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These three celebrations coincide with the unfolding of Fall, as foliage turns to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the fresh, crisp air feels soothing and inspiring. I always thought the changing of the leaves presented a brilliant metaphor—the leaves becoming most beautiful as they die and fall to the ground, much like death can be seen as a remarkable transition from the soul’s physical experience to a non-physical reality.
However, the leaves aren’t exactly dying.
I just learned that dear Dr. Larry Dossey passed on the 25th. What a loving, caring, approachable, evolved soul.
He never hesitated to respond and endorse my books. I remember conversing with him about us both having been born twins!
Like Dolly Parton, I feel they've both barely lost consciousness, transitioning from the physical, carrying so much love in their hearts. (They said the same thing about JFK, because of all the prayers said for him!)
My driver’s license expires soon, following my recent birthday. Yesterday, after Pilates, I sat in the car and dialed the nearby MVD (Motor Vehicle Dept) Express, a more convenient way to renew for a small fee, hoping to get in right in. It would save me driving farther to downtown Santa Fe and standing in line at the MVD Division. I waited on hold for over 20 minutes to connect with an agent.
After Pilates, I sat in my car, unsure where to eat before heading home. Maybe Mexican food at the Pantry, a spot at Pasqual’s community table in the Plaza, or a stop at Joe’s Dining? But once again, I felt pulled to Applebee’s.
I often share with my clients how it feels when Spirit leads you. It’s a gentle pull or nudge, not something you plan or think through. There’s a lightness to it. I started the car and, without hesitation, drove down Cerrillos Road, catching green lights almost the whole way, even during rush hour.
I eat very well, mostly healthy, organic, but sometimes I'm called to head over to Applebee's for their Won Ton chicken tacos, here in Santa Fe, NM.
The last time I felt pulled to go there, I sat at the counter (okay, the bar...) and was soon joined by a Southwestern cowboy — hat, boots 'n all — who ordered his usual tall beer. I said to the bar tendress, "Now there's a real cowboy!"
"Yeah," she replied, "he really is!" That told me that he was a regular.
When we enter this physical reality and, after a time, become socialized and take our place as members of a community, we step into what is called ‘consensus reality’ — a generally agreed-upon version of reality that we accept, one that shapes our lives.
There’s an agreement that we will emulate the wealthy, those in power, celebrate celebrity and high achievers, and strive to conform to society’s expectations regarding our appearance, and how we regard those who differ from us.
Metaphysical Arrogance
Years ago, I learned a valuable lesson that added to my spiritual maturity. As is often the case, my most excellent teachings and insights come from the information I receive for clients in their consultations.
I was consulting for the mother of a two-year-old. She was grieving the loss of that son, who had recently perished from drinking from a can of kerosene he discovered in the garage.
HOLIDAY EMOTIONS
The holidays are always a time for reflection, and the older I get, the more there is to reflect upon. A surge of emotions arises when I think back on past Christmases, moments spent with family and friends—many of whom have passed, while others are facing significant challenges. I reminisce about better times when the world didn't feel so chaotic and unkind.
A while ago, I posted a fun story a long-time client shared with me, one that occurred shortly after the passing of her beloved, sight-impaired pup. Quite unexpectedly and serendipitously, when attending a memorial service and staying in her hotel room, she found a packet of complimentary coffee labeled 'Blind Dog' with a picture resembling her dog.
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This was the view out my window in NYC on a snowy day a few months after 9/11. I used to look out and see the Twin Towers in the distance. They sort of anchored me in my day. Here's the account I post every year.
It's never too late to find love...when you go back to where you once felt it! Here's how — in the latest eNewsletter!
Occasionally, clients tell me that some information I receive and the words I use to interpret are precisely the same as those I’ve used in the past — even a few years before! I’m always surprised to hear this. All I can say is — “I guess it’s just what’s there!”
I remember reading somewhere in Eckhart Tolle’s, 'A New Earth' (and I'm paraphrasing)) that "when we define ourselves by our beliefs, the psyche feels it's being annihilated when it encounters an opposing belief!" Isn't that how folks are REACTing these days, in such desperate, divisive, and mean-spirited ways?
Mindful of this, I remember a life-changing maneuver I employed years ago while getting ready to attend a dinner party. I was well-acquainted with the host and knew him to be exceedingly vocal about is religious and political beliefs.
Carl's mother contacted me for periodic phone consultations with her son during his prison incarceration. He was serving seven years for two counts of a DUI causing death, the incident in question having occurred when he was in college. I followed the prescribed protocol and would wait for the call come in. The pre-recorded announcement was the same each time — the call was originating from a prison; it would be monitored; it would disconnect in 20 minute intervals, and then I’d get another callback.