As I write, I’m on my way to Oaxaca, Mexico, where I’ll immerse myself in the traditions of Día De Los Muertos. The concept of ancestor veneration has always intrigued me, and I deeply value this chance to strengthen my connection with those loved ones who have transitioned from this realm to the next. Ancestors – whether linked by blood, culture, or spirit – form the intricate threads that interlace our past, present, and future. They are the vessels of... Read more
Autumn is upon us—a time of self-reflection and release. The season turns nature into a canvas, painting itself in hues of amber, ruby, and gold. Every year, I find myself sitting on my front porch, watching the leaves dance to the ground, captivated by their whispering encouragement to welcome change. Trees Don’t Cling, So Why Should We? Science offers a straightforward explanation for the transformative beauty of autumn leaves. During summer, trees are full of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes... Read more
As part of a school assignment, my grandson called tonight to ask me about what happened on 9/11. I stumbled a bit through my answers, trying to impress upon him how shocking and sad it was, how the memory of the Twin Towers falling is etched in my mind after repeatedly watching footage for days and weeks, and even years after it happened and how I had friends who lost loved ones that day. After the call, I realized I... Read more
My massage therapist shared a fascinating William Blake quote with me recently. The 18th-century English poet, painter, and visionary, who often delved into the realms of spirituality and human existence, wrote, “Man has no body distinct from his Soul, for that called Body is a portion of Soul discerned by the five senses, the chief inlets of Soul in this age.” Looking through a metaphysical lens, Blake invites us to rethink our perceived divisions between the physical and spiritual... Read more
Sixty years ago, on August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gifted us with the resounding words, “I have a Dream.” Yet, with the heart-rending incident over the weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, it becomes hauntingly clear that the dream remains unrealized for so many. A cherished high school friend posed a question on Facebook in response to the shooting. Though I could paint countless tales of her extraordinary spirit, what weighs heavily on my heart today is how the... Read more
I heard it again today. “Why should spiritual leaders charge for what they do? It’s not ethical. Spiritual teachings should be free, right?” It’s a comment I’m quick to answer. Is it ethical to charge for spiritual courses and services? In my opinion, yes — not only is it ethical, but it’s also necessary in order to create a sustainable spiritual future for our society. Profits, when used ethically, can be a blessing for everyone. When financially healthy, a... Read more
Amidst the warm embrace of a summer afternoon, a single, luscious, cherry tomato arrived in my hands, courtesy of my thoughtful husband. The first fruit, plucked fresh off the vine, it epitomized perfection in every way. As I savored its sweet juiciness, I found myself pondering the significance of this tiny gift and the season that surrounds it—the season of the first harvest. Ancient Rhythms In ages past, our ancestors were deeply acquainted with the rhythm of nature’s cycles and... Read more
I had no idea how much pain he had experienced in his days as a woman. In fact, in his female years, I perceived “her” as brilliant, beautiful, and accomplished. She was successful, confident, and funny – – my friend and sister-of-the-heart. I loved her deeply and completely. While we had often joked about our “strong masculine sides,” I had no indication that identifying as female was causing her such profound distress. Personal Transformation After about fifteen years of being... Read more
It’s a very human thing to long for deeper and more meaningful connections with other people. As we traverse the path of self-discovery and spiritual growth, some of us are lucky enough to discover the transformative potential of sacred rituals and their impressive ability to open our hearts to the interconnection of all life. Rituals possess a unique power to stimulate our inner awareness. Being spiritually self-aware invites us to give more attention to our relationships, often foundationally improving the... Read more
I grew up attending the Catholic church with my family. When I was about eleven, I asked if I could serve as an altar boy. The priest sternly scolded me, referring to the story of Eve’s fall and informing me I was only allowed to step on the altar platform if I was there cleaning, getting married, or if he called me up for something. I went home and told my mom that I wasn’t Catholic anymore. That was a... Read more
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