2 shielding techniques for empaths
Empathic people pick up the emotions and energies of others around them. It goes beyond the normal loving compassion that anyone might feel on witnessing a friend in pain. The empath absorbs the pain and connects with it emotionally, feeling it as though it were their direct experience, heavily influenced by the emotions around them.Those of us who are empathic sometimes absorb energy around us and think it is ours. It might not be until later – after the interaction is over and we’re back at home in our familiar environment – that we realize...
Using color for healing chakras
Each of our chakras has a color associated with it, and we can use that color to revitalize that chakra and boost our energy.This morning on my walk at the conservancy land near my house, a meadow trail drew me. After walking for a short while, I noticed that everywhere I looked, the color yellow captured my attention.A profusion of wildflowers dotted the landscape in an array of yellow tones – from the pale yellow of the butter and eggs and the newly blossoming mullein, to the bright sunny yellow of the hawkweed and dandelion, to the deep...
The importance of after care
One of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves after a shamanic healing session (and after many forms of energy work and bodywork) is to slow down and give our body and our being time to integrate the work that has happened. When clients schedule a private healing session, I often advise them to pick a day and time when they can enjoy some “downtime” after the session. Having at least an hour or two to relax makes a gentler re-entry to the physical world than having to rush back to work or off to a meeting. Reactions to a shamanic healing...
Working with nature spirits and elementals
When we’re feeling out of sorts, turning to nature for comfort and solace is effective. Many of the loving, compassionate spirits who live in nature will joyfully share their wisdom and their healing energy with us.A couple years ago I was walking in the state park near my home on a trail through the forest. A sense of sadness began to come over me. I left the trail and found my favorite sitting rock. As I sat, the heavy emotional weight continued to build, but I couldn’t identify the source.Slowly, the breeze began to blow. At first just...
3 clues for discerning what’s a message
The Universe sends us messages in the form of signs and symbols daily. In reading and interpreting these messages, we gain the ability to communicate directly with the divine and receive feedback and guidance on our spiritual path.Anything can be a message, including ordinary, everyday events like a lightbulb burning out or a pain in our body. Our cars, homes, people, and nature can hold messages. Even overhearing a snippet of conversation or turning on the radio to a line from a song can be a message.While it’s true that anything can...
An invitation to remember – time in nature
What do you remember when you spend time outdoors in nature? I remember the gentle, loving energy of Mother Earth, and her power to soothe and heal when life feels out of balance. I remember the comfort to be found in stillness. I remember that the wind brings ideas and creativity, and that if I listen, I will be inspired. I remember that stones and trees carry wisdom, if I slow down and pay attention. I remember childlike joy and innocence in my heart again. I remember the cycle of life. That as the stately oak topples, nearby an acorn takes...