The AlcheMe Method: A Journey into Presence
A few months before the Covid lockdown, I was talking to my friend Nancy about how hard it was for me to talk to people. I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my stories or commenting back during a conversation, I would just listen. But I felt I had so much to express. I had a deep desire, almost an ache, to be heard and understood. Often when I was talking I would be interrupted and lose my thoughts, it would really disregulate me, pushing me further into a shell. Rooted in a childhood discouragement, “ Don’t speak until spoken to,” I made all that mean that people just weren’t interested enough in me to be curious. But it was more than that. I was disconnected from myself and my identity. I felt people didn’t know me but it was because I wasn’t able to first connect within myself to find what I wanted to express, and then compose my words quickly enough to share it while I had their attention. Anyway, Nancy suggested I find a Toastmaster’s group to practice public speaking. It wasn’t a priority, until I was bored in lockdown and when I did search for one nearby they were all closed because: lockdown. They hadn’t figured out online meetings yet. So I searched for other ways to improve my communication skills, and I came upon Circling. As defined by AI: “A transformational communication practice that helps participants become more self-aware, connect with others, and learn how to meet their needs.” So I signed up for a few meetings. At first I felt welcomed and found myself opening and feeling seen and heard. But I had a couple moments where I didn’t feel safe. One moment I felt villianized because I was defending a participant who had come to tears due to the presence of another participant who had left her feeling abused in a prior interaction. I called him a coward for not coming forward and neutralizing the issue through the very act of Circling. I was new to the practice, and perhaps shouldn’t have spoken up but I was triggered. I myself had recently felt disrespected and kind of abused offline by, not only a participant, but a facilitator who messaged me thru Facebook after getting my screen name from the Zoom meeting. Needless to say, I was quick to defend her, and was disappointed that the facilitator didn’t intervene. I immediately lost respect for the forum. But I had gotten a lot out of it before all this, and I searched for alternative Circles.
Well one found me. Circling Space. This forum was different. First, it was created by a woman, Vicki Howie. I had been following her YouTube channel on chakras for years. In her newsletter she introduced a new service, Cirlcling. She had been practicing this communication style with many of the other platforms and forums, and found them lacking. So she created her own, and I ‘m so deeply grateful that she did. Secondly, there was a one on one onboarding to familiarize me with the culture of this practice, not just a series of videos. She perfected it in my opinion. After a couple of the online meetings, she told me I was a natural and I believed her. She hosted a retreat in her home in FL and several of us attended. It was pure magic, alchemy. I experienced transformation. After meeting each other in person our practice grew deeper and I felt belonging. For a year and a half I circled with her and the eclectic group of facilitators and participants from all over the world. Sadly, she closed the platform because it wasn’t making profits. That was a sad day for us all. It was a lot to organize and demanded commitment. Other priorities came first and we all forgave her. But I found myself still needing it. We had a couple pop up meetings that were fun, but I wanted more. I asked her permission to use her template to create something of my own and she agreed.
The AlcheMe Method of Presence is my creation from her template. It is my desire to provide space where the people courageous enough to explore embodying authenticity can show up and feel safe to do it. Because, deep down, we all crave the same things: to be truly seen, heard, and understood.
The AlcheMe Method of Presence is a simple yet transformative approach to cultivating connection and authenticity in every area of life. Whether you’re navigating relationships with family, striving to be a conscious leader, or seeking self-love and healing, the power of presence holds the key to deeper fulfillment.
But The AlcheMe Method of Presence is more than just a personal journey—it’s a movement. It has the potential to ripple outward, creating stronger families, thriving communities, and a world rooted in harmony and understanding.
What is The AlcheMe Method?
At its core, The AlcheMe Method is about alignment: with yourself, with a higher truth, and with others. It’s a way of living that fosters deep listening, self-awareness, and authentic communication. Through three key movements—inward, upward, and outward—it equips you to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and grace:
Go Inward: Listen to Yourself
Cultivate self-awareness by tuning into your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Approach your inner world with curiosity, compassion, and honesty, allowing you to align with your true self.
Go Upward: Align with Truth
Connect with a higher purpose, divine guidance, or core values that ground and inspire you.
Seek alignment with what feels authentic and true, providing clarity and strength in your interactions.
Go Outward: Build Authentic Connections
Extend presence to others by listening deeply and creating space for genuine dialogue.
Approach relationships with empathy and openness, fostering trust and understanding.
These principles form the foundation of a life lived with intention and connection, creating a ripple effect that transforms your relationships, workplace and community.
True connection feels like a rare treasure, because it is. We desire to be deeply heard, understood, and met with presence—but few of us have been taught how to cultivate that presence within ourselves. This is where the A.L.C.H.E.M.E. Method of Presence comes in: a structured yet fluid practice designed to bring you into deeper connection with yourself and others.
What is the A.L.C.H.E.M.E. Method?
A.L.C.H.E.M.E. and it’s a seven principles is designed to guide you into the art of presence, where relationships transform and ripples of connection expand. It is both a personal practice and a communal experience, allowing us to create spaces of resonance, healing, and authenticity. Each letter represents a foundational principle:
1. A – Align with Integrity
Create a foundation of confidentiality, trust, and authenticity. When we align with integrity, we cultivate relationships built on mutual respect and genuine connection. In The Presence Practice, each participant is held within the safety of confidentiality. What’s shared in this space remains protected, honoring vulnerability and trust as the foundation of authentic connection. This principle ensures that everyone can explore freely, knowing their expressions are respected and safeguarded. Of course we can always share our personal experiences, any A-HA moments of witnessing what is created during the practice, and any takeaways. from having participated. Integrity within Presence calls for congruence between one’s intentions, words, and actions. As we practice we get better at noticing when we censor ourselves and as we commit to honesty and transparency, participants build a collective container where truth can emerge naturally, allowing each person’s experience to be met with honesty and depth. Integrity within this practice fosters reliability and presence.
2. L – Listen with Curiosity
Approach interactions with openness and wonder. Curiosity invites deeper understanding and allows for richer, more meaningful conversations. Curiosity invites us to explore without preconceived ideas, keeping an open mind about our own and others’ experiences. In Presence, curiosity is the guide to understanding what lies beneath the surface, and it nurtures a spaciousness where each unfolding moment becomes a meaningful discovery, without judgment or expectation.
3. C – Consider Conscious Reflection
Recognize others as mirrors, revealing inner truths. Every interaction is an opportunity for self-discovery and deeper awareness. Through gentle reflection and mirroring, Presence invites participants to witness aspects of themselves in others, recognizing shared humanity by saying “just like me” in moments of resonance. This practice builds bridges of empathy, connecting individual experiences to universal truths. Relating this way creates a foundation for self-awareness and compassion, enhancing the collective experience.
4. H – Honor the Moment
Slow down and deeply listen to yourself and others. Presence is cultivated in the stillness of truly witnessing what is unfolding in real-time. Offering full presence to another is the cornerstone of Presence. By being fully with another, participants experience the depth of the moment together, free from distraction or judgment. When we slow down and allow for the space for the unfolding of another we embody the practice of truly seeing and “being seen, truly hearing and “being heard,” and finally feeling understood.
5. E – Embrace Reality
Love what is, rather than resisting, trying to change or fix it. Acceptance creates spaciousness for transformation and peace. Presence asks participants to radically accept what arises, letting go of the need to change or fix anything. Embracing what is, without trying to ease your discomfort by offering advice, fixing, or consoling others. Allowing experiences to be as they are, without resistance or interference, participants find freedom in the present moment. Radical acceptance cultivates peace and a gentle honoring of each person’s unique process and faith in their capability.
6. M – Meet Truth with Courage
Express what is real and notice when you self-censor. Honesty and vulnerability lead to deeper connections and a more authentic life.Integrity within Presence calls for congruence between one’s intentions, words, and actions. As we practice we get better at noticing when we censor ourselves and as we commit to honesty and transparency, participants build a collective container where truth can emerge naturally, allowing each person’s experience to be met with honesty and depth. We encourage each person to speak their truth courageously and kindly, without censoring or diminishing their experience. By sharing from the heart with kindness and honesty, participants bring their full selves to the space, creating a rich, multi-faceted tapestry of connection and authenticity. The Presence Practice involves a commitment to clarity in communication. By being direct, honest, and clear, we avoid assumptions and open a direct channel for authentic understanding. This clarity promotes shared meaning and supports the collective wisdom of the group, enhancing each participant’s connection to themselves and each other.
7. E – Embody Presence
Speak from the Present, using the Personal "I" and Physical sensations. Presence is not just a concept; it is a lived experience that engages the whole self. To stay with the raw truth of the moment, Presence emphasizes the practice of letting go of stories. Rather than recounting past experiences or speculating about the future, participants focus on what is currently unfolding. This practice minimizes projection and maximizes presence, enhancing the depth and honesty of the interaction.Presence invites participants to ground themselves in the present by sharing their experiences through immediate physical sensations, using the first person, “I” and present tense. By tracking these sensations—“I notice a warmth in my chest,” “My breath feels shallow”—we stay connected to the here and now, deepening the immediacy of our experience and embodied authenticity.
Each of these principles embodies the essence of The AlcheMe Method creating a sanctuary for true connection and self-discovery. This framework invites participants to encounter themselves and each other at the deepest level, grounded in openness, truth, and kindness.
The Invitation
The A.L.C.H.E.M.E. Method is more than a practice—it is a way of being. When we embody these principles, we become conduits of deep listening, healing, and connection. The world needs more people who can hold space, who can see and hear others fully, and who can create the conditions for true presence to thrive.
The Ripple Effect: Why It Matters
When you embrace The AlcheMe Method you not only transform your inner world but also create ripples of positive impact around you. Imagine grandparents modeling deep listening for their grandchildren, community leaders fostering cultures of collaboration in their workplaces, or families breaking cycles of miscommunication. These ripples can reshape relationships, organizations, and even entire communities.
The practice isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up intentionally and authentically. It’s about learning to quiet the noise, honor your truth, and create space for genuine connection.
A Glimpse Into the Journey Ahead
This blog marks the beginning of a series of books exploring the many facets of The AlcheMe Method and its applications in daily life. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
Self-Love and Personal Growth: How The Presence Practice helps you build self-awareness, heal old wounds, and live authentically.
Parenting and Grandparenting: Foster meaningful intergenerational connections and leave a lasting legacy of love and wisdom.
Leadership and Team Dynamics: Transform workplaces with a culture of empathy, collaboration, and trust.
Community Building: Create spaces of belonging and shared growth through authentic presence.
Each book in the series will offer practical exercises, real-life stories, and actionable steps to integrate presence into every area of life.
Why Start Now?
The journey to deeper connection begins with a single step: presence. What would change if you started listening—truly listening—to yourself, your loved ones, and your community? What legacy could you create by embodying presence in your daily life?
As you begin practicing, remember this: every moment of presence you offer is a seed planted in the heart of someone else. Your small actions today can create ripples that echo through generations.
Join the Movement
You don’t have to do this alone. Join a growing community of individuals committed to creating a more connected and compassionate world through The PAlcheMe Method of Presence.
Follow our journey on Instagram at @AlcheMeLove
Stay tuned for our upcoming book series and workshops designed to deepen your practice and transform your relationships.
Start your presence journey today, book a Listening Session.
Together, let’s spark a movement of Presence that ripples through families, workplaces, and communities. Your journey starts now. Will you take the first step?
I’m offering my 100% Presence to you.
Unleashing Creativity and Healing with Neurographic Art
With the help of LinkedIn, I became connected to an alumni of the institute I attended for my hypnotherapy studies. Janet Karam, of Texoma Hypnosis in Sherman, Texas, reached out to me to discuss our work and to motivate each other. She introduced me to Nuerographic Art. She is an amazing artist as well as a gifted therapeutic hypnotist. I have found that beginning a session with this art form allows ease of access to the part of the mind we use in hypnosis, and in so doing produces greater results.
Many individuals seek solace, self-expression, and personal growth through creative outlets. Neurographic art, a relatively new form of artistic expression, has gained attention for its therapeutic and transformative effects on the human mind. This article dips into the world of neurographic art, exploring its origins, techniques, and the profound impact it can have on mental well-being.
Understanding Neurographic Art
Neurographic Art is a unique form of creative expression that combines elements of art therapy, psychology, and neuroscience. Developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev, this art form aims to unlock the creative potential of the human brain and promote psychological healing. It's based on the idea that art can facilitate profound changes in perception, emotion, and cognition.
Techniques Involved
Creating neurographic art involves a straightforward yet deeply meditative process. It is an art, so the way I do it may differ from the way others do it. I’ve added steps to access specific beliefs and to amplify the emotional state of the participant. These extra steps are personally customized for each of my hypnosis clients.
Here's a simplified step-by-step guide to get started:
Materials: Gather your materials, which usually include paper, colored markers or pens, and a comfortable workspace. You may get as “extra” as you like with your materials.
Relaxation: Begin by taking a few deep breaths to relax your mind and body. Find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions.
Write a short sentence: On the back of your paper you may write a worry, a belief you’d like to challenge, a desire, or an affirmation. (i’m scared that….., I think/believe that…..., I desire…………., I have/feel/am/express…………….. ) Try your best to omit No and Not in your sentences. While the subconscious mind can process negatives, it is often more beneficial to frame your thoughts and statements in a positive and affirming way to effectively communicate your intentions and goals to your subconscious mind.
Word Association: Choose two or three power words from within your sentence, and do word association seven levels deep. I write my seven words directly under my chosen power words. This process usually gets us into an emotional state, which is exactly where we want to be.
Random Lines: Considering your statement, close your eyes ( or don’t) and create a series of random lines or shapes on your paper. These lines will serve as the foundation for your Neurographic Art. I prefer to scribble for 3 seconds without taking my pen off the paper but you can create your lines however you like. Closing my eyes removes judgement of my work and feels more intuitive and trusting, allowing my subconscious control of my hand. Keeping pen paper contact creates fluidity and minimizes going off the page. Complete any lines that stop on the page, following the same direction of the line.
Patterns and Connections: Start connecting the lines or shapes in whatever way feels right to you. There are no rules in neurographic art; it's about letting your intuition guide you. I like to focus on intersections and smoothing them out, it’s my way of smoothing out the issue. Find your way to make it easier for you to look at your art, your intention can be: Relief.
Coloring: Add color to your artwork, using colors that resonate with your emotions in the moment. Sometimes I color the inside of the bubbles, and other times I leave random bubbles uncolored, sometimes I only coloring the frame, you may be as creative as you like. Don’t limit yourself to only coloring, you may draw faces, or objects, or glue fabrics, there are no rules.
Reflection: As you create, allow your mind to wander and reflect on your feelings, thoughts, and emotions. This is where the therapeutic aspect comes into play.
Effects of Neurographic Art
Stress Reduction: Neurographic Art promotes relaxation by engaging your mind in a creative process. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect on the nervous system.
Emotional Expression: Creating Neurographic Art allows individuals to express complex emotions that may be difficult to put into words. This can be especially helpful for those dealing with trauma or grief. Sharing your art can be an intimate way of sharing your feelings without having to find words.
Enhanced Creativity: The process encourages abstract thinking and creativity. It helps individuals break free from mental constraints, fostering innovative problem-solving skills.
Self-Discovery: Neurographic art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. It prompts introspection, enabling individuals to gain insights into their inner world. This is so helpful in the process of therapeutic hypnosis, where we are exploring the inner world.
Improved Focus and Concentration: Engaging in Neurographic Art requires concentration and mindfulness. Over time, it can enhance your ability to focus.
Catharsis: Many practitioners report experiencing a sense of release and catharsis when creating Neurographic Art. It can help individuals let go of pent-up emotions and find closure.
Neurographic Art offers a holistic approach to healing and self-expression. It taps into the intricate workings of the human mind, using creativity as a therapeutic tool. Whether you're an experienced artist or someone simply looking for a way to de-stress and explore your inner world, Neurographic Art is a fascinating and accessible method to consider. Embrace the power of Neurographic Art, and you may find yourself on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
I find great comfort in exploring neurographic art because there are times when I struggle to express myself verbally in a way that feels safe and genuine. Neurographic art provides me with a secure and visual outlet for self-expression, it’s my form of alchemy, instant transformation of energy. Even if the meaning behind my creations is personal and perhaps not fully conscious, what matters most to me is my own understanding and connection with the art. This form of expression offers a unique space where I can communicate my thoughts and feelings in a way that feels true to myself, and that, to me, is of the utmost importance.
I offer classes for Neurographic Art, be that one on one or in a group setting. Contact me via email for an appointment: Glouise751@gmail.com
Beyond Goodness: The Journey Towards Wholeness and Self-Integration
Carl Jung is quoted in saying, “ I don’t aspire to be a good man. I aspire to be a whole man.” When I first heard this, I felt resistance in my being, because I have a desire to be good. As I feel into that it’s more that I have the desire to be seen as good by others. There’s a knowing inside myself that I am good, but, What is good? Good feels like a judgement that comes from outside of myself. True feels more valuable than good. Whole feels more like truth.
In a world where the pursuit of goodness often takes center stage, a powerful and transformative perspective emerges—one that champions the concept of wholeness as the ultimate goal. Wholeness, defined as a state of completeness achieved through the integration of fragmented parts, represents a departure from the traditional pursuit of goodness. In this article, we delve into the depths of this paradigm shift, exploring how the integration of suppressed, denied, and repressed aspects of our being aligns with the laws of nature, the very essence of truth itself.
Wholeness: The Completeness of Self
At its core, wholeness is an invitation to embrace all aspects of oneself. It acknowledges that our identities are not singular, but rather a symphony of diverse emotions, thoughts, and experiences. In contrast, the pursuit of goodness can sometimes lead to the suppression of certain parts deemed incompatible with societal norms. By integrating these fragmented aspects, we embark on a journey towards a more authentic existence, unburdened by the need to conform to external ideals.
Integration: Reclaiming Our Disowned Parts
To be truly whole, we must confront the shadows lurking in the corners of our psyche. These fragments, often disowned or repressed, represent untapped sources of power and wisdom. The pursuit of goodness might inadvertently lead us to disavow these darker aspects, relegating them to the depths of our subconscious. However, embracing these aspects, acknowledging their existence, and integrating them into our being can lead to profound personal growth and a richer understanding of ourselves.
Wholeness as the Law of Nature
Just as truth is the law that governs existence, the pursuit of wholeness aligns with the fundamental principles of nature. In nature, diversity is celebrated, and harmony arises from the interplay of myriad elements. Similarly, the integration of suppressed aspects within ourselves harmonizes our inner landscape, leading to a more balanced and cohesive sense of self. Wholeness, then, becomes a natural extension of the very laws that govern the universe.
The Program, the Math, the Music: A Symphony of Being
Life itself can be seen as a symphony, with each individual contributing a unique melody. The pursuit of goodness might inadvertently limit the notes we play, conforming to a predetermined composition. However, the journey towards wholeness encourages us to embrace the entirety of our musical range. By acknowledging our suppressed and denied aspects, we add depth and complexity to the symphony of our existence, creating a harmonious masterpiece that resonates with the rhythms of the universe.
The pursuit of wholeness stands as a transformative alternative to the conventional pursuit of goodness. By integrating the fragmented parts that have been suppressed, disowned, repressed, and denied, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and authenticity. This journey is not only aligned with the laws of nature and truth itself but also contributes to the grand symphony of life. As we weave our unique melodies into the fabric of existence, we move beyond the constraints of goodness, embracing the profound beauty and completeness that comes with being whole.
I offer Coaching for integrating rejected aspects and coming back to wholeness. For one on one appointments or group experiences email me at glouise751@gmail.com.
How to "Fight" When You Value the Relationship
When you find yourself in conflict with a loved one, do this exercise.
Decide that keeping the relationship in tact is more important than being right.
Flip a coin to choose who expresses first.
Allow for full expression of each party with these prompts, the other must listen quietly, with no interruptions, until the person expressing is complete. After completion the second person expresses starting with the anger prompts as well.
Anger:
I hate it when...
I am so angry that....
I'm fed up with...
I'm filled with rage when...
Disappointment:
I feel disappointed that...
I feel so sad when...
The thing that hurts me so badly is...
This is why it hurts me...
Fear:
Im afraid that...
What I'm truly afraid of is...
It scares me when...
It reminds me of...
Understanding:
I'm sorry that...
Please forgive me for...
It is completely understandable that...
I regret that...
I understand that...
Love:
I want to..
I forgive you for...
I hope that...
Thank you for...
I appreciate you because...
I love you because....
It is my desire that humans evolve to cause less and less harm to one another, until the day that we are all thriving and nourishing each other with kindness and love. Imagine a world like that.
You Can't Give Someone a Gift and Tell Them How to Use It
Gift-giving is an act of kindness and generosity that is inherent in human nature. It is listed as one of The 5 Love Languages in Gary Chapman’s book. All five are: Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Affection, and Words of Affirmation. Gifting is a way of showing someone that you care about them and appreciate their presence in your life. It’s a way of extending your energy towards someone so that they can feel loved. However, when it comes to giving a gift, it's essential to remember that once it's given, it's out of your control. You cannot dictate how the recipient should use it or what they should do with it.
This philosophy becomes even more important when the gift you're giving is your love. While love is undoubtedly an emotion, it's also a verb, an action that requires effort, commitment, and dedication. Love is not just a feeling; it's a choice we make every day to show up for the people we care about. It's about actively listening to them, supporting them, and being there for them through thick and thin, joy and pain. Love is not just something that happens to us; it's something we actively do for others. It's the small gestures, like making their favorite meal, patiently listening to their woes, or offering a shoulder to cry on, that show our love in action. By treating love as a verb, we understand that it requires effort and work, but it also brings us the most joy and fulfillment in life. Ive heard it said, stop trying to love someone and start trying to understand them, in this way they will feel loved. This is a shift in intention that deepens a connection.
When you love someone, you take them as a part of yourself, you can not hurt them, or bear witness to their pain without hurting yourself, you want them to be happy and fulfilled in life. You want to support them in achieving their dreams and being their best selves. However, it's essential to remember that their happiness and fulfillment are not for you to decide. Each person's journey in life is unique, and they must navigate it in their way. Trying to control or direct someone's life, even with the best of intentions, can often lead to resentment, frustration, and even heartbreak. We would do well to understand what exactly our loved ones wish for themselves, and then help them to get it, anything else is meddling.
Love is a gift that must be given freely, without expectation, with expectations come manipulations, so it's essential to remember that it's not something that can be controlled or directed once givien. The best way to show your love is to trust and support the person you love unconditionally, even if their decisions don't align with your own. It's vital to trust the person you love to make their own decisions and support them through their successes and their failures.
You can’t give some a gift and tell them how to use it, even when, and especially if that gift is your love. This is a crucial aspect of mastering healthy relationships. It's essential to remember that each person's journey in life is unique, and they must navigate it in their way. Trust and support are the most powerful gifts you can give, and this will allow your loved ones to flourish in their own way. Understanding this and putting it in action will set you up to master your relationships and create a culture of love.
Living the Loving Lifestyle
Living a loving lifestyle is all about embodying love in every aspect of your life. It means that you not only express love towards others and the world around you, but first and more importantly, towards yourself. As within, so without. It doesn’t work the other way, ‘others first’ can breed resentment and resembles people pleasing which comes from fear not love. It's about cultivating a loving mindset and allowing it to guide your actions and decisions. Teal Swan, a mentor of mine, and spiritual catalyst says we would do well to ask ourselves before making a decision, “What would someone who loves them self do?” I started the practice of asking this question several years ago and it has shifted my perspective and guided me into living a more fulfilling life. Back in 2018, I recall being asked, “what makes you happy?” And my answer caught the inquirer and maybe even myself by surprise, “I AM happy, I hold my happiness within me, it pours out of me, not into me.” I credit Teal Swan’s question for incrementally aiding in my cultivation of my impenetrable foundation of happiness, perhaps self-love is the foundation of happiness, which brings me to step one in living the loving lifestyle.
So, how do you live a loving lifestyle? Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
Practice self-love: The foundation of a loving lifestyle starts with self-love. This means accepting yourself for who you are, flaws and all, shadow and light, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion, never abandoning yourself for the benefit of others. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and peace. My visceral experience of Oneness, which met once and for all my spiritual need for divine connection solidified my faith in my worthiness of being loved, first by The Divine and then by my own self.
Cultivate loving relationships: We are the only species that is born three months pre-mature. A human baby would die without their parent’s attention. We are a relationally dependent species. Relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, so it's important to nurture them with love and respect. Be present and attentive when spending time with loved ones, express appreciation and gratitude, and prioritize open and honest communication. Notice when a relationship is feeling transactional.
Practice kindness and compassion: Extend love and compassion to others, even those who may have hurt or wronged you in the past. A wise man once said, “Love your enemies.” Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs, and practice forgiveness whenever possible. The operative word here is Practice, because that’s exactly what it is, a practice, hopefully a daily one.
Spread love and positivity: Make a conscious effort to spread love and positivity wherever you go. Smile at strangers, offer a helping hand, and share words of encouragement and support with those who need it. Think about in what kind of world you want to live. Be a love ambassador.
Embrace gratitude: Living a loving lifestyle also means being grateful for all the blessings in your life. Take time to reflect on all the good things in your life, big and small, and express gratitude for them regularly.
Living a loving lifestyle takes practice and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable. By embodying love in everything you do, you'll create a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. So, start today by taking small steps towards living a more loving life, and watch as it transforms your world for the better. I invite you to join me in this community, Living the Loving Lifestyle.
Art and Connection
I have recently become friends with a man with whom I attended high school. We didn’t connect all those years ago, even though as we have come to discover, we have had many similar experiences, but we have now, through art. My offering of a class on Nuerographic Art prompted him to reach out to me because as he shared with me, “it stimulates my brain.” We set up a Zoom chat and I, dare I say we, immediately fell in friendship. That was April 12, 2022. We have been in touch almost every day since then.
He suffered a brain injury a few years ago and has shared with me how the system has failed him on multiple occasions. It’s frustrating to hear his story, however, I do my best to focus on being a friend and creating a safe space for him to express whatever comes up. His listening ear and compassion towards my life’s frustrations, and a general, genuine curiosity about me have made me feel more real in this world. By that I mean, seen, I guess, not invisible, nor labeled wrongly because of an assumption of what someone may think I am. I have felt misunderstood much of my life. I am reminded of the double slit theory in quantum physics, where an experiment is conducted with electrons and how they behave when they are observed. When electrons are observed they behave in a different way than when they are not. I notice that in myself, behaving in a different way because I feel seen. I feel a responsibility to do better because someone is observing me, seeing me. As I write that I’m wondering if the idea of God should be doing that for me, and then asking myself why it doesn’t. Well, it hasn’t. But I feel we are all extensions of the divine and maybe I am noticing the divine within my new dear friend and that is becoming a powerful catalyst to notice the divine within myself.
My new friend is an amazing artist. He works in such a unique way, perhaps due to his injury. He paints on plexiglass and puts the front down first and then adds the background, I say he buries it. In my mind he is accessing his vulnerability and then covering it to hide it, but that may be what I do. I am learning about myself through his art. His art stimulates my brain and opens my heart. My son and I stared at a photo of one of his pieces for half an hour, just talking about what we see and how it makes us feel, and enjoying the opportunity to see into each other’s hearts and thoughts, and the way we understand the world, and our history of experiences that make us who we are, so unique. It was a very tender conversation and allowed a deeper connection between us, because I was seeing into him and he into me. My friend’s art provided the medium that accessed the vulnerable depths of the stories we hold in ourselves, which for me correlates to the subconscious. I often talk about music and how we have a song within us but don’t have the skill to make the music, the sound, or find the lyrics, and when we hear a song that resonates with the unnamed song within us, it’s such a relief to hear it because the musicians did what you couldn’t do, and maybe you didn’t know how tense you were with this looming un-expression until you feel the release of it by hearing exactly what needed to be expressed. It feels familiar and is a comfort because you don’t feel so alone, this idea has come alive and there is connection in the expressing of it. That’s how I feel when I share his art with my loved ones, and even strangers. I feel connection to their inner world and I’ll tell you, people can surprise you in the most beautiful way.
The above photo is the front and below is the back of the painting I stared at with my son. He bought it, it’s his first purchase of an art piece. I find myself so proud of him. I am reminded of a quote that goes something like, “ where your treasures lie, so lies your heart.” I interpret that as, “pay attention to what people spend their money on, it shows what they treasure.
Becoming and Belonging
One of my massage therapy clients gave me a compliment that I’ve heard before, but for some reason it hit me deeper this time. I feel that is because of the inner work I have been doing. He texted me after his first session, “I feel some sort of connection and feel comforted by your presence.” He followed that with, “Hopefully that’s not awkward.” It stirred my emotions. I explained to him that it was the opposite of awkward and that it was a very touching compliment. I told him that I grew up feeling forsaken, and I discovered my purpose in this life is to create the opposite of that for the people in my presence. It is my daily intention to create a sense of peace, joy and belonging for the people with which I interact.
A few years ago I was watching a Teal Swan episode, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN16ubqbJUA ) on how to find your purpose by finding the core negative imprint of one’s childhood. I took the time to actually do the exercise she guides you through and I found myself as a child feeling helpless, without protection, unwanted, rejected, and abandoned. Three year old me, made that emotional experience mean that I was on my own in this world and could only depend on myself and I created that as a core belief and held it as such until about a year ago when an acquaintance facilitated me through changing my perspective in that moment to see the full picture logically as an adult is able, more so of course than a three year old child. I realized that I was in no real danger and I was loved, just not in the way I needed to be in that moment. I used Inner Child re-Parenting to reprogram my unhealthy core belief, and that action began a repairing of it’s damage to my behavioral patterns and energy signature.
It’s so interesting to me how life’s lessons spiral back to you and you can go deeper into the lesson. Within this year I had a dream in which I was entering a hotel conference room. There was to be a group therapy session I think, because there were several chairs arranged in a large circle. When I first saw the chairs from the entrance to the room, there was no one in the room yet. I approached the chairs to take a seat and as I did suddenly all the seats were occupied. I couldn’t find an empty seat, so I went in search of a chair. I glanced around the room and there were no extra chairs. I remember thinking, “this was poorly planned, I mean there should be enough seats for the attendees.” There was no one to ask for help in finding a chair either. So I left that room to explore for a chair. The next room was furnished but no chairs, and the next was even less furnished, no chairs. As I opened and closed multiple doors to multiple rooms, each room was progressively disheveled and unkept with furniture pushed to the side or messes on the floor and walls, the last room was horribly filthy and I was disgusted by it, still no chair. I felt defeated, rejected, as if there were no place for me to sit in the whole world. I felt forsaken, and then I woke up.
I made a dream board soon after that, at an event my health coach held in a community room at a nearby park. I was the only one that filled my board. I was clear on what I wanted. Among other things, it included a post-it that read, “I am giving AND receiving love and belonging.” I wrote “and” in all caps because I was well versed at giving love and belonging, but I was unfamiliar with allowing it into my experience. I also had a picture of a group of people of all different cultures dressed in white holding candles and walking together down a cobblestone street in the night. It was my representation of people willing to collaborate with me going in the same direction. Once your blocks are removed you really have to be ready for what is to come.
October, 2021 I found my collaborators. A gigantic smile is spread over my face while I am typing this, and my heart is blossoming, as I choke up with gratitude. I found 7 people willing to co-create a shared vision which we are all passionate to bring into reality. It is a glorious feeling to be in the presence of others who recognize your value, who encourage you, and who accept you as you are, without the need of dimming your light. We continue to discover synchronicities and common goals, we are sharing information, (without eye rolls, condescending tones, or the comment, “you’re weird,”) sharing our stories, and diverse, AMAZING talents as we get to know each other. We’ve had a few Zoom meetings that go late into the wee hours of the morning, and although some of us are fighting ourselves to allow this love in, I feel we all have been looking for a chair in the room in which we feel belonging. Of those 7 people, I have deepened my connection with three, and each one of them represents an aspect of myself from whom I am now willing to learn; The Visionary, The Innocent, The Queen. By allowing this shift in my experience, and by that I mean allowing the receiving of love and belonging into my reality (by these seeming strangers), I can see how it has rippled into my familial life. So far my relationships with my father, my mother and my oldest sister have been much enriched. I have lost the tendency to show up with a wall around myself in self protection, and to feel into their perspectives before I make a conclusion about what our interactions mean to me. I have perforated my own defenses to let their love in, and am so grateful for their patience with me. A dear client of mine guided me by advising specifically with my mother, but it applies to any interaction. She said, “Before you spend time with your mother, intend it will be a pleasant, loving, visit. Envision it, and you will create it.” And I can report, it works!!! Every time. With simply becoming clear on my intention and the result I want, I have opened my heart during these moments and the love that I am experiencing is sometimes overwhelming. Circumstances most would classify as failure, created an opportunity for me to come to know my sister, and her family, so incredibly deeply in the past few months that I grieve the years I allowed to pass without her sweet, beautiful soul closer to mine.
I can feel my beacon of light changing frequency, recalibrating, calling to me like-minded and like-hearted people, I see the evidence already. I can feel the momentum of all of us becoming our highest and best selves, together as a family, once strangers, and I am expecting more of these connections as our collective love causes myriad ripple effects out into the world. I am eager to welcome new friendships, make memories and celebrate victories with these wonder-filled humans. I found that there are many chairs just waiting for me.
Why Hypnotherapy?
All hypnosis is self hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is really just a way to help coach one through self hypnosis. The depth of trance depends on the participant, the rapport with the hypnotist, and the limits of your imagination. Your experience depends on the depth you allow yourself, and on the leading talents of your hypnotist.
I started hypnosis training in 2009, and one of the early classes focused on Past Life Regression. The instructor guided us through a regression to discover why we chose hypnotherapy as a profession. As I was attending online, I wasn’t sure I would have a worthy experience. At least not one as intense as my first time. I had been hypnotized for the first time about 6 years before this, but it was one on one in a hypnotherapist’s office, and he had me wear dark glasses with strobing lights on the inside. I remember feeling just outside my body, my consciousness hovering over my own head but still feeling tethered to my body, I could feel my clothes and a coolness on my skin, I felt both perspectives. Although we were in a private room, I could hear the goings on throughout the office, it was as if my awareness was expanded, I heard the front door opening and closing and murmurs of the conversations of others, as if I was in the hall or waiting room. During that session, he had me imagine myself in a heavy overcoat, with pockets full of papers, each paper told a story of a painful memory. He instructed me to take each paper out of the pockets and read them one by one in my mind. There were so many papers in the pockets. As I read them I threw them in a pile, and it came to be a large mound of papers, almost as tall as myself. He instructed me to throw the pile into a bonfire. I wept as I did this, and when I was finished and was awoken the hypnotist asked me how long I thought I was under. I answered, “20 minutes?” He said, “try 2 hours.” My face was streaked by tears, but I felt so much lighter. That was when my healing began.
So back to my Past Life Regression class. As I made myself comfortable in my office chair, facing the computer, eyes closed, the instructor brought us through a progressive relaxation from head to toe, and took us back through time and space through our current life, into the white light, and asked us to be shown a life in which we would understand our purpose for pursuing hypnotherapy. In hypnosis, I saw my feet first. They were bare, and they were dark brown. As I scanned up my body, I wasn’t wearing much. I had a thin cloth around my hips, tied like a skirt. I was female, around 50 years old, and I could feel the weight of a heavy necklace around my neck and chest, the strands of beads were red, blue, and black. My braided hair had some grays. I wore a headpiece made of leather and cloth and beads. I was the advisor to the elders of my tribe. I was a seer, and a healer, and a mother. The instructor took us through the death day, because most times the death has an important message. On my death day, I knew I was leaving this world. My successor as advisor was also my daughter in that life, and that daughter was my current life’s daughter, Nadia. She and I performed a ritual to transfer my mantle to her, and I died in her arms peacefully. That is my favorite death, so far. After you die you ask for clarity. I learned that, although I was an advisor to the leaders of my tribe in that life, in this current life I am also asked to BE a leader, as well as seer, healer, and mother.
Hypnotherapy continues to help me discover myself through my inner world and outer behaviors coming into alignment. It is my desire that many people may come to love and understand themselves, because when we do, we can love and understand everything else. A wise woman said, “ Stop trying to love people, it’s too complicated, start trying to understand them. When you really understand someone, you understand what’s right for them.” (- Teal Swan). We start with ourselves and then we can ripple that out. I want to live in a world where we are curious about the beings around us, so much so that we each feel seen, heard, felt and understood. Although I feel resistance to leadership, I consider myself a bit of a pioneer, perhaps that is how I will lead the way.
Change yourself; Change the world. As below, so above. I’ve always wanted to be part of a small rebellion, let the battle begin.
Past Life Regression
Sept 22, 2020
Past Life Regression
I may have an unpopular interpretation of Past Life Regression, among my peers in the spiritual community. I don’t know if reincarnation is real. I have read about some amazing accounts of people knowing the personal undocumented circumstances of the life and death of others who have lived long ago. I don’t doubt their experience. I have an alternative theory of how they are able to tap in to the experiences of those who have lived before us: There is no time.
We, of course, measure time. We live in cycles and seasons and make appointments and attend events, but only because we live in the physical dimension on Earth specifically. Science suggests based on the SuperString Theory that there are 10 dimensions. https://phys.org/news/2014-12-universe-dimensions.html . I believe there are more than this, but I have no evidence to show you. The above referenced article mentions the mastery of the 5th and 6th dimensions may allow time travel, either backwards or forwards. This idea has catapulted my imagination to explore the subconscious mind in such a way to alter our current reality to the degree that we experience a more joyful or successful life.
Many people struggle with loneliness, insignificance, financial instability, addiction, anxiety, depression, etc, but why? I have spent a lot of time studying suffering, behavior and the subconscious mind. Recently, a young woman asked me, “Why do you study this stuff? Are you getting a PhD?” Although I was surprised at the question, I answered, “No, I don’t need a PhD, I just want to understand myself and others.” Her question and my answer made me think; If Source’s, (God’s), purpose in creating life is to know itself, I am truly made in Source’s image. At this moment I realized I am expanding, because that is what Source does.
Oneness allows us to know without a direct experience, or perhaps to tap into a direct experience, because of our oneness. I have explored thirteen past lives so far, and each one has given me deeper insight into my current life and how better to live it. I feel that my subconscious is telling me stories in pictures to communicate to me a greater meaning. In exploring these “stories” I have noticed a growth in my sense of control of my life. After I “see” the past life and learn the lesson, I go back and re-write it. I edit it, if you will, to be a happier ending, it has given me peace to know that I can re-write my story, in any time, even my current experience of being human.
I will post my past life stories and hope we may share lessons that allow us to more Richly Experience Our Humanity.