Peace in this Season of Light

A quote:

There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton
In this beautiful season of light, may you always be the candle or the mirror that shines for yourself and others, and may you be surrounded by the light of others.  We have a choice, every day, to be that light, and to spread peace.  My wish for you is that you are illuminated.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Winter Solstice, a healthy and happy winter season, a joyous and abundant New Year!

Prayers for the World

Our hearts and prayers go to our friends and family in Paris, as well as those who recently suffered terrorist attacks in Beirut, Kenya and Baghdad.  A friend of mine reposted a comment on Facebook that began; “It is not just Paris we should pray for.  It is the world.”  As we open our hearts to all of the good people in the world, I give thanks for the freedom that we have, and the ease, overall, with which we live.  I also pray that those whose actions turn to violence will be turned once again to peace.  I believe that Good will overcome evil.

I know these are heavy thoughts, but I cannot help but share them with you.  If you are reading this, thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. 

As we go into the most wonderful season of the year, I want to remind you that I am grateful and thankful for each of my family members, friends, coworkers, clients, students and alumni.  May we all be at home enjoying our loved ones this holiday season and beyond, and may peace prevail.

Crosspost from my friend, Healer and Medium Karen Noe'

Karen Noe is a dear, kind and compassionate person.  People flock to her for guidance and understanding, and, frankly, to connect with deceased loved ones.  She brings peace, connection and healing to many.  Karen is also author of three books and international lecturer.  Working closely with her when we were both just starting out, I was inspired by her determination and belief in her life's mission.  I am still inspired by her today.  I asked her if she would mind if I reprint a recent blog she published and she was happy to oblige.  It is reprinted here in its entirety.

Quoting Karen Noe:  
Every month I share a few of the articles and blogs I have written during the month. For this month, I'd like to share an article I wrote about how to create a more spiritual life.
                                    

5 Steps to a More Spiritual Life

In our day-to-day lives, we tend to forget that the real reason we are here has more to do with our hearts and souls than anything else. Remember, we are spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around. That's why it's so important for us to focus as much on our spirituality as on our physical and emotional health.

Don't worry if you think you're too busy, stressed, or tired to lead a more spiritual life. All it takes is a few small steps. With a little practice, you'll soon find yourself feeling more connected, positive, and loving than you might have ever expected!

Step 1: Learn All You Can About Spiritual Principles

Focus on what aspect of spirituality fascinates you, and learn all you can about it!
Sign up for a class that interests you, or go to the bookstore and pick up a book that speaks to you.

Step 2: Let the Past Be the Past

It's true what they say: "All we have is right now." Don't let any negativity from your past prevent you from being present in the moment. You can't control the actions of your past or future self; so focus on letting go of what is out of your hands and try to remain in the moment.

Step 3: Pray and Meditate Daily

Take the time to pray and meditate each day. Prayer is talking to God and those in the celestial realm, whereas meditation is listening to them. As in any relationship, it's important to listen as well as to speak.
You may wish to create a sacred space to make this practice even more meaningful. For example, you may choose to light a candle, turn on some soothing music, go to a tranquil spot in nature, or anything else that makes this daily practice feel good to you.

Step 4: Decide to Make a Positive Difference In the World

There's no quicker way to feel your connection with God than to help make the world a better place. If you're not sure where to start, simply ask God and the angels to guide you.

Step 5: See Yourself and Others Through God's Eyes

Try to see yourself and others (this includes animals!) through God's eyes, as the loving beings that you and they are. Also, make sure to forgive those who have harmed you. Always remember, when you hold unforgiving thoughts, you are only hurting yourself. The following statement says it perfectly: "It's not the snakebite that kills us; it's the venom that's left behind."

So let go of any negativity from the past; learn all you can about spiritual ideals and principles; choose to make a positive difference in this world; direct your attention on God's energy within and around you; and love everyone, including yourself (and animals!) unconditionally. You will see - when you focus on the spiritual aspect of yourself and others, you will become a more peaceful and loving person. You will be creating a better world, not only for yourself, but for all those in your path as well!

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Amazing message from my mom, Jeanne

My beautiful mother, Jeanne, passed away in 1999. My girls, Jess and Julia, were young teens and Mom was the center of the family universe. Some people say that their loved ones visit in dreams or through signs once they pass, and my mom has sent coins, tails up, since a few days before she died.  She had a very subtle sense of humor, great compassion for others and was very shy. He was also very beautiful and had an incredible sense of style. We all have some of her gifts and qualities, but Jeanne was the whole deal.

This morning my husband Jim and I were snipping at each other, as we partners sometimes do. I needed to take some items out of the trunk of his car, (board games that needed to be put away) and that started it. 

Anyway, we carried the games down to the basement and I opened the small closet door to tuck them away. There was one thing that needed to move from the small closet to the bigger closet in order to fit everything, so I opened the bigger closet door.  

After I put away the small thing, I began looking to see if there was anything I needed from that closet. 

My eyes landed on a small pile of things to the right at eye level.  In the pile were the following things that I noticed:  a box of thank you notes that we sent to friends and loved ones along with a bunch of prayer cards that went in the envelope, all with her name on it "the family of Jeanne, etc". There was a blank writing journal that must have belonged to my daughter, Jess, little baby booklets for each of my girls that the pediatrician filled out during each of their first year, a little safe child booklet with one of my daughter's photos (Julia) when she was about 10, and a Valentine's Day card from Mom and Dad, signed by Mom, to me and my husband.   Oh yes, the last thing was an empty little angel stand that had several wire holders for photos. (Jess, Julia and I just had pictures taken yesterday). 

After crying a bit, because I still miss my mom a lot, I realized that she was sending us a very specific message of love and encouragement, to each and every one of us individually. 

Julia's message was for safety and love, reminding her that she is so beautiful and precious, encouragement to Jessica with the journal, reminding her that she still has so much life to write about, and to keep on going, and to remind me and my husband that she misses and loves us too and that my father loves us too. The valentines card was especially loving, and the thank you cards a prayer from Jeanne to all of us. 

It was such a clear message that I think it is for all of us that love her; friends, family and loved ones, as she is sending that love and thanks to each of you, and a specific message to me, Jim, Jess and Julia today. 

So, all I can say today is thank you so much, Mom!!  I will always love you so much.

Snow

Can you believe this snow?  I live in Bergen County, New Jersey and work in both Bergen County and Westchester County NY.  The snow this winter has been especially interesting.  It comes in time for us to close schools in the morning, in order for students, faculty and staff to be safe.  The snow has certainly been plentiful this season.  And, even though it is beautiful, I am ready for Spring. 

When weather slows down our pace, I have to wonder if, in fact, this is a deliberate way to get the human race to take a breath, stop and reflect.  We all talk about Springtime being the time for rebirth and fresh starts.  I look at Winter as the time we can be introspective, spend time in meditation and quiet growth and planning, in order to be ready for the explosion of color, growth and freedom in Spring.

Instead of lamenting the cold weather and snow, think about taking time to enjoy your family, your pets, the quiet that the blanket of snow gives us.  It is here for us, a reminder that we deserve peace, rest and reflection.



White Plains Metro North Train Station original at flickriver.com

Getting on the Paleo Bandwagon - strap in!

Everyone is getting on the Paleo bandwagon.  While I am not doing that, I do enjoy a good Waldorf salad, and concocted this one, which can be paleo friendly.  While I don't want to put the pressure on, as my sis Jenn and I will say (no pressure) is Eat and Enjoy - I Command It!

The pounding can be therapeutic, too.

Asian Waldorf Chicken salad (can be made Paleo style)

Combine in a medium bowl

1 chicken breast pounded, salt and peppered, grilled and cut up in bite-sized pieces (pound with a pounding mallet or a Fred Flinstone-like implement)

1/2-1 apple cored and cut up

2 stalks celery chopped 

1/4 cup walnuts or other nuts chopped (if you wish)

For sauce - combine in small bowl and whisk till smooth

1 tablespoon Paleo mayo

2 teaspoons ponzu (or teriyaki coconut aminos for paleo)

1-2 teaspoons white miso

1/8 teaspoon Siracha or to your liking

(You can also add some chopped cilantro if you love it like I do!)

Pour sauce over chicken ingredients and toss well

Serve over your favorite greens.  I like chopped arugula.

Refrigerate leftovers or feed to your pet dinosaur. 

What is a therapeutic referral and why is it important?

When a potential client reaches out to me, I am honored to have been chosen, and I appreciate the effort it takes to finally make that phone call or write that email.  I have been there and I truly understand that it sometimes takes major discomfort to be ready to consider change.  I used to call it opening Pandora's box. 

Of late, I am very busy with my work, both at The College of Westchester in White Plains, NY and in my private practice in New Jersey. 

I count on colleagues who are caring and compassionate therapists who I can refer people who are in need of a professional who can assist them in their healing, their wellbeing and to help them sort things out, make changes or not, as the case may be.

If you are an individual in need of someone who understands what you are going through, please allow me to connect you with people I trust.  It is enough of a leap of faith to contact me.  I do my best to connect with someone who may provide the safety net to explore uncharted or over-fished territories in your life.

I also encourage you to have someone by your side when you open your Pandora's box.  It may be difficult or scary, but I can assure you that you are worth the effort, and deserve the support you are asking for.