Spirituality That Works

 Q: There are countless numbers of people who will agree with the basic spiritual ideas you talk about. They’ve read dozens of books; they share those values, but they’ve never been able to make the changes required to really transform their lives. And you’re suggesting that part of what happens when they read those books can actually be demotivating, because they find it soothing. It helps them feel better momentarily, reducing the pressure to change. But I think there’s something … Read More

Q: For someone to be able to make use of Inner Knowing do they have to have a certain degree of confidence in knowing that what they’re getting is from the Inner Knowing?

Practice is what helps build that confidence and provides validation over time. So it’s duration plus positive experience.

In the beginning, working with the Inner Knowing is like building a muscle. But this is a very different kind of muscle because it’s invisible and the results are, … Read More

I grew up on a farm with a menagerie of animals. I remember being fascinated by watching the farrier who’d come to work on shoeing our horses. He’d stick the horseshoe in the fire, then onto the anvil to strike it with his hammer. Back into the fire, then out again to test its metal—literally. All the while, he’d be hammering it into the shape he needed. It was a precise activity. Not one swing of the hammer was wasted. … Read More

Q: How do you lay the groundwork to live a spiritual life? Are there stages?

How much time do you have? (laughter) Seriously, though, this is a big question. I think we have time for a bird’s-eye view. Let’s use the analogy of progressing through school, where each stage builds on the last, and each one has its own lessons, challenges, and rewards.

Kindergarten: The Magical Thinking Stage

We all begin here. Anything feels possible. We set noble goals: “I’ll … Read More

 As sensitive people, you probably know this scenario all too well. You’re constantly absorbing other people’s emotions and then feeling overwhelmed and drained in social situations that others seem to handle with ease. You might even avoid certain places or people because the energy exchange is just too much to handle.

What many don’t realize is that this sensitivity isn’t something to shut down; it’s a gift to manage with proper boundaries. Boundary setting is one of the most crucial … Read More

Q: Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about celebration. With the world in turmoil and this country turned on its head, it doesn’t feel like there’s much to celebrate. Is it important to find reasons to celebrate?

It can be a yes or no answer, depending on your belief structures and what you value. But from a purely practical well-being standpoint, celebrating can provide important benefits. It can help sustain motivation by providing a sense of reward and accomplishment. Getting … Read More

The recent surge in young people openly discussing and exploring their sexual and gender identity has sparked numerous conversations and questions. The following questions came up in a recent class.

Q: It seems that more young people today are speaking out about sexual identity. Is this an issue that’s always been there and just talked about more, or is there something new going on?

What we’re witnessing today with young people speaking out about sexual identity isn’t simply the continuation … Read More

Understanding Energetic Shifts to Achieve Mental Clarity and Emotional Release

We live in a time marked by significant change, and many of us are feeling the weight of this transition. This energetic shift is reshaping our lives and values in profound ways. This is not a fleeting sensation or a reaction to a singular event; rather, it is a deep and lasting transformation affecting us on multiple levels.  It can often feel like free-fall, where the world around us shifts … Read More