Last week, I had a delightful synchronicity take place related to the Soul Baskets that I sell in conjunction with my book. I got a call from a woman who was looking for a Young Living essential oils distributor. Her elderly cat named Gandalf was getting weak and close to dying, and Andrea had heard of a YL blend called "Release" that can help at the end of life. She had called to see if she might purchase a bottle of this oil through me.
Well, we got to talking, and in the process, I couldn't help but share about my book and the Soul Baskets (naturally :). She was most interested, and eventually decided to purchase a Soul Basket for herself and Gandalf. I didn't have a whole bottle of Release on hand, but I was happy to include the small amount of Release oil that I happened to have remaining in a bottle with the Soul Basket that I sent her. She was delighted; and I got the Basket off to her in a timely manner.
After a few days (the weekend) had passed, I gave her a call, wondering what had happened. Well, it turned out that things had gone amazingly well for dear Gandalf's crossing over; and Andrea was just thinking about being in touch with me, she said. We talked for quite awhile, and Andrea let me know how grateful she was for the Soul Basket and the customized ingredients I had sent her. Thanks to Andrea's inner wisdom and guidance, and a little help from Gandalf and the oils and music, Andrea said that she had had one of the most powerful experiences of her life! Her very special and close companion -- practically soulmate of a cat -- Gandolf, taught her how peaceful and graceful the passage into death can be. One of the key things she shared was that she let Gandalf guide her, because she didn't really know what to do. (She didn't consider herself an expert on death.) The other key piece she shared was how peaceful and even joy-filled about the whole experience she felt. There have been some moments of grief, she explained, but very little sadness and sorrow around the whole experience, and even now, a couple of days afterward.
I feel deeply honored and grateful to have been a part of the process of this dear woman and her wise old cat's bidding their final farewells to one another. What an amazing, mystical experience death and life are! And how gifted we are to be blessed by one another, animals and humans, too. Enjoy your life, and keep shining!
Love and Blessings to you each, Dancing Heart~~~
p.s. Andrea promised to write the first testimonial for my Soul Baskets website, so do keep your eye out for that.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Inter-dependence Day!
Dear Friends, I have never quite been able to fully appreciate the name of today's holiday, Independence Day. Perhaps this has something to do with growing up in Japan and knowing on some level that we cannot live independently from one another? The challenge of our modern lives seems to be about maintaining some sense of self and independence from others, but also being aware that we very much need one another to live happy and fulfilled lives.
Recently I have been a Book Study facilitator at a retirement facility. We have been having some lively discussions around my book and related topics. One day we were talking about the sections of the retirement home and how there was an Independent Living section and an Assisted Living section. As we talked, we came upon the reality that no one there really lives "independently". In fact, the truth is that the longer a person lives in such a place, the more dependent they become on others. So, why not coin the term "Inter-dependent Living" for that section of the facility, rather than Independent Living? And perhaps something similar could be said for this day in our country: Perhaps it's time to call this day Inter-dependence Day, acknowledging that our country cannot live completely independently from any other country in the world? After all, we are all inter-connected through the One Spirit, the One Source of All!
Recently I have been a Book Study facilitator at a retirement facility. We have been having some lively discussions around my book and related topics. One day we were talking about the sections of the retirement home and how there was an Independent Living section and an Assisted Living section. As we talked, we came upon the reality that no one there really lives "independently". In fact, the truth is that the longer a person lives in such a place, the more dependent they become on others. So, why not coin the term "Inter-dependent Living" for that section of the facility, rather than Independent Living? And perhaps something similar could be said for this day in our country: Perhaps it's time to call this day Inter-dependence Day, acknowledging that our country cannot live completely independently from any other country in the world? After all, we are all inter-connected through the One Spirit, the One Source of All!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Flowering of the Heart: The Greatest Gift of These Times
I attended a Heart Math workshop this past Sunday and learned some amazing things. Our hearts are so much more powerful than we realize! If even a small portion of the world's human beings became truly aware and knowledgeable about the potential of our "heart power," we could change how we live life on the planet in a big way. For instance, if women who are even vaguely thinking about becoming pregnant focused on the state of their hearts before, during, and after their pregnancies, they could help create a huge positive effect on the kind of children who are born into this world. And this would over time create a powerful impact on all life on earth.
This focus and learning around the heart has had me reflecting back on one of the most powerful and hopeful passages in my book that also happens to be my favorite. This passage represents "new words" spoken by Jesus through the artist and author Glenda Green in her work, LOVE NEVER ENDS: Jesus Speaks, referring to the flowering of the Sacred Heart. I will let these words speak for themselves:
"'The long era of judgment has been man's darkest night, but that will end soon when the last judgment has been made. The last judgment will be the judgment against judgment itself. At that time, human consciousness at last will rise in splendor like a valiant bridegroom to join his bride, the Sacred Heart. This is the Holy Wedding which has been the dream of prophets. After this marriage occurs, there will be peace on earth. In the meantime, it is your right to seek a betterment of life in all the ways that are available to you. Enjoy every opportunity for positive change. Make the most of every day.'" (p. 81, 2nd edition, THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE)
I hope and pray that each of us will be learning more and more about the power of the heart and the Sacred Heart within the heart, where I've learned that we can connect with everything, the Oneness of All. (We can begin by taking the simple step of focusing on the heart when breathing and recalling a pleasant experience that we've had as we do so.) As we focus on and take care of our hearts, we will help them flower and come back to life!
May you notice the flowering of your heart in these days. And may focusing on the well being of your heart be your special gift to yourself and others in these changing, growing times.
This focus and learning around the heart has had me reflecting back on one of the most powerful and hopeful passages in my book that also happens to be my favorite. This passage represents "new words" spoken by Jesus through the artist and author Glenda Green in her work, LOVE NEVER ENDS: Jesus Speaks, referring to the flowering of the Sacred Heart. I will let these words speak for themselves:
"'The long era of judgment has been man's darkest night, but that will end soon when the last judgment has been made. The last judgment will be the judgment against judgment itself. At that time, human consciousness at last will rise in splendor like a valiant bridegroom to join his bride, the Sacred Heart. This is the Holy Wedding which has been the dream of prophets. After this marriage occurs, there will be peace on earth. In the meantime, it is your right to seek a betterment of life in all the ways that are available to you. Enjoy every opportunity for positive change. Make the most of every day.'" (p. 81, 2nd edition, THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE)
I hope and pray that each of us will be learning more and more about the power of the heart and the Sacred Heart within the heart, where I've learned that we can connect with everything, the Oneness of All. (We can begin by taking the simple step of focusing on the heart when breathing and recalling a pleasant experience that we've had as we do so.) As we focus on and take care of our hearts, we will help them flower and come back to life!
May you notice the flowering of your heart in these days. And may focusing on the well being of your heart be your special gift to yourself and others in these changing, growing times.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Helping People Through the Transition
Sometimes people are at a loss as to what to do or say when their loved one is very close to death. Actually, you don't have to do much. Sitting and quietly BEING with your loved one is probably the most important thing you can do.
If you feel that you'd like to speak words, you might quietly encourage your loved one on their journey by repeating phrases like "Go to the Light. Follow the Love and Light that you know is waiting for you... Remember the Love and Light who you are. God/dess will be waiting for you with their Love and Light. Watch for the Love and the Light." If you would like longer scripts to use, I recommend Bruce Goldberg's Before and After Death Meditations that can be found in his book, Peaceful Transition. My book introduces his General Meditation and Before-Death Meditation (see end of Chapter 7). Another beautiful piece I recommend is a piece or incantation from Phyllida Anam-Aire's book, A Celtic Book of Dying, on pp. 113 - 115.
Most of all, however, focus on your heart and send the love in your heart to your Beloved. They will feel your love and be able to trust their process more readily, knowing that your love is with them all the way.
Have a most Blessed and Bright Summer Solstice, Dancing Heart
If you feel that you'd like to speak words, you might quietly encourage your loved one on their journey by repeating phrases like "Go to the Light. Follow the Love and Light that you know is waiting for you... Remember the Love and Light who you are. God/dess will be waiting for you with their Love and Light. Watch for the Love and the Light." If you would like longer scripts to use, I recommend Bruce Goldberg's Before and After Death Meditations that can be found in his book, Peaceful Transition. My book introduces his General Meditation and Before-Death Meditation (see end of Chapter 7). Another beautiful piece I recommend is a piece or incantation from Phyllida Anam-Aire's book, A Celtic Book of Dying, on pp. 113 - 115.
Most of all, however, focus on your heart and send the love in your heart to your Beloved. They will feel your love and be able to trust their process more readily, knowing that your love is with them all the way.
Have a most Blessed and Bright Summer Solstice, Dancing Heart
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Recording of Recent Presentation Now Available
The 2nd edition of THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE has now been released, and I had my first book presentation since its release earlier this week. The theme is around my new focus: "JOYFUL TRANSITIONS -- Bringing Death Back to Life," and I share some of the well-kept secrets of hospice.
It's been recorded so that you can listen to it. If you're interested, please go to www.ferryfolk.com. Then, scroll down to where my picture is under "Whidbey Writers Assn. Open House." Just beneath my picture is the recording. You can press the bent arrow to hear the recording (about an hour).
Blessings of Deep Peace, Grace, and Understanding, Dancing Heart~~~
p.s. Please pass this info on to anyone who you feel might appreciate. Also, please send me an email with any feedback you have. I'm still learning as I go ... ;)
It's been recorded so that you can listen to it. If you're interested, please go to www.ferryfolk.com. Then, scroll down to where my picture is under "Whidbey Writers Assn. Open House." Just beneath my picture is the recording. You can press the bent arrow to hear the recording (about an hour).
Blessings of Deep Peace, Grace, and Understanding, Dancing Heart~~~
p.s. Please pass this info on to anyone who you feel might appreciate. Also, please send me an email with any feedback you have. I'm still learning as I go ... ;)
Monday, May 26, 2008
New Second Edition Coming Out!
Just two days ago, I received the very first copies of the New Second Edition of my book, THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE: Sacred Resources for Living and Dying from a Hospice Counselor! Wow, how exciting. It was so thrilling to have this beautiful new book in my hands -- truly, a bit like giving birth to a new being! I felt awed, humbled, deeply grateful, and incredibly joyful and thrilled all at the same time. It is wonderful to know that the information I have compiled will be getting out to the world in this new and unique way.
Findhorn Press has done a terrific job: The book has a tighter look than the first edition, a little more subdued and expressive of the bittersweet aspect of death/grief that combines with life/love/joy to make up the whole. It does include some new material, including some pieces that I've gathered from friends and co-workers in the field of death, grief, and healing. I invite you to see this new work for yourself. You can go to my website (www.thelastadventureoflife.com) or to Amazon.com for more info. Better yet, go to your local bookstore and order a copy :)
Many Blessings to you on this Memorial Day, Dancing Heart~~~
Findhorn Press has done a terrific job: The book has a tighter look than the first edition, a little more subdued and expressive of the bittersweet aspect of death/grief that combines with life/love/joy to make up the whole. It does include some new material, including some pieces that I've gathered from friends and co-workers in the field of death, grief, and healing. I invite you to see this new work for yourself. You can go to my website (www.thelastadventureoflife.com) or to Amazon.com for more info. Better yet, go to your local bookstore and order a copy :)
Many Blessings to you on this Memorial Day, Dancing Heart~~~
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Tragedy in Myanmar
The current situation in Myanmar is indeed a travesty. A military government is keeping people from the assist they need. A sad turn of events like this effects us all -- we all feel the grief of this unfortunate turn of events.
I encourage us all to keep Myanmar and its people regularly in our prayers. May we especially pray for the government leaders, that somehow they will see it in their hearts to open up the channels of communication with the rest of the world and receive the help they so desperately need. It heals the whole world when we are allowed to help one another, give and receive love.
Let me take this opportunity to share below the 10 tips for grieving that I outline in my book, The Last Adventure of Life. Many of us are grieving for a variety of reasons at this critical time on Earth. May we each learn to take care of ourselves and one another in new and deeper ways.
Ten Ways to Move Through Grief
1. Take one day at a time, doing one thing at a time.
2. It's good to let the tears flow. If you need to excuse yourself and find privacy, do so. Do not "stuff" your feelings.
3. Let go of the idea of "normalcy." When you're in grief, normal time goes out the window. Since it's a crazy time, strive to see the adventure and opportunities in it. See if you can enjoy doing things and "being" in new and creating ways.
4. Prepare yourself for other losses. Everything is undergoing a change in your life.
5. Ask for what you need. Remember to process your grief with friends, counselors, and whoever will listen.
6. Exercise as much as possible. It's good to keep the emotions and energy moving.
7. Sleep when you can or need to. You may become exhausted at time.
8. Don't forget to eat! Easily done, but your body and stamina will pay a price.
9. Reconnect with Spirit; and seek out new ways to develop your spirituality. Learn to meditate, for example! This could be one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself when you are going through a change of any kind.
10. Honor your memories and your intuition. By the way, meditating will strengthen your intuition.
-- THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE, p. 209
In a couple of weeks, a 2nd edition of The Last Adventure of Life is coming out through Findhorn Press of Scotland! Thank you, in advance, for asking your local bookstore or library to review and possibly carry a copy.
I encourage us all to keep Myanmar and its people regularly in our prayers. May we especially pray for the government leaders, that somehow they will see it in their hearts to open up the channels of communication with the rest of the world and receive the help they so desperately need. It heals the whole world when we are allowed to help one another, give and receive love.
Let me take this opportunity to share below the 10 tips for grieving that I outline in my book, The Last Adventure of Life. Many of us are grieving for a variety of reasons at this critical time on Earth. May we each learn to take care of ourselves and one another in new and deeper ways.
Ten Ways to Move Through Grief
1. Take one day at a time, doing one thing at a time.
2. It's good to let the tears flow. If you need to excuse yourself and find privacy, do so. Do not "stuff" your feelings.
3. Let go of the idea of "normalcy." When you're in grief, normal time goes out the window. Since it's a crazy time, strive to see the adventure and opportunities in it. See if you can enjoy doing things and "being" in new and creating ways.
4. Prepare yourself for other losses. Everything is undergoing a change in your life.
5. Ask for what you need. Remember to process your grief with friends, counselors, and whoever will listen.
6. Exercise as much as possible. It's good to keep the emotions and energy moving.
7. Sleep when you can or need to. You may become exhausted at time.
8. Don't forget to eat! Easily done, but your body and stamina will pay a price.
9. Reconnect with Spirit; and seek out new ways to develop your spirituality. Learn to meditate, for example! This could be one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself when you are going through a change of any kind.
10. Honor your memories and your intuition. By the way, meditating will strengthen your intuition.
-- THE LAST ADVENTURE OF LIFE, p. 209
In a couple of weeks, a 2nd edition of The Last Adventure of Life is coming out through Findhorn Press of Scotland! Thank you, in advance, for asking your local bookstore or library to review and possibly carry a copy.
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