Small animal encounters

Small animal encounters

Once at Steinke Basin I did a double-take. On the path ahead of me was a small brown creature that looked like a lobster. The sight was so unexpected that it flustered me. I had just started my walk, and I was on the gravel road the emergency vehicles use to get to...
Meeting spirit guides

Meeting spirit guides

Twenty years ago when I first stepped out onto my path, I desperately wanted to meet my spirit guides. I was alert and eagerly awaited signs of their presence. I looked forward to having immediate connection upon introduction. It did not work that way for me, at least...

The benefits of ancestral healing

When we honor our ancestors in sacred space, we learn from their wisdom and hear their stories. We also gain awareness around the origins of the dysfunctional patterns and how that pain has impacted our lineage. This insight brings understanding and compassion. As we...

Having needs doesn’t make you needy

I once told my therapist I was afraid of being needy. Her response helped me shift this old piece of programming. She counseled me that having needs doesn’t make you needy. Everyone has needs. Likewise, having emotions doesn’t make you emotionally unstable. Everyone...

Using trauma skills after a fall

One recent morning, I was walking with a friend at Steinke Basin. We were so engrossed in our conversation I lost track of my surroundings. A rock jutting up from the trail tripped me, and I began to fall in slow motion. At first I thought I would regain my balance,...