Alexander Balla, Jo Mooy, Anthony Talmage, Terez Hartmann, Owen Waters, Mary Boutieller, Linda Commito, Dr. Heather Smith and Yanni Charalambous, Spencer Rouse
Here at Transformation Academy we are excited to announce our October’s Transformation Academy Rising Star – Chiradeep Patra!
Our goal with this initiative is to recognize and celebrate group membership who demonstrate the heart and service of a coach. Each monthly recipient of this recognition will be selected for a unique reason. Some will be seasoned coaches who serve as valuable mentors within the group. Others may be just starting their coach-training journey and exude a contagious attitude or passion. Others may be actively supporting other group members, whether by providing resources, answering common questions, or providing moral support. Regardless of each of our wonderful group members’ background or experience, we all benefit from the mutual support and varied perspectives offered within this diverse group!
The Rising Star initiative is a way to give a special THANK YOU to those who go above and beyond to share of themselves within this community.
ABOUT CHIRADEEP:
Chiradeep Patra, India chiradeepp@gmail.com
Sandhyadeep Niwas, Sutahat Christian Sahi, Cuttack –753001, Odisha, India
http://www.chiradeeppatra.wordpress.com
I Listen
“Join A Movement Promoting Active Listening.”
I am a finance professional turned ICF-certified life coach based in Cuttack, India, with a keen interest in mental well-being and resilience. I founded the “I Listen” movement in March 2023 to promote active listening, character building and the strengthening of relationships. As a writer and blogger, I managed a webzine called “Candles Online” with over 40 contributors, which paused after COVID-19. However, I continued to grow as a published author, having released eight books so far and aspiring to publish more.
As a creative individual, I bring a thoughtful and innovative approach to my coaching practice, using journaling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Positive Psychology (PP) techniques. My online coaching sessions and workshops are designed to help clients overcome limitations and embrace their strengths. I also have a passion for writing poems and songs, and I have composed several pieces. Additionally, I am a digital content creator, a Canva graphic designer and a Bible teacher. My empathetic and insightful approach has positively impacted many lives, and I remain committed to inspiring and empowering others to lead fulfilling and resilient lives.
WHAT IS YOUR NICHE (COACHING FOCUS) AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
My coaching focus is on mental well-being, resilience, Biblical spirituality, and writing and publishing. These niches reflect the various facets of my personal journey. I have faced significant challenges, including a congenital heart defect that required
multiple surgeries, as well as enduring pain, suffering, restrictions and loneliness—both physically and emotionally. Through these experiences, I learned to embrace joy and live a victorious life by accepting myself, my circumstances and my surroundings.
Writing has been a crucial part of my journey toward positivity. It not only helped me stay above negativity but also led me to become a published author. I’ve channeled this passion into my coaching, helping others explore their writing potential and supporting them through the publishing process.
Growing up in a Christian family with strong Biblical teachings, I also developed a deep foundation in Biblical spirituality. During my most challenging times, the principles and spiritual guidance from the Bible provided me with immense support and direction, which is why I include Biblical spirituality in my coaching practice.
These experiences and passions have naturally led me to focus on these areas. My coaching is dedicated to individuals who are struggling with similar challenges, helping them discover joy, resilience, spiritual fulfillment, and even the power of their own writing journey.
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
My ideal client is someone who is navigating significant life challenges, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. They might be dealing with chronic health issues, emotional pain, or feelings of restriction and loneliness. This person is seeking to find joy, resilience and spiritual grounding amidst their struggles.
Additionally, my ideal client could be an aspiring writer who wishes to explore their creative potential and navigate the process of publishing their work. They may have a story to tell or a message to share, and they are looking for guidance to bring their writing to life, supported by someone who understands both the creative process and the realities of overcoming personal adversity. They are open to exploring new perspectives, committed to their personal growth, and ready to embrace the journey towards mental well-being, resilience and spiritual fulfillment. Whether they are looking to deepen their spiritual connection through Biblical principles or express themselves through writing, they seek a holistic approach to coaching that integrates these aspects of life.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LIFE COACH?
My inspiration to become a life coach is deeply rooted in my personal journey through adversity. Born with a congenital heart defect, I faced numerous physical and emotional challenges, including multiple surgeries and periods of profound loneliness and restriction. Despite these hardships, I found joy and resilience by embracing my circumstances, cultivating my passions and deepening my spiritual connection.
During these difficult times, I noticed a significant lack of awareness about mental health and well-being. While many were eager to offer advice and motivation based on others' experiences, there was a stark absence of people willing to truly listen and acknowledge my own struggles. This gap in understanding and support was disheartening, and it became clear to me that this was not just my experience—many others faced the same issue.
Even today, although awareness has improved due to social media, the stigma around seeking professional help still persists. People are often reluctant to visit a psychologist or therapist, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. I felt a strong need to bridge this gap, to offer a more approachable and less alarming option for those who are struggling. Becoming a life coach allowed me to do just that—to be someone who listens, acknowledges, and guides individuals through their tough times, helping them find the joy, resilience and spiritual fulfillment that I discovered in my own journey.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COACHING?
While I’ve been coaching and mentoring informally for several years, I began my Life Coaching journey in a serious and professional capacity in March 2023. Recognizing the importance of understanding the coaching process and continually upskilling, I decided to formalize my passion for helping others by completing a Professional Life Coaching certification from Transformation Academy through Udemy in April 2024. I further solidified my expertise by earning an ICF certified Life Coach certification from the Indian Leadership Academy in June 2024.
So, to be honest, while my informal coaching experience spans several years, I have been coaching professionally for over a year now.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST CLIENT?
I got my first client through word of mouth. My friends and acquaintances knew about my passion and experience, and one of them referred a person who needed guidance. This referral turned into my first official coaching relationship.
HOW HAS YOUR COACHING JOURNEY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
My coaching journey has profoundly transformed my life, enriching my empathy and deepening my understanding of human resilience. It has taught me the importance of humility and the necessity of sometimes becoming completely empty—to set aside my own preoccupations and fully absorb the challenges my clients face. This practice has allowed me to truly understand them on a deeper level. Moreover, this journey has provided me with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?
One of the toughest aspects of being a life coach is navigating the delicate balance between listening and guiding. At times, clients pour out their thoughts and emotions relentlessly, making it challenging to interrupt or steer the conversation without breaking their flow. It requires a great deal of patience and skill to gently interject and help them refocus, while ensuring they feel heard and supported.
Another challenge arises when clients rely heavily on me to provide all the answers, expecting a form of “spoon-feeding” rather than taking responsibility for their own growth. It can be difficult when clients are resistant to self-reflection or lack the intention to work on themselves, as true progress in coaching comes from their willingness to engage actively in the process. Helping them shift from dependence to self-empowerment is both a challenge and a crucial part of the coaching journey.
WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?
The most fulfilling part of being a life coach is witnessing the profound transformation in my clients. Seeing them discover their inner strength, achieve their goals, and find joy in their lives despite the challenges they face is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like watching someone evolve, realizing their potential, and embracing a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a coach’s dream come true, and every time I see that spark in my clients’ eyes, I’m reminded why I chose this path. Their success is my greatest reward.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT, WITH A CLIENT?
What inspires me most with clients are those who truly recognize the value I add to their lives, which I come to know through their feedback. One client, who was pouring out her pain, wrote, “I had a beautiful conversation with Mr. Patra. He’s a ranter’s dream. He listens so patiently. He made me feel at ease right away and helped me see things clearly where my mind was fogged with doubt and confusion.” Another writes, “No wonder why I get enlightened always when I attend your session. Frankly speaking, I was upset before the session; however, you have so much positive energy that my negative energy faded away.” She also wrote after another session, “The most difficult thing is to make things simple. And Chiradeep, you really are an inspiration. You have helped me gain better clarity to pursue further in my career and personal life. Your humble, nonjudgmental gesture really motivated me to share and experience the real me. Thank you, Chiradeep!”
There are many such examples of feedback that continue to inspire and motivate me to work harder for my clients. Even negative feedback, like low ratings, I take as pointers for my improvement.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COACHING ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE TO DO WITH CLIENTS?
It’s always a delight to watch clients grasp the process of identifying the sources of their negative thoughts and actively start addressing them. My favorite coaching activity is guiding clients through a reflection exercise where they identify and challenge their cognitive distortions using the CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) technique. This exercise allows them to clearly see their thought patterns and cultivate healthier, more balanced thinking. It often leads to significant breakthroughs in their mental well-being, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR FINDING CLIENTS AND/OR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?
Finding clients is one of the most challenging aspects of running a coaching business. I consistently post on social networking sites like Instagram and LinkedIn, write articles, and request referrals from relatives and friends. Additionally, I contribute to the “I Listen” LinkedIn Newsletter, which supports my efforts in this area. Despite these efforts, I’m still exploring what truly works in generating leads. I’m committed to continuously learning and seeking effective strategies to grow my client base, and I’m actively working to refine and improve my approach.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU FIRST DREAMED OF BECOMING A COACH?
I would tell myself to trust the journey and approach it with seriousness from the very beginning, which I didn’t fully do at the start. While I spent years counselling and coaching informally, I often gave away my time and expertise through countless free sessions, not recognizing the value of my skills early on. I would advise my younger self to establish clear boundaries and recognize that offering value doesn’t mean undervaluing oneself.
I’d also urge myself to prioritize upskilling from the outset, rather than waiting for circumstances to push me forward. Delaying my professional development and waiting for the right time slowed my progress. If I could go back, I would encourage myself to invest in my growth earlier, to build confidence and expertise sooner. Trusting the process, valuing my contributions, and continuously learning would have set a stronger foundation for my coaching journey.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE IN THIS WORLD?
This world is full of chaos and negativities all around. My mission is to help people find joy and resilience amidst
their pain and challenges. I aim to empower individuals to overcome their limitations, embrace their strengths, and lead fulfilling lives while achieving their goals. By sharing my own journey and insights—always with the coaching process and core competencies in mind—I strive to inspire others to discover their inner strength and unlock their potential. My hope is that through our work together, clients will not only navigate their difficulties, but also emerge stronger and more confident in their ability to create the life they desire.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH TRANSFORMATION COACHING MAGAZINE READERS?
If there's one thing I’d like to share with Transformation Coaching Magazine readers, it's this: I live by three guiding principles that help me stay grounded and motivated:
• First, do everything that your hands find to do with all your might. Don’t wait for perfection—take action, and give it your best.
• Second, learning is living. The moment you stop learning, you cease to truly live. Embrace continuous growth.
• Third, success is never a destination but a journey. Stay committed, enjoy the process, and recognize that you are already successful as long as you’re moving forward.
Putting People First
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
How to use people-centered management to draw the best out of team members and get their buy-in rather than their compliance.
By Rev. Dr. Alexander J. Balla, CMLC
I truly feel compelled to offer some encouragement here, because Transformation Academy and this community has already done so much for me in that department of my life. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward, even if it’s just a quick check in with my coaching colleagues across the world.
Most of us jump into coaching head first with the idea of building a business of our own or a private practice, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. We all want to work for ourselves at some point. Who wouldn’t? There’s something that I’ve learned, however, over the past four years, and I think you should know it too. These coaching certifications are worth their weight in gold, but it might not be in the way that you first anticipated. Obviously, they’re of tremendous benefit in the realm of entrepreneurialism and self-employment, but their value extends far beyond that. Allow me to explain.
I’ve found that Transformation Academy’s training programs and certifications are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the best qualifiers in the realm of management. This world is changing so fast, and it’s making a lot of closed-minded people lose their grip on reality. Any manager who isn’t putting their people first is rapidly being swept away by a new current. There was a time, not so long ago, when every hardheaded boss would you tell you, “Sign your write-up, buckle down, try harder next time and do better—because your job is on the line now.” Then they would proceed to slam the proverbial gavel down on the desk, only to end the meeting with, “Get out of my office and get back to work.” Those days, thankfully, are gone.
I’m not trying to sell myself here, because I’m already doing just fine as it is, but I do believe a little self-disclosure for the purpose of bolstering your faith in these programs is warranted. Very regularly, when the managers above me check in at my corporate job, rather than assessing my team’s progress, they’re calling to see if we need anything. Universally, when I ask if there’s anything we can improve on, I’m told, “Nope. You have the Midas touch,” and “Somehow, you seem to be able to draw the best out of everyone on your team.” When they ask me what the secret is, I hit them with the same answer every time: “It’s all coaching. It’s that simple.” I’m a practicing metaphysician, too, and I attribute a lot of my success to that as well—but that’s between me and my Higher Power. That may be where I find my strength and my inspiration, but the rest is coaching.
You won’t be diving deep into people’s issues outside of work, because that’s not your place, but you can use the same
coaching techniques, methods and modalities as a manager, and there’s a magic secret to employing that strategy. Here it is in a nutshell: You can phase out most of your disciplinary meetings by engaging your team members in one-on-one professional development coaching. Conservatively, I would say that probably 90 percent of our disciplinary issues have vanished. Write-ups aren’t quite a thing of the past, but they’ve become so infrequent that I practically have to dust off the paperwork when there’s a real issue that I need to tackle. We’re measuring our success by how many people we can remediate through coaching, instead of counting the number of write-ups we issue as the defining metric, and that concept has been one of the deciding factors in my meteoric rise through the corporate stratosphere.
There’s a really specific reason why this works. We’re all coaches, and we all understand the principles of positive psychology. Most of us know all too well how poorly any of us perform under the strain of a negative environment. If you start combating dips in performance with positive managerial encounters, then your success rate improves exponentially. Now, I’m sure a lot of you are asking, “How does that work?” It’s really simple, honestly. Instead of using the old-school method, wherein you write up the employee and tell them to get back to work, you merely bring the dip in performance to their attention and reassure them that you’re present with them in that space to help them push past their obstacles.
What you’re saying is, “Hey, we noticed this issue, but you’re a good team member and we don’t want to see a dip in performance become a permanent state for you. We know you’re better than that. Let’s help you rise above this because we see the value in your participation here.” It’s right there, in that specific moment, when you’ll win them over. That’s an engaging statement. That makes their ears perk up. That one statement hits them with a concept which, very likely, they’ve never encountered before—and that makes all the difference in the world.
TURN THE TABLES
We’re shifting the narrative. We’re turning the tables. We’re redefining what it means to be called into the boss’ office. Instead of saying, “You’re doing poorly, and it needs to stop,” we’re telling them, “We know you’re great at what you do, but we noticed you’re not yourself. Let’s help you overcome that. We’ll do it together. We’ll do it as a team.” Then, you start the coaching process. Ask them about their goals, and what they want to learn from the experience as you walk alongside them,
assisting them in sorting out their own solutions. Ask them what action plans might work best for them as they go about restoring an equilibrium in their work lives. Ask them what expectations they have for their future and for their career, and really get them thinking about advancement, rather than hanging termination over their heads. Nine times out of ten, there’s no real reason to talk about termination anyway.
You want their buy-in, not their compliance. If you can achieve that, then you’re well on your way to developing that “Midas touch” and you’ll be able to “draw the best out of your team members” too. That’s not where the process ends, however, because this is People-Centered Management. Don’t forget that crucial aspect of this methodology. Document their answers and give them a copy. That way, they can look back on what they said and feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing that they came up with the solutions to their own problems. They’re the ones who figured out how to clear their own hurdles. The boss didn’t tell them to do anything. There’s a real sense of ownership in knowing that you’re the one who came up with the solution, and that’s far more beneficial than telling someone that they’re the problem that needs to be corrected.
OFFER RESOURCES
As you send them off, make sure they know that you’re in their corner, and always have a stack of resources available for them. Again, this is still very much a form of coaching. We have a responsibility to refer them to professionally qualified individuals who can help them tackle life’s difficulties outside of work. We call it an “Informational Care Package,” and it works wonders. We have stacks of folders set aside and, in every folder, there’s a copy of their Employee Assistance Program information, a comprehensive list of free classes that the company offers so that they can bolster their knowledge, and copies of our rules and regulations in case they need to get themselves up to speed with written expectations. We give them everything they need to succeed in the workplace after we coach them, and then we make sure that we follow up with them a month later. There may be something going
on at home that they won’t tell you about and, again, it’s not your place to pry. If, however, you give them access to their Employee Assistance Program, they may find the counseling services that they need to better themselves.
Here’s what I’ve learned through all of this. It changes the culture in ways you’d never expect. Your team will come in, not just ready to work, but happy to be on the job. When you show them that you care about them as human beings, and you remind them that they’re not just a number in some corporate computer system, you’re showing them that you understand that they’re more than employees. They need to know that you understand their humanity.
Here’s another secret for you. When you go in for that next job interview and they ask you to tell them about your qualifications, tell them that you went through Transformation Academy’s programs. Study this article, internalize the information presented, read through it a few times every day, and be ready to explain the programs that I’ve outlined here. That way, you’ll be able to answer questions about your managerial style and what sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. You need to get in there and sell the idea that they need a lead coach, not just another boss. Now, get out there and start changing the corporate world, one office at a time, and know that
You are LIMITLESS!
Rev. Dr. Alexander J. Balla is a proud recipient of Transformation Academy’s Certified Master Life Coach diploma, and holds various other spiritual coaching and pastoral counseling credentials and degrees through other agencies and ministerial organizations. He serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed National Catholic Church, ministers weekly through their online platform, and focuses his efforts on raising awareness of metaphysical approaches to holistic spiritual wellness. Bishop Balla is an advocate for healing by faith that cooperates the miracle modern medicine and emphasizes the universality of spirituality. He shares his life with his young son, Joseph, and his beautiful wife, Sarah. Contact him via email at: manifestmylife.loa@gmail.com
It’s a slang greeting, often used rhetorically, and may or may not require an answer. In the 21st century, there are umpteen ways to communicate with each other. Meanwhile this early 20th century greeting still dominates as a conversation starter. But it wasn’t always like this. A friend called recently to ask about a lunch date. “Check your calendar and let me know when you’re available?” she said.
I said, “OK. Do you want me to text you, send an email or call?”
Her answer stopped me in my tracks. “Call my landline and leave a message on the answering machine.”
Do people still have landlines? I thought the big carriers had phased them out. And how does one still use an answering machine? Thinking about landline telephones, I remembered my grandmother’s old neighborhood where the phones were connected to each other through party lines. If you picked up the phone to make a call and someone was talking, the protocol was to gently hang up and try to use the phone later. If you had to make a call, you picked up the phone and an operator came on asking whom you wanted to call. It was old technology, but it worked.
My grandmother’s old neighborhood wasn’t just connected via a party line. In those days, the old Florida shotgun houses were built close together with barely four or five feet between them. You could stand in the living room of one house and see across to the next one, and possibly even a third
one. The women who lived in these houses didn’t need telephones. All they did was go to one of the windows, raise it up, and call out to the neighbor, “Hey Mary, (or Dot, or Marge or Edith) What’s up?” These 1950s “town criers” sat in their respective windows, wearing robes with their hair still in rollers, drinking coffee, and solving problems in the neighborhood. Many a cup of sugar or flour moved from window to window during a morning meetup.
I remember some of the conversations like it was yesterday. “Old man Gray raised the price of Merita bread to 18 cents?” (Mr. Gray owned the corner grocery store that served the neighborhood.) I knew this fell under high crimes and misdemeanors because I was given a dime and two pennies to buy a loaf of bread for her each week. Sometimes my grandmother threw in three more pennies so I could buy some candy. I wanted to join the conversation by saying, “What’s up? How dare Mr. Gray cheat me out of three cents worth of candy?” but in the way we were brought up, children were “seen, and not heard.” Today, we communicate instantly through social media and smartphones. Newspapers that filled every suburban driveway and sent many kids to college have disappeared. The nightly news is “old news” by the time it’s broadcast in the evening. And, if you want to “talk” to your children or grands, you better be fluent with TXT and the shorthand lingo or you’ll be left out of the conversation.
Yet, all is not lost. The neighborhood “party lines” are still happening. Now, we can electronically call out to the community, “Hey, what’s up?” by scheduling a Zoom call. Sure, some don’t like video conferencing and electronic communications. But in this rapidly changing age, it’s a way to broaden the neighborhood community and reach out to friends and colleagues across the country and even the world. Like my grandmother and the women in her neighborhood, you can sit in curlers and robes, drink coffee, and commiserate that a loaf of bread now costs $3.
When Mrs. D’Armond raised her window and said, “Hey Belle, What’s Up?” she set a pattern in the “Field.” Seventy years later, we too raise our windows as a community. We check in with each other by asking, “What’s up?” In answer we listen, we heal, we uplift, and we’re there for one another as the conversations unfold. Each person on the Zoom call can be interactive or sit silently in their little square box. But let there be no doubt, the community thrives and comes together in those squares, just like we’re on an old-fashioned party line, or sitting at the window of a 1950s shotgun house.
“What’s up?” We’re up! We’re an “up” community of like-minded souls who found a way to stay together despite many obstacles. What’s up? Our spirits are up no matter what we see to the contrary. And together we keep hope alive. That’s what’s up.
Conscious Living with Jo Mooy
Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.
Photo by Brian Wegman on Unsplash
Practical ways we can harness supernatural energies to fight back against “Mind Vampires” on the rampage and help restore some equilibrium to this volatile world.
By Anthony Talmage
Look around you. Everywhere seems to be in the grip of a collective madness. Currently, the international humanitarian and human rights organization, the Geneva Academy, is monitoring 110 conflicts across the globe. Yes, 110. Military experts say the world has not been in such a dangerous place since the end of World War II. Meanwhile, the ideological divide in so-called civilized countries like the United States and the United Kingdom is becoming ever more polarized.
One political party might urge more open immigration, while another defends immigrations controls; on abortion Party A favors pro-choice and Party B pro-life; on climate change Party A wants action and Party B advocates caution. On the face of it, all perfectly reasonable stances to take. So why has the debate become so sulphureous? Why are there such sinister clouds hanging over our once peaceful and ordered lives? Why does it feel as though our world, and the one beyond our shores, is teetering on the brink of conflagration?
I believe there is a metaphysical element in play, and that we humans are being manipulated by invisible, malevolent forces getting into our heads—Mind Vampires if you like—that are capitalizing on the fear and division that humanity has been stirring up, and giving vent to, on social media.
The idea of Mind Vampires might sound far-fetched, but in the metaphysical realm these entities feed off the collective fear, anger and despair of humanity. Like parasites, they latch onto societies, drawing on paranormal, supernatural and occult energies to foment discord and amplify chaos. And, in a feedback loop, they manipulate our emotions, pushing us toward more hatred and violence, deepening the divisions that tear at the fabric of society.
In this context, the waves of terrorism, the rise of extreme ideologies, and the pervasive fear of the “other” are not mere coincidences: they are deliberate, calculated efforts by these unseen intelligences to plunge the world into darkness. And while we fight each other, they grow stronger, feasting on the negativity unleashed.
While these dark forces run rampant, our governments seem disturbingly detached from the results of their decisions and the consequences that arise from their policies. Instead of solutions, they offer platitudes and this disconnect breeds more anger and frustration.
So, what’s to be done? The good news is we “ordinary” people are not as helpless as we seem. What if, instead of
succumbing to fear and anger, we could turn the tide by harnessing the same supernatural energies that the dark forces use against us? The idea might seem daunting, but metaphysics tells us that the power of light is always greater than the power of darkness—if we know how to access it. Here are some practical ways in which we can fight back and help restore some equilibrium to this volatile world.
Strengthening our Minds: The first step is to fortify our own psyche against these negative influences. Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. By cultivating inner peace, we make ourselves less susceptible to the manipulation of Mind Vampires. Set aside time each day to meditate, focusing on positive energies and envisioning a world filled with love and harmony. Imagine a protective shield around you, repelling any negative influences that might try to penetrate.
Using Dowsing for Protection: Dowsing, the ancient art of seeking hidden knowledge using a pendulum or rod, also can be employed to combat these dark forces. By asking specific questions about your environment or even your emotional state, you can identify areas where negative energies are most concentrated. Once identified, you can take steps to cleanse these locations, using crystals, smudging with sage, or simply filling the space with positive intentions.
Fostering Community Resilience: Mind Vampires thrive on division, so one of the most effective ways to weaken them is by fostering unity. Start within your family and then community by building strong, supportive networks. Host gatherings that focus on positivity, whether through shared meals, group meditations, or simply open discussions about the challenges you face and how to overcome them together. Unity creates a collective force that is far more difficult for dark entities to infiltrate.
Channeling Positive Energy through Rituals: Rituals have been used for centuries to harness supernatural energies for good. Consider incorporating simple rituals into your daily life— lighting a candle with the intention of bringing light into the world, or creating a small altar with symbols of peace, love and protection. These actions might seem small, but they focus your energy and intentions, creating ripples of positivity that can counteract the forces of darkness.
Engaging in Acts of Kindness: Never underestimate the power of kindness. Each act of kindness sends out a wave of positive energy that can disrupt the flow of negativity. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering in your community, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, these small acts have a cumulative
effect, building a stronger, more resilient society that is less vulnerable to chaos.
So, try to cultivate a positive attitude to life until it becomes a habit. Then spread the habit by just being you.
Why would any of the above work? It will work because human consciousness has enormous power to create and harness positive energies. The world may seem to be in the grip
of mass insanity, but as you now know we are not powerless. We can create a counterforce of light, love and unity. It’s time for ordinary people to rise up, to protect our communities, and to reclaim the world from the forces of evil. Together, we can turn the tide and restore order out of chaos. The journey may be challenging, but the power to change the world lies within each one of us.
Anthony Talmage is author of four books in his Psychic Mind series, Dowse Your Way To Psychic Power, In Tune With The Infinite Mind, Unlock The Psychic Powers Of Your Unconscious Mind and How To Crack the Cosmic Code (And plug into the hidden powers of your unconscious mind) all available in Kindle, printed and audio versions from Amazon—just put “Anthony Talmage” in the book search field. Or click here: bit.ly/3AmTxu1. Also available from all good on-line bookshops. Anthony covers more of the above themes in his podcast, available absolutely free. Just click on this link to listen or download: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1742930. So far, it’s had 20,000 downloads and counting.
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash.
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Ideas for shifting to and staying on a great train of thought!
By Terez Hartmann
MINDING THE BRAIN
“I could while away the hours, conferrin’ with the flowers, consultin’ with the rain. And my head, I’d be scratchin’ while my thoughts were busy hatchin’ if I only had a brain…” —Ray Bolger as “The Scarecrow” from “The Wizard of Oz”
Ah, that blessed brain! When we are in alignment, having access to this intricate, masterfully-designed piece of hardware, which supports the software we call “mind,” really is something worth singing about!
Think about this: The brain sends out allpoints bulletins 24/7 to ALL essential systems in our body to keep up the good work without demanding our attention! It enables us to move virtually any part of our body at any time and to turn thoughts into language to interact and communicate with other beings. It flips images that would appear upside-down through the naked eye to enable us to move about the cabin in a right-side-up way! Wow! In short, the brain is really freakin’ awesome…
…But <dun-dun-dun> when the software (the mind) takes on a mind of its own and runs amok into all kinds of crazy places, there are times when a lobotomy starts to sound like a really attractive option!
Before you disable the hardware in the hopes of debugging derailed software, consider these ideas for getting back on track to a GOOD train of thought!
MINDING MOMENTUM
Even if you skipped out on high school or college physics, all you have to do to see the logic of Sir Isaac Newton’s theory (“A body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force”) is to observe any kind of person or thing in motion to see what happens when said thing is allowed to move and flow fully without resistance. If you’ve ever watched a runner, animal, or vehicle moving at top speed, it is clear that there is great power in momentum—and that sudden stops are not typically comfortable experiences!
When you combine this with Law of Attraction 101 and the Abraham-Hicks idea that our thoughts also have momentum, it’s no wonder that the longer you focus on any particular thing without resistance that momentum will build until thoughts become more thoughts that ultimately become things—literally taking on a life of their own! This is WAY cool when you are thinking happy, productive thoughts...
...but not so fabulous when you seem to have jumped on a train of thought bound for trouble at top speed!
The GOOD news is that when you understand how momentum works and remember that YOU are the conductor driving your train, you then have the power to slow or shift the momentum and—better yet—you can even catch and direct your train of thought before it leaves the station.
Yes, when a train has been rollin’ along a certain track for quite a while and has picked up ample speed (like focusing on a problem you’ve been fixating on for a while or clinging to a belief that does not serve you well) slowing this train down will take some time and practice. But with a willingness to do the best you can where you are and a determination to wake up and choose a train of thought that feels better, you absolutely can get to a point where you
stop boarding the crazy train and become a regular on the love train, baby!
Ready to take back the reins of your train of thought? Choose any one (or all) of the focus tools below:
1. Let’s Get Physical!
Aside from bringing a catchy 1980-something Olivia Newton-John tune to mind, focusing on your BODY can actually work wonders for redirecting the mind.
When you exercise and count repetitions, attend a dance/fitness class that requires your full attention to stay in the groove, listen for the beat and jam with musicians, work on your car/boat/motorcycle, play tennis, or plant a garden, the combination of focusing on a task that also requires physical movement can do wonders for your state of mind. Why? Using both Newton’s and Abraham’s ideas above, by shifting your focus from an unproductive train of thought to something else that demands your attention, you introduce resistance to the negative thought pattern, slowing its momentum and, by continuing to focus on a new subject with little to no resistance, you allow positive momentum to build.
“Let’s get physical, physical!”
2. Thinking Well
Okay. Getting physical is great, but what can you do to shift your thought process when you are in pain or are feeling physically uncomfortable?
Use your MIND to take the spotlight off of your body!
Have you ever noticed that once you truly immerse yourself in a complex task that requires all your attention (like crunching numbers, trying out a new recipe, writing a new computer program, creating a website, etc.) or give your attention to something you madly, deeply love, it is not until you get out of your focused, feel-good groove that you “remember” that something hurts/etc.?
Energy (and momentum) flows where attention goes, so the less air time you give to boo-boos, the sooner they stop coming along for the ride on your train of thought!
Note: There is nothing wrong with giving yourself permission to use tools/remedies/medicines to help ease your pain. These may not be the ideal permanent fixes, but they can at least give you some relief right now—especially and particularly if you do so with a spirit of appreciation, rather than beating yourself up for taking this route.
Taking medicine with an extra helping of guilt does not make for a healing experience, so do it (or don’t) and decide that whatever you choose IS the best thing for you right now. Your attitude about the tools you use can have a HUGE bearing on how well they work and can determine whether you board the same old train of dis-ease or start riding the rails of well-being.
3. Put it in Writing
With so much information, ideas, and “todos” bombarding our psyche at the speed of light, it’s no wonder we humans sometimes feel like we’re “… Goin’ off of the rails on a crazy train…” Though stopping to meditate, nap, take a walk, put on a silly movie, or read something light and fun would truly do your mind good, sometimes there is so much momentum flowing that a quick slow-down (much like a runner coming to a sudden stop) is just too much of a stretch. When getting physical is not an option and you need to do something about feeling overwhelmed now, organizing your thoughts by putting ideas and “to-dos” in writing can help you calm the chaos and find some direction. It sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes reaching for a pen and paper (or other note-taking device) is the LAST thing you think about when you start running off the rails. Make a mental note: Take a few deep breaths, stop the insanity, and put some things in writing. You may be surprised by the order and calm you find for your mind.
4. Sleep on it and board a new train tomorrow
After a day with a runaway brain, often a good night’s rest really is best for bringing the train back into the station. Set an intention to wake up refreshed and when you awaken, board a new train by letting your first thought be “thank you.”
Create and read a list of things that are easy to love and appreciate that you keep next to your bed or focus on beautiful things or photos in your room that are linked to happy times and good feelings. By starting your day with a positive train of thought, you are far more likely to keep it rollin’ AND continue to enjoy the journey of where you’re going!
THE BOTTOM LINE ON ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS: MIND MATTERS
With the mind-brain connection, the mindheart connection, the mind-spirit connection, and on and on, there are SO many different directions to explore when it comes to the topic of “mind.” It really is one of the biggest, deepest, and most widely researched subjects in all of human consciousness, and in truth, it is THE very thing that allows us to EXPERIENCE consciousness! So whether you are approaching life from a biologic, heart-centered, or spiritual angle, there is no escaping the notion that the mind is inextricably linked to EVERY facet of our existence. If you want to let good happen and enjoy the journey of being the fabulous hybrid 3-D/spiritual being you are, make no mistake, mind matters. Choose to cultivate and inhabit a mind and train of thought bound for clarity, focus and excellence, and you may just find that you may just thrive in life, the universe, and everything All aboard!
Author’s Note: Are you ready to learn more? Sign up for my new Law of Attraction—Allowing Prosperity: Abundance SIMPLIFIED Life Coach Certification. Help yourself and others shift from money fears and lack to Confidence & Flow in 5 easy steps! Email for more information: allowingyoursuccess@gmail.com.
ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS
with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com
When you treat everything in dreams as symbols, they start to make sense.
By Owen Waters
To the physical mind, the world of dreams can seem to make no sense at all. In a dream, you can be in Location A, engaging in one activity and then, in a flash, be in Location B doing something completely different.
The big difference between dreaming and waking is that dreams use a different language than the physical mind. Nothing in a dream should be taken literally, but, when you treat everything in dreams as symbols, they start to make sense. Then, the more you think about the symbols, the more you can actually discover and decode what is likely to be a message from your soul mind to your physical mind. Or, sometimes, it isn’t a profound message, it can be just your mind letting off steam by working through the stresses of the previous day.
INSTANT RECALL
Let’s say, for example, you awake from a dream that may contain a message from your soul mind. First rule of dream recall: When you awake, don’t move; don’t look at the clock, don’t even open your eyes. All of those things place you firmly back in your physical body where the memories of the night fade very rapidly.
Your physical brain is not the brain that had the dream. Sleep is an out-of-body experience where you travel in your spirit or astral body and use its etheric brain. Re-entry into the physical body draws the veil of sleep across the memory of your dream. So, to transfer the dream experience from your spirit brain to your physical brain: Recall the whole dream from start to finish the moment you awake and before even moving a muscle.
DECODING DREAM SYMBOLS
Let’s say you had a dream where you were in a city on a gloomy day, hurrying toward an office building, then suddenly the scene switched to a walk-in sunlit countryside next to a stream where you see birds take flight up into the blue sky.
The symbols in such a dream could be as follows: Pressure to perform your routine daytime job with the
gloomy day reflecting how you feel about your work. The sudden shift to a pleasant scene symbolizes brighter possibilities ahead. The water in the stream symbolizes spirituality and the birds taking flight represent upliftment.
A translation of these symbols into physical thought could be that you should be prepared for an imminent opportunity to move into work that you find more inspiring. The message is sent from your soul mind in order to prepare you to be on special alert for thoughts and events that could open up new opportunities.
Dreams are real. They just use a different language than the brain with its physical-world focus. Your soul sees the new possibilities that are about to arrive in your life and for good reason. Your soul creates those circumstances or, rather, co-creates them in cooperation with the other souls in your life.
Even after understanding that, dreams might still seem fictional because of the suddenly changing scenes and backgrounds. Actually, those are perfectly normal in the spirit world, which is where your dreams are carried out. New scenes and the objects contained therein are called thoughtforms.
THOUGHTFORMS IN THE SPIRIT WORLD
When you dream, your spirit body is out of your physical body, and you are located in the spirit realms. Your mind has the ability to create objects and even entire scenes out of the etheric energy in the air. These instant thoughtforms last only as long as you pay attention to them, so you can instantly replace them with yet another scene.
While we are on the subject, here are some littleknown metaphysical principles relating to thoughtforms in the spirit world.
First, you create not just the scene, but the space which contains it. In the physical world, no one creates extra space. What you have in the physical world is a fixed amount of space but, in the spirit world, people create extra space all the time and then it dissolves when their attention turns away.
Second, another person might wander into the area in front of a dreaming person who has just created a whole scene in front of them, and never even see the dreaming person’s scene. That’s because the new arrival would need to be attuned to the dreamer’s mind to be able to perceive their creation. So, you could have a whole selection of scenes in created spaces, all quite happily occupying one common area of real space without conflicting with each other because each created scene has its own frequency signature that makes it exist in its own private space.
Third, commonly-shared thoughtforms gain power. This applies more to people who are living in the afterlife, not so much to dreaming night-trippers from the physical world. Let’s say that a man died in modern-day England in a country village. So, he goes through the usual afterlife reorientation, maybe some healing, next is the necessary life review, and then he’s ready for life in the afterlife. If he’s just a regular person with no special spiritual yearnings, he’ll be looking around for a familiar setting in which to settle and get over the trauma of being
relocated to a strange new world where things are definitely not the same as they were. What better place to feel at home than the cozy pub he used to visit each evening to be with his friends?
Sure enough, in the spirit realms, vibrationally right above the village of the physical world is a re-creation of pretty much what he used to know, even down to the familiar pub where friendly conversation abounds and there’s a fireplace to keep you warm. What he doesn’t know is that the whole scene was created, not by bricks and timber and hard labor, but by the thoughtform creations of the many people who have passed that way before him. People before him had wanted the familiar comfort of the old pub on the high street, created it, and then others followed, each one adding to the apparent solidity of the created thoughtform.
Each addition to the commonly-shared creation made the thoughtform more solid. It had transformed from a temporary creation of etheric energy into the more solid form of etheric matter. In the spirit world, etheric matter can last for years before it finally dissolves back to join the etheric energy that fills the atmosphere. It just needs the attention of people to maintain its existence because etheric energy and etheric matter respond to the creative pressure of mental energy. So, when you see a scene in a dream dissolve and another scene takes its place, it isn’t magic, it’s just the way things are in the more subtle realms of existence on this planet.
The cozy pub is just one possibility of a familiar place where a newcomer to the spirit realms can rest and adapt to their new life. Others may attend a church or move into a community of like-minded people. However, sooner or later, comfort turns into routine and then boredom as a person starts to seek more meaning in life. At this point, members of their soul family may help them into a higher sub-plane of the spirit realms to live with them and discover ways they can find purpose in helping the community.
In contrast, spiritual seekers in the afterlife tend to leave basic gatherings behind and venture up through the realms of the afterlife. They spend much time in the higher
realms simply because the vibrations there make meditation so much deeper and productive in gaining enlightenment.
SOUL MESSAGES
Your deepest sleep happens early in the night. This is when your consciousness rises into easy contact with your soul mind and life planning can take place in order to better follow your personal life purpose. What better time to decide what message may be appropriate to create and play out in a symbolic dream? The state where you remember dreams is close to the waking state, so the planned dream will then play out near the end of the night’s sleep.
PROBE DEEPER INTO THE SYMBOLS
Here in the physical world, for people who wake up with a clear memory of a dream that feels like it has a soul message, the trick is to focus deeply upon each symbol. If you work in an office building and it showed up in a dream, how did a gloomy scene under a darkened sky make you feel? How does being in that building make you feel?
Books of dream symbols describe what symbols can mean to most people—but your dream is personal to you and can only be correctly interpreted in your personal context. For example, a slow-moving stream is generally seen as a placid symbol, one of calmness or quiet joy. Books about dreams would likely say that a raging river symbolizes turbulent emotions, while raindrops can be an expression of tears of sadness. But those are just suggestions. The real meaning is always uniquely personal.
To better decode a dream that may contain guidance from your deeper soul consciousness, ask yourself what three words best describe what every scene, person and significant object mean to you
Symbols are not literal, so seeing another person in a dream is not so much about them personally, but the three words that best describe their personality to you. What message lies within those three descriptors?
Once you see the personal significance, the meaning and the message can emerge.
iNFINITE BEING
with Owen K. Waters
Owen Waters is author of the Indie award-winning book, Spirituality Made Simple and a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy and InfiniteBeing.com, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at https:// www.InfiniteBeing.com. He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. He has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter since 2004 which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their clarity and deep insights. Contact Owen via email News@InfiniteBeing.com
Photo by Melanie Kanzler on Unsplash
Our internal state of mind affects our health and our health affects our emotional well-being.
By Mary Boutieller
Often, we think of the body in terms of its separate parts: a leg versus an arm, our face versus our feet. And when we have an injury or an illness, we tend to compartmentalize the area, as if that part were the only thing affected by what we are going through. Yet, the more I learn about the body and yoga, the more I realize that it is ALL connected. The body doesn’t start or stop depending on its anatomical position; it is a continuous and beautifully crafted flow of lines, cells, muscles and tendons, each intertwined with the other to form a complete whole. When we have a tight muscle in one part of the body, it will often be relieved by stretching another part of the body. It’s as if we give the entire web a chance to release simply by attending to one part of it.
Life, love, relationships, our overall health are the same, I think. Our internal state of mind affects our health and our health affects our emotional wellbeing. When we’re angry at one person, it feels like the world is in trouble. When we gossip or cheat or steal, the wholeness of who we are suffers, and that ripples out in unseen waves of despair and distrust.
The opposite, gratefully, is also true. When we eat well, our bodies feel nourished, our minds are clearer, our hearts seem more open. When we shift
our focus from negative to positive emotions, the world suddenly seems more hopeful, more possible. When we listen to our inner voices, our intuition strengthens. When we travel, we see that 99.9 percent of the world is kind, that people are helpful and curious, that we are safe. Luckily, we almost always have a choice. We get to choose how we use our words, what we feed our bodies and our minds, how we engage in the world on a day-to-day, minute-by-minute basis.
I know I make it sound easy. Trust me, it isn’t. When I catch myself talking unkindly about another, I FEEL it in my body. I know it even as I’m doing it. When I eat or drink things my body doesn’t appreciate, the impact is often noticeable within hours.
And, just to complicate things, there is another element too—the idea that our attitudes make all the difference. Someone once said that it matters less what we eat than the attitude with which we eat. Are we eating a meal while watching the evening news or doing so while listening to music or talking with someone we love?
Sally Kempton said: “Your actions count. In the end, who you are is the result of what you do. Actions matter not only in your relationships and in your personal and spiritual journeys, but also in the great Karmic interweaving that is life on this planet. Every choice you make for
compassion and every moment you pause to consider how the consequences of your actions affect the greater whole, actually does affect the greater whole.”
It is not about trying to be perfect. It’s not about judging ourselves or feeling bad because we’ve engaged in some juicy gossip or ate those homemade brownies. It is about aligning with who we are and who we want to be. It is about being human, being flawed, making amends, trying again, and finding the humor in the journey.
Even when we are suffering, perhaps we can find a bright spot somewhere that will soften the pain and marshal us on to the very next moment. Maybe it is as simple as seeing a beautiful red cardinal land outside the window. Maybe it is in finding forgiveness, letting go of the past, releasing expectation and moving toward joy and possibility. Maybe it is in finding the strand that connects it all.
Each day, may we know that the journey is worth the ride; that the choices we make are ours to make. May we learn to trust our instincts, embrace our connections and understand that we are nothing less than a magnificent galaxy of chaotic beauty!
I’ll leave you with this lovely quote by Mark Nepo: “No matter where we think we’re going, the journey of every life is to find its home in the moment where everything touches everything else.”
The Yoga of Life
with Mary Boutieller
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
Have you ever received a piece of news that stopped you in your tracks?
One of the scariest pieces of news that shook my world was: “I’m sorry to tell you this, but you have cancer!” (referred to as “c” from here on in). A totally unexpected call from my doctor on January 3, 2019 would send me on an unrelenting quest for information and in a direction that would, eventually, help me to navigate a personal path to peace, acceptance and healing.
Initially, many thoughts, images and questions, overshadowed by fear and uncertainty, flooded my mind. I wondered: Was this a death sentence or a new way of being in the world? What treatments and their outcome would I experience? What will “normal” look like? Will I still be “me” on this journey? What kind of help and encouragement would there be on my path to healing? Will “c” ever be gone?
I started on this journey, strengthened by many prayers, and with the support of my partner Francesco, my mom, friends, family, community, a faith in God and my angels. I hoped that I was stronger than I felt, and held a belief that things would be alright. It wouldn’t be easy. I lost one of my dearest friends, Carol, in February, followed by the loss of my dad in March. I was grateful to be able to fly back to be with him and hold his hand and tell him, “I love you”, as he passed.
It was the beginning of a path that involved an engagement with an unknown medical realm, a concerning diagnosis—stage 3—that necessitated surgery, followed by a regimen of drugs and infusions, all assailing a body that struggled to remain strong, while trying to stay positive, hopeful, and maintain a semblance of normalcy Why did this happen when I had made great efforts to eat well, exercise, and be moderate most of my life? I wanted to just continue with my holistic approach to life, but my brother, Tyler, a genetic molecular biologist, convinced me that, “You need to be the gladiator and get into the ring with everything you’ve got!”
Author Linda Commito at 5 years cancer-free.
And so, I did it ALL: surgery, chemo, radiation, acupuncture, a healthy diet, rest, vitamins…and even humor, as when I showed up for my first treatment, calling it my “Chemo Picnic Day!” The hair loss wasn’t quite as funny. Those months offered me TIME to read, write, reflect and even be creative. In fact, it was a gift during this recovery period that I was able to focus on a passion of mine. I’ve always loved connecting people, and I now had an unexpected opportunity to create my first deck of Just Ask 1 2 3 question cards, which help people to get to know each other on a deeper level.
I came to realize that we never know how we will handle the distressful news, events and losses that life thrusts upon us The best we can hope for is that—with a positive attitude, resilience, faith and support—we can come out the other side feeling grateful. What started as a shocking “c” diagnosis, became a journey of appreciation for the wonderful doctors and nurses who provided quality care and treatments, the kind volunteers like Bill, a cancer survivor and grandfather, who offered a smile and a warm blanket,
and for the caring cancer community that gave so much support, even though sadly, some didn’t make it. I am deeply grateful for the many friends who lovingly showed up with food, who sat with me during chemo infusions, or sent loving cards, calls and emails of encouragement, and so many PRAYERS! It gave me the strength to get to the “finish line” and RING that BELL!
On September 19, 2024 I celebrated 5 years of being cancerfree! I am told “it is a good marker.” My gift to myself, and hopefully to those who may need encouragement during a difficult time, is to share my journey and what I have learned and done to make it as good an experience as I could.
As we each walk our unique life path, we will face challenges and losses over which we have no control. What we can do is to make it as positive and loving an experience as possible, to share and support each other, maintain a hopeful and grateful attitude, and to commit to living life as the blessing that it is.
Author’s Note: In gratitude and as a way to give back, I am writing what I hope to be a series of articles, for Caring Your Way Through Cancer, to share insights and experiences that might be helpful to others who are entering this unknown territory. Please feel free to share this article with anyone whom you may feel this would offer encouragement.
Love
is the New Currency
with Linda Commito
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.
ONE LIFE, ONE BEING, ONE CONSCIOUSNESS
Our role in The Infinite Way is to rest as an avenue of Awareness and “watch” inwardly as Life flows through us, expressing Itself.
By Dr. Heather Smith and Yanni Charalambous
Yanni: Let’s discuss the first question, which is: “In the chapter ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ it says that no matter what an individual does to us, we are not to strike back.” Under certain circumstances, that could be quite difficult to do. Can you explain what Joel means?
Heather: The spiritual principal Joel’s explaining in this chapter is that of Oneness. One Life, One Being, One Consciousness, which is our own Consciousness. That’s all we ever experience—our own Self. And rather than just explain this with a lot of words, I’m going to invite all of us to consciously experience the Oneness of our Self. Now you might find this exercise easier when you’re out in nature, but nevertheless it can be done anywhere and eventually it becomes continuous:
Our role in The Infinite Way is to rest as an avenue of Awareness and then to let the Light of our Soul radiate through and express as our experience. We “watch” inwardly as Life flows through us, expressing Itself. So, with me now, let’s start by becoming aware of who, or what, it is that’s looking out through our eyes. Can you perceive that where your head appears to be there’s a vast expanse of Invisibleness? We can’t see exactly what’s there, we just know that that’s where I am. That’s me. And that “me” is appearing not only as a body but also as my entire world. Sounds, thoughts, images, sensations arise in this Space and then they dissolve… all by themselves. I don’t “do” any of this—it just happens.
Then the realization comes that if all this is happening by itself, I can just rest in the observing of it. I have no control over it, even though thoughts lull me into believing that I do.
Let’s take a brief moment now to be still and just watch from this perspective….
So, you see, it appears that there’s a “me” and someone separate and apart from “me.” There appears to be a Heather and a Yanni, but in truth that’s not the case. I’m simply always experiencing my own Mind, my own Consciousness appearing as everything and everyone in this world.
Yanni: So, in essence, it’s a letting go of all our thoughts and senses, which is key to being in the Stillness. Heather: Yes, exactly. So then why do we experience problems, or tension and discord? Well, Joel covers this in the principle he calls “impersonalization” and I’ve discussed that in much more depth in another [interview in this series], but it’s partly because we step away from being a point of focus and instead follow trains of thought and then react to them and get enmeshed in the entire picture, believing that I am a body…that’s separate from everything else. We also unconsciously take on collective beliefs that reinforce this and that’s when the dissonance appears to happen. As I say, I’ve discussed this in another video, but for now, let me read you an extract from Chapter Eight in “Living the Infinite Way” which explains exactly what’s here:
“The universe of Spirit is an eternal activity of God. Anything that occurs in time or space, as we humanly understand it, should not be accepted at its appearance-value. Let us remember that every appearance of humanhood, good or bad, is a mental image in thought, actually without reality, law, substance, cause or effect. In this recognition, the limitations inherent in the five physical senses begin to drop away. We are enabled to “see” deeper into consciousness and behold that which is—eternity in what appears as past, present and future.”
This is also one of the Wisdoms in The Infinite Way, but I’ll come to that in a moment.
So, in answer to our question, the reason we should resist from reacting to, or striking back at, another is because that “other” is our own Self! Therefore, what I express or give out will not only come back to me, maybe not straight away, but it will come back and it will come back multiplied. And exactly the same applies when we’re allowing Love.
Yanni: So, in essence, do good to attract good in your life.
Heather: Yes, exactly, Yanni. In his book, The Infinite Way, Joel included a chapter on what he called the
Dr. Heather Smith is the Founder of “Mystical Meditation,” an online platform used to share Joel Goldsmith’s work. She has been studying and practicing The Infinite Way teachings for over 30 years, and hosts spiritual talks, meditation groups and events online and in person, in London and California. Find out more at: https://www.linktr.ee/ mysticalmeditation
“Wisdoms of the Infinite Way.” These are short sentences and paragraphs that capture the essence of the spiritual principles he shared. In one of these Wisdoms, he tells us:
“My peace is a state of peace that is experienced within, regardless of outside conditions, but which ultimately changes the outside conditions.”
If we want to experience peace in our relationships, we must consciously dwell in It.
Yanni: Thank you. Heather. Our next question relates to chapter seven: “Meditation is an invitation for God to speak to us or to make himself known to us.” Please share more.
Heather: To answer that, I’m going to read you an extract from Realization of Oneness in which Joel explains this far better than I can. I’m reading from the chapter “Living the Principle of Impersonalization”:
“Eventually we include the entire world in our realization of God as individual being. We do not pin error on to any
individual—not even ourselves. We do not claim that our jealousy, envy, greed or lust is responsible for our ills because we do not have any such qualities. If temporarily those qualities may be expressing themselves through us, they must be recognized as having their source in an impersonal carnal mind, and as long as they are out there, they are nothingness. This principle of impersonalization is one of the most important in our work, and we must make every effort to embody it in our consciousness because we will not find it expressed in our experience until we make it our own.
“Watch what this secret of impersonalization does for you; watch what it does in the experience of those around you; and you will understand why the Master could say, ‘Love they neighbor as thyself’.”
Isn’t that hugely reassuring? And this is precisely why we learn “The Art of Meditation” as Joel teaches it in The Infinite Way. Listen to the interview on YouTube: https://www. youtu.be/mNldGdn0uX4.
Yanni Charalambous is a clearing the mind expert and life coach, who has dedicated the past eight years to guiding and empowering people through inner stillness and positive thinking. Find out more at: https://www.linktr.ee/ yannicharalambouscoaching.
Right or Wrong?
RIGHT OR WRONG? RIGHT OR WRONG?
How to step back and remove judgment from situations.
By Spencer Rouse
Let No Error but My Own Offend Me.
Written on a sign, these words reached across the little church and solidly planted themselves in my consciousness. I was jarred just a little. My notions of right and wrong were pretty well set. People who said or did mean things to others were wrong, and people who did for others and lent a helping hand were right. It was my perception and my safety net. I was young. Straightforward concepts suited me just fine. I reacted to issues according to the defenses I had acquired by bumping up against people who were “not like me.” Simplistic? Absolutely.
That was almost 50 years ago, but those words never left me. They became a reminder when others’ remarks triggered a negative response inside me. I was beginning my intentional journey into spiritual growth.
We had moved to Florida. Interesting people from all over the United States and beyond filled my environment; their ideas and perspectives influenced my own. My safety bubble expanded to accept more diversity. The fascinating mix of people presented many reasonable, alternative ways of handling this business of life. I had to explore it more deeply. What was right? Or wrong? What was Truth? I was drawn to metaphysics. And to that simple little plaque in the back of the church.
I learned that not all mean remarks were intended to be mean.
Sometimes, they were an expression of hurt or anger held within a person. An innocent or thoughtless remark may have triggered a wound, even when bantering. A cutting response does not make you more potent in this case. It only escalates the negativity and lessens the chance for clarity….and respect.
People may have been abused, bullied or criticized unjustly during childhood. Minorities and people with divergent paths can be sitting ducks just because. Wounds create defensive responses as well as self-image issues. These defensive responses can quickly feel offensive to someone unaware of another’s inner suffering. When confronted with offensive remarks, consider removing judgment from the situation before replying. Slow your breathing, relax your shoulders, and speak clearly but respectfully. A level tone of voice can calm the atmosphere. Raising your voice and jabbing back with forceful words does not give you more power. It will escalate the negativity and create an unresolved energy. Have patience with the other person.
If someone is hurt by words you used unknowingly, you might say something like, “I am sorry you were hurt by what I said. I apologize for the pain it caused you. It was not intentional.” Empathy, kind tone of voice, apology. However, do not criticize yourself for something you did not do. Don’t put yourself down. “I am so stupid. I was such a dunce.” Maintain self-respect. Have the courage to say no to people who want to control you
for their own reasons. Some of these people are otherwise kind and wellmeaning, but they don’t always have your best interest in mind. Our best interest is our responsibility. We can be firm but still respectful.
Sometimes, we encounter individuals who are exceptionally hostile, aggressive, controlling or beyond what we are willing to deal with. In these cases, consider disconnecting with dignity. This method exudes more strength than power struggles. Removing yourself quickly could be more helpful than negotiation if there is a hint of a physical threat.
“Some people try to be tall by cutting off the heads of others.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda
We can take offense or use empathy and consideration. When we take offense, resentment can stay with us. We suffer, usually more than the offender. Ignoring the issue can create a distance, an unspoken “something” hanging in the air. It can weaken the relationship. When we resolve a problem, we release the heaviness of offense from our energy field. We free ourselves. This is true whether we are the offenders or the offended. By speaking and acting genuinely, we help create an atmosphere of trust.
What else have I learned? There are many different ways of accomplishing a goal. I now tend to apply the phrase “right or wrong” to the electronic tools that populate every
aspect of my life. As for truth, there are many levels of truth in my way of thinking. A wise friend once said, “If you don’t resonate with a truth, it might be because you have grown past it. It might not be relevant to you any
longer. Or, you might not have grown enough to comprehend it. Or it just might not be true.” That advice helps me find comfort right where I am; fewer “shoulds and shouldn’ts” agitate my
peace of mind now. My favorite little phrase pops into my mind when I get triggered: “Let No Error but My Own Offend Me.” It reminds me to breathe. As the singer Pink reminds us: “That’s all I know so far.”
Elemental Wisdom
with Spencer Rouse
Spencer Rouse has been a professional psychic and intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach, and lecture/workshop facilitator for more than 20 years, working one-on-one in counseling sessions, in groups, and at psychic fairs and other events. She works primarily through the gifts of claircognizance—an inner knowing—and clairsentience—the ability to sense information through feelings and emotions. Spencer also connects with the different layers of the human energy field (the aura) using color and sound to help balance and invigorate life force energy. Visit her online at http://www.SpencerRouse.com or email PsychicSpencer.com
