Solar Plexus Chakra & Winter Solstice: Celebrate Your Inner Light!

This is the time of year where most cultures and religions - at least from the northern hemisphere - are celebrating Light on Earth.  This celebration takes on many forms, and most traditions include lighting candles and sharing wishes of joy and prosperity.  It is no coincidence; most religions have modelled their celebrations of light upon the very ancient traditions of observing the sun’s cycles.  You see, this is the time of the Winter Solstice, where the Sun appears to come closer to the Earth and the days start to get longer.  For the Ancients, this was a time to reflect upon and celebrate divine Mystery.

My kitchen island dressed up as an
Altar to the 4 Elements

To me, the Winter Solstice is the perfect time to meditate on my shadow aspects and also on the projects and energy I want to bring forth in the coming year.  I typically stay up the whole night of the Solstice painting, dancing, meditating and enjoying the company of like-minded friends.  At sunrise, we go outdoors near the beautiful St. Lawrence River and we ring bells to welcome the sun and the new solar year.  We finally go to bed at around 8AM.  The deeper significance of this night of vigil is that there is always hope, even in our darkest of times.  There are many nuggets of truth and wisdom to gain from meditating on our darker aspects.  These lessons help grow our Soul and reconnect us to the source of Light and Love.  These lessons help us understand what is truly important to our Soul, and help shed light on how we can make the world a better place by being more authentic and empowered.

This year's Winter Solstice
Meditative Painting

Looking at this time of celebration through the lens of the Solar Plexus Chakra, it is a perfect time to tend to our inner light, where we store our vital life force energy.  Take this quick quiz to check in on your Solar Plexus:

Simply answer YES or NO to each of the statements below.

• I feel confident in most situations. 
• I am able to laugh easily. 
• I see projects and commitments through to completion. 
• I feel I have a healthy digestive system. 
• I speak up for myself. 
• I have the courage to take risks when necessary. 
• I establish appropriate boundaries for myself. 

How did you score?  If you answers “NO” more than four times, it may indicate that your solar plexus chakra is lacking in energy. If you score four or more YES answers, wonderful! You are balanced in the solar plexus centre.

I love a good Sun Meditation to help balance my energy and boost my confidence, joy and personal radiance.  Use this visualization to enhance your inner peace and sense of self-worth.  When possible, do this meditation while standing in sunlight, offering your forehead and solar plexus to the light and warmth of the sun.

Take a deep breath, and gently close your eyes.  Imagine yourself standing at the top of a mountain. With your inhale, imagine you are breathing in the golden light from the sun.  With your imagination, bring this golden breath to your stomach area, where it ignites the spark within your own fire centre. You are filled with this brilliant solar energy. Your power centre is radiating with vital life force.  Imagine that with each breath, you are bringing golden light to your entire body, especially to areas that feel cold or achy.  When your body is filled imagine that, with your exhale, you are sharing this golden light to your projects, to your relationships, to your finances…  Envelop them in golden light, and know that this light will energize them and will help them grow.  When you feel complete, gently open your eyes and give thanks to the Sun.  Take this calm and restorative power into your life and move forwards with confidence and courage. 

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

A simple ceremony for the Winter Solstice

The energy has been feeling sticky or heavy for many of us these past few weeks.  I am reminded of the general feeling surrounding the "Gateway" everyone was talking about for December 2012, and I am sensing that all the changes, transformations and "tests" we've been through these past two years were just the beginning of a large transformational process.  I feel that this Solstice is just as important, in terms of Gateway or opening.  All the changes, choices and projects we've been working on since 2012 will find a renewed energy in the coming months; the tests of the last few weeks were to verify our commitment and willingness to keep moving forward on this soulful journey.

But to find renewed energy, we have to be willing to release the old.  A sacred fire ceremony on the Solstice will help you take stock of your fears and rethink your goals and purpose.  Focusing on the flame of a candle or bonfire and bringing in the Sacred Flame will help you burn away stagnant energy to bring the energy of renewal, faith and passion.

In 2012, we opened the door...  Take stock now to verify if you've made it through the opening, or if you still have one foot out stuck in the way things used to be.  Are you still holding on to something from the past?  It will be very difficult for you to move forward with that weight keeping you stuck in the same place...  Take time to recommit and rededicate yourself to serving the Light this weekend - if that is what you choose.

Shine on, Lightworker!  The world needs you.

Sending you much Love, and wrapping you up in Light; sending blessings of joy, fulfillment and abundance for 2015 and beyond.

How’s your fire-power?

The Solar Plexus stores life-force energy, and family relationships teach us how to use it.

My grandfather's wake and funeral this past weekend was a beautiful time to reunite with family members. My grandfather comes from a family of 17 children - there are many relatives I don't know very well, and many cousins I see only occasionally. It really warmed my heart to rekindle family love as we shared memories and stories.

Being with family can be wholesome and nurturing. We grew up with this network of souls. We learned our identity and our place in society through family relationships and conversations. We received conditioning about who we are and how much we should be seen or heard, and along the way we made choices about accepting or rejecting this conditioning. Family is full of love, AND contrasts and life lessons. We form our personality through these relationships - and we also form our ego.

The Solar Plexus chakra is the seat of our willpower. In many spiritual traditions, the area of the Solar Plexus is where we store our vital life energy. Many cultures have referred to this as an inner sun or fire. When we assert ourselves lovingly, we glow from the inside out. It’s easy to recognize someone who is self-confident: their energy is peaceful, strong, and loving. They seem to radiate that “certain je-ne-sais-quoi”. When ego dominates this power centre, however, the fire-power of a person can be explosive with anger, arrogance and tyranny. Instead of being filled with quiet love, we feel fear, shame or unworthiness in the energy of this person. And still, when ego makes us believe that our personal definition resides in shame and unworthiness, one’s inner fire, will to live, and sense of passion just dies out. We can feel dried up and empty. A lack of vital life-force energy can bring on depression and anxiety.

“Energetically, physically, emotionally and mentally, we are all powerful, radiant beings. However, we may not always be living from a place where we accept and radiate our own power. Sometimes we may feel like it would be easier not to have to interact and bargain and state our worth to people at all. Sometimes we may give in and accept less than we’re worth. (…) When we bring balance to this chakra, we can begin to experience a true inner strength and authentic power while moving away from the unhealthy desire to gain power over others. This creates a more relaxed and spontaneous life, powerful but free. When we balance the solar plexus chakra, we accept who we truly are – and accept others for their true selves too.” Natalie Southgate, Founder of Chakradance (R)

It is through the experience of relationships - within the immediate family and the work- or social- family units that we learn valuable lessons in asserting our will centre. In your family and social gatherings this holiday season, be aware of how you feel in the presence of others. Do you need to assert yourself and overpower others? Do you need to “be right” no matter what? Do you allow others to belittle you? Are you blaming family members, the society or your upbringing for your lot in life? Would you rather stay in pj’s under the blankets instead of facing family and friends in social gatherings? How do you perceive others feel in your presence - are they fearful of you, do they share openly, are they smiling and peaceful?

Take regular time-outs just to breathe and reflect. Bring a hand to your stomach as you take a deep breath and become conscious of your own inner fire. Are you radiating your Light, shining with Love, or are you hiding and smouldering? Are you shining so bright that others are getting burned by your fire? It’s not about judging, just notice. And then if you don’t like what you feel choose to change something in your behaviour and attitude.

It all starts with you. You have the power to change how you feel in your family, how you interact with everyone, and how you allow others to treat you.

Establishing and respecting clear boundaries go a long way in creating loving and mutually satisfying relationships. Allow family to be your greatest teacher and instead of becoming angry over the same old wound, be grateful for a lesson in love and personal boundary. With healthy boundaries and the acceptance of who we truly are, it becomes so much easier to foster inner peace and to be a beacon of Light for others.

With this in mind, family gatherings can be rich, insightful and much less stressful.

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

Crystals and aromatherapy for holiday stress management? Yes, please!

Oh, blessed holiday season… as much as we love the cooking, the eating, the family gatherings… ’tis also a season for stress for many. Family gatherings can remind us of those who have passed away and are no longer with us to celebrate. We can get so caught-up in the to-do list that we forget to enjoy the time of merriment. And when we finally have some down-time, many become ill with colds and flu-like symptoms. Are you willing to do something different this year to enjoy the holidays instead?

1. Include crystal “bling” in your outfit and home decor. Sparkle with garnet, emerald, carnelian and citrine. Garnet is grounding and will help reignite the child-like magic of Christmas. Emerald is balancing, healing and soothing. Carnelian brings joy and vitality, while citrine will help your aura sparkle. Wear any combination of these as jewelry, or add bigger pieces in your decor. Wouldn’t candle light and Christmas light look lovely viewed through a crystal? To me, they always act as a reminder to breathe and take a few minutes for meditative contemplation — and that is a great stress-buster!
2. Mist your home with pine essential oil. Pine resonates with this time of year, and it has many healing virtues. It is said to clear the air of viruses, germs and stagnant energy (perfect when the house is full of guests!). It boosts morale and helps lower stress levels. It is also said to help boost metabolism - so use those pine-scented candles after a large meal to help it go down!
3. 15-minute restorative meditation. Remember to take care of your body and your energy through the busy-ness of the season. Try this simple meditation:

• Prepare a yoga mat or folded blanket for your relaxation. Put a cushion or two under your knees to elevate your legs (this will release pressure on your lower-back and boost your lymphatic system). Arrange one clear quartz point at your feet and one at your head, both pointing inward toward your body. Mist the room with Pine.
• Lie down on your back. Place a citrine or yellow topaz on your stomach. Arrange your shoulders so your shoulder blades are flat on the mat and your chest feels open.
• Intend that your energy becomes restored and balanced, and that your chakras become aligned.
• Take deep breaths down to your belly. Allow the crystal on your stomach to be your “breathing buddy”, helping you relax further as you watch it rise and fall with your breath.
• After approximately 15 minutes, gently stretch your body. Take a few moments to count your blessings. Smile. You should feel ready to undertake your next holiday task or get ready for your next gathering.

Surrounding you with Peace and Light.

Feeling down? 3 tips to boost up your energy

I am feeling so depleted in my life-force energy. For the past two weeks, I have felt a heavy shroud around me. I’ve been sitting at my computer, trying to find words for my weekly newsletter, and I totally flat-lined. Doing the smallest task seems to be sucking energy out of me, and I need to schedule more rest periods and longer nights’ sleep than usual. What’s up with that?

Well well… isn’t it interesting that we’ve entered the month dedicated to the Solar Plexus - the centre for our inner sun, our energy reserve, our ability to deal with stress. It seems that once again I must teach from a place of knowing and “been there, done that”… So, how do I move from this slow as molasses sticky energy to more clarity and vitality?

Here are my top 3 tips.

1. Have a pyjama day. Honour your energy level. I find it very unbalanced that, in our society, we must always maintain a high level of energy to do more and more and more. We feel guilty if we do less, even just for one day. We feel like the world might come apart if we take a day off work or away from our children to restore our health and vitality. We feel ashamed of being vulnerable, or feeling weak. Hmmm… hello ego! These beliefs and that type of self-talk is ego and fear-based; and these are patterns governed by the shadow side of the Solar Plexus chakra. So ask yourself: is it really true that the world will crumble if you take care of yourself for one day? Is it really true that you must constantly prove yourself as being strong, unbeatable and unaffected by life’s events? Bring balance to your life and enjoy your pyjama day.
2. Be mindful of the foods you are eating - especially during the holiday season, full of indulgences. Are your food choices truly nourishing? When I feel stressed, I reach out for pastries, cookies, cakes and other sweets. Stress is linked to insulin production, and the pancreas which secretes insulin is governed by the Solar Plexus. I know, however, that the short-term energy boost from sugar and insulin is not healthy for me and if I give in to my cravings I will ultimately feel more tired and sick. I might have one or two cookies, but then I choose to love my body by feeding it fresh fruit, vegetables and proteins that will sustain my energy on the long-term. I’ve had to journal my food intake for a few months to discover the foods that give me energy and those that make me feel depleted, and I’ve modified my eating habits based on that insight. I have empowered myself to make better choices.
3. Massage acupressure points. It feels so good and it helps unblock that sluggish energy. The basic points to massage are just below the collar bone; just above the heart (thymus); and the outside of your legs following your pant-seams from the hips to the knees. View the video below to do an energy routine with me.

My vital energy is returning after a short cycle of introspection and inner work. There are many more things I need to deal with this week, but I feel stronger and calmer for having taken the time to lovingly listen to my body.

This week, remember to breathe down to your belly, and take at least 5 minutes a day to truly tune in to your body and become aware of its needs. Follow through with its recommendations for you; whether it is more sleep, better nourishment of a different type of physical exercise, listen to your gut feelings. Doing so will strengthen your relationship with your body - and with your Solar Plexus.

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

Emotional Baggage? Try clutter clearing.

I once worked with a client who felt extremely overwhelmed and stressed, and the holiday season had several triggers for her that would bring her spiralling down into sadness and depression. She missed how her family used to get together at Christmas. She missed her parents who had crossed over. She missed the parties, the sing-alongs, the cooking and the traditions. She loved decorating for the holidays and was an avid collector of snowy village scenes, and she mentioned that her house was filled with boxes upon boxes of decorations.

We started disentangling her thoughts and her feelings through Holographic Reiki sessions. One image that really stood out for me was that when I placed my hands over her Sacral Chakra, I received a clear image of my client in a place that looked like an airport. She was trying to go somewhere, but she had too much baggage. Looking around in this vision, I saw hundreds of stacked boxes that belonged to her. All this baggage was overwhelming for the airport staff; there was no way to catalogue or scan all of these boxes of stuff and memories. A feeling of panic and hopelessness accompanied the vision. I knew that this vision was a metaphor for the emotional baggage she carried, and I knew that a Reiki session could only go so far without her taking action to clear physical clutter in her life.

My mentor, Denise Linn, teaches that clutter clearing is modern-day alchemy: it's the fastest way to transform your life and shift energy in a space. According to Feng Shui principles, clutter stops good energy from circulating in your home and as a result you will feel bogged down, disorganized, stuck and even depressed. It can even manifest physically as excess weight! Think of it: if your clutter constantly reminds you of all those old emotions, beliefs and hurts weighing you down, you'll find it very difficult to find joy and to create abundance in your daily life.

Are you ready to take action and shift toward greater joy? Your task this week is to de-clutter one area of your home or office. Start with one drawer or one closet. Decide how much time to want to spend de-cluttering, and set a timer. Use the following 3 principles to help you go through your stuff:

• Love it: Pick up an item and determine if you really love it, and if your energy goes UP when you touch it. Does the item still fit who you are, and who you are becoming? If you really love it and it brings you joy, make sure it's in good shape. Make necessary repairs and find a way to display it in your house without creating clutter. If you can't repair it or if it will create additional clutter, pass it on to someone who can love it as much as you. 
• Use it: Are you still using this item? Will you miss it? Does it support you in your personal and business arenas? Does it support your dreams and desires? Are you using it with love or with a feeling of "having to"? Is it in good repair? 
• Release It: If you don't love it and don't use it, then it’s time to pass it on. Discard, recycle, donate. 

I have been de-cluttering my entire home since August - when the dishwasher decided it was time to renovate the whole kitchen... I love the feelings of joy, empowerment and creativity that are increasing in my household. I can feel stagnant energy leaving the house, and I can feel my inner heart-space shifting and expanding. It's not always easy work to get rid of old stuff... but the exercise is well worth it!

Are you up for the challenge? You'll soon find that your joy increases and your soul sings! Share your experience with me.

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

A fresh perspective brings fun and joy

I am feeling such joy to be host-mother to a teen girl who arrived from Australia last week. Today, she is experiencing snowfall for the first time. I am smiling from ear-to-ear thinking of her "oohs" and "aahs" and "it's soooo pretty!". She tasted a snowflake on her tongue and felt proud of it. She threw her first snowball. She is taking lots of pictures to send back home, where they're currently experiencing the hot days of summer. She is thrilled with the snow, and her joy is contagious.

Like many in this region, I often tend to welcome this cold season with resignation and a "you again! Grrr..." I might comment on how early it gets dark and how cold are my feet or how annoying it is to remove snow from the car when we're in a hurry to leave.

But not today. Today, I'm smiling and feeling cheerful. It's like I'm experiencing the beauty of snow and winter once again thanks to our guest's fresh perspective. I actually feel like spending some time in the snow today, then warm up with a blanket near the fire drinking a hot chocolate. I remember how fun winter used to be when I was a child. I remember the snow forts I built with my sisters. I remember the toboggan rides with my parents. I remember the pyjamas warmed up in the dryer just before bedtime so we felt all cozy.

I am so grateful for this fresh perspective today! My energy is up and bubbly!

In chakra work, it is said that the Inner Child sits at the Sacral Chakra. One of the functions of the Sacral Chakra is creativity, joy and zest for life. This week, if you feel stuck in a rut or if you're trying to solve an issue at work, ask a child how they would solve the situation. Or treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or other childhood treat) and place a hand just below your belly button as you reconnect to who you were as a child. Remember your curiosity, remember your creativity, remember how you would put things or concepts together that defied grown-up logic. It won't take long that you'll find an answer to your situation if you look at it with fresh eyes. The best part is that you might enjoy the process of looking for the solution, and you'll feel more cheerful and uplifted too!

From the weather to a work problem - what are you willing to see with fresh eyes today?

Do you need help getting started? I'll be your sounding board and help you find a fresh perspective on an issue you've been mulling over: click here to make an appointment in-person, by phone, or via Skype. It's my treat!

Sending you blessings of Love!

Crystals that resonate with the Sacral Chakra

One of the purposes of the Sacral Chakra is to find sweetness in life.  I do feel like I'm taking my sweet time writing this article for you...  I've been away from home most of last week, attending a conference in Toronto and I returned home on Saturday just on time to welcome a student from Australia who will be staying with us for the next three months.  Monday, I still had some shopping to do to select the sink and faucet for the new kitchen.  Needless to say, I'm feeling a bit tired.  Instead of pushing through my to-do list that's been accumulating, I took the executive decision to rest and take care of myself so that I can write from a place of joy instead of a place of "having to".

And I do feel better now - I've gone for a nice walk with my dog Maya and I have used sea salt to clear my energy field.  I even played a few games to switch my mind from business-thinking to a more creative flow.  I am now lighter and more focused.  Now, when I close my eyes, I can clearly see the crystals I'd love to introduce to you in the context of the Sacral Chakra.

The first one is Carnelian.  I love the joy-filled orange of this polished heart-shaped pendant.  Holding it in my hands, I can connect to self-nurturing and self-appreciation.  Wearing it could help enhance positive self-talk and set the energy for harmonized joy in our life.  It is believed that carnelian can also help alleviate lower back pain and help the kidneys regulate water energies through the body.  I simply enjoy its soft power and wisdom.

I also want to share my love of salt lamps.  Yes - salt is a crystal!  Himalayan salt is carved from mountains; these mountains were once deep in the ocean floor.  Salt helps regulate water energy in our bodies, and when salt is projected in our environment - with the use of salt lamps, for instance - it is calming and soothing.  It helps us release what no longer serve our highest good.  It helps "clear the air" in more than one way.  Moreover, its orange glow fosters peace, relaxation and authentic social communication.  It's a wonderful lamp to have in an office, a living room and in the bedroom.

The Desert Rose is elegant, fragile and powerful.  The specimen at my shop is rather, er... feminine in its shape and I find it's an excellent piece to reconnect with our Divine Feminine - the archetype of the Sacral Chakra.  The Desert Rose is selenite shaped with the help of water, sand, wind, sun and time.  It embodies many aspects of magical and metaphysical creation.  As such, it can help us re-imagine and re-create our beliefs, values and attitudes.

This week, remember to take your sweet time to enjoy life.  Savour each moment.  Reflect on areas of your life where you would like to create differently, or on areas you would like to clear so you may continue on your journey with joy and contentment.  Enjoy discovering the world of crystals and their playful energies.

I am surrounding you with peaceful and joy-filled orange light.

If there's an area in your life where you feel stuck, and you would like to explore with me how to transform it to joy and flow, click here to make an appointment in-person, by phone, or via Skype.  It's my treat!

Sending you blessings of Love!

4 Tips to balance the Sacral Chakra

Our journey through the chakras continue, from our Root to our Sacral centre. As the energy moves up from the tailbone to the sacral area, just below the belly button, imagine you are stepping out of the colour Red and into a wonderful Orange. Take a deep breath now and imagine yourself in front of a large body of water like a lake or the ocean. As you look to the horizon, the sun is setting and is illuminating the water with the vibrancy of orange. Gaze into this sunset and allow your body to soften. Use all your senses to imagine Nature tinted in orange... what do you see? What can you hear? What are the scents? Take a moment to invite joy into your life. Invite peace and creativity. If you wish, invite your Muses and even Fairies to come to you to help you create more joy and laughter in your life, and in the life of those around you. And breathe... And smile...

Haaaa..... don't you feel better already? I do. I love this quick visualization. It tricks my brain into producing the good-feeling hormones - endorphins - which elevate my mood and state of mind. Can you feel a release of endorphins too?

Endorphins and feeling happy are linked to the Sacral Chakra. One of the lessons here is to learn to find joy and happiness within ourselves. It's about learning to transform the raw energy of the outside world into something that can support our life in a joyful way. Think of an artist taking a chunk of marble or wood and carving it into a statue. Or a project manager taking raw data and input from the business and lifestyle sector to create an amazing project. When we create, we feel empowered - and that feeds our happiness.

Many have not learned yet to empower themselves to create a life they enjoy. They often experience the shadow side of the Sacral Chakra when they look outside of themselves for meaning, joy and happiness. When you give your spouse or your children the responsibility to make you happy, you're in shadow. When you develop addictions to sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, you're living in the shadow. When you turn to food in unhealthy ways to fuel your happiness or fill in an feeling of emptiness, you're living in the shadow. When you live in fear and worry about the future, and when you live in guilt about the past, you are blocking your capacity for joy and creation. There is great strength to gain and life lessons to learn from the shadow side of the Sacral Chakra... but as you know it's unhealthy to stay there for a long time!

Here are some of my favourite ways to move the energy up and through my sacral chakra:

1. Salt bath: Pure indulgence! I make it a ritual where I reconnect with the Ocean. To cleanse my energy field, especially when I've been feeling stressed, I add up to 3 cups of sea salt to the tub. In the winter months, I help my skin by also adding 1tsp baking soda and 1tsp almond oil. I often add 10-20 drops of essential oils too. For the Sacral Chakra: vanilla, orange, ylang-ylang and/or sandalwood. Use a scent that makes you feel yummy.
2. Dancing: Pure fun! I listen to the music I loved growing up and dance in my kitchen or living room! This adds fun to any task or chore. Especially for the Sacral Chakra: move your hips and pelvis. Pretend you're a belly dancer and shake what your momma gave you. 
3. Art: I take out my acrylics and canvas, and I just paint. Just for fun. It doesn't even have to be pretty. The release of energy (and release of endorphins) here is through the act of creation.
4. Board Games or night out: It's important to connect socially with family and friends! We need to get out of our own little world and catch up with one another in person - not just through social media! We need to laugh together too, so any activity that makes you laugh, smile and act silly together is good :)

Have fun this week as you start moving energy through your Sacral Chakra! Go to my Facebook page to share your tips, your favourite technique or a joke to make us laugh. Post a photo of you dancing and acting silly. Let's share joy all around!

Next week, I will introduce you to crystals that resonate with the Sacral chakra, and I’m looking forward to sharing this article with you!

In the meantime, if you have specific questions on the health of your chakras, or if you would like a chakra-specific Oracle Card Reading, click here to make an appointment!

Sending you blessings of Love!

Honouring Ancestors Can Bring Healing to Present Life

Did you spend some time this past week connecting with your ancestors and grandparents through your sense of smell, as suggested in last week's post? We are concluding our month on the Root Chakra with a few musings on ancestral karma and vital life lessons.

There are life lessons we understand only when we have children of our own, and it's not just because of growing maturity. Since the birth of my son eleven years ago, I have been utterly amazed at how his posture is like his paternal grandfather's; how his love of books is like my mother's; how some of his gestures mimic those of family members - some whom my son has never met. He certainly hasn't learned behaviours or thought patterns through observation... there must be something in our genes or energy that enables us to embody traits passed down from generations.

Since about the same time as my son's birth, I have been deepening my journey of self-understanding. Now that I'm a mother, I can understand things that happened when I was a child from my mother's perspective - and from her mother's perspective. I can see patterns of hurt and patterns of blessings being repeated from one generation to the next. I have decided to heal some of the hurtful patterns within myself so they are not passed on to my son and possible future generations. Working with ancestor energy has brought me such an understanding and such gratitude for the life I have today. It has increased my love for generations before me, and extends my love to future generations. Here are a few of my insights, musings and tools.

My grandmother and her family, pictured above, led the life of pioneers in the Abitibi region of Québec. Her father, a cabinet-maker, decided to uproot his family from Montreal during the Great Depression to open lands for farming. Carving farmland out of the wilderness was very difficult, and they experienced isolation and deep poverty. That feeling of lack has been passed down and is still impacting the finances and general wellbeing of my generation: there is a fear of throwing anything away, just in case. There is a deep need to accumulate and never have an empty pantry or freezer, just in case. And although salaries are very good, there is a need for hand-me-downs even if it's poor quality due to a belief that we can't or shouldn't purchase new. That last statement - I am done with and have been for a number of years! It has been difficult to heal the feeling of lack and to replace it with a feeling of abundance, especially when it's so deep-seated within myself and in my family!

I could choose to anger over the lingering feelings of lack - after all anger and the need for food, shelter, safety and creature comforts are all part of the Root Chakra - but I choose instead to be grateful. I choose to see the gifts and the lessons that a lack of material goods brought to my ancestors' and my life, like ingenuity, resourcefulness, a sense of adventure, and the ability to make something out of anything. This year especially, as I'm transitioning from my cushy government salary to the reality of the self-employed, I have called on that ingenuity and resourcefulness to create wonderful meals even when others in my household would say, "there's nothing to eat!" Necessity is the mother of creation, goes the saying - and I have created a lot this year! I actually feel more free, empowered and proud of my creations when I apply my resourcefulness.

How about you? Can you notice generational patterns, and what can you learn from them?

One of the generational musings I've been mulling over for a few months deals with the renewal of a more conscious or spiritual life in our generation. More and more people are seeking spiritual guidance. Where I live, many are discovering First Nations roots that were buried up the family tree. Even I have discovered that I have a grandmother from a Nation near Lake Nipissing who had married a "coureur des bois" in the 1700s. In addition, many (including myself) are going through physiological changes and have become intolerant to wheat gluten. I am aware that wheat is not indigenous to North America and that a great number of First Nations people are suffering from gluten-related diseases. Is there a correlation? Now this is by no means a scientific study... but I wonder if an ancient gene that was dormant is being activated.  I wonder if Grandmother is calling her children back to her, back to a more Earth-based spirituality, back to community-based values, back to wholeness... however remote or obscure our link is in the family tree... Why are so many of us awakening to Spirit and are experiencing similar symptoms in this generation?...

This week and with the sacred night of Halloween, let's honour our ancestors and our family trees. Let's honour their trials and tribulations. Let's gain a richer and deeper perspective on our role in the family tree. Let's gain insight on the legacy we want to leave our children, and their children's children.

One easy way to do this is by creating an Ancestor Altar. This can be on the mantelpiece, on a shelf or on top of a dresser. Choose a nice cloth that can represent your Roots or your reverence to your ancestors. (I have a tablecloth my grandmother embroidered). Add photos or objects representing your grandparents or earlier ancestors. Choose to work with only one ancestor or with many. You could add a photo or a painting of the landscape where they lived. What's important is that you feel a connection - make their life real to you. Light a few candles. Then, sit down in front of your altar with a cup of tea or other food or drink your ancestors would have loved, and have a conversation with them. Thank them for being present for you from the other side of the veil, thank them for making their presence known to you and for helping you in the present day. Ask your questions, ask for insight. Also, tell them that any issues they might have had are not to be played out in your life or in the life of future generations. State your intention to heal the hurts and to bring Love and Understanding to their human experience. When you feel the conversation is complete, thank them again - then notice what shifts in your life.

Enjoy your experience with your Ancestors, and please share your insights!

Sending you blessings of Love!

The magic of aromas...

I was 16. It was my first summer away from home, working as counsellor in a summer camp. Not only was the feeling of independence coming from the fact I was earning good money all summer, it was also a bit of an act of defiance for me. Imagine: a French Catholic girl who has been brought up to fight for her rights now working in an English camp hosted by the United Church... I was decided to make my own life path. I have many memories from that summer and although I always pleasantly recall memories of Jeff-the-Lifeguard *swoon*... one of the strongest memory remains the scent of my shampoo. I had purchased it with my own money; it was better than the dollar-brand my parents could afford; and I loved its perfume. Now and again, I chance upon that shampoo and the scent of it transports me right back to the feelings of rebellious independence of my sweet 16.

Can you recall a pleasant memory from your childhood? Are there any scents associated with this memory - the blanket, the flowers, the homemade soup or the apple pie? Think of that aroma, and notice how your body reacts. Is there a smile on your face, are your shoulders relaxing, is your breathing deepening?

Since our cavemen ancestors, scents have been telling us a lot about the world around us. Thankfully, we don't sniff butts like our four-legged friends to see how we're doing (that would be awkward at the office!) but we still use perfumes and scents on our body and in our environment to share and receive information about each other. Physically, the sense of smell is the most directly related to the brain; information travels up the nose and into the brain with the least amount of neural transmission, and it impacts brain chemistry. Memory recall can be very powerful when we add a layer of scent and aromas. Scent is a trigger for the brain. When we can connect a pleasant experience with an aroma, it is easy to return to the pleasant state of mind by using the same aroma again and again. The same is true when we have connected a scent with a painful experience - the same scent can instantly trigger sadness, pain or worse, post-traumatic stress.

It is no wonder that rituals through the ages have used herbs and oils to enhance the spiritual experience: with our sense of smell, we can easily be transported to that state of relaxation where it is easier to pray, and where we feel more open to receive guidance. In the context of the Root Chakra, I want to focus on scents that can help reduce your stress and help you feel connected to your ancestors, tribe or deceased loved ones.

I love sage and I incorporate it in my rituals at least on a weekly basis. When I burn sage, I feel connected to the spirit of the land. I feel connected to the First Nations who were here well before my European ancestors. I send a prayer to my several-times-great-grandmother from a First Nation of the Nipissing area. I recall the first time I was introduced to smudging in a Circle led by Elders, and I recall the sacredness of the moment. When I use sage, I deeply connect with all that is sacred. I am transported to a place of peaceful and powerful reverence. So you see, sage is not just for the New-Agey clearing and blessing - make sacred memories with sage by using it consciously in rituals and it will enhance your inner peace.

Cedar and pine are close second, for these earthy scents remind me of time spent outdoors, feeling free and deeply connected to the environment. My body might feel a bit heavier as my energy settles in my body and roots itself in sacred Earth. Stress and headaches are relieved. Immune system is boosted. With pine and cedar, I can feel as tranquil as I would be sitting in a forest clearing surrounded by majestic trees and looking up at the blue sky above me and the rusty pine needles and earth below me. I can breathe deeply and calmly.

Patchouli is a bit more exotic for me and instantly reminds me of Meditation, Reiki and Healing Circles. I love the new incense sticks I just received at my shop - it's the best patchouli I've ever smelled: earthy with a note of floral. Patchouli has been used for hundreds of years as a sedative and anti-depressant; it's an excellent scent to uplift our moods on these rainy days of Fall.

All of these 3 scents are easily found in incense, candles and essential oil formats. When you can't burn a candle or an incense stick, try this tip: purchase a small glass spray bottle. Fill it with purified water, 1 tsp sea salt and about 10 drops of your favourite essential oil, and shake gently to blend. Spritz your pillow before bed, or directly on your skin. Take a few deep breaths as you consciously evoke feelings of calm and inner peace.

To use scents that would connect you with your ancestors, spend some time connecting with your family tree. What activities did they do? Where did they live? What did they eat? How did they celebrate their spirituality? Go from there to find a scent that is meaningful to you. When my grandmother visits in spirit, I can smell her homemade tomato soup; when I want to reconnect with her, I often use the old soup recipe and take delight in the aroma that fills my house. Have fun reconnecting with your ancestors and deceased loved ones using your sense of smell. Remember that October is a good time to honour our ancestors and doing an exercise such as this one can help heal generational issues.

I recently received fresh sage, sage blends, incense sticks and incense cones. If you need help figuring out which scent would work best for you, or if you'd like to purchase sage or incense, talk to me! I'd be more than happy to answer your questions.

Sending you blessings of Love!

Crystals to help you feel cool, calm and collected

We are continuing our journey with the Root Chakra!  This week, I give you some insights on which crystals to use with the most common imbalances of the Root Chakra:  feeling insecure, frazzled, dizzy - and the most unsettling feelings of having foreign energies or entities attached to us.  We better get our protection on before the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween come out and play!  I am saying this playfully - but there is a grain of truth here.  For thousands of years, many cultures have observed a "thinning of the veil" between our physical world and the one beyond where our ancestors and deceased loved ones are said to be waiting for us.  Halloween is based on a very spiritual tradition of honouring the dead; giving them offerings at this time of year helped ensure they would leave would keep us safe and would not harm us in the coming year.  Gathering stones, flowers and seeds have always been part of the rituals and celebrations.  I'll be hosting a meditation in honour of our ancestors this Halloween, and I am looking forward to it!  I'll share more information with you as preparations come together...  but in the meantime, back to this week's topic:

Here are 5 top crystals for the Root Chakra!  Remember that crystals are spiritual supports to healing and are not prescriptions or healthcare information...

 Hematite

Hematite has been my go-to stone since University.  I love it as a "pocket stone" or touch stone.  I find it very calming and soothing, and it helps relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.  As I hold it in the palm of my hands, I remember to breathe fully, and I know that whichever storm I am going through shall pass.  I feel a boost in my confidence and I feel protected.

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Chrysanthemum

I love this new specimen that recently landed in my store!  When meditating with it, holding it in my left palm with the intention to find out about its healing energy, I felt Earth energy gently rising up from the Root Chakra to the Crown, like sap moving up the stem of a flower.  I felt each chakra being cleansed with Earth energy, removing old, stagnant energy and making space for joyous energy.  It was so gentle, and yet I know that its cleansing is powerful.  I've since read that Chrysanthemum helps remove blocks to one's life purpose, so that one's essence can blossom.  The extra cool thing about being aligned with and living your life purpose is that you start attracting prosperity and abundance.  This is a nice stone to have on the bedside table or under the pillow, so that it may work on our energy as we sleep.

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Smoky Quartz

If you've read Harry Potter and any books on magic, you've heard of the concept of the invisibility cloak.  That's what I think of with the Smoky Quartz - I visualize a cloud of smoke around me that protects me from other people's harmful energy.  Because I am clairsentient, I often need a boost to discern the energy around me, and help so that I don't absorb all energies crossing my path.  Smoky Quartz helps bring clarity while grounding and protecting.  An all-around wonder-full stone to wear as a pendant or to place on an altar or crystal grid.

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Red Tiger Eye

I have been fascinated with this red beauty the moment I saw it.  It shimmers with vitality, joy for living and I believe it has a sense of humour.  Just looking at it, I feel it can also help the wearer sing that special song that comes from deep within - helping with life purpose and keep putting one foot in front of the other in life's journey.  The shimmer in the Tiger Eye are from strands coming together - this crystal is said to help with family of tribal issues or patterns.  It can also help you "keep it together" in times of stress.  It can also help you feel closer to your ancestors, deceased loved ones and spiritual cheerleading squad.

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Labradorite

Although not a typical stone for the Root Chakra, I decided to include Labradorite in this issue for its ability to enhance communication between both sides of the veil.  Ancient shamans from Labrador and northern Québec believed that this stone had captured the northern lights.  Working with shimmering Labradorite helped them divine messages from their ancestors and spirit helpers.  My energy was instantly attracted to and locked on to my Labradorite wand even before my eyes saw it and that my brain understood what I was holding in my hands.  It was a powerful energy match.  I use it now to anchor spiritual energy on Earth and to move energy from my Crown down to my Root.

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I truly enjoyed writing this article and sharing tidbits of information on crystals with you!  Some of the crystals pictured are from my personal collection, but most are in my healing centre looking for their home.  If you feel attracted to any of these, let me know!  

Sending you blessings of Love!

Spiritual Reading, October 2014

Denise Linn "Gateway"

October took me by surprise.  Already here??  Where has September gone?  Where has the summer gone?  Was it ever really here?

So by October 2nd, I realized I needed to work on this month's intuitive reading.  I recorded it, like I have done for the past few months.  My iPad stopped recording right in the middle of the video saying there was not enough space.  I downloaded everything in to my computer, cleaned up my files and tried again, salvaging what I could from "Take 1".  I was getting ready to upload, then the power went off.  I started reloading once the power came back on, then the power flickered a few more times and went off for the whole evening.  I'm taking this as a sign that I was not supposed to video this month's Reading, lol.  Here are my insights, in writing.

Week 1:  Being in the flow
The first week of October was about rolling with the punches and suspending resistance to change.  Something big is happening for us, and the more we resist, the more it persists.  This is a time for us to allow Universe to take us to where we need to be, in the moment.  It's a time to let go of our well laid-out and thought-out plans and see what else is there for us.  Perhaps Universe has something better up its sleeve than what our limited mind can think of.  Perhaps we've been trying to skip steps and we're not ready yet for the big dream and Universe has a few more teachings for us before we get there.  Whatever your "it" is...  just go with it.

Week 2:  Coming into Power
Oooh...  did you feel the shift?  Universe is bringing you to the place where you can truly express yourself.  Use your talents and unique gifts this week, and feel how rewarding it is when you can serve from your heart.  The more you bring your talents and gifts out to the world, the lighter you will feel.  Meditate daily, and ask, "How can I serve today?"

Week 3:  Savouring Pleasure
Here in Canada, it's Thanksgiving weekend October 10-13.  For many, it will take an effort to savour the pleasure of being with family - the common experience is stress and anxiety...  Remember to let your light shine, serve with your gifts.  Also, take time to ground yourself.  If a family reunion is difficult for you, take a long salt bath (I recommend 3 cups of sea salt to a very warm bath, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops of almond or coconut oil and 1tsp of baking soda for soft skin).  Take time to truly taste the foods shared with you this week.  Enjoy the leftovers.  Take time to truly enjoy being in the presence of a loved one.  If the family gathering becomes too much, take a "time out" with the kids.  Ask her about her dreams.  Share in arts and craft.  Take a walk together and play in the leaves.  Taking time to savour the moment, and taking pleasure in all you do will help you focus on what's really important.

Week 4:  Starting Fresh
Perhaps you've noticed, during your "savouring week" that your daily activities are not aligned with what you truly value, or with what brings you pleasure.  Give yourself permission from this day on to add more of what brings fun and light to your life, and to release what brings you chaos and grief.  A fresh start, a new beginning is possible for you at this time.  If you've been listening to Universe this month and paid attention to your dreams, used your gifts and talents and are aware of what brings you pleasure...  you should be in a good place to revisit that plan we had to put aside at the beginning of the month.  Make sure it's aligned with your soul, and start its implementation.

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I trust this Reading has brought you insight.  If you wish to have a personal Reading  I would love to connect with you.  Readings are available via email, Skype, phone and in-person; specify your receiving preference when you book your appointment.

Much Love to you!

Root Chakra: Gateway to Vitality

I am delighted to start this monthly series on chakras! In the last post, I wrote that we have energy points in our bodies that correlate with glands of the endocrine system, and that the function of the hormones produced by these glands produce a similar physical, emotional and mental response as what has been observed over thousands of years by sages in India. These energy points are located in the body and are centred with the spinal column. In sanskrit, these energy points are referred to as “chakras” or “spinning wheel”. In addition to influencing our wellbeing, the chakras respond to colour vibration - just like a crystal in sunlight refracts the light in rainbow hues, each chakra refracts and responds to specific colours from red at the base to purple at the crown. I am imagining now my spine as a clear double-pointed crystal, and the energy coming through me being reflected in rainbow hues all around me. It’s feeling good! (Note to self: video a rainbow meditation to share!)

We are starting our journey through the chakras from the base up. This month: the Root chakra! It is located at the bottom of the spine with the tailbone and also the perineum area. In fact, it’s your whole “down under”. It faces toward the Earth as it moves Energy up into your body through your feet and legs, then up your spine, and back down into the Earth. This chakra is our anchor. It keeps us physically strong and mentally & emotionally stable. In terms of energy, it’s the densest and it spins more slowly than upper chakras. It vibrates to the colour red.

I’ve been writing in the past few articles about feelings of anxiety and stress; did you know that the Root Chakra has much to do with these feelings? One of the reasons I invite you to take a walk and move your body when you are feeling anxious is so you may reconnect with the Earth energy — and also let go of energies that are stagnating in your body. Think of the purpose of the Root chakra as a system to deliver fresh vital energy to your body, and the delivery guys take away the old energies in exchange. Unlike the delivery system from the store, where you must be available between 9 and 5 on a certain day and wait and wait and wait until 4:45 when they finally show up for the exchange (no, I’m not referring to the delivery of my new fridge - ok, maybe, lol), the delivery system for your energy is always available and ready to exchange new for the old… the problem is that our door is not always open. We get really busy in our heads. We get really busy being busy and we forget to take care of our body. We have lived childhood traumas or have suffered betrayal, uprooting, or physical pain and we closed up to the world.

We must feel connected to the world around us and have good relationships with our body, our family members and our tribe to feel safe and strong to deal with all that life brings our way. Otherwise, we live in our heads, in our dreams and imaginary world and lose contact with who we are. It becomes increasingly difficult to manifest what we want because we are depleted of vital life-force energy. Unfortunately, that’s when the ghosts of our past and the monsters of our imagination decide to take over and it becomes difficult to release them.

It’s important to check in with our bodies regularly and feel where we hold on to stress and anxiety. I know more than one person who clenches her butt when she becomes frightened or stressed. If you do this too, you’re not alone! Just remember to breathe and relax your muscles!

Here are four things you can do to relax your muscles and keep that chakra door open for deliveries of fresh energy:

1. Lie down on your back. Bend your knees up, feet hips-width apart and allow your knees to touch. Place your hands on your lower belly, and breathe. Focus on your muscles, and intend for them to relax. Feel them become softer with every breath. 
2. Take a walk. Notice nature all around you, even if you’re in a city. 
3. Eat fresh foods that support and nurture your body. Have fun this month exploring with the colour red - red cabbage, beets, red potatoes, red onions, radishes, etc.
4. View this video - it’s a meditation to anchor your energy and to connect with divine energy. The duration is approximately 20 minutes.

Next week, I will introduce you to crystals that resonate with the Root chakra, and I’m looking forward to sharing this article with you!

In the meantime, if you have specific questions on the health of your chakras, or if you would like a chakra-specific Oracle Card Reading, click here to make an appointment!

Sending you blessings of Love!

New videos: Daily Energy Routine!

This is a preview of what I teach in the Lightworker Intuition Development Program.  The Daily Energy Routine is based on Donna Eden's work, and I add my two cents of wisdom especially for Lightworkers.

Video 1: Reasons for having a good energy routine.

Video 2: Follow along as I guide you through the routine!

Remember to incorporate an energy practice in your daily life.  For Lightworkers, it's not just an option, it's a necessity!

Share below: what's your favourite element of the Routine?

What are chakras anyway?

When exploring energy work, and even just walking around crystal shops, we eventually come upon the concept of chakras. We have the firm impression that chakras are important, and many a crystal sale has been based on someone telling us that this or that crystal would balance a chakra… But what are chakras anyway?

“Chakra” is a sanskrit word for “spinning wheel”. Although the New Age wave works mostly with the wisdom coming from India, other ancient cultures have been working with energy centres in the human body for thousands of years. The number and placement of these energy centres are somewhat different in each ancient tradition, but there are many similarities. There is a general agreement that there are points in the body where energy enters the physical body, where energy is stored, and where energy exits the body.

I find it very interesting that modern western medicine is now “discovering” energy centres in the body. Technology is truly fascinating! The use of electroencephalograms, MRIs, CTscans, etc. have helped establish the fact that humans have an electrical system. The nerves send electrical signals through the body and to the brain; the heart needs electrical input to pump; hormones are produced with electrical signals from the brain; muscle tension can be produced or relieved with electrical impulses… The body is 90% water, and water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Here’s an other interesting fact: each of the 7 major chakras line up with organs or glands in the body that regulate a physical or emotional aspect, and the hormones they produce correlate with the characteristics of the chakras, as observed by sages over thousands of years. For instance, the sacral chakra deals with creativity and emotional sensitivity. The associated gland? Gonads - testes and ovaries. I think we all know how the function of these glands can affect our emotional state…

Here is what Natalie Southgate, founder of Chakradance, writes about the importance of working with our chakras:

“When we make a commitment to create a balanced and healthy chakra system, we are making a commitment to holistic and ultimate health. Your chakra system holds within it your ancestral records, your relationship history, your beliefs about yourself and your power, and your connection to the Divine. The health of your chakras is therefore directly connected to your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. When we consciously work with our chakras, and choose to balance their energy and optimise their programming, we can literally change our own energy. When we are energetically healthy, we vibrate at a different frequency. This new frequency, or vibration, can attract to us wonderful new situations, opportunities and people.”

The chakras are storehouses of the symptoms of our day-to-day problems but they also hold the solutions. By working with each one, we activate those solutions. I’ve decided that over the next few months we will be exploring this wonderful world of energy centres together. I will share my knowledge and experience of the popular chakra system, and will share with you tips and techniques to feel and understand your energy centres. I will also share information on specific crystals, archetypes and essential oils that can help you on an energetic level. My intention is to empower you to make changes in the way you care for your body, mind and spirit so that you may experience increased wellness.

When we find the true rhythm and harmony that comes with balancing our chakras, life takes on its true colours! I am looking forward to exploring the world of chakras with you. If you have specific questions on the health of your chakras, or if you would like a chakra-specific Oracle Card Reading, click here to make an appointment!

Sending you blessings of Love!

3 Techniques I Use To Understand And Release Anxiety

I am so thrilled to have started a partnership with a local organization, where I will work with a group of women to help them through their experience of stress, anxiety and depression. I will be meeting with them once a month for the next 9 months. We’ll have quite a journey together, and I am happy and grateful for it!

My own experiences with anxiety and depression have brought me some wisdom on how to best deal with these feelings. These feelings have been present in my life as far as I can remember. I think I was about 7 the first time I imagined the need to take my brain out of my head and into a jar so that I could find some sleep. In High School, I buried myself in activities - I can count 13 club photos in one yearbook. My first burnout was at 18, and a full-blown panic attack in third year University. That powerful and frightening experience turned the ignition for my healing journey.

For me, talk therapy was not very helpful. I found that the therapists were always asking the same questions, even though they were taking copious notes. There were no breakthroughs, only the same conversations over and over again until I tired of repeating myself and stopped going. Maybe I was just too hurt and too closed to their method. Maybe I didn’t trust them enough because I felt the stigma of branding just walking into their office. I felt judged, assessed and boxed in one or two of their labels. Whatever the reason, it just never felt right for me.

What works for me, then and now, is what I teach my clients. It’s not about the one method so much as it is finding what works for you. And to find what works for you, you have to be willing to try different approaches. Seek help from licensed therapists, and explore “alternative” methods that are safe and healthy. Surround yourself with a team of people you trust and where you feel safe to explore your inner world. I can feel quite vulnerable and naked to my core when I open up about my inner world. That fear of being judged and ridiculed can be quite strong… but with my team of helpers I’ve learned to heal past that fear so that it doesn’t hold me back anymore. I wouldn’t be writing this article, contributing to my blog, or constantly learning new ways to help my clients if I would still be living in fear.

So what are my best techniques?

1. Notice what’s going on inside… many of us have learned to hide our emotions. Other people’s feelings matter more than ours. After a lifetime of hiding my feelings behind work, community activities and people-pleasing hoopla, I realized that I was unable to recognize my own feelings. I spent almost a year learning about my emotional landscape, and my best tool was the sentence: “I feel ______.” When you can name it, you claim it - and you can work with it. 
2. Be curious about what’s behind the feeling… a feeling of anxiety is often a trigger, or a response to a physical situation or a thought pattern. There are often stories behind the feelings, like the need to please Mother, the need to belong, the need to be safe, the need to be loved - and the stories running in our minds can remind of times when these needs were not met, and part of the brain might be running statistics on the likelihood to be disappointed or hurt again. But until we know what story is running, it’s hard to change the channel. 
3. Body movement is imperative. Whether it’s a walk, a swim, yoga or a jog - the body needs to move! Anxiety and stress build up a lot of energy in the head and upper chest areas. We can feel constricted, choking or stiff. In these instances, the aura is shrinking in and offers no protection to external factors. It’s important to move and have some cardio activity to help release a build up of energy - and pump up endorphins and happy hormones through the body. Body activity truly cuts through the fog - plus it helps rebuild a healthy aura.

Chakradance is my favourite modality because it combines body movement, introspection, and divine communication. I have been able to move through rough patches and gain valuable insights. I feel so blessed to be able to share this gift with others, guiding them in their own journey. Every one of my students has lived a transformation, some big, some small… but a transformation nonetheless. I’m sure the women’s group participants will enjoy this journey too.

Do you need help exploring your emotional landscape? Talk to me.

Sending you blessings of Love!

A setback or an invitation to learn and grow?

The dust is settling from the kitchen reno: the new cupboards are ordered and I was able to clear a square foot of countertop where I can prepare basic meals. The menu is closer to the ready-made diet I favoured as a University student rather than the healthy gourmet I’ve become. Oh well - sometimes we need to take a step back to be ready to leap forward.

Life’s path is circular rather than linear. It winds up and down valleys, retraces its steps to gain better perspective and often moves in a spiral up and around a mountain instead of taking the most direct route. What feels like a setback is often part of this curvy journey. Stepping back allows for us to take stock of our strengths and of what still needs work. It helps us realize how far we’ve come. It helps us use tools and knowledge in a new way, for a new purpose.

In our fast-food, make-it-quick, I-want-it-now society, we often feel that a setback is a failure. We loose patience with the learning process. We want to know it, apply it, be proficient with it right away. This need to understand it all, and to “get it right” is a big source of stress, anger and frustration. We forget that some things take a lifetime (or more!) to truly understand. We also forget that there are many layers to understanding and that knowing with our heads or with logic is only a small piece of the puzzle.

I have been talking with a lot of people recently who are experiencing setbacks. It takes longer than they thought to reach their goals, and then they find out that they didn’t really like their chosen objective anyway - so what now? Others have a complete life or career do-over to deal with, and not always through conscious choice or decision. Many women feel sad, anxious and depressed because they are realizing that the life they have built for themselves is just not fulfilling - “was the last 15 years a lie? How do I deal with this?”, they ask.

If this sounds like you, I want you to take a look at my Programs. I teach from my own experience what works to get away from the drama of a setback. I help you gain a new perspective, so you can keep focusing on the moment and on the future your heart really wants to manifest. I help you get away from the superficial git-er-done-now and into the flow of your soul purpose. The process takes time - no fast-food about it! - but it’s well worth it. I know, because my clients tell me so, and not just out of politeness, teehee. I see the changes in their eyes and in their energy even before they become aware of it. I am so privileged to be a witness to such transformation, and I am happy, from the bottom of my heart, to be able to serve in this way.

Just as I know that the kitchen will be gorgeous when it’s done, with its splash of red and double the original space to cook and bake delicious meals and treats, I also have faith that this spiritual reno we are going through will have results beyond our expectations. I can see beyond the mess. It’s important, when we feel a setback, to get the tools we need to refocus, to learn the lessons, and get our sense of direction. When we’re done reacting and fretting and cursing… it’s easier to stay centred and plan the way forward toward what we really want.

Do you need help seeing beyond the mess? Talk to me.

Sending you blessings of Love!

Take a look at my Programs

I’ve been talking a many people lately who are experiencing a surge in anxiety, stress and depression. They find it difficult to see beyond the hurt and the sadness. For just too many, the dust is not settling easily, and the constant emotional agitation keeps the dust flying in a downward spiral of yuck.

Because of this general unease I’m sensing, I want to take some time this week to talk to you about my Programs. I know they can help you, whether the dust is settling for you and you feel ready to move forward on your spiritual path, or whether you feel stuck in the yuck. Take a look at what I offer, and feel if any of these can be used as a walking stick on your journey. The techniques I teach and the coaching I offer help my clients find a sense of inner peace.

One-on-one Program

I have experienced first-hand what damage anxiety and depression can do, and I found that meditation and connecting with Spirit/Source/Angels is key to changing those thoughts and emotions that keep us stuck. If you feel, like many others, that you’d like to roll up in a ball and disappear for a while… honour the feeling, but don’t stay stuck there. Reach out! Find the help you need. This 6-month Program reconnects you with your ability to take clear action steps to reach your goals and objectives. It’s been life-changing for my clients, and as their self-confidence and overall wellbeing increased they have noticed positive ripple effects in their relationships at home and at work.

For the duration of this Program, we meet twice a month either in person, through Skype or over the phone. I tap into what your Soul needs in the moment and we allow for Spirit to lead the session. You receive live Readings every month, and you get coached on what your soul really needs. You also receive email support throughout the Program.

This Program can start anytime following our initial conversation; there are no set intake dates.


Intuition Development Program

This is a 6-month group program. I teach techniques to connect to true Source energy, and we learn to make peace with and to develop intuitive gifts. This Program will provide you with all the basics you need to heal yourself, and you’ll learn techniques - and the ethics - to offer healing to people, pets and the environment. I’ll let my graduate students speak on this one:

“I recommend this Program because it will help you look within at what you may or may not know about yourself. Jaz is an amazing person, coach and facilitator. She is very knowledgable and understands what each person in the class needs to help them grow. I highly recommend her courses to anyone searching for more in life." -- Pat K.

"I loved this Program, and I am a better person because of it. Jaz works with you over time to ensure you understand the concepts and you work hands on. With practice, you gain confidence in this field and in your life." Shirley G.

"This Program helped with inner peace. It showed me how to bring out my gifts. It helped me make life changes, and I learned a lot." Shirley H.

The next intake for this wonder-full Program starts the weekend of September 27-28.

I'm quite excited that this Program will soon be available online!  I'm looking into possible technology that can bring us together.  I know many of you would love to take this Program and reconnect to your Inner Lightworker, but you live too far away to take this Program in person.  Stay tuned!  I'm real close to being ready for the online launch!  Let me know if you're interested!

September is such a good time to start a new routine, now that the kids are back in school and that the weather is cooler. It’s time to go within to find answers to your questions. It’s time to journey some more, away from the stuck zone. Are you ready?

Contact me to learn more about my Programs, and to register for Fall sessions.

The kitchen reno of Awakening

Denise Linn
"Soul CoachingOracle Cards"

For a moment, standing here in the midst of my kitchen reno, I feel like the Grinch who stole Christmas. It comes with boxes and labels and strings. It comes with dust and odours and furnishings. And oh the noise, noise, noise, NOISE! I'm loosing my poise, poise, poise, POISE! OK, so I'm no Dr. Seuss, but like the Grinch, I feel it would be easy for my heart to become two sizes too small.

I've been talking to several beautiful souls this past week, and I realize there are many of us feeling the same way. Stalled. Angry. And that feeling that's hard to put into words but that is between the "oh no you didn't" and "fine, what now?". There's a bit of "are you really listening, God, or are you just toying with me?" thrown in the mix too. It's quite the recipe we're mixing.

And then comes the aha moment.

We're undergoing a spiritual reno at the moment, and we're deep in the messy part of deconstruction and making choices for the outcome. 

From this point on, would you like your life to have a pop of colour? To have easy glides? Would you like to stand tall? Would you rather blend in with uniform colour? Would you like a serene space? What would you like to stand on? How big a space do you want? What are you willing to pay? Are you willing to upgrade everything or just a portion?

Those questions are being answered by your Soul at this time, and you may not even be aware of it. You may be too busy sorting out the dust. You might be angry at the inconvenience or with the bad timing. You may feel confused because your spiritual utensils are now in the living room and the metaphysical cookbooks in the basement. Nothing is the same anymore, but we're trying to make sense of it all based on what we know; on what used to be.

Hmph. The in-between phases are always the most difficult. They're filled with doubt and worry. They're filled with insecurity. All renos go through a period of icky mess before things can be put together again in a way that is better and more beautiful than before. Just watch a few home shows to the OMG reveal, and you'll know it's true. Watch a few life makeover shows too, and you'll notice how the process is similar. Let's blame the contractor or the designer...

Hmmm maybe not. Now that we are fully aware of the spiritual reno going on, what can we do to stay sane and centered in this mess? We have to take responsibility for our own awakening and make mindful choices because the decisions we make now will have long-term ripple effects. We have to stop viewing this situation from a victim point of view (aka "it's happening to me and it's not fair"). We are invited now to be mindful co-creators and rise above the dust and the noise and the mess (aka "I'm lovingly choosing how I live my life, and Spirit and the angels are my contractors and labourers. I'm in good hands.").

How to stay peaceful in the mess?

• Getting out in Nature, or at least taking a 15-minute break to look out the window and breathe deeply.
• Spending at least 10 minutes a day in mindful meditation - that's as easy as listening to your favourite tunes and allowing yourself to daydream.
• Dust off that vision board, and make necessary adjustments. This is the plan for this next phase of your life - and you want to make sure you can live with its colours.

Do you need extra help to work through life lessons or to release anxiety about the past, present or future? I can help! We can work on your vision board together. An Oracle Reading will help you understand what your Soul wants you to know, and what plans Spirit has for you. I'll ask you about your goals and your energy, and I'll give you tailored-to-you tips to move forward in your heart's direction.

Sending you blessings of Love!

September 2014 - Romantic Outlook Reading

I love trying different ways of bringing you messages from Spirit...  I'm using crystals and Doreen Virtue's "The Romance Angels" Oracle Cards to bring you an overview of your romance forecast for this month of September.

First...  take a deep breath, close your eyes and think of your current relationship challenge.  Then, focus on the crystals and pick the first one that gets your attention.  Or pick a number from 1 to 3, going from left to right.

Have you made your choice?  Don't scroll down until you've made your choice!

Now look below to read your message.  Use your intuition to feel how the Angels and the crystals are counselling you and giving you strength for your next step.

1. Hematite and "Romantic Feelings" card:  You are ready to turn up the romance in your life, whether in an existing or new relationship.  Take this as your cue to take grounded action to follow your romantic feelings!  Hematite is a beautiful stone to help release anxiety and negative feelings.  Use the energy of Hematite to help you overcome past hurts that may be blocking a new venture, and to release the negative thoughts and "what ifs" of surrounding a relationship.  Stay positive, be confident, and take the first step in making your feelings known!  It is safe for you to do so.
2. Rose Quartz and "Deception" Card:  This is a reminder to stay true to yourself!  Have you been shielding your heart in hopes of preventing a heartbreak?  Is your relationship plagued with conditional love - aka love, affection or sex in exchange for a chore or task, or "I love you only if you behave a certain way" attitude?  Are you - or your partner - not disclosing true feelings on a particular matter for fear of offending the other?  Remember to be genuine with your feelings.  Say no when you mean no.  Follow up lovingly with your commitments.  Discuss your true feelings, even if it's uncomfortable to do so.  When you do, you will feel lighter.  Call upon the energy of Rose Quartz to be connected with Unconditional Love.  This particular chunk I acquired in Brazil is excellent with soothing the heart and inviting forgiveness.
3. Labradorite and "Forgiving and Learning" Card: This Labradorite wand is excellent for Lightworkers, and it helps bring Light and clarity to any situation.  In this instance, call upon the energy of Labradorite to gain clarity about past experiences in your current and/or past relationships.  What have you learned about yourself through theses experiences?  How have your strengths and your character been tested?  You have been hurt before and are afraid of being hurt again...  but this fear of being hurt is only putting up a wall preventing a great Love to reach you!  Review your past experiences and understand that these are life lessons for you.  Now forgive the role you played and the roles your partners have played while you were learning these life lessons.  Use White Light to protect you as you move forward and cut away the cobwebs of the past.  When you learn and release a life lesson, you will feel a surge of freedom and the road ahead will appear more clear and less frightening.  

Do you need extra help to work through life lessons or to release anxiety and past hurts?  I can help!  Contact me for a complimentary chat.  I'll ask you about your goals and your energy, and I'll give you tailored-to-you tips to move forward in your heart's direction.

Blessings of Love and Light!