to your symptoms, we will seek out the root cause by looking at your innate self, your nervous system, that thing inside you that furthers your healing process. We’re going to help that along.

What about toxins? We’re in a constant toxin overload.

They’re in our water, our food and the air. Toxins also result by negative thoughts and negative emotions there is a need to detox.

Network Spinal Analysis

You start with the areas of ease? Yes, because wherever there are areas of ease in the nervous system, it makes it available for access, like a safe entry point.

begins with the areas of ease to the system, not pain

What do you specialize in? lately I’ve been getting a different kind of patient, people who are looking for a more holistic treatment. Before that I specialized in pregnancy and pediatrics, but a lot of people are now presenting with headaches, migraines, and anxiety. They have pain, discomfort, low function. I also have a couple patients with addictions, which started because of pain.

Opioids? Yes, and that can spiral into other conditions as well. It messes with your brain. Some of them are still in their teens.

How do they hear about you? Word of mouth, and there’s an addiction facility in the building. Because of my success treating them they keep referring patients.

You mentioned our innate healing intelligence.

What spurs healing, and what stops it? In chiropractic, we have the three T’s: Trauma, Thoughts and Toxins, which everyone has to some degree. Trauma can be physical, from a car accident, for instance. Emotional trauma impedes you in other ways, and can be lodged in your nervous system for years until it’s cleared.

Thoughts relate to stress and anxiety we give ourselves? Yes, which can lead to those emotional issues.

Many people don’t know they can actually control their thoughts and have better health as a result.

16

How does a chiropractor work with people’s emotions? Here is the key: instead of adjusting someone in the traditional way where you’re looking for points of pain, always looking for the most painful areas, Network Spinal Analysis begins with the areas of ease to the system, not pain.

That’s quite profound and makes holistic sense. If you know the history of chiropractic, this is actually where it began before it changed to what I call Medi-practic, which changed its methodology in order to be billable to insurance companies. Chiropractic was actually developed based on the tone of the nervous system, and it’s gone away from its roots.

We’ve brought it back.

A graduate of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Dr. Abbey performs specific spinal adjustments to a diverse population, specializing in prenatal, post-natal, and pediatric patients.

She emphasizes that health is multi-faceted and needs to be addressed in several different areas such as regular chiropractic care, proper nutrition, functional movement, ample rest, and positive mental attitude. She can be reached at 714-465-2127 info@PranaHealthChiropractic.com. Prana Health Chiropractic, 18377 Beach Blvd. Suite 217 Huntington Beach, CA 92648.

March/April 2018

Can We Sacrifice Our Judgements?

Our desire for Oneness is about harmony, unity and wholeness. Deep down, this is what we all want.

Connectedness, togetherness, inseparability. Yes, it eludes so many of us both individually and collectively. The state of our country certainly does not reflect Oneness. Why is that?

One reason really: judgment. In this world of duality in which we live, this third dimensional experience where everything has a polarity, our ego insists on labeling assignments of everything. Right, wrong. Good, bad. Black, white. This is really a tactic of control creating the illusion of feeling safe.

It’s in our positionality that we essentially create our own suffering. When we decide or proclaim that another’s position or point of view or stance is “right or wrong,” we essentially bring resistance to anything that doesn’t align with our “rules.”

Are you willing to sacrifice your judgements for peace and harmony?

by Donna Bond M.A. ©

From the soul’s perspective, there is no right or wrong. Our Higher Self sees everything as “it just is.” Our ego struggles with this concept, but imagine the freedom you could feel by holding this perspective.

The soul is here for the experience. Period. And however the Soul chooses to get that experience, it has no judgement about the human “rules” we made up that say something is right or wrong. The Soul exists in the Oneness.

Our Soul is the energetic individualized expression of All That Is. It is the drop of water in the ocean. In that ocean, we are all one. We are all connected.

Perhaps experiencing a world of separation and division is what needed to happen so we could understand at a visceral level what we do not prefer. It gives us the opportunity to make a different choice.

17

RADIANCE

For your planetory position.

MAHESH SHASTRI OF HIGHGLOW JEWELERS FREE CONSULTATION (11am-6pm)

562.419.8282

NOTE:

Consultation is Free, Donations accepted for public charity cause: Divine Art of Yoga Center http://divineartofyoga.org/

18

EMAIL

mshastri82@gmail.com

March/April 2018

19

RADIANCE

The Fears We Don’t Face Become Our Limits

by Rev. Danielle Marie Hewitt

Fear is a four-letter word and is perhaps one of the most powerful words in our language.

and come out on the other side. We might even view it as an intriguing challenge.

• It conjures negative thoughts, emotions and actions

How did we arrive in this place of living with so much fear? And, more importantly, how do we navigate from living a fear-based life to one of love?

• It can overtake our own personal governance • It can lay dormant and explode without warning • It can influence the very fabric of our life Fear limits us from reaching our fullest potential in life, love and health because it is an energy of contraction, withdrawal, minimalization and diminishment. It is stagnation.

Fears’ counterpart is Love. When we navigate from fear to love, we live a life without limits. We expand, breathe, move forward, have passion and excitement. We are alive and thriving to our greatest and highest potential. It doesn’t mean we don’t experience fear from time to time. But living a life with love means when fear does crop up, we navigate it with wisdom and faith. We know we will see it through

Once a fear is navigated and we have arrived at a place of love, we will never lose our way again regarding this same issue.

We arrived at the place of fear when we forgot who we are, which is beings of light connected to a higher source of love who are never alone. We live in a place of fear when we create in our minds this false reality that we are alone. Although the solution is straightforward enough, it can be challenging in a three-dimensional world to find solace, comfort, wholeness and love from a place we cannot necessarily physically touch. To begin the mastery of this journey of knowing “love is all around us” in the etheric form, we must take the first step in having faith that it exists at all!

Most conventional religions start and stop and the stage of faith. Faith is only the beginning, and if it is the sole source of our journey, it can waiver and fail us. Without some eventual or real evidence, faith may leave us in a place of deep want. We must move beyond faith and be of a mind, heart and soul to choose to have more.

What is the more to have? Feeling and experiencing love of the Divine through prayer, meditation, engagement in service, connection and communication. Moving beyond faith and belief to knowing and feeling the source of life in the Divine Creator, Mother Father God, Allah, Creator of all That Is, etc. Love embodied. When we are connected to our

20

March/April 2018

Being in a place of love for myself, my work and the people I reach, helps build my confidence, which, in turn, enables me to expand into love and higher consciousness.

source, we are and live Love. When we are disconnected from our source, we are and live in fear.

Courage is not the lack of fear, but rather the action of facing it.

In my own journey it was not the ability to have faith where my fears kicked in, but rather, taking the step of allowing it to be my truth and my full knowing and being in the presence of the Divine. You see, the ego will tell you it is your protector and best friend and for many of us, it has played that role.

Taking the step to accept the Divine into your beingness is like having the courage to move away and leave all your friends behind. For a moment, it can be a daunting prospect (what if I’m wrong?). Follow your heart and trust it to lead you where your ego cannot go.

myself back because of my fear of their judgments (which expanded beyond my family of course and to the outside world), I heard myself with great conviction and courage saying, “Screw that!” If they will judge and ridicule my work, they’ll do it regardless of the size or success of my practice.

Being in a place of love for myself, my work and the people I reach, helps build my confidence, which, in turn,

To begin, choose a fear you would like to be free of. Then, set the intention to see the truth of it. Through prayer and meditation command the truth of it to be revealed to you.

I recently experienced an enormous shift regarding being Follow your heart and trust it to lead you where your ego cannot go.

afraid of judgments from others. As an intuitive/psychic counselor and mentor, I felt a lot of judgment from my family for my career choice and my personality in general (I am very straightforward, and they are not). I resented their lack of acceptance and approval and “wrestled” with them in person and in my mind feeling like until I had their acceptance and approval of my fifteen years now “new” career (I used to be a CPA), that it was not safe for it to expand and thrive. My ego said, “the smaller my career, the smaller their judgments will be.” Upon having this truth revealed to me that I was holding 21

RADIANCE

enables me to expand into love and higher consciousness. I no longer feel the need to prove my career choice and level of competency to my family. I no longer have those imaginary conversations where I am talking about my work and they are nodding in approval. Now, I simply nod to myself in approval.

I am filled with love for my work and my purpose and I no longer fear any judgments from my family or others for what I do and how I show up to the world. There is work to be done here and I choose not to play small from any fears.

I live my life from the “inside out” and not from the “outside in”. Love is the energy of what is inside. My fears, in this regard, no longer limit my success. Once a fear is navigated and we have arrived at a place of love, we will never lose our way again regarding this same issue. We now have the courage to continue our journey navigating fears one by one as they come our way knowing we have the tools to get on the other side of them in our reach. Love conquers all.

22

March/April 2018

By als Fer yhe nand r t e m o Asc edgeo encio | Ets y.com/shop/sacr 23

RADIANCE

Taking the Leap Hanging up high heels and high-rise living for helmet-hair and rice fields in Bali I loved my corporate career but knew there was much more in my divine blueprint to explore, so in 2013 I set out on a mission to “Pollinate the Planet with Love,” which led to becoming a seasoned intuitive risk-taker as I made some big and risky jumps, including opening a retail store launching an inspirational jewelry line and flower-inspired product collections.

But then Bali, my new home, got into trouble.

A volcano eruption caused some anxiety, but when it fizzled, the tourists continued to stay away. To this day, in fact! This has left the big-hearted family-supporting Balinese people destitute, right in the middle of the most beautiful tropical paradise.

It’s the most magical time to

by Beth Bell

donating to nonprofits that are helping those in need.

Every purchase makes a difference. Wearing the power of these mantras near your heart along with the blessings from the Balinese artisans will also catapult the manifesting of your desires. We all blossom together and assist in our mutual mission to Pollinate the Planet with Love.

Please got to blossomblissbali.com to choose your beautiful infused necklace that will make a difference for you and for an incredible population of people here.

Beth is a flower-whisperer, international entrepreneur and radio-show host.

Her radio show, “Empowering Pure Love and Purpose,” provides life-journey lessons and pearls of wisdom to empower others.

be on Bali. The energy is transformational

You see, after the success of movies like “Eat Pray Love” thousands of tourists flocked here, and the Balinese scrambled to accommodate them, expanding their tourism business exponentially.

I had no idea the universe (through Mt. Agung) would challenge my bliss paradigm. The question now is how long will the Balinese economy swirl in a spiral of financial chaos?

And what could one business-owner like myself do?

It’s one of the most blissful places on the planet, yet the news media will only flash footage of eruptions, many of which are not even Mt. Agung! This has created fear and anxiety unnecessarily, and the sudden loss of jobs for the Balinese.

(The irony for me is it’s the most magical time to be on the island. The energy is transformational, the roads are calm and we all have an opportunity to grow in the unique energy of an active volcano.)

In an effort to help, my company Blossom BLISS has a donation goal of 15 million Rupiah when we hit 1,000 Mini Mantra Word Bar Necklace sales, which means we’re 24

Beth Bell resides in Bali www.BethBell.me Instagram @QueenBlissBee

March/April 2018

Flirtatious Aries, Wild Child Taurus

for the future, like a wedding ring and financial security. She most likely will appear prim-and-proper out in public but can be quite the wild child behind closed doors. She’s as stubborn as she is loving and finds it easy to get stuck in her ways. The concept of give-and-take sometimes passes her by and she can be possessive to the point of oppression.

If you’re an Aries or Taurus woman, life looks different than it does for a man, especially when it comes to attracting a friend or a mate and how you interact with them.

Aries — I am The Aries Female is an energetic, flirtatious force of nature who wants to be swept off her feet and cherished but will step on your toes the minute she feels smothered. She is most attracted to good-looking, successful lovers capable of boosting her not-insignificant self-esteem. If you can’t keep her interest, she will quickly leave you behind in a cloud of dust, having traded you in for a pricier, showier model. If you’ve won her heart, be prepared—she can be jealous, competitive and downright cruel. On the flip side, she’s capable of complete loyalty and will demand you give her the same.

The Taurus Male is a mountain of integrity and strength, loyal and loving. He has a habit of seeing things black or white. He expects the same level of loyalty he gives and will toss a flirty lover to the curb for flirting with anyone other than him—from his viewpoint, his piles of erotica don’t count as an indiscretion. Anything he may be lacking in a sexually adventuresome spirit is made up for by his sexual appetite. www.terilynncanseeoftlc.com 1-800-251-3754

She’s as stubborn as she is loving and finds it easy to get stuck in her ways

by TeriLynn Cansee

TeriLynn Cansee is an internationally known psychic who’s honed her paranormal talents to provide her clients with the most precise and profound readings possible. For a scintillating phone reading with Teri Lynn, call her at 1-800251-3754 or contact her online at www.terilynncanseeoftlc. com. You can also email her at: tlc.associates08@verizon.net

The Aries Male is a dynamic go-getter, who wants to be overwhelmed by passion and emotion, and cannot stand for things to become complacent or routine. He likes his partners to be powerful and motivated, beautiful and the sexual equivalent of a tornado. His hair-trigger anger and self-righteous attitude can take some getting used to but he cools down as quickly as he heats up. Boredom is the quickest way to make him stray but that’s only if you’ve proven exciting enough to get a commitment out of him in the first place.

Taurus — I have The Taurus Female is as strong of heart as she is of mind. She tends to hide her own vulnerabilities, usually by immersing herself into nurturing those she loves. She’s drawn to partners who are her equal (or better!) on the material plane—ones who offer up some type of guarantee 25

RADIANCE

Seeing And Hearing Your Own Guides Certified Hypnotherapist and Master Therapeutic Imagery Facilitator

Imagine you had the ability to meet and converse directly with your own inner guides… those wise, loving beings who travel with you every step of your life and have only your best interest at heart?

If you’ve ever sat with an intuitive healer who reported seeing an angel, a guide or loved one close by, you may have thought, “Wow! I wish I could see my own guides… I wish I could do that!” With hypnotherapy, you can. I help clients achieve these connections every day.

Our guides can help us in times of our greatest need.

If we’re lonely, afraid or confused, our guides can soothe us with love, comfort, healing or clarity. The relaxation achieved under hypnotherapy releases resistance, allowing you to more easily meet your guides personally.

Here are three major advantages to having your own relationship with an inner guide: Later, our guides might go with us to heal our inner child, or receive understanding from a past life

To experience unconditional love. Despite our sometimes-rocky life situations, a true wise, loving guide has unconditional love for us. Under hypnosis, we speak with our guides face to face and heart to heart. Their love fills us in ways that affect us profoundly. Feeling loved at this level helps us overcome self-doubt and experience worthiness. We heal and move forward, opening to greater joy, with less clinginess and dependence on our imperfect earthly partners.

Have access universal wisdom. When we see ourselves through the eyes of our guide, we know how strong and capable we are. Life decisions can be made more clear.

Should we quit our job? Move to that new city? Change our 26

by Janna Colaco, C.Ht.,

relationship status? Which path is the right one for us? A true wise, loving inner guide has only our best interest at heart, helping with all kinds of decisions.

Under hypnosis, we speak with our guides face to face and heart to heart. Their love fills us in ways that affect us profoundly

To have someone we can trust. Guides are trustworthy. A loving inner guide has so much compassion and tenderness that we can share anything… our heart is safe and protected.

Later, our guides might go with us to heal our inner child, or receive understanding from a past life. We feel secure and protected, just in case things get sticky. A guide can pull out past trauma, help to block us from our own insecurities, and shield us from the impact of negative people or thoughts.

Nothing comforts, strengthens, or provides courage and insight like a close inner guide relationship. They come whenever needed, always and ever-ready to help, empower, and light the way for us anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

Brainstorm about your goals and dreams. Bring in your questions. Find your guide… it’s a relationship that will last a lifetime!

Janna Colaco, C.Ht., is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Master Therapeutic Imagery Facilitator practicing in downtown Fullerton. Janna has coached motivational transformation since 1986. She is a Healing Minister, NLP practitioner, Reiki Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. You can reach Janna at (714) 269-6908, jannacolaco@mac.com, and mechanicsofgrace.com

March/April 2018

27

RADIANCE

Creating Resonating Relationships Removing the Blocks to Love Some of us grew up thinking that we were going to marry our prince in shining armor…

Some of us dreamed of finding Mr. Right…

Some of us fell into the trap that we were going to live happily ever after…

Now, meeting, marrying and maintaining a relationship are three very different things, which the fairy tales never seem to cover. We have to learn for ourselves that no relationship is perfect nor do they match our adolescent fantasies.

They can actually be better, because the fantasies always stop at the point where someone outside of us is validating us.

Fairy tales rarely revel in self-love and the inner peace and happiness that accompanies it.

My experience has shown me that unresolved issues from past relationships have a way of creeping into our current relationships when they’re not handled properly.

Their negative effects can be lasting and create blocks to the intimacy we treasure.

These blocks have an energy to them, like an invisible rubber band that keeps snapping you back after you’ve taken a few steps forward. No matter how much you read self-help books or practice making changes, something keeps snapping you back to the same old pattern.

These blocks have an energy to them, like an invisible rubber band that keeps snapping you back after you’ve taken a few steps forward

Identifying the emotions, beliefs, expectations and conditioning to clear these energetic rubber bands (that hold the patterns in place) has a significant impact on much you’re able to move forward.

Consider that our emotions are made up of vibration frequencies. Some emotions have high frequencies (like love) and some have low frequencies (like shame). Uplifting emotions enhances our energy flow, while darker, disturbing emotions can lead to energy blockages and imbalances.

28

by Teri Stanley

But it’s a cycle you can break easily. Join me the 3rd Wednesday of the month (March 21 and April 18) at Visions and Dreams in Costa Mesa at 5pm where we will start to uncover your blocks as I lead you through a few meditations to help you release and heal.

“It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Teri Stanley. I have been a licensed physical therapist for 23 years and practicing primarily in outpatient orthopedics. Her knowledge of Kinesiology and expertise in using the Emotion Code is impressive. In my experience, her treatments are accurate, efficient and productive. Along with her undeniable talent, I found her ease and sensitivity in dealing with those seeking her help impressive. Her accuracy with her insights and sensitivity to others are wonderful.” ~ Donna

March/April 2018

29

RADIANCE

The Sacred Mountain Beckons A One-on-One Retreat for the Sacred Feminine to Arise

with Patricia Garza-Pinto

pyramid-shaped quartz crystal that magnifies energy and threatens to break the skin through your shirt when she hugs you, a price worth paying. The other has an ancient, mysterious look to it. “It was gifted to me by the earth, Pachamama. I thought it might be a few hundred years old but an expert says it’s between a million and 10 million years old.” Wearing both would be a “challenge” for many people, but she carries them with lightness and grace.

The Sacred Mountain (Idyllwild)

“Let’s go into the other room. We can chit-chat while I make us a hot drink.”

I’m in Patricia’s Garza-Pinto’s home, a gleaming cabin in Idyllwild that’s also the home of her Divine Mountain Immersion Retreat for women who want to get in touch with their deepest selves and remember their divine nature in a special one-on-one experience.

She serves me a special tea of herbs, ghee, organic raw New Zealand Manuka honey and maca powder.

Typical Patricia: organic, exotic and fun. She knows how to take care of a guest.

“What problems are women battling where the antidote is a mountain retreat?” I ask, man-curious.

“First of all, I don’t like to use the term problem,” she says. “I changed that for myself—I consider problems more a challenge because a challenge is something I’m inspired to work through.”

She continued, “Working through whatever that challenge is allows me an opportunity for growth, self-realization and evolution. What’s the challenge for many women? A lack of connectedness.”

You don’t have to know Patricia long before experiencing her passion for her shamanic practice and her magnetic energy. I couldn’t help being drawn to her.

I noticed the rocks around her neck. One is a hefty 30

is a way to get quickly and deeply grounded with the earth and Divine Source, God, the Creator, Mother Nature, Great Spirit

I asked her again about the antidote to lack of connectedness.

“I offer women the same thing I gave myself when I came up here to the Sacred Mountain. It’s a way to get quickly and deeply grounded with the earth and Divine Source, God, the Creator, Mother Nature, Great Spirit.

You’re forced to slow down up here. It’s a small mountain town where everybody knows everybody. You can walk from one end of the village to the other in 10 minutes.”

“It’s also very quiet up here,” I say.

“Yes, and you tend to get more rest because of it. You get more introspection time and what arises from that is more mental clarity that you can’t get as easily down the mountain.”

In addition to all the amenities you could want, Patricia offers an exercise room with heavy equipment (she was formerly a personal trainer), stability balls, free weights and more. She also gets you out on the magnificent Idyllwild hiking trails, maybe even bare-footed in the right weather.

March/April 2018

On this one-to-one woman-to-woman experience, she also grocery shops with you and cooks with you.

“This is so you have tools you can bring home with you,” she says. “We also make sure to use food that matches your body type.”

Her fitness studio has everything from heavy equipment to exercise balls, and she provides a fitness routine that also matches your body type. In addition to being an energy-medicine healer, she’s a certified fitness specialist and CHEK corrective exercise coach.

“Many people I see have little or no core stability,” she explains. “Deep wisdom, the kind we all strive for, comes from the gut, the core. ‘My gut instinct tells me.’ If it’s shut down, then it’s not speaking to you as readily and it’s harder to hear.”

“So you draw a connection between core exercise and being able to hear your gut instinct?” I ask, curious about that connection.

“I’ve connected deeply with my body through movement, which sometimes includes hiking barefoot,” she says. “It’s been proven to prevent inflammation in the body and increased antioxidants, which fights free radicals. It’s spiritually healthy as well because I connect with the aura of the earth and the nature of the trees and the rocks that surround me.”

“Yes, and not just your typical core.” she says.

“Many people hear core exercises and then go off and pump out sit-ups. Sit-ups are the worst exercise you can do because you’re limiting your range of motion.

I take a client through exercises that utilize the Swiss ball for optimum impact.”

The rocks? I ask.

“I found myself on the saddle of the mountain recently, passing a beautiful formation of boulders, which I’ve made my mission to touch each one and connect with them every time I go there. But there’s one particular rock that I touched and then put my cheek against. I smelled it really deeply and said, “You smell really good. You smell like the earth.

“The air is fresh and clean. You can hear the birds clearly, you can feel them.”

Her fitness studio has everything from heavy equipment to exercise balls, and she provides a fitness routine that matches your body type 31

RADIANCE

who they sense have had similar experiences and actually healed those parts of themselves.

“Yes, people know that at an energetic level. People with inner-child issues will resonate with me because many parts of me have healed the wounded child within me. And the wounded child experiences itself as insecure, doubtful, fearful. I’ve worked hard to heal those parts in myself so I can help alleviate the suffering of those who are ready.”

And what better place for a wounded child to play than the Sacred Mountain in Idyllwild?

She purposely has no equipment to sit down on because exercise should be a function of organic movement.

“There are seven primal patterns,” she elaborates, “bend, squat, lunge, push, pull, rotate and gait at a walk, jog or sprint. Based on my client’s body and balance, I teach them to do these properly.”

I saw Patricia speak in front of a group of people recently and remarked about how moved they were by her, giving her compliments and asking questions.

“It’s because I’ve discovered so much of myself on I’ve worked hard to heal those parts in myself so I can help alleviate the suffering of those who are ready

deeper levels on this Sacred Mountain, and they can sense that,” she says.

“My grandmother was a curandara from Mexico, a healer. She used hierbas (herbs) and did hands-on healing before I knew about Reiki. I feel I’ve taken on her legacy and her spirit lives through me. The other reason I do this work is because it’s helped heal me through some of my darkest times.”

“Self-healing?” I ask.

“I should be dead from an overdose or even killed because I put myself in very dangerous situations,” she says.. “I was at my lowest point physically, emotionally and spiritually but I’m here because I chose to get back into my first love, health and wellness.”

I mentioned that many people are attracted to healers 32

Patricia Garza-Pinto offers a special one-on-one retreat for women in Idyllwild called the Divine Mountain Immersion Retreat, adapted from her “Divine Your Power” training and coaching program to facilitate a spiritual emergence. She can be reached at 949-422-1168 or divineyourpower.com.

March/April 2018

“Om” by Rakesh Pandya | divineartofyoga.org 33

RADIANCE

Are You Ready To Be “Supernatural?”

by Jen Pearlman

Dr. Joe Dispenza’s New Book Takes Us On An Adventure to Unlock the Code In his latest book “Becoming Supernatural,” internationally recognized scientist Dr. Joe Dispenza teases us with a title that suggests the possibility of greater powers within us than commonly accepted in today’s society—latent abilities at our disposal if we just could unlock the code.

Dr. Dispenza possesses the rare gift of breaking down complex scientific concepts to understandable terms, and we’re quickly led on an inspiring adventure deeper into previously unknown, profound capabilities.

But accessing these powers requires clearing blocks in our way first, just like a real adventure requires, i.e., any Indiana Jones film. Constant stress, for one, traps us in survival mode, which creates a life of dysfunction and disease. Dispenza shows us his method for releasing toxic emotions that keep us stuck in subconscious, debilitating programming so we can free ourselves up for greater things.

We’ll understand that we are beyond a body— we are pure energy.

However, it takes more than “thinking good thoughts” to get beyond our cycles. In fact, it requires taking control and refocusing our very energy, of which we are very much in control of, apparently. Dispenza explains that our bodies create chemicals and, when triggered, these chemicals create certain emotions, which shifts our energy. We can feel someone’s anger, right? Same with someone’s love. Instead of letting happenstance do it for us, why don’t we take control of the triggers and create the energy that will get us the results we want?

Dispenza shows us how do this by making conscious choices that break old behaviors and habituated reactions.

Then we make the conscious choice to create the behaviors we do want in a technique that’s especially helpful if we’ve had difficulty adopting new habits.

So how do we control our own energy? Dispenza helps us understand the scientific explanation for how our body’s 34

energy works with spiritual and mystical aspects, such as the body’s energy fields and energy points. He shows us why energy gets trapped in our bodies and effective techniques to release energy so we can go from being energy “suckers” to energy “creators.”

If you’re an energy worker, you’ll appreciate his straightforward approach in explaining an esoteric subject. Dispenza peppers his book with real-life “Supernatural” stories of incredible breakthroughs his patients received and offers data where he’s measured his patients’ energy fields before and after using his techniques, showing visible proof that his clients’ energy fields were strengthened.

Most inspiring to me about “Becoming Supernatural” is Dispenza’s emphasis on living through the heart and accessing its full potential where we can live in joy, peace and ultimate well-being.

After reading this book, we can no longer see ourselves as ordinary. We now understand that we are beyond a body—we are pure energy. From that form, Dispenza shows us that creating anything is possible.

This book more than validates what I’ve seen as a meditation practitioner and intuitive energy healer. I recommend this as a “must have” book as well as a reference book to clients, fellow practitioners and friends who might need encouragement or want further education.

Jen Pearlman is an Empowerment Coach, intuitive energy healer and writer who specializes in helping people create meaningful and balanced lives.

Call her with questions at 818-795-2039 or visit purepearlenergyhealing.com

March/April 2018

“Creativity in Motion� Leticstiles.com

35

RADIANCE

“Sister Moon”

36

March/April 2018

Outiart.com

37

RADIANCE

The Museum of Woman and the Goddess Within

Ava Park discusses the best role of Woman in a peaceful society As the Founder of Museum of Woman, how would you describe its purpose? We believe in the Power of Woman to restore the world. Obviously, our world is a mess in so many ways, but all the conditions that we feel distressed by –all the violence, war, poverty, abuse and drug addiction—all of that is not necessarily natural to humanity. If you look at matricentric cultures of prepatriarchal eras of the Neolithic and Paleolithic eras-- five to thirty thousand years ago-- and even the few that still exist today, like the Mosuo of Tibet, you see … and this is so encouraging! … that what can also be natural for humanity is peace, love, harmony and joy. It’s like the chimpanzees and the bonobos. The chimpanzees have wars, kill each other, and are very much like a lot of humans seem to be now … but bonobos are peaceful, sweet, and gentle with each other. We can be either one. We encourage people to be bonobos! It’s also important I think to remember that only about ten percent of humanity is at war right now … but to look at the news, you’d think everyone was at war. No. Ninety percent of humanity is living in peace! Whenever I feel concerned about the state of the world, I feel so comforted remembering that truth!

Are women essentially better leaders? We believe in the Power of Woman to lead humanity back to this natural peaceful state of existence. Woman leads differently from the male … and here at The Museum we teach women and men alike the reasons why it is important for Her to lead again—to save us all, to restore the world to what it once was—and what we know it can be again. We have a very positive message!

Our visitors enjoy the interactive nature of many of the exhibits, as well as the ongoing workshops and other services we offer. There’s something new every quarter, in fact. It’s all designed to educate and enlighten the public about the actual history of Woman and Goddess veneration on this planet, a history which is largely hidden from the public, and which is not taught to young people in schools, 38

or even in adult comparative religion courses. Judeo-Christian culture is about four to five thousand years old, far younger than Goddess veneration. The 250,000 years when pretty much all of humanity thought of god as “The Great Mother” is simply erased in from the modern mind in our culture! We think this is a terrible loss for humanity.

So there was a time when the planet was predominantly female-ruled? If you google “timeline of religion,” you will see countless timelines that all begin at the earliest, perhaps, about six thousand years ago. There’s It proves that Goddess veneration was happening on this planet a lot earlier, for a lot longer than all the later male-centric religions

a small, palm-sized statue of a female found in the Golan Heights in the 80’s … it’s at least 250,000 years old, and some experts say even older … it’s called the Acheulian Goddess … and it proves that Goddess veneration was happening on this planet a lot earlier, for a lot longer than all the later male-centric religions, the Abrahamic religions of a male god.

Based on the archaeological record of hundreds of thousands of Goddess statues from the Neo and Paleolithic, Goddess is clearly the “mother” and “root” of all later—much later— male-centric religions. But you don’t hear about her … and we say this is erasure, and it has done untold damage to the spirit of women and equally, in different ways, to the spirit of men as well. Teaching the public, especially young people, the real history of humanity can help bring self-esteem back to women, help all men see women in a different, more respectful for many of them, way … and maybe just change everything about the way we live together on this planet!

What kind of workshops and services do you offer?

We have many diverse programs—our once a month Sunday spiritual circle, called “Source,” is the time we come together

March/April 2018

to celebrate Mother Earth and all Her creation. We frequently have great guest speakers that bring an uplifting message. Our theme always follows the seasons of the year, for each season has its own set of beauties, lessons, mysteries and gifts.

We host a bimonthly meeting of the great Joseph Campbell Foundation Mythological Roundtable for Orange County, where guest speakers come from all over the world to educate and inspire us in history, mythology and human potential issues.

We do these often at The Spectrum, where our group of 50 to 100 women, men and children will silently and slowly walk the length of the outdoor mall. Of course, with my long history of organizing public marches, to keep everybody safe, I always arrange in advance an agreement with Irvine PD and mall security … it’s important that everything remain peaceful and protected. I don’t permit any conflict at my events. We are about peace! This year in March we shall march on International Women’s Day, March 8th at the Spectrum in the evening. Sometimes men are not sure if they are welcome or not … all good-hearted men are always welcome to all Museum-sponsored events, and this is one of them.

We have a great Spirit Faire several times of year where the wonderful Frances Pullin organizes readers and healers All good-hearted in a day-long event for the public. Related to that, we men are always welcome to make available our space every Friday for readers, women all Museum-sponsored events and men, to set up their own table and offer readings to the public and see their clients. We ask just ten percent of whatever they take in. If they make nothing, they pay We hope they come and show their support by marching, too. nothing. And they get a beautiful, peaceful, supportive Frequently, we have special presentations to educate and environment in which to do their important work. enlighten the public about various issues of concern. Recently, What about the now-famous Goddess Temple? we hosted a fantastic fundraiser evening for the Standing Rock The Goddess Temple of Orange County meets at The Community, where Grandfather Jumping Buffalo, the sixthMuseum of Woman. It’s a woman-only group that also generation son of Sitting Bull and a leader at the ongoing offers Sunday Goddess Services as well as The Queen Standing Rock protest site (protesting the oil pipeline going Teachings, a set of original teachings about The Four through their indigenous lands), danced in full, magnificent, Powers of Woman©, the Maiden, the Mother, the traditional regalia which weighed over a hundred pounds. It was Queen—the most denied and denigrated power of amazing!

Woman—and the Wisewoman Elder, which many call We raised thousands of dollars to donate to Standing Rock and “The Crone.” keep the awareness alive. We raised enough money to purchase Groups like the Goddess Temple can book the Museum all the firewood and heating supplies to keep them warm through and create whatever events they like, but The Museumthe freezing Dakota winter. Grandfather Jumping Buffalo gifted sponsored events are always open to all. One of our most our museum with the invaluable Standing Rock White Elk popular and well-attended events near Christmas is our Ceremonial Dance Dress, created by his grandmother, Annie annual “Mother Mary Peace Supper,” where families and Sharpfish. He asked us to put the sacred family heirloom on friends gather to eat quietly a ritual meal, in peace and exhibit to continue awareness of his tribe’s situation. We are so serenity. To have a feeling that is evocative of an ancient proud of this exhibit … the dress is on display in the Indigenous time, we create a low, long, candlelit table –it’s just so People Exhibit in the north corner of the Main Gallery. beautiful—down the middle of the Sanctuary and pile We also have a wonderful, deep relationship with the it high with simple, delicious, Middle Eastern foods that Acjachemen People, the original people of what is now called Jesus and Mary would have eaten in their time. Many Orange County, and one of their important leaders, Rev. Adelia describe this as their favorite event of the year.

Sandoval, an incredible wisewoman. No ceremony is held at this You’re also an activist for important causes. Yes, space without asking their permission in the Spirit World to do every few months, The Museum organizes and leads so. This is simply “good manners” in the indigenous world. public marches for peace, which all are welcome to join.

Rev. Adelia comes to the Museum and leads us in honoring the

39

RADIANCE

We also host many cultural groups such as ethnic cultural dancers, poetry readings, art shows, feminist gatherings, and more

ancient Acjachemen ancestresses in sacred ceremony on the Sunday before Columbus Day, which we do not celebrate, but rather which we call “Honoring Indigenous Peoples” Day. We began doing this fourteen years ago, and now cities across America are following suit, and are making the decision to no longer formally recognize Columbus Day as a holiday.

We also host many cultural groups such as ethnic cultural dancers, poetry readings, art shows, feminist gatherings, and more. We really welcome people to contact us to hold their cultural event here. We’re all about celebrating all the amazing cultures of humanity!

Each November, our Minister Rev. Jan Storm leads a “Grief Release” Sunday afternoon series for people who are needing and wanting to process grief, past or present. Many attendees return year after year, as the grief is processed bit by bit. One woman told me afterwards “I feel ten pounds lighter every time!” I’m thinking maybe we should promote this as a new diet program …

What other ceremonies do you hold here? The Museum is a place for people to hold their personal ceremonies of birthday, marriage, funerals, and baby and animal blessings. We even have a beautiful divorce ceremony for those who wish to handle this life event in a sacred, whole and honoring way for all parties. People always have a big deal when they get married, but getting a divorce is just as important a life transition … and nobody ever acknowledges that … and, to be emotionally healthy, they should! We have available eight trained ministers, priestesses and pastors who officiate and help people create their personalized and meaningful ceremonies.

As the Presiding Priestess of the Goddess Temple, a lot of people would like to know what you think it means to be feminist today. Well, the dictionary defines “feminism” as “the theory of the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” And we know that commonly it has come to also mean: “the work of seeking the rights of women 40

in society.” Feminism today is in a state of change and flux, so if you ask a hundred people what it means to be a feminist, I’m sure you’ll get a hundred different answers.

Here at the Museum of Woman, we take it to mean the spirit of honoring Woman as the Mother, or Lifebringer and supporting Her to do that work which only She can do for all humanity, as well as honoring Her other aspects of Maiden (the free spirit, wild, and “virgin,” which, in ancient thinking, had nothing to do with sex, but meant “whole unto oneself, needing no one else for completion”), Queen (leader of family and humanity) and Wisewoman (the library of wisdom for humanity)…

TheMuseum is a place for people to hold their personal ceremonies of birthday, marriage, funerals, and baby and animal blessings

You know, it’s funny—we’ve been here now in Irvine at the same location for fifteen years … but still a lot of people don’t know about us … and for those who do, some have some misconceptions … such as “they hate men” and other nonsense. Scott, thanks so much for giving us a chance to tell the truth about what’s happening here … and I look forward to sharing with you in “Part Two” in the next issue what we really think of men … why we think the paradigm of a solely male god harms everybody … and lots more. We love Radiance Magazine … such a wonderful publication for our community!

Continued in the May-June issue of Radiance.

March/April 2018

41

RADIANCE

The Healer’s Journey

By Shaman Isabella Stoloff

I knew there was more to life than what I was experiencing; there had to be. I wanted to believe the Universe had a big plan for me, but by the age of 46 it had surely not been revealed… until it was. I quickly learned that life is funny and has way of leading us to where we need to be, even though we might not know it at the time.

I felt there was something special in store for me, but to become an effective healer? That was a surprise, but it was one that I earned.

In 2006 my mother was in an assisted living home for the last year and a half. I had just graduated with my Master of Fine Arts and was living in Idaho with my teenage daughter. Although I had come far in my life, at that moment I felt very stuck.

Then one night, something happened that forever changed my life: my mother came to me in a lucid dream state(!) with a brief message: “Get me out of here.” I remember replying back to her, “How can I get you out of there when I can’t get myself out of here?”

After that my mother showed up in my dreams quite a bit. Even though we had our difficulties growing up, she and I were extremely close. She was the one who spoke of fairies, past-lives, astrology and psychics. I loved her dearly and still do.

After a month of these dreams I called an old friend who told me I needed to work with a Shaman.

I had never really heard of Shamans other than Native American Indians. But I felt so unhappy at that point I was willing to do anything, so I made an appointment with a woman in Chile, not even truly believing if she could help me over the phone, let alone in person. My friend had explained that it works because it’s just energy. Since I believed in energy I trusted the process.

The Shaman found something amazing: a contract I had made with my mother in a past life. The contract was that I was to never leave her side. She asked me if I felt it But that fear was gently nudged to the side by something stronger, the voice from my soul. It told me it was the rightthing to do

was appropriate to break the contract and I was willing do so. This was a very difficult choice because I felt I may never see my mother again in future lives.

But that fear was gently nudged to the side by 42

March/April 2018

something stronger, the voice from my soul. It told me it was the right thing to do right now, so I said “Yes.” Within one month my mother transitioned peacefully in her sleep.

I started to become aware of a calling: to become ahealer of others.

If I could help peoplenavigate what I’vebeen through, I knew that would fulfill thedeepest purpose within me

When I moved back to California in late 2006 I began taking Shaman classes and learning more about releasing energy. My experiences (including a near death experience on the operating table), were so profound there was no denying that energy medicine worked.

I realized that all my challenges and hardships brought me to where I am today. I am grateful for my story.

It is my story and I worked hard for it.

If you have answered yes to two or more of these questions, then the healers path is the one for you, and I recommend you seek a training program to begin this important phase of your life.

My next year-long four-part healer training starts April 6th-9th and meets every 3-4 months. You have to be ready to do the inner work because we must heal ourselves first in order to become clear channels for others’ healing.

Go to www.isabellastoloff.com or give me a call 714.603.8624 When I first started my training, it was not to become a healer but that is what was written in the stars.

Blessings on your path~Shaman Isabella Shaman Isabella is the founder of the Orange County Healing Center in Fullerton, CA. She has a full-time practice seeing clients, performing house clearings and teaching. Her next sacred journey is to Greece where she will lead a small group on a journey of a lifetime.

Sign up for her weekly meditations at shamanisabella@ gmail.com

I started to become aware of a calling: to become a healer of others. If I could help people navigate what I’ve been through, I knew that would fulfill the deepest purpose within me besides raising a child. So I stepped onto that path and have never looked back.

If you feel the healers path is for you, I invite you to take this short quiz.

1. Do people often come to you for advice? o YES o NO 2. Are you aware of how others are feeling? o YES o NO 3. When you walk into a room can you sense the energy? o YES o NO 4. Have you always felt there was something more for you in life? o YES o NO 5. Do you want to help others and make the world a better place? o YES o NO

43

RADIANCE

How to be a Conscious Eater

by Les Dotson

I’m going to tell you the secret right from the start about how to become a conscious eater: notice the thoughts about the foods you’re about to order or prepare.

Chances are they’ve also created emotions around your eating habits that once examined, can be controlled with very little effort.

• I do not need to eat this much, I am satisfied with half of the plate

That’s it! Put your attention on your “food-thinking” before you put it in your mouth and your life will change forever.

• I know it is good, but I do not have to eat it or order it

I realized this deceptively simple (although I didn’t say easy—it takes practice!) solution when I had a severe case of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). It caused extreme pain and discomfort, so I was forced to learn to control my food intake just to live a normal a life. Here’s what I learned: control comes easier when I realized I had certain thoughts attached to food that I could simple “detach” from.

And you can too.

Once we realize that we can control our thinking, it becomes easier to eat the best foods at the best times and the best amounts.

So why are we not fully Conscious when it comes to eating? I think people are somewhat conscious and at some point of when the food is ordered/prepared and on the plate, and then traveling to the mouth, there is a breakdown or lack of control of what is good for our bodies.

As we get older and our metabolisms slow down, the fat starts to pile on inch by inch if we do not watch our portions of food, time of eating those foods and what kinds of foods we are eating. I frequently share a meal with my wife at restaurants, for instance.

We also have to be active in our lives with proper exercise, movement in our bodies, like Yoga, Cardio weights, biking, walking, skating, surfing, dancing, etc.

Whatever is appropriate enjoyable to you is essential in keeping a conscious mind.

Sometimes you literally have to question yourself before placing the food in your mouth or ordering/ preparing: 44

• This food is going to break my diet cycle and I want to keep to my exercise program • I just have to say no, even if a little more

• Simply, I really do not need it!

Create this new habit of Consciousness BEFORE EATING and you will get good results toward your goals.

Most important your will cultivate a feeling of wellness in your mind, body and soul.

March/April 2018

Rev. Michele Amburgey Intuitive Life Coach Master Energy Healer Angelic Channel Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Author Inspirational Speaker Radio Show Host

www.MicheleAmburgey.com 949-202-7493

45

RADIANCE

The New Psychic Fiction by Scott Ware I felt some intrigue with this guy and, for once, listened to that nudging inner voice. “Sure, why not?” I said.

I first noticed her blond hair because it was as pearly as her smile and as bright as the stars she read. In her early 20’s a halfcentury ago, Lana now imbued life with a hard-won grace that washed over you like a sound bath.

She helped me with a delicate matter a few months ago, and I needed to see her once more, now. Lana’s my psychic.

Sure, today’s so-called experts have answers all right but they’re all over the board. Late-night comedians just pin a ribbon on the same pile of waste. After the naysayers and the peanut gallery have worn down your last shred of optimism, and those fast-talking disclaimer-guys tell you the side effects are frequently worse than the cure just a few too many times... you start looking elsewhere for answers. For meaning.

I walked into a quaint metaphysical store called The Healing Key. It was in a lived-in part of Long Beach, which meant it was hard to tell if a store had just opened or had been there for 40 years. Some people call that charming. I saw it as a means to an end.

I announced I was looking for Lana.

I sat across from him. “Don’t I need to touch your cards and all that first to get my energy on them?”

“We’ll get to them later.”

His cobalt-blue eyes shimmered and his brow arched as he seemed to tell me—energetically? telepathically?—that something big was coming over the transom.

My intuition kicked in again. “Forget the free sample and give it all to me,” I croaked, and put some money on the table. He nodded and straightened the cards.

Then he stopped looking directly at me and started looking around me, about an inch off my right ear. A few seconds later, he stared about an inch over my head. An aura reader.

“She ran out for a while,” the lady at the counter told

“I start with the aura. We’ll go deeper in a moment,” he said, as if he’d heard my thought.

I set my jaw. “How long?”

“You’re draining a lot of your energy through someone in Pomona. A woman, an accountant or something like that.”

me.

“She didn’t say. But Bryce is available.”

I didn’t know who this Bryce was, so I said I’d wait for her. I plunked down into a chair... …that happened to face Bryce.

He was sitting next to a room-divider, wearing an amethyst ceremonial piece around his neck. He looked like a wizard who had shaved his beard to fit in with the muggles. Tarot cards were strewn on a small table next to a small dish of chocolates.

He looked over. “Free sample?” he said, making a sweeping gesture. I couldn’t tell if he meant the empty chair or the candies.

46

“I’m getting some information for you but I wanted your permission before I accessed any more,” he queried.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“But she’s distracted. No, not distracted. Her loyalty…

“Yes?” His eyes left my aura and met my desperate gaze.

“Her loyalty is divided.”

As Bryce provided me with the answers I sought from behind the veil, I forgot all about Lana. In fact, all sound beyond our small space fell away. It was like we were cocooned in an energy field that even a collapsing universe outside couldn’t affect.

To be continued…

March/April 2018

By Lorraine Flaherty innerjourneys.co.uk

47

RADIANCE

48

March/April 2018

49

RADIANCE

50

March/April 2018

51

RADIANCE

52

March/April 2018

Etched in your palms are clues to your character, goals and destiny.

Once you understand these messages, you can fulfill your potential for a richer and fuller life.

VEDIC HEALING INSTITUTE Sanskrit Mantra Chanting Classes Meditation Gatherings Pilgrimages to India

AMERICAN REIKI ACADEMY

PSYCHIC PALMIST OF INDIA

Learn to Heal with Your Hands Become a Certified Reiki Practitioner

PROFESSOR SASI Born in India to one of the world’s most respected psychic palmists, Professor Sasi expands on his family’s seven-generation legacy as a Psychic Palmist and Empowerment Consultant. By combining psychic and healing abilities along with ancient Eastern wisdom, Professor Sasi studies your palm and translates the information, helping you achieve your greatest potential and attain profound transformation.

“There are many who say they can deliver accurate predictions. This man actually produces results.

Professor Sasi’s revelations have unfolded right before my eyes.” - Dr. J. Duncan, Ph.D. • PSYCHIC PALMISTRY SESSIONS in person & by phone • MEDITATION INSTRUCTION • PILGRIMAGES TO INDIA

(310) 397-2405 / (310) 842-6087 www.professorsasi.com

The Vedic Healing Institute offers a comprehensive program in Sanskrit mantra chanting, meditation, and puja prayer ceremonies, based on the ancient Indian vedic tradition. Directors Psychic Palmist of India Professor Sasi Velupillai and Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani had the rare privilege of learning and being initiated into sacred vedic rites by esteemed priests in India.

As custodians of this ancient knowledge, they lovingly share the vedic teachings with seekers in the West. Yearly they offer a Pilgrimage to India, exploring cultural, historical and spiritual sites in North and South India.

(Upcoming Pilgrimage to India: August 2018).

(310) 397-2405 • www.vedichealinginstitute.com www.indiainnersearch.com

Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani, M.A., Director

Reiki is an ancient hands-on healing modality that uses “universal life-force energy” to clear physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blockages for greater wellbeing and harmony.

The American Reiki Academy holds weekly classes in which anyone can become certified to practice Reiki for self-healing and healing others. Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani, M.A., Director, has more than 28 years experience in Reiki, having trained thousands of people worldwide to become accomplished Reiki practitioners and Reiki Masters.

• REIKI I, II, & MASTERSHIP CLASSES • REIKI HEALING SESSIONS • REIKI PRACTICE CIRCLES

(310) 397-2405 • www.reikiacademy.org

We are the modern-day magicians The antediluvian alchemists Don’t flood us with your rhetoric We don’t succumb to pessimists We are the rainbow serpents The comets of cosmic lore Your war of logic can’t hurt us We’ve seen it all before Dig deep, dive in Here is where the fun begins The sun will rise The light will shine The dawn has come This is our time -Alexandra Wenman

53

ask shelly

DEAR SHELLY: I recently got a call from a girlfriend of 40 years telling me I must stop any communication with her exhusband who has also been a family friend for 40 years and is happily remarried. My friend, her ex and my family have always checked in on each other’s kids and now she tells me that I have to choose between my friendship with her or her ex. She is inferring an inappropriate relationship with her ex where none exists. Where is this coming from after so many years? I am mad as hell at the inference and at having to choose between two good friends. I’m not calling her back until she apologizes.

Dear Mad as Hell,

As I read the situation intuitively I see that there truly is nothing inappropriate going on between you and her ex-husband. This is a cry for love from your girlfriend who has an ongoing pattern of trying to control others due to her belief in the scarcity of love. It feels to me that this behavior has always been her M.O. and that you and her ex are well aware of this. The difference is, this time it’s pointed at you.

Allow your compassion for her instead of your anger. You are a safe person to direct anger at because she knows you love her. You are actually angry at the

54

RADIANCE

PSYCHIC ADVICE COLUMN

thought of losing a dear friend of 40 years so perhaps you have a similar belief in the scarcity of love. Forgive her. Staying angry and wanting to be right plays into your ego, keeps you from your peace, and is not loving. Call the ex and kindly explain what is going on. No need to end communication between you. Call or write to your girlfriend and, without defending yourself, tell her you love both her and her ex and you will not be choosing sides. Tell her you are here in loving support if she would like to talk about what’s really bothering her. I feel she will come around and be grateful for you not abandoning her. We can only love people and have compassion without buying in to their fear. Forgiveness is always the

answer.

Shelly J. Miller is a professional Intuitive Counselor, Psychic Medium and Transformational Coach known for accessing detailed information to help you release limiting patterns to effect healing and lasting change. Send questions to shelly@shellyjmiller. com. To book a private reading or coaching session, call (949) 2372960 or go to shellyjmiller.com

March/April 2018

We Active Acupuncture of America Ahimsa Vegan Cafe Align Pilates & Yoga Alkapi Water Yorba Linda Alta Coffe Ambiance Skin Care Salon Amodeo Rolfing Anaheim Senior Center Annie Ko Acupuncture Ansar Gallery International Market Artisan’s Palate Asana Fit Yoga Aspire Wellness Studio Au Lac Vegetarian Restaurant Aura’s World Awaken Float Lounge Awakenings Awoken Life Brainwave Optimization B.O.T.I. Studios Balanced Energy Studios Beach Villa Organic Dry Cleaners Beaming Bee Well Holistic Wellness Centers Bellevie Better Living Yoga Beyond Hot Yoga Bikram Yoga Blazie Rocks Bliss Crystals blushLA Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Café Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi Body Balance Chiro Spa Body Healing Center BodyCentre Day Spa Bodycentre Wellness Spa Bodycentre Wellness Spa Branch and Stone Buffalo Exchange California Academy for Healing Arts Center for Spiritual Living Center for Spiritual Living Center for Spiritual Living Chakra Shack Chakra Shanti Cherry Moon Shoppe ChiroMed Healing Center

Our SoCal Distributors Christ Unity Church Common Ground Complete Spine and Wellness Conference Ctr Kemper Sport Consciousness Rising Core Pilates Core Power Mission Viejo Core Power Yoga Brea Core Power Yoga Cos Mesa Core Power Yoga Hunt Bch Core Power Yoga Irvine Core Power Yoga Irvine 2 Core Power Yoga Lag Hills Core Power Yoga Los Angeles Core Power Yoga Tustin Costa Mesa Colonics Costa Mesa Psychic Crystal Cave Dana Point Senior Center Desa Prana Yoga Designs by Nature Dharma Center Bookstore Discover Wellness Health Association Divine Spine Chiropractic Dorothy Visser Senior Center Dr. Betty Rigi Dr. Victoria Sciarra MFT Earthwise Vitamins Earthwise Vitamins Empowered Mind Wellness LLC Enerji Barre Evergreen Natural Medicine Exercise With Oxygen Therapy Eye of Buddha Eye of Cat Feeling Groovy Wellness and Cafe Fine Art & Jewelry FitFix Wellness Fitness Elite for Women Float Therapy Spa Four Crows Free Spirit Yoga Freeman Yoga Full Circle Yoga G-Spa Massage Clinic Go Inward Yoga Goddess Temple of Orange County Goodwin’s Organic

Food and Drinks Great Earth Green Bliss Green Life Greenleaf Yoga Hand & Stone Massage Hanson’s Market Hard Yoga Haven of Wellness Hay House Hay House 2 HB Family YMCA HB Yoga Collective Healing Hands School Holistic Health Healing Key Healing Light Family Acupuncture Herbie’s Natural Food Herbie’s Rock Pile Highglow Jewelers Hippietiques Holistic Healing House Horning Chiropractic Hunter Wellness Huntington Beach Reiki Center IC Oriental Clinic Iguana Infinite You Insightful Minds Integrated Therapeutic Flow Integrative Health & Healing Services Ipso Facto Isso Temple It’s a Grind Coffee Jan’s Health Bar Jeanette Massage Health & Wellness Kava Yoga Kaya Yoga Remedy Kean Koffe Kindred Spirits Koffee Klatch La Costa Spa Lady of the Lake Laguna Beach Community Ctr/Susi Q. Laguna Coffee Laguna Health & Wellness Laguna Surf & Sport Laguna Woods Village Recreation Lazy Acres Learning Light Foundation Leisure World Linden Public Living Temple Long Beach Community Acupuncture Long Beach Senior

Center Lord Windsor Coffee Lullaby Lounge Ma Yoga Magnolia Wellness OC Mattalou Show Boutique McClains Coffeehouse Mead’s Green Door Mechanics of Grace Moonlight Fusion Spa Mystic Arts Mystic Connections Mystic Water Naples Dermatology Assoc Naples Medical Group Naples Wellness Center & Spa Native Foods Native Visions Natural Elements Healing Natural Healing Center Nevada Mineral & Book Company Newport Wellness Group Oasis Health & Wellness Center OC Whole Family Wellness Oggi Domani Salon of Naples Oh Yoga Olive Yoga One Body Studios Orange County Acupuncture Specialist Orange County Healing Center Orange Senior Center Organic MediZen Oui Boutique Our Place Yoga Pacific Coast Hwy Chiropractic Path to Perfect Health Pheonomenal Love Piazza Wellness Center Pilates Place Pilates Plus Yorba Linda Pilates Studio West Pilates X Studio PLATEFIT Practical Magicka Prana Health Chiropractic PranaMedics LLC Pristine Hydro (Living Water) Psychic Chakra Sp Psychic Reader Brittany Miller PuraVida Wellness PuraVida Wellness

Pure Barre Pure Barre Brentwood Pure Grace Pilates Pure. Love. Yoga Purify Sauna Lounge Ra Yoga Radiance Wellness Spa Radiant Skin Rainbow Juices Renew Acupuncture Clinic Retig Chiropractic Ritual Yoga Robert E Woods DVM, CVA Vet Sacred Roots Sage Holistic Health & Wellness Center Sanatan Dharma Temple Sanctuary Spa Sanctuary Wellness & Yoga Studio School of Multidimensional Healing Scratch Baked Goods Seabirds Secret Spot Seventh Chakra Yoga Seventh Chakra Yoga Shear Pleasure Signature Spa / OC Wellness Center Sklar Center for Restorative Medicine SoCal Acupuncture Soul Fitness South Baylo University Spiritual Origins Sprouts Farmers Stand Natural Foods Starbucks Coffee Starbucks Coffee Stella Luna Yoga Straight Chiropractic Sundara Yoga Shala Sunny Hills Car Wash Sunspark Yoga Synergie Holistic Medicine Synergy One Wellness Tao of Wellness The Angel Store The Bar Method The Chopra Center The Dragon and the Rose The Dragonfly Shop and Gardens The Float Lounge The Garden Wellness Spa The Gateway The Good Cookie The Grain Cafe

The Greenery Natural Kitchen The Healing Sanctuary The Hidden Gem The Hot Room The Iron Press The Joint Chiropractic The Latest Thing Book & Gifts The Mermaid Cottage The Mind’s Eye The Rubber Tree The Sacred Journey The Village Grind The Water Brewery The Wild Artichoke The Yoga Mat The Yoga Mat TLC Whole Life Center Total Woman Gym + Spa Transformation & Healing Center Tru Bru Organic Coffee True Seasons Organic Kitchen Under the Sun Unfold Yoga Unity Long Beach Universal Health and Beauty MediSpa Vero’s Pilates Viento Y Agua Visions & Dreams Wahoos We Love Yoga We Olive West Acupuncture Whole Foods Whole Foods Wide Eyes Open Palms World Divine Light Yoga 108 Yoga Bungalow Yoga Center of CA Yoga on 3rd Yoga Shakti Yoga Sol Yoga Squared Yoga Tree Yoga Tribe Yogaglo Yogaworks Yogaworks Costa Mesa Yogaworks inside Yogaworks Santa Monica Yorba Linda Family Chiropractic You & the Mat Your Inner Health Z Fabrique Zama Tea

55

RADIANCE

56

March/April 2018

57

RADIANCE

Comatose Not By Choice

by Rita Robinson

Part 3 (Part 1, Radiance November-December 2017; Part 2, Radiance January-February 2018) I walked down the hall to the doorway of my mother’s bedroom, where my brother, David, was now sleeping.

“David, I think she just left us.” It was 5 a.m.

He got up. We walked to my mother’s bedside in the hospital bed we had placed near the picture window in the living room. He touched her arm and said, “Bye, Mom.” He kissed her on her check, something she had begged him to do every time he left her house but he never would. We called her caregivers, five in all over the years, to come and say goodbye. My brother called the funeral home, as a good son would do.

My mother’s body stiffened into unbendable cold marble. It’s amazing how that happens within hours. The two men from the morgue slipped her into a body bag and zipped it up, lifting her onto a gurney, and rolled her to their hearse.

The hospital supply company came and took the bed.

My brother left to tend to his customers at his water store.

The caregivers and I sat around, telling stories about my mother, Lucille, Lucia or Mrs. Robinson to them, and her Lucille-Ball/Mother-Superior-like antics that the rest of us had never heard before. We laughed, we wept, we hugged. I felt warm and familiar.

Then they left.

I found myself alone in my mother’s home, no longer feeling warm and familiar. I looked at her buggy-eyed bifocals on the glass coffee table. “Well, she’ll never wear those again,” I thought to myself. I looked at the phone next to them and thought, “I’ll never be able to call her again.”

I walked down what now seemed like a very long hall to her bedroom, and stood there. Suddenly, I felt this sensation in my toes that seemed to be surging up from the

ground — a wave of energy that was building and building as it rose in my body like a huge, rolling swell, filling every cavity to the brim. It came up through my chest and gushed out my eyes like two huge funnels of water. I felt like I had my eyes open underwater in a swimming pool as the water just kept pouring out of me.

The feeling was actually…sublime, unlike anything I had ever experienced. I hadn’t realized how deeply I loved her. There was nothing I could do but let this wave keep surging through me. “This is grief,” I heard myself saying.

Grief and sublime, not such an odd mixture. But I wasn’t sobbing. There was no emotion; it was more a deeply embedded sensation, a lifelong outpouring of primordial fluid.

And then it stopped, and, at that moment, the phone rang. “Hello,” I said, taking my first gasp of breath after a long immersion.

It was my sister, Barbara, in Olympia, Washington, who couldn’t have made it down in time for my mother’s passing. I had talked to her earlier in the day.

“Rita, I just had the feeling I needed to call you.” We instantly started sobbing, together, over the phone.

I keep my mother’s eyeglasses in my jewelry drawer.

They’ve come in handy. A neighbor of mine, who went to my mother’s funeral, came over one day with some small gold beads she wanted me to string, complaining that the h o l e in the middle was too small for her to see, even with her reading glasses.

She plopped herself down on my bed, holding the bowl of beads. I said, “One minute,” and went to my dresser.

“Here, try my mother’s glasses.” We burst out laughing.

She put them on, looked up at me all googly-eyed and started stringing.

Rita Robinson is the Associate Editor of Radiance. She can be reached at rita.radiancemagazine@gmail.com.

58

March/April 2018

We

Our Holistic Community!

59