Category: Spirituality

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In Summer!

Many say they prefer to live in a location that experiences all four seasons. Not me. I’m like Olaf from Frozen. Summer is my favorite, which is why I live in the Sunshine State, where it’s almost perpetually summer! I grew up in a little town a few miles north of the border between New York State and Pennsylvania, so we had cold winters with lots of snow. I went to college at Syracuse University, which averages over 10 feet of snow annually. (I looked it up!) I think it’s fair to say I filled my snow quota during the first half of my life. Yes, it is pretty, but I am quite content to enjoy photographs of it.  

As the official first day of summer approaches, I’ve been thinking about why I have such a fondness for summer. As a kid, the best part of summer, of course, was no school! No quizzes, tests, or homework. (No bullying either.) Just lots of play and freedom to do what I wanted to do. The days were long, so there was plenty of time to ride our bikes, swim in the neighbor’s pool, climb trees, play kickball or tag, or make up our own games, which we did a lot. I was allowed to stay outside until the sun went down around 9 o’clock. When I was a little older, I could stay out past dark to play a game we created called “Flashlights.” It was fun and exciting to be outside at night!

Back then, summer kicked off with the annual Fireman’s Field Days, a carnival-like fundraising event with rides, games, cotton candy, and fireworks. I looked forward to that in June every year. Sometimes in the summer months, my mom or one of my sisters took me and a friend to the Airport Drive-in to see a double feature on the giant screen. The sound quality from the little speaker attached to our car window was usually terrible, but we didn’t care. It was a special treat to be in our own car eating snacks and watching together. Summer was also the time for day trips to picnic and swim at a state park, family vacations at the lake or the ocean, fireworks on the Fourth of July, and my birthday in August. All of these fun things only happened in summer.  

When I was in elementary school, our town’s Parks and Recreation Department hired high school or college students to teach arts and crafts at neighborhood parks during the summer. I loved creating animals with pipe cleaners and styrofoam balls or casting plaster in molds and painting the finished product with bright colors. Each week there was a different creative project, so we had five days to work on them. Oh…I think you could play sports too, but that definitely was not my thing. I was much more interested in creating a bunch of stuff my poor mother had no idea what to do with. 

At the end of the summer, the Parks and Recreation Department held a parade where each park created a float based on a particular theme. Prizes were given for creativity and execution. I only remember the year the parade theme was movies. Our park created a float based on American Graffiti, and our rival park created one based on The Sting. A quick Google search revealed that both of these movies came out in 1973, so I was 6 years old at the time. I had no clue what American Graffiti was about, but I sure loved dressing up 50s style in a white t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, jeans, sunglasses, and my hair slicked back with grease while riding a float with a cardboard record album on the front. I had forgotten all about that until I started typing these words. What a foreshadowing of my 7 years as a parade performer at Disney World! 

With so many fond memories of summer, it’s no wonder it’s my favorite. That’s why I felt inspired to offer a special Summer Only Discount on my Spiritual Coaching and Family Constellations Sessions. From now until the Fourth of July, you can purchase a Private Family Constellation Session or a Spiritual Coaching Session for 20% off the regular price. Just use Coupon Code SUMMER20 when purchasing online. If you’d like to buy a Gift Certificate for someone you love or a package of 4 Spiritual Coaching sessions at that 20% discount, use Coupon Code SUMMER2022. This is a Summer Only Special, so all sessions need to be booked and used before autumn begins on September 22. I hope you will take advantage of savings from $22-$80 before the Fourth of July fireworks burst in the sky. Click this link to book a session. 

This week, I encourage you to revisit some of your favorite summertime memories, and perhaps recreate a few in the coming months!

Would you not rather greet the summer sun than fix your gaze upon a disappearing snowflake, and shiver in remembrance of the winter’s cold? 

A Course in Miracles ~ T-19.IV-A.9:6

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Peace After the Shock

If you have been reading my weekly stories over the past year, you know how fond I have become of the tree outside my living room window. I have written about its different phases through the seasons and about how I enjoy watching the variety of birds that frequent its branches. It has been a comforting companion to me since I moved into this apartment last summer. 

Well, one thing that is certain in this world of duality is that things change, sometimes unexpectedly. I returned from my walk on Monday morning to the sound of a chainsaw coming from behind my building. My first thought was the landscaping team was doing some routine maintenance. Then I saw a man carrying a huge tree branch through the breezeway. As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, I was shocked to see that most of my beloved tree had been cut down. Once I wrapped my head around what was happening, I entered my apartment to get a closer look. 

From the same window where I used to gaze at the birds perched in the tree, I saw a man with a chainsaw perched there cutting away the last remaining top branches. Seconds later, the largest branch fell to the ground with a thud. Deep sorrow washed over me, and tears welled up in my eyes. It was hard to watch my friend being removed so unceremoniously and without warning. Since the tree was right outside my window, it felt like the office should have given me some advanced notice.

Thankfully, I have been studying A Course in Miracles long enough to know what to do in situations like these. I gave myself permission to be sad, and then I asked Spirit to help me see it differently. The first thought that popped into my head was now I would have a much better view of the pond and fountain outside my window. I have to admit, my current view is much more expansive. Then I remembered my friend, Dorena, the Space Doula, telling me that moving water in front of one’s home is good Feng Shui. The windows are in the career area of my home, so now perhaps more light and good chi can enter. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I find it interesting that I have booked a few extra sessions since Monday.

Then another thought occurred to me. Here in the Southeast, we officially began hurricane season on June 1. Recently, I noticed a large dead branch had fallen into the other branches. A strong hurricane-force wind could have sent that branch hurtling through my living room window. In fact, there must have been several dead branches in that tree because numerous woodpeckers flocked to it pecking for insects every morning. Perhaps when the fire marshals were here last week to inspect the property they flagged that tree as a fire hazard and hurricane risk. As much as I loved it, I wouldn’t want to risk it catching on fire or ending up in someone’s apartment during a tropical storm.

Little by little, I am adjusting to this new experience of my apartment. There certainly is a lot more light coming in through the window. Another bonus, without the woodpeckers converging in that tree for breakfast, it is a lot quieter in the morning. On the downside, I have to be much more mindful of what I’m wearing when I walk past that window at night! There is a whole row of apartment buildings that used to be blocked by that tree. 

This experience is just another reminder that there will always be unexpected changes and losses in our lives. Some big. Some small. When they happen, we absolutely must allow ourselves time to adjust, grieve and feel the sadness. For the big ones, there is no shame in reaching out for support from trained professionals and others who have experienced something similar. For the smaller ones, and when you feel ready after the big ones, ask Spirit, your angels, or your higher self for help to see the situation differently. Whenever I ask this question, no matter what is trying to take away my peace, large or small, a new thought drops into my mind that would not have occurred to me otherwise. When we look for the blessings in disguise or ways to use our experience to assist others, it can help us return to peace and give us the strength to move forward. I hope my story about the tree is helpful to someone out there who is experiencing an unexpected change. 

It would be my great honor to walk with you and provide support and comfort if you have experienced one of life’s unexpected changes. I offer Spiritual Coaching sessions based on the strong principles found in A Course in Miracles. These teachings came into my life just as a tumultuous relationship was ending and during the roller coaster years before my mother made her transition. I am extremely grateful for the peace I was able to experience during these challenging times thanks to the Course. Maybe now they can assist you. Please look around my website for more information and to book a session or series of sessions. 

When unexpected life events happen, may you remember to ask Spirit to help you see things differently. It has been one of the most powerful healing tools for me. 

It takes great learning to understand that all things, events, encounters and circumstances are helpful. 

A Course in Miracles ~ M-4.I-A.4:5

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Remember You’re Dreaming

“Remember you’re dreaming.” It’s good advice and the name of the second CD recently released by one of my new favorite singers, Neda Boin. I was introduced to Neda’s beautiful music over a year ago when a friend sent me one of her videos. In the video, Neda put the words to my favorite A Course in Miracles prayer to music. (For my fellow ACIM students, it’s the “I am here only to be truly helpful” prayer.) These powerful words resonate deeply in my heart, so to hear them expressed musically accompanied by her angelic voice was a transcendental experience. I have been listening to and sharing her music ever since.

I’m not exaggerating when I say Neda’s music has given my experience of A Course in Miracles another dimension of healing. Last summer, while interviewing Gary Renard on her YouTube channel, Neda shared a story about forgiveness involving a longtime friend. As she spoke about the uncomfortable feeling in her heart when she thought of her friend, I felt the heaviness of some lingering grievances in my own heart. Although I had already done a lot of forgiveness work on this situation, hearing her vulnerable story and then feeling the energy of the song she sang about forgiveness helped my heart release those judgmental thoughts. I felt so much lighter afterward! A few of the friends I have introduced to Neda’s music have also reported profound moments of peace and spontaneous healing just listening to her music. 

Neda lives in the Netherlands, so when she announced in her newsletter that she would be coming to the US for a summer tour, I got very excited. I immediately had a vision of her performing at Unity of Sarasota. I had just been to a concert in the beautifully renovated sanctuary in January, so I knew it would be a perfect space for Neda’s inspirational music. When I reached out to the senior minister at Unity to ask if this was in the realm of possibilities, I found out that another ACIM student had already suggested it! Rev. Suzy took this as confirmation to move forward with an invitation to Neda, and to my delight, Neda kicked off her summer tour right here in Sarasota last weekend!

A dear friend from Houston flew to Sarasota to visit and attend the concert on Sunday. That morning, we had a glorious walk on the beach and then floated in the magnificent turquoise water chatting and chilling in the rolling waves for quite a while. In fact, it was so glorious that we lost track of time. By the time we walked back to my car, we had less than an hour to get cleaned up and to the concert by 1 PM. That meant driving to her hotel, driving to my apartment, then back to her hotel, and then to Unity. We did our best to hurry, but we were still a bit late. However, it felt very appropriate that we arrived at Unity at 1:11 PM. The digits were all “ones” and the Course says over and over again that we are all One. We checked in with our prepaid tickets and entered the sanctuary just as Neda began the opening meditation and intention setting. Thank you, Spirit. We hadn’t missed a note of the concert!

I will admit for at least the first 30 minutes of the concert, my eyes welled up with tears. I felt tremendous gratitude to be present while Neda played the piano and sang just a few feet away from me. I allowed the tears to flow as the vibration and the energy of the music washed over me. It was such a treat to hear Neda share a little background on each of the songs, and I was so happy when she sang the forgiveness song that was such a gift to me last summer. More tears of gratitude flowed with that one. What a happy dream that my vision of her concert in that space came true!

I had been communicating with Neda via email and WhatsApp in the weeks prior to her arrival in the US, trying to coordinate her concert with an ACIM event I was planning. Unfortunately, the dates did not work out, but I offered to take her and her travel companions to a weekly drumming circle after the concert on Sunday. I also mentioned the possibility of sharing a meal while she was in town. Understandably, the drumming circle at the beach with the Memorial Day Weekend crowds felt like a lot of energy to manage after their long flight and busy two days of events. But, I was thrilled when Neda accepted my invitation to have dinner and visit one of my favorite spots to watch the sunset on Monday. What a treat to have one-on-one time with her, and the opportunity to exchange miracle stories!

Mother Nature put on a brilliant show that evening. Thunderstorms rumbled in the distance, and dark clouds threatened to cover the luminous sun before it made its descent into Sarasota Bay. It was a dramatic race, but we were blessed to get a spectacular sunset with an array of pinks, purples, and oranges before the heavens opened up. Once the sun disappeared, we ran to my car laughing as huge raindrops began to fall. We made it to my car moments before the deluge! What a memorable ending to a wonderful evening of soul connection. It all happened because I had a vision, followed the inspiration to send a few emails, and then surrendered the results. It turned out to be a happier dream than I had envisioned!

What are you dreaming about that would bring you great joy? I would be honored to assist you in creating a happy dream with a series of Spiritual Coaching sessions or a private Family Constellations session. Visit my website for more information and to schedule a session.

Also, check out Neda’s Summer Tour Schedule to see if she will be coming to a city near you. She will be all over the Sunshine State this month. When she posted her tour dates, I couldn’t believe that she “just happened” to be visiting two spiritual communities that are near and dear to my heart, Unity of Bon Air and Serenity Farm near Richmond, VA. For those of you who live in or near Richmond, please give yourself the gift of attending her workshop or concert on July 7 and 8! You can learn more about Neda, her music, her Voice Liberation Workshops, and other events by visiting her website. 

This week, whenever things feel heavy or overwhelming, remember you’re dreaming and know you can dream a happier dream by releasing judgments and grievances. 

All your time is spent in dreaming. Your sleeping and your waking dreams have different forms, and that is all. 

A Course in Miracles ~ T-18.II.5:12-13

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An Immediate Return on My Investment

Something very amusing happened just a few hours after last week’s blog was posted. If you had a chance to read it, you know I gave a nod of gratitude to my 3 years in Houston as the first anniversary of my return to Florida approaches. Family Constellations have taught me the importance of honoring the past so we can freely move forward with love. 

As I started across a long bridge on my morning walk, I noticed an older gentleman walking toward me from the other side. As he got closer, I got the sense that he was trying to get my attention for some reason. When we finally passed each other, he looked right at me and grabbed the brim of his baseball cap to give me a nod and a wave. It wasn’t until that moment that I recognized the large white “H” over a bright orange star on the front of his cap…the Houston Astros logo. The synchronicity was not lost on me that Houston gave me a nod and a wave back on the same day I fondly wrote about it (and included a photo from Minute Maid Park where the Astros play!)

You might consider that a coincidence, but I prefer to look at events like these as signs that the Universe is paying attention to my choices. In my experience, life is a lot more fun that way!

Would you like some assistance in bringing more cosmic winks and lightness into your life? If so, I invite you to join me for my next Group Coaching experience happening on Sunday evenings in June. These days so many of us are struggling, so I felt inspired to offer a safe space where we can come together to experience more joy. Click here for more information about this unique 4-week opportunity. Space is limited to 10 people, so register today!

This week, may you notice when the Universe is winking and waving back at you!

There are no accidents in salvation. Those who are to meet will meet…

 A Course in Miracles ~ M-3.1:6-7

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Foul Balls & Blessings Along Memory Lane

It’s hard to believe it was just a year ago that I was wrapping up loose ends in Houston and preparing to move back to Florida. So much has happened since then! As I look back, one specific morning in May of 2021 comes to mind. I had to go to the DMV in Houston to retrieve some paperwork that had gotten lost in the mail. Even though it wasn’t far, my sense of direction is terrible, so I put the address for the DMV into my phone. Little did I know the navigation app would take me down Memory Lane past some of the most memorable moments of my 3 years there.

First, it took me by Hermann Park, where I did my morning walks under a canopy of live oak trees around a beautiful pond. That peaceful green space in the middle of the sprawling city became my sanctuary. Then I passed the medical building where an exceptional dermatologist removed the basal cells from under my left eye, and another removed a spot from my neck. Those were very unpleasant visits, yet I am extremely thankful for the excellent care I received. As I drove by the building, I gave a small nod of gratitude to all the medical professionals that took such good care of me. 

Before I reached the exit for the DMV, the app took me past Minute Maid Park where I had enjoyed a few baseball games. Not that I was ever invested in which team won, but it was fun to be there with friends and family. One particular game stands out when a batter hit a foul ball that rocketed into the stands near us and rolled along the seat backs directly into my hand! No one was more surprised than I! Of the thousands of fans at the game that night, I was probably the one who cared the least about catching a fly ball, and yet there it was in my hand. It was a memorable moment, for sure. 

Although Houston ended up not being a match for me, I am grateful for so much that happened there and for meeting so many wonderful people. Many of them are reading these words right now! I am blessed to have crossed paths with you. So as the anniversary of my return to Florida approaches, I say thank you to Houston and its residents for being part of my journey and helping me get to where I am now.

Is there a place, a job, or a situation that ultimately did not work out for you? I encourage you to take a moment to think of the blessings that came from it. And how it led you to a different place, job, or situation that is right for you. I have learned from A Course in Miracles and my work with Family Constellations that when we see our past from a different perspective, it allows us to feel more peace, love, and joy in our present. If you could use some assistance in shifting your perspective, please reach out for a private Family Constellations session or for Spiritual Coaching. You can find more information and book a session on my website.

Until next time, may you find ways to be grateful for it all. 

“…love cannot be far behind a grateful heart and thankful mind.”

A Course in Miracles ~ M-23.4:6

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A Magical Interruption

Last week, I had a magical interruption of my routine when I took an unexpected trip to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. A longtime friend invited me to be his “plus one” for a party celebrating his 30-year anniversary with the Walt Disney Company. They closed the park early that day and reopened it later in the evening for just invited guests to this celebration. And what a celebration it was!

There were cast members waiting to welcome us when we got off the ferry boat clapping and yelling congratulations to those celebrating milestone anniversaries. There was a red carpet on Main Street, USA with more cast members clapping and cheering on each side. Food and beverages were complimentary all night. There was a live band on the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle, as well as in Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland. Tables and chairs were set up throughout the park so guests could sit and talk with each other. And all of the attractions were open with no wait times. We literally walked on every ride. The gift of the whole experience was almost too much to take in. 

As if that weren’t enough, they also presented a special edition of the new 50th Anniversary fireworks spectacular, Disney Enchantment. This version had a pre-show with new projections on Cinderella’s Castle and featured music from the parades and shows of the early decades of the park. Some of those parades and shows I had the joy of performing in once upon a time during my 7 years as an entertainment cast member. What a wonderful tribute to all the cast members who have been creating magical memories for park guests for decades. I felt so blessed to be there.

Here’s the craziest part of the whole experience. I almost declined the invitation when I found out the date. It was the same night that I planned to start our new weekly online A Course in Miracles study group. It didn’t feel right to ask someone to facilitate for me on day one, but I knew my heart truly wanted to say yes to this unbelievable invitation. Thankfully, the Course has taught me not to make any decision by myself, so I asked my friend if I could give him an answer the following day after I took this dilemma into prayer.

Some of you have probably already thought of the simple solution that I received when I asked the still small voice about what to do. “John, just postpone the start of the new group and go to the party!” And that is exactly what I did. Not only was it a great reminder to ask for guidance in every situation, but it also reminded me that many of our limitations are self-imposed. I am the one who set the start date. I hadn’t officially announced it yet, so there was no reason not to change it. 

Sometimes we get stuck in our heads or our routines without ever considering that there may be another option. Our heart always knows. That’s why it is so important to practice self-inquiry. When we bump against something that takes away our peace or prevents us from experiencing joy, we can put our hand on our heart and ask, “Is it true? Might there be another way to look at this?” When we do, a magical world can open up for us. 

Would you like some assistance in seeing things differently to experience more joy in your life? A series of Spiritual Coaching sessions or a private Family Constellations session might be just the thing to help with that. Look around my website for more information about both or send me an email if you have a specific question. Sessions can be done online from anywhere in the world and you can now schedule a session directly on my website. It would be my great honor to assist you so please reach out. 

This week, when joy knocks on your door or calls you on the phone with an invitation, make sure you ask your heart and your Divine Guidance before you answer. 

The world you see but shows you how much joy you have allowed yourself to see in you, and to accept as yours.

A Course in Miracles ~ T-21.in.2:7

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A Miracle Mom Story

Sunday was Mother’s Day, and as some of you know, I had quite a challenging journey of healing with mine. This photo of us was taken at her 80th birthday party in front of an old Olan Mills photo taken when I was ten years old. I see our soul contract in the knowing look we gave each other as if we are saying, “Here we go again! Let’s get it right this time and choose unconditional love.” I’m happy to say I think we did it!.

Rather than write about it, I thought it might be more helpful to hear me talk about it with the hosts of the Miracle Voices podcast. In February, I was a guest on this podcast which features stories of forgiveness from the perspective of A Course in Miracles. If you’d like to hear how we came to a place of understanding and peace before she passed in 2011, check out Miracle Voices Episode 43 – “Seeing All Relationships as Perfect.” 

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or at MiracleVoices.org. Let me know if you can relate to the stories I shared. After almost 9 years of facilitating Family Constellations, I have learned that our stories are much more similar than they are different. If you’d like some assistance healing the relationship with your mom, I’d be honored to assist you with a Private Family Constellations session or a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions. Look around my website for more information or click here to book a session.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms reading this and to all those who have taken on the role of mom in some capacity. I honor and bless you for all the ways you extend love.

With love in you, you have no need except to extend it.

A Course in Miracles ~ T-15.V.11:3

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A Humbling Miracle

As some of you know, I have been facilitating A Course in Miracles study groups on Mondays for many years now. “Miracle Monday” started on Monday afternoons at Bridges of Wellness in Fort Lauderdale in 2015 and then moved to Monday evenings at Unity of Houston in 2018. When COVID-19 shut everything down in 2020, we shifted our group online and have been gathering virtually on Monday evenings ever since. 

During those rapidly changing and unprecedented times, our virtual meetings were a safe harbor in the storm for me and many of the weekly attendees. That’s why I felt inspired to start a second weekly study group on Friday evenings shortly after our Monday group began meeting on Zoom. I am so grateful for Miracle Mondays and Forgiveness Fridays. They have been a soul-anchoring way to begin and end my week for the past 2 years.

As things began to open up again this year and people started to venture out more, it became clear that our meeting times were no longer ideal. Rather than discontinue one, I felt a nudge to combine the two groups into one and begin a new tradition on Tuesdays. “Transformational Tuesdays” will start on May 10. That meant this Monday was the last “Miracle Monday” after hosting them for 7 years. Imagine my frustration when I discovered that my internet service cut out around 4 PM on Monday with no information as to when it would be restored!

After two hours and several failed attempts to get in touch with Comcast, I still was unable to access the internet. With just an hour until our start time, I realized I needed a backup plan. I sent a text message to my friend Marina in Houston who has facilitated for me many times in the past. I explained the situation and asked if there was any chance she could cover for me if my internet did not come back online. To my surprise, she replied almost immediately that she could do it! What a relief!

I stayed hopeful that Comcast would resolve the issue by 7 PM and I would be able to get on Zoom to facilitate. No such luck. At 6:45, I surrendered and texted Marina that I still had no internet service. As much as I wanted to be there for the last meeting, I had to trust that it was not meant to be. It occurred to me later that I could have asked my friend who lives only 10 minutes away if I could have used her office for a few hours that night. I have since found out the Xfinity outage also affected her neighborhood and reached as far as Venice, FL which is 20 miles south of me. Whatever happened was big!

You might be asking, where was the miracle in all this, John? You missed the last meeting. You could say the miracle was the fact that Marina was available at such short notice. And that was a miracle. But A Course in Miracles defines a miracle simply as a shift in perception from fear to love. That does not mean things always happen how we think they should. The miracle happens when we are able to remain peaceful even when they don’t. I was not able to be online for the last Miracle Monday, but I was able to relax knowing the group was in good hands with Marina. Despite my absence, there was still a space for people to gather, connect, and share miracles. This is why I created these groups, so there was nothing to be upset about. Although I wasn’t able to change the situation, I was able to change my thoughts about the situation. That’s the real miracle.

Speaking of miracles, if you are having a difficult time as a mom or with a mom and would like to experience a shift from fear to love, please join me on Saturday, May 7, (the day before Mother’s Day) for “Examining the Role of Mom with Family Constellations.” Something truly magical happens when we meet in the Knowing Field to help each other heal from inherited family trauma. Click this link for more information and to purchase a ticket.

This week, may you experience many miraculous shifts from fear to love no matter what appears to  happen.

Miracles are expressions of love, but they may not always have observable effects.

A Course in Miracles ~ T-1.I.35:1

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Kind Not Creepy

This week my story is short and sweet. I went to one of my favorite spots to watch the sun set on Saturday, and the colors were absolutely breathtaking. It was the night before Easter, and it looked like Mother Nature was painting a giant pastel Easter egg in the sky. I could not stop snapping photos because the hues in the clouds were getting more beautiful with each passing minute.

As the colors began to fade, a woman sheepishly approached me from behind and commented on the spectacular sunset we had just witnessed. Then she showed me a photo she had taken with her phone and pointed to a silhouette at the bottom. “That’s you,” she said. I could tell by her body language that she was very uncomfortable talking to me. She apologized for bothering me, but said she felt compelled to ask if I wanted a copy of the photo since it was such a unique image. I reassured her that she was not bothering me, nor did I think it was weird that she took the photo. I thanked her and said that I would love a copy.

It got a little awkward again when she didn’t know how to share it with me. I asked if she had an iPhone. If so, she could “air drop” the photo to me. She giggled nervously and said I might as well be speaking Sanskrit because she had no idea what that meant. She admitted that technology was not her strong suit, followed by a comment about having good intentions but often not knowing how to follow through.

When she was hesitant to take my phone number to text the photo to me, I suggested she simply send it to my email address. She questioned whether I was comfortable sharing my email, and I told her I was a Spiritual Coach and Family Counselor, so my email address was out there for clients to contact me. That seemed to soothe her, so she typed my email address in her phone and promised to send the picture later. As she walked away, I thanked her again and reassured her that her actions were kind, not creepy. 

As promised, she sent the above photo to my email address less than 15 minutes later with a brief note, “Have a nice day.” I was very touched by this act of generosity from a stranger. My heart was overflowing with gratitude to be gifted both a magnificent sunset and the kindness of a stranger. It was more evidence of what I truly believe. Human beings are intrinsically good and hardwired for connection. It also reminded me of a quote I heard years ago that has stayed with me. “Never suppress a generous thought.” (This quote is attributed to Camilla E. Kimball.) I am very grateful that woman pushed past her discomfort and did not suppress her generous thought. If she had, I would not be able to share the photo that accompanies this blog.

If you are ready to experience more peace and connection, I invite you to join me online for my first Group Coaching program. I’m calling it: “Stay Centered in Swirling Times.” This 4-week program starts on Sunday, May 1, and finishes on Sunday, May 22. With so much divisiveness and rapidly changing circumstances in the world, I felt inspired to create a sacred space where we can gather to support one another, experience safety, and help each other return to peace. Click here for more information and to register.

If you are having a difficult time as a mom or with a mom, please join me on Saturday, May 7, (the day before Mother’s Day) for my next online Family Constellations workshop. We will be “Examining the Role of Mom with Family Constellations.” Something truly magical happens when we meet in the Knowing Field to help each other heal from inherited family trauma. Click here for more information and to purchase a ticket.

Until next time, may you follow your heart and never suppress a generous thought. You just might make someone’s day!

A miracle is never lost. It may touch many people you have not even met, and produce undreamed of changes in situations of which you are not even aware.

A Course in Miracles ~ T-1.I.45:1-2

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BEING with Friends

Several years ago I learned a powerful lesson about being with friends. I was living in Fort Lauderdale at the time when my dear friend Kelly came for a visit. Kelly is a mother of 3 young children, and this trip was a gift from her husband to give her a much-needed “mommy break” for a few days. Kelly and I met while working in the Entertainment Department at Disney World. We were both cast in the SpectroMagic Parade that first summer which meant we spent almost every day together. Oh, the fun and laughter we had that summer! Sadly for me, Kelly moved to Atlanta the following year, but our love for each other has only grown over the years. I couldn’t wait to introduce her to my Fort Lauderdale friends, so I planned a plethora of meals and outings while she was in town. 

By the end of her visit, the poor thing was probably more exhausted than when she arrived. I dragged Kelly to restaurants all over South Florida to meet my friends when what she really wanted was some downtime with me by the ocean. It was too late by the time I realized I had overbooked our limited time together. When I look back, I still feel bad about the way I handled that weekend. Kelly was a good sport, but I vowed never to make that mistake again with another guest.

That’s why when my friend Ali came to visit this past weekend, I intentionally planned very little. I had a few ideas of favorite places I’d like to share with her, but overall it was a very fluid and spacious five days. We spent a lot of time walking on the beach, eating at some of my favorite restaurants, and talking on my sofa until well past our regular bedtimes. Gratefully, we had lots of time BEING together instead of DOING together. Since Ali and I usually see each other just once per year in Montana at the Big Sky Retreat (where we both served on the Board), having this much quality time with no busy agenda or responsibilities was a true gift.

The more relaxed one-on-one time allowed us to share things we didn’t know about each other. I heard stories about Ali’s high school days and her journey to ministry. I loved telling her about some of the mystical experiences I’ve had along the way and hearing about some of hers. We also had time to record a conversation about Friendship for the online spiritual community she leads called the Satya Center. You can watch that half-hour video on YouTube by clicking this link.

During our conversation, we explore some of the qualities and life experiences that have helped us create and maintain a strong friendship. Later, we answered questions about why we need friends and how to best support them. I trust that something we share in our discussion will be of benefit to you and perhaps inspire you to reach out to a friend. This deep dive into the subject of friendship helped me recognize how blessed I am to have so many amazing friends with whom I’ve shared endless hours of love, laughter, tears, and joy. That includes all of you who read my weekly stories!

If you could use some support in cultivating deeper friendships or moving through a difficult time, it would be my great honor to assist you with a series of Spiritual Coaching sessions. All of my sessions are based on the strong principles found in A Course in Miracles and Family Constellations. Once you see things from a different perspective, whatever situation was making you fearful or causing you stress won’t seem so powerful. Please look around my website for more information and to book a session. 

I’m also happy to announce I will be starting a new Group Coaching experience on Sunday Evenings in May to help you “Stay Centered in Swirling Times.” With so much divisiveness and rapidly changing circumstances in the world, many of us are feeling stressed and anxious. Something truly magical occurs in a group setting, so I felt inspired to create a sacred space where we can gather to support one another, experience safety, and help each other return to peace. Based on what we discuss and what specific issues arise, I will facilitate spontaneous Family Constellations exercises and share helpful concepts and practices from A Course in Miracles and other spiritual teachings. We will close our time together each week with a guided meditation and prayer to anchor and weave together all that occurred. 

This group will meet on Zoom for an hour and fifteen minutes each Sunday at 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central, 6 PM Mountain, and 5 PM Pacific on May 1, 8, 15, and 22. The cost is only $111 for the entire 4-week experience. If you feel a nudge to join us, please visit the Spiritual Coaching page my website for more information and to register. Space is limited to 20 participants. I’m so looking forward to seeing what miracles want to happen during our time together next month! 

This week, I encourage you to take a moment to remember and bless all the friends you’ve encountered along the way, whether they came into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. 

I would see you as my friend, that I may remember you are part of me and come to know myself. 

A Course in Miracles ~ W-68.6:3

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