These are the ripples that have reached my shore.
When the Body
Says No
I was driving back from my home town, visiting my father in the hospital, when I pushed play on this book. As I listened, energy started coursing through my body in a way I recognize when something is really important. The anecdotes (stories and letters from patients) and scientifically based evidence from numerous studies shocked me into a state of alarm. The picture they painted is this: over time, the cortisol released by chronic stress from suppressed emotions provides the environment for disease in the body, full stop.
The people referred to in the book were in end-stages of disease, many on their deathbeds. The stories they told of acquiescing to other people as a way of avoiding disapproval and conflict was the way I operated for many years of my life. I made voice notes and bookmarked places all the way home. The information about the connection between suppressing emotions and illness was staggering. When the stakes are high, we are more likely to act. So… I’m putting it on blast that if you also have patterns of emotional suppression, it doesn’t end well. Learning to live authentically isn’t just a trendy catch-phrase, our lives depend on it.
Dr Gabor Matè (Physician & author focusing on addiction and trauma.)
Dr Joe Dispenza (Chiropractor & triathlete turned neuroscience-based author, researcher, and meditation leader focusing on mind/body connection and personal transformation.)
The Chopra Well (Deepak Chopra & friends produce thought-provoking videos on health, wellness and spirituality.)
Wayne Dyer (Prolific author and speaker on self-development and spiritual growth. His impactful stories and humble warmth captivate me.)
Alan Watts (Philosopher and orator from the 1900s. Jovial and a wonderful interpreter of Buddhist and Taoist wisdom.
Aaron Abke (Spiritual thought leader)
People & Podcasts
We are in an age where information flows freely but discernment is required. I’ve learned to trust that energized feeling I get when I hear something that resonates. These are the channels I give my attention to regularly because I feel that they get to the heart of the matters that are important for consideration, expansion, and inspiration. I am particularly interested in the place where science and spirituality meet, holistic healing modalities, and paths to authenticity. Our experiences and preferences are varied, so if these resources don’t line up with yours, I encourage you to find your own. YouTube is a vast ocean of inspiration.
Byron Katie (Simple method for uncovering your truth)
Cathy Heller (Coach, speaker, songwriter, mother - down to earth powerhouse)
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown (Neuroscientist, actor, mother Mayim Bialik & her partner Jonathan Cohen, poet, futurist, father, explore health, well-being, and the science of spirituality through in-depth interviews. Pretty sciency.)
Know Thyself with André Duqum (Thoughtful, deep-dive interviews exploring all manner of ways we can know thyself. A li’l more esoterically leaning than Mayim’s podcast.)
Michael Bernard Beckwith (Author and founder of the Agape Center with a practical approach to spirituality.)
Sounds True (Michael Singer & more new paradigm life philosophies & esoteric conversations.)
BluofEarth (Coach, artist, connector, Blu is a joyful, wise young woman walking her path with grace & authenticity.)
Dr Rangan Chatterjee (Practicing physician having conversations on health & wellness with a holistic approach.
Rich Roll (An ultra-endurance athlete and vegan who focuses on courageous, healthy living.
Reflections of Life (Beautiful, documentary-style biographical vignettes of wise, everyday people, by Justine & Michael)
Lisa Miller, PhD (Professor of Clinical Psychology and Founder of the Spirituality and Mind-Body Institute at Teachers College of Columbia University)
The Let Them Theory
When you read this book, you’ll most likely find that it sounds familiar. Respect others as sovereign beings and let them do, say, and act however they choose to. Separate yourself from the situations you’ve tried to control, and instead, focus and act on your own intentions and desires. This book really impacted me, as Mel explains it in a way that is accessible, through her own stories and aha moments.
One of my biggest lessons in life has been, you can’t push the river. I tried for years to impose my agenda on others to make myself feel safe and in control. I know first hand, like many of you, that this is neither helpful nor healthy. It takes us out of the moment and puts us in a place of scrambling toward a forced future.
Over time, my awareness of what triggers me has grown, and reflecting on why has allowed me to contextualize and shift my responses. I’m not perfect at “letting them” by any means, but I’ve learned that no amount of pretzeling myself to try keep others happy or smooth out a situation works. It causes anxiety and leads me away from myself. If you are in a place where people or situations are continually stressing you out, I invite you to read this book. It will give you a clear understanding of the benefit of letting the events of your life outside your control unfold as they will while you focus on manage yourself.
The rewards come with practice, and if you’d like to have a conversation with me to help you work through the process, please contact me.
Astrology Tarot Channeling
I am a skeptic turned believer in these modalities over the last few years. I approached them with curiosity and a willingness to learn, and as time went on, I was drawn to watch more readings. I’ve seen them resonate with things going on in my life and in the world. At this point, I’ve seen many channelers, psychic mediums, and astrologers interviewed (mostly on Next Level Soul). Hearing story after story of how they resisted their gifts, wondered if they were going insane, and finally accepting it, was important for relating to their humanity. While I’m sure there are people falsly claiming to have certain gifts, who are motivated by greed rather than service, I trust my discernment. These are some of the people who I resonate with most.
We are the meaning makers of our own lives. My two primary questions about any modality or practitioner are; “Is it helpful?” “Does it resonate with me?” If it helps me feel more connected to people in and outside of my circles, to source, to our planet, and the cosmos…I’m in. And one more thing, there is more going on than we can see, touch, feel, hear or taste, and I believe we can all tap into gifts outside of our 5 senses. In fact, I think we do it, perhaps unknowingly, from time to time.
Lee Harris Energy (Channeling)
Anne Tucker (Channeling)
Soulful Revolution (Tarot & Astrology)
Next Level Soul (Interview Podcast)
Pam Gregory (Astrology)
Debra Silverman (Astrology)
Magnetize Yourself (Tarot)
Sacred Knowledge Tarot
Illuminated Tarot