Making Changes Taking Risks

So recently someone asked me "how do you move through past old hurts?". My Answer: "Do something different."
Generally people live from a place of fear from something that happened in thier past - well that is why it's called past - it's over. Now of course if you want to continue having the same experiences, then by all means continue the same behavior and you will get just that, the same experiences! Here's a thought, try something new. When a situation presents itself, try a new reaction.
If you want something to happen in your life, don't wait for the fairy godmother to blast it into your life. Take the appropriate step to get the ball rolling. If you want to go on a vacation, you don't just sit around and think about it and then one day get up and go. You plan - making the arrangements. Same with all the things you want in life. If you want a job, you search the papers, fill out applications, go on interviews and then get hired. If you want a new car, you research the different kinds, test drive different ones, look at prices, etc... then you go make the choice of which one and buy it. This prinicipal is applied in so many different areas of our outside world, try applying them to your inside world. If you want to experience more peace of mind, then take a look at your life. Where is there too much stress? How can you change that? I really dislike when someone says, but I don't know how - hey try anything new to move through it, you will find what works for you - no one else can do it for you.
Last week Dr Mark Vierra (my great minister) suggested we do one spiritual practice with diligence. Pray daily, Meditate daily, Yoga, Write, Sing and Dance around the house - whatever it is that makes your heart sing and get connected with your inner self. Get connected to your Spiritual Source. When we feel alone and sad, we are not alone - Spirit is always with us. When we FEEL that connection we are able to walk through fears of the past. We're able to grow and have new experiences.
I always teach to lead with your heart - is it scary? Hell Yes - Is it worth it? Hell Yes! I stepped out of my comfort zone last week - just but something out there in the world and you know I had 2nd thoughts about it, but it worked out fine. I got a different reaction because I was coming from an honest loving place without any expectations. And it didn't even turn out the way I was hoping, but that was ok, because I saw past the outcome to the bigger picture - I just healed a part of my life that had been broken for a long time, which allowed me to move forward and open myself up to more new experiences. How cool is that?
I'll end with this - Love Love Love, it is the most important thing you will ever do. The most important person you must love first, is yourself.
Be well my friends! Namaste - Suz

The Time Has Come

All of these changes taking place,
Makes me feel like I'm running a race.
But where am I running to? Or what am I running from?
Why can't I just enjoy NOW?
The time has come.

The past is gone, I've learned so much.
It shows me time and time again, "JUST TRUST."
I've seen it work, I know it's true.
And not just for others, but for me too.

The future awaits me with open arms.
So don't let that old fear creep in, Don't let it charm.
Unlimited Power awaits the next task - and all I have to do is ask.
What is it I want? Where do I want to go?
Visualize, See it, Feel it, Let it grow.
Open my heart, choose Love to flow.
The time has come, I know, I know.

I know my Truth, I know it now.
I feel the Power growing deep within me.
My heart is content, My future is bright.
With no struggle and no strife, For I choose Love,
The time has come. The time has come.

Now I let my heart soar high, cause I choose Love.
The time has come. The time is now.
Love, Love, LOVE!

New Year - What's New

Wow what happened to 2005? Last year was a year of many changes for a lot of people, including myself. I had three important friends in my life, move away. One only a few hours, another a couple of states away and one all the way across the country. Although this gave me an opportunity to travel to new areas and experience new things, I miss them all very much. One thing I learned from this, it is my time to concentrate on me and my dreams.

Now then, what is up for 2006? For me it has starting with a bang! Right off the bat I found that for myself communication is still the most important aspect to keeping conflict and misunderstandings at a minimium. Although I have found myself smack dab in the middle of a situation, I am doing something different knowing the the outcome has to be different. Life is in session!

I am preparing to teach more this year. I already have four workshops lined up. The first is and evening of Meditation and Massage on February 4th. This will be facilitated with John Gaylord, a fantastic spirit and massage therpist. Then at the end of February / beginning of March I will be teaching a three week workshop based on Wayne Dyer's "Power of Intention". I will be using many of the exercises from the 10 week class I created last year. Both of these workshops will be held at MidSummer Fairies in Lancaster, CA. Please go to http://goddess-pracsuz.com/services.html for more information.

In the spring I will be offering a Magical Meditation Workshop and a Cooking with Spirit class. These will be offered at The Center of Light in Lancaster, CA. More information to follow on these workshops.

This is the year to follow my passion - teaching spirituality.

May each of you find your passion in life and go for it!

Namaste

Tell Them We're Ok

I wrote about my trip to New York and how amazing it was. There was one experience I didn't share. Perhaps out of fear of "what would people think", but I was recently at a workshop where I felt safe and shared this story. Now with their love and encouragement I am ready to share it with all of you, because I realize this was a beautiful gift.

My trip to New York was filled with so many wonderful experiences. I think I did everything humanly possible for a first timer to this amazing city. I went to great theater shows. Ate at some wonderful restaurants (pizza is amazing in NY). Visited Central Park, twice and checked out a great bar, Don't Tell Mama, where the bartenders sang like angels. I also visited a place of tragedy, know by many as Ground Zero.

I am not really sure why I wanted to go to such a place of tragedy, but it was like a calling that I had to do this. We boarded the subway (which I found to be a wonderful way to travel in this town) and traveled across the city. As we approached the block getting closer, there was this very strange sensation that came over me - My friend even asked if I was ok because I'd just gotten quiet. I could feel the heaviness in the air. When we crossed the street and went down the subway entrance staircase, the feeling became even more intense. As I walked across to the fence that now surrounds the area, I felt all of these energies - I heard voices - one in particular, a women, who repeated "tell them we're ok, tell them we're ok " . All I could do was close my eyes and stand there allowing all of this energy to fill me and exchange with my own. It was as if there were many there who wanted to communicate with others, but most people who come through this area are on there way to or from someplace and not open to hearing the silent words within. I stood there for a while and just let the energies flow. My friend pointed out the pictures made into a memorial wall that were drawn by the children who lost family members that very sad day,d again this women's voice - "tell them we're ok".

We stood and read some of the messages from the children and then decided to leave this area and went to the church located across the street that is now a shrine to all who lost their lives on 9/11 and all of the workers that gave so much to restore this area. As I read stories, messages from loved ones, looked at photo's I gave thanks for all that came together during this time of need. Then once again I heard the voice. I decided to sit in the pew, closed my eyes and said a prayer. I prayed for any one who needs closure, to find it, be it in human form or spirit form, and that all people could learn to live in love and appreciate each moment you have with loved ones and strangers too. Because you never know what could happen on any given day.

I'll never know who the voices belonged to, but then I realize they belong to us all. For it is my firm belief that we are all interconnected and share the life force that gives us the ability to live fully each day. My hope for you is to make the best choices you can for yourself, and for you to always feel loved. So that everyone who knows you will know that You Are Ok.

Land of Oz or Twilight Zone, which do you choose?

I recently took a trip to New York City. I had never been there before and found it to be quite amazing. Coming from Los Angeles, where everyone drives and rarely has personal contact with one another, it became immediately apparent to me that in New York people interact with one another and this creates connection, an inner connection.

People in New York make eye contact with me. They smile and say good morning or good evening. Almost everywhere I visited, the people were happy and helpful. It appears that they are engaging in life in this city that is filled with so much energy and many opportunities. Isn't that what life is about, making contact with others? Sharing insights and having conversations?

While visiting Central Park, I took notice that there were many families out picnicking, playing with their children. They took advantage of the valuable time together. Many other people were sunbathing, reading a book and just relaxing. All of this in a city with the energy so high that I could feel it when I walked outside and yet these people knew the importance of "quality time".

My experience in Los Angeles is much different. If I say good morning or hello to a stranger they usually stare at me as if I am nuts, or that I want something from them. In Los Angeles, people are all in metal boxes (cars), in a hurry to get from one place to another. Rarely do drivers even take note of one another; only if the person driving in front of them is driving too slowly or if they have been cut off by a driver who is in a bigger hurry then they are do they take notice. Upon this instant, they usually are passing judgment on this unknown person to them. Most drivers only see other cars not the important people that are driving them.

Most parks in Los Angeles are not gathering places for friends and families but rather for the drug dealers and the homeless. Many parks that are still used for picnicking and soccer or softball games, but the majority of socializing is done at one another’s homes where everyone knows each other and there is little chance of meeting new people. This will keep their safe circle of friends in tack not allowing others to infiltrate the inner circle.

In New York, people are open and pleased to meet a new person, inviting me into their conversation quickly. A stranger did not threaten them. I felt welcomed immediately. During this exciting trip, I have made several new friends that I now can keep in touch with through the modern technology of email. I have opened my inner circle to include them in my life. For me this is what life is all about, meeting new people, sharing our stories, experiences and growing in the process. In the song, “For Good” (from the musical Wicked), the first lines read: “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are lead to those who help us most to grow, if we let them and we help them in return.”
Whom are you letting into your life today? Whom are you helping to grow? Whom are you allowing to help you to grow?

Upon my return to Los Angeles, I notice even more just how distant we are to one another. The other morning as I was driving in my metal box, going to work, I made eye contact with the human being in their metal box beside me – I smile and mouthed “Good Morning” – Their response is saddening to my heart, as they pretended not to see me at all, and speed away down the freeway of life. They decided to miss another opportunity to connect, to grow, to experience something new.

I am making the decision to stay connected, inviting new experiences into my life and continue my path of teaching others that IT is available to all of us. What is “IT” you ask? IT is Love and can be shared easily with each person you come into contact with by a simple smile or saying hello. Even if they make the choice not to respond, know you have just given a great gift to the world. Who would have thought that I had to travel 2700 miles away, to a city that in our recent past came together in Love during a very tragic time, in order to learn this lesson.

I feel as though I took a trip to the Land of Oz (NYC) and experienced life to its fullest. Now once again I am returned to the Twilight Zone (LA), where no one wants to adjust their “TV sets”, for they are perfectly content with living unconnected to each other, to life and filled with emptiness. However, I have experienced more. I now know the true possibilities that I previously only dreamt of …are real!

Alternative Medicine Produces Healing

In this busy time of instant everything, more and more people are looking for ways to stay healthy and live longer. They exercise, change their diets, and if faced with a medical challenge, many people are turning to alternative methods of healing. For centuries, other countries have used these methods, such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices just to name a few. Healing is not simply the physical body getting better, but a state of being, body, mind, and spirit and there are so many ways to get there.

Holistic healers deal not only with the physical body, but the emotional mental state of mind, and spiritual well being of a person; whereas western medicine usually treats the effects of an illness instead of the cause of the illness. An herbalist, homeopathic, acupuncturist, or spiritual practitioner all practice holistic medicine. Each approaching the healing from a slightly different angle, yet all agree that the state of mind plays a huge part of the patients ability to heal.
"Early physicians were often priests and healing was as much a matter of pacifying evil spirits as prescribing curative brews. This is a connection still found in many traditional cultures, where the shaman or medicine man combines incantations, herbs, and trance states in an attempt to visit the spirit world and persuade whatever is troubling the patient to depart" (Ody 9). The Chinese believe that if your Chi energy is out of balance, your body can manifest some kind of illness. They practice breathing exercises along with visualization to specific parts of the body to bring the body’s Chi into balance. From herbalist to shaman they each have unique ways of approaching healing.

Some western medical physicians are starting to recognize the power of how mind, body and spirit work together to bring about healing. “Only a few years ago, many medical doctors would have avoided alternative programs for fear of being seen as quacks by their peers or as witch doctors by their patients. But now, while alternative treatments remain controversial, many doctors are scrambling to educate themselves” (Smock). Many people diagnosed with terminal illnesses are looking to alternative medicine in conjunction with western medicine for faster, permanent healing effects. Some people walk around with cancer for years with little or no physical effects, and yet others die in a very short time after learning there diagnoses. If you just received news from your doctor that you had a terminal illness, would you use only traditional western medicine? Dr. Bernie Segal, author or Love, Medicine and Miracles, spoke at a convention I attended. Dr. Segal was one of the first cancer doctors to recognize that patient’s state of mind can help in the healing process. Not only were patients healing more rapidly, but permanently staying in remission. “Bernie Siegel started ECaP, (Exceptional Cancer Patients) a specialized form of individual and group therapy based on “carefrontation,” a loving, safe, therapeutic confrontation that facilitates personal change and healing. This experience led to his desire to make everyone aware of his or her own healing potential” (Siegel). It was Dr. Segal’s belief that our thinking affects our physical body. He is not the first or only one to think this; however he was respected by his peers and heard in the medical community.

The state of a person’s mental stability plays a great part in ones physical outcome. Ernest Holmes, founder of the Science of Mind, wrote time and time again, “thoughts are things” and “A thought of love is always healing” (Sinkler-Monroe 60). Meaning that if you dwell on something it can manifest into something. . “Life is very simple. What we give out, we get back. I believe that everyone, myself included, is responsible for every experience in our lives, the best and the worst. Every thought we think is creating our future. Each on of us creates our experiences by the thoughts we think and the words we speak and the beliefs we hold” (Hay 5). This idea makes us responsible for our manifestations, but who consciously creates illness? No one. However if your mind is polluted with negativity, that energy must be expelled some how and many times it turns inward onto the one thinking it, thereby creating illness.

Many patients say they use positive thoughts, visualization, breathing exercises, or any number of other practices to get them through a treatment. Many patients recited affirmations such as “I am Safe, Secure, Centered and at peace. I am Healthy, prosperous and enjoying life. I am filled with vim, vigor and vitality” (Jurman 55). This helps a patient get into a state of being, sort of a readiness to the healing. “I never go in the waiting room before radiation, people are too negative there, and many are crying and sad. Instead, I wait in the hall, listening to my CD of meditation music. I visualize the beam of radiation as the light of God, healing that diseased area of my body” (Welsh). The idea is that your mind be at peace when entering a medical treatment. Uses of meditation, visualization, positive affirmations, or yoga are ways to reach this state of mind. Michelle Parodi was diagnosed with breast cancer and yoga helped her change her life.

It helped me reconnect with my body and deal with all the achiness and joint pain that accompanied chemo, Parodi says. But yoga breathing and meditation and spiritual teachings were even more important. Swami Satchidananda’s teaching about nonattachment – the idea that I’m not my body, my feelings, or my thoughts – was a huge relief and freedom. And breathing and meditation helped me to be present, over and over (Krucoff 94).
Another patient, Connie Hawley had similar experiences, she had felt totally exhausted from the medical treatments;
"But after six months of aggressive chemotherapy, which left her headachy, weak, and nauseous, a weary Hawley declared a truce. ‘I was totally exhausted from both the treatments and the fighting’ she says. ‘The cancer was getting worse. I felt awful and depressed.’ One morning when she had barely enough energy to brush her teeth, Hawley lay on the floor and started doing some breathing and gentle stretches she remembered from a yoga class she’d taken several years earlier. ‘Little by little, a voice came through encouraging me to make peace with my body and appreciate the things that were ok" (Krucoff 94).
“Yoga is an incredible tool for accessing the body’s amazing capacity to heal itself” (Krucoff95). Now thinking happy thoughts or deep breathing exercises may not work for healing everyone’s body, there are those who still die from their diseases, yet they went through the experience without the fear of death, without mental suffering, giving them the chance to say the things they wanted to, to share experiences with their families and make a peaceful dieing experience for themselves and their families. Isn’t that a healing in it? I believe so, the person lived being at peace with themselves, with their life a choice, that’s healing.

Patients, doctors and nurses are recognizing the power of prayer. Nurses see it all the time, a critical patient in which they may not have much hope for recovering miraculously is healed and going home. Why? The family gathered in prayer. They asked their friends and neighbors to pray for a healing. There is a power in numbers too. The more people that are praying for the healing the more powerful the prayer becomes. Now I don’t believe that God listens only to those who pray, but I do believe that when someone prays they are making a conscious connection with God and Gods law of life go into motion and manifests an outcome. The patient hears the prayer and makes a conscious mental shift to get better. But what if the patient dies? “Some say God does not always answer prayers, but this is not true. A delay never means a denial. God works in mysterious ways, and we have to be alert in order to receive the blessing. We get what we desire, ask for, and earn in the right time and right way according to God’s Divine Plan. It all works together in some inconceivable way, and for it all to work we must do our part.” (Cole-Whittaker 93). Perhaps the patient was ready to move on, and the families’ prayers were heard by God, but the patient wanted to die, God also hears the thoughts of the patient.

With stress as the number one diagnosis of the cause of most illnesses today, it would serve us well to look at how we think, how we react, how we are living. Then perhaps look at some ways to change these old ideas into new ones. Perhaps we could heal ourselves before we ever need medical doctors. I’m sure the drug companies would be upset about that, but people need to take control of their lives and their bodies. And when faced with an illness, major or not, look at some of the choices that are out in the world. I will not just take a pill and think that will do the trick. How can one drug work the same in so many different people? It can’t. Look at all the wonderful opportunities to discover , to learn and try something that may give you a permanent healing. Again, healing is not just the physical body, its Body, Mind and Spirit.




Works Cited
Cole-Whittaker, Terry. Dare to be Great. Penguin Group: New York, 2001.
Hay, Louise L. You Can Heal Your Life Companion Book. Hay House, Inc: California,
2002.

Jurmain, Edie. “Daily Guides to Richer Living” Science of Mind May 2005, volume 78,
No. 5, Pg 38-69

Krucoff, Carol. “Facing Cancer with Courage.” Yoga Journal November/December 2004
Pgs92-99

Ody, Penelope. The Holistic Herbal Directory. Chartwell Books, Inc: New Jersey,
2001.

Sinkler-Monroe, Kenyatta. “Daily Guides to Richer Living” Science of Mind February
2005, volume 78, no. 2, Pg 40-68

Smock, John. Working Together. 06/28/2005
http://www.metrotimes.com/20/39/Features/culWorking.htm

Speakers & Entertainment. Celebrity Cancer Survivors and Speakers
http://www.se-speakers.com/survivors/b_seigal.htm

Welsh, Diane. Personal Interview. 30 March 2005

Time Is Now

All of these changes taking place, making me feel like I'm in a race.
But where am I running to? Or perhaps running from?
Why can't I just enjoy NOW? The time has come.

The past is gone, you've learned so much.
It shows you time and time again, JUST TRUST.
You've seen it work, you know it's true.
And not just for others, but for you too.

The future waits with open arms.
So don't let fear creep in, don't let it charm.
Unlimited power awaits the task - and all you have to do is ask.
What is it you want to have? Where do you want to go?
Open your heart, choose Love to flow. The time has come.

Know your truth, Know it Now.
Feel the power growing. Wow!
Your heart is content, your future bright.
With no struggle and no strife,
For you choose Love now, The time has come.

Let your heart soar high, cause you choose Love. The time is now.

Living your Intention

Are you happy? Are you living your dream? Are people kind to you? Do you ever wonder what the heck am I doing here? You deserve to have all that life has to offer and if you aren't you can do something to change that. Remember no one is doing anything to you, God isn't testing you or punishing you. You have control over your life and if you aren't happy with what is going on in it - CHANGE IT.

What we think creates the things in our lives. If you are sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and have a "poor me" attitude, then you are going to be getting more of the same. Mr. Wayne Dyer has a great book, POWER OF INTENTION. I recommend it to everyone, no matter what your religious beliefs are, this book can help you shift your life into a better place. When you connect with Intention, anything is possible. Don't beleive me, read the book, practice the exercises, then get back to me. I have seen so many positive changes in my life because I was willing to do the work. There are no free lunches, well maybe there are, but what I am saying here is you can't wish something and expect to manifest it without making changes and doing some footwork. It's not even hard work and the rewards are amazing.

Life is ment to be enjoyed - all of it. Not just sometimes. Everyday can be filled with joy, love, happiness, prosperity and much more. Do something nice for someone today and see how the rest of your day goes. See how you feel about yourself and the other people you come into contact that day. Bet you will find that you feel great and that good things are happening. Remember to be grateful for what you have - to say thanks to everyone, even the grumpy guy behind the counter. Smile, it freaks people out sometimes, but people will respond to you differently. You just need to start doing something. Start with little things and see what happens.

Life is great and if you're not experiencing it that way. Do something to make a change.