Press Pause This Thanksgiving 🕯️

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Yet, for many years, I didn’t reflect deeply on its true essence—gratitude. That changed almost 30 years ago when my father passed away. His loss reshaped my understanding of life’s fragility, making family and meaningful connections a central focus.

This year, I’m celebrating both Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, embracing change and creating new rituals to support the life I’m living now.

One of my favorite traditions is having each person light a candle and share what they’re grateful for. I also light a special candle to honor loved ones who are no longer with us, except in spirit. This simple ritual brings a sense of intimacy and connection, strengthening the bonds that tie us to our past and carry us into the future.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often find ourselves more stressed than connected during the holidays. Our relationships—already stretched thin by busy schedules—can become even more complicated under the pressure of holiday expectations. The season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s has become less about meaning and more about material concerns—finding the perfect gifts, hosting the perfect dinner, or dressing just right.

Let’s take a step back. This Thanksgiving, I invite you to refocus on what truly matters: connection, love, and gratitude.

A Simple Ritual for Deeper Connection

• Gather your family or friends in a quiet moment.

• Have a plate with small candles on it. Pass it around, inviting each person to light a candle and share something they’re grateful for.

• Light one additional candle to honor loved ones who are no longer with you in person but remain present in spirit.

This ritual creates a sacred space for heartfelt connection and appreciation, grounding your celebration in meaning and unity.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress

As we head into the holiday season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few tools to help you navigate this time with grace and ease:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
   If you’re grieving or far from loved ones, give yourself permission to feel your emotions. Once acknowledged, you can shift your focus. Volunteering at a local shelter or community center is a powerful way to channel your energy and find connection.

2. Be Flexible
   Life changes, and so do traditions. Embrace the flow. If a loved one can’t join in person, set up a virtual connection. If dietary preferences shift, make room for new dishes alongside the classics.

3. Avoid Overspending
   Focus on the spirit of giving rather than the cost of gifts. Homemade presents or shared experiences often carry more meaning than anything money can buy.

4. Incorporate Relaxation
   Pause to breathe, stretch, or take a brisk walk in nature. Plan moments of solitude to recharge during this busy season.

5. Set Boundaries
   Protect your energy by saying no when necessary. Delegating tasks and letting go of the need to do it all will help you stay grounded and present.

6. Find Joy in the Moment
   Laughter and play release happiness hormones, lifting your spirit and the energy of those around you.

7. Release Perfectionism
   Let go of comparisons and impossible standards. Focus on authenticity and connection, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations.

This Thanksgiving let’s remember the power of gratitude, love, and connection to make each moment sacred. When we press pause to appreciate the people in our lives and the beauty of now, we create lasting memories that transcend the holiday season. Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and heartfelt connection!

Until next time,
Barbara

Find Your Calm: 8 Easy Ways to Reduce Election Stress

As the U.S. election approaches and uncertainty swirls around us, I’m sensing heightened levels of stress, worry, and overwhelm. This is the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and build your spiritual resilience so you can close out 2024 feeling clear, centered, and empowered.

I’ve found that when we take the time to release what no longer serves us, we create space for something new and beautiful to enter. Below are a few powerful techniques I’ve been using with clients to help counteract stress and find balance during these challenging times.

Stress Busters: Simple Yet Powerful Tools

• Deep Breathing: Inhale through your nose to a count of four, filling your belly. Hold for two seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth to a count of four. Repeat until you feel grounded.

• Movement: Research shows that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can be just as effective as medication for boosting mood. I personally love to combine exercise with dance — let your body move!

• Cool Water Therapy: Splash cool water on your face and hands for instant refreshment.

• Get Outside: Even a few minutes of fresh air can change your perspective and clear your mind.

• Shout It Out: Scream “KRING!” as loud as you can, at least three times — let out the pent-up energy.

• Release Your Worries: Write down your fears, rip up the paper, and burn or throw it away.

• Shift Your Focus: Spend a moment looking at the sky, ocean, or nature, allowing the vastness to remind you of the bigger picture.

• Ground Yourself: Stand barefoot on the earth, imagining you are sending any excess stress back into the ground.

PS: Make sure to check out my upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Power of 8 Minutes: A Lesson in True Support 👐

In a world bustling with distractions, it's easy to overlook the quiet cries for help hidden behind a facade of "I'm okay." Yet, as Simon Sinek eloquently illustrates in a recent video shared by my friend Catherine, sometimes all it takes is eight minutes to make a world of difference.

Sinek recounts a poignant story about a friend navigating turbulent waters, unbeknownst to him. It wasn't until she mustered the courage to reveal her struggles that he realized the depth of her pain. Together, they devised a simple yet profound code: "Do you have 8 minutes?" A beacon of vulnerability amidst the noise, this phrase became a lifeline, signaling the need for genuine connection and support.

Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but recall a moment of my own vulnerability. When I found myself alone in the emergency room after a bike accident, broken wrist throbbing with pain, I brushed off offers of company with a dismissive "I'm okay." In truth, I longed for the comfort of a friend's presence, a shoulder to lean on in the midst of uncertainty.

How often do we mask our true emotions behind the veil of stoicism, denying ourselves the solace we so desperately crave? How many times have we uttered those two deceptive words, "I'm okay," when our hearts are heavy with unspoken burdens?

But what if we dared to break the silence? What if, instead of feigning strength, we extended an invitation for genuine connection? "Do you have 8 minutes?" A simple question, yet laden with the weight of authenticity and vulnerability. Eight minutes to listen, to empathize, to share in the rawness of human experience.

So let us embrace the power of eight minutes—a testament to the profound impact of true support. Let us pledge to look beyond the surface, to heed the silent cries for help that echo in the spaces between words. And let us remember that, in a world starved for connection, sometimes all it takes is eight minutes to change a life.

Until next time,
Barbara

Embracing the Power of Connection: Finding Comfort in Togetherness

In these challenging times, we often seek comfort and solace in different ways. However, what I have found that truly brings real comfort is simpler than we might think—being connected to one another.

It can be as straightforward as your dentist calling to check on you after dental surgery (I know that this is rare nowadays, but my dentist did this Friday) or your friends reaching out daily or weekly just because you share a deep friendship.

It's about asking your local supermarket checker about her daughter, showing that you genuinely care about the people in your community. And I have discovered that the  simple act of inquiring about the name of a homeless person as you offer them support in the form of money or food can create a profound connection. In fact, one man told me no one had looked him in the eye and asked what his name was in months!

Sending birthday or anniversary cards to celebrate the people in your life is a beautiful gesture, showing that you cherish them. And attending a meditation group is an excellent way to add more light to the world.
 

THIS WEEK'S RITUAL

Reach out and make some real connections. Remember, we are all connected, and as you uplift someone, they can pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Together, we can make a difference and bring comfort to those in need. Let's embrace the power of connection and support one another in our shared journey.
 

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Give yourself or a loved one a personal INTUITIVE TAROT READING to gain clarity. Gift certificates are also available. Book here >>

AROMATHERAPY SPRAYS: a perfect present to add positive vibrations—for your personal use and for your home and business. Shop here >>

HOLIDAY RITUAL for your friends/family. I am available for private parties to do short entertainment readings and special rituals. Reach out to us >>

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Connecting With Spiritual Resources During Violent Times🕯️

As I was watching the horrific violence in Israel and Palestine this weekend, I realized that I was taking on the sadness, anger, overwhelm and hatred that was occurring in the Middle East.

There is no easy answer to this situation when terrorists commit horrendous acts of violence against men, women, and children. 

Yet, it is crucial that we clear our energy of this collective horror so that we can move into whatever constructive action we are called to do. For some of us, it is prayer, for others donating money, volunteering, and/or taking political action.

First: Give yourself time to grieve. Then when you feel ready, clear your energy field by calling in the Violet Flame, offering your pain to the Earth, screaming out your frustration, taking a bath or shower in sea salt or any other means that work for you. It is crucial to take care of your anxiety so it does not get stuck in your physical body and make you sick. 

Second: Connect to your Higher Self to access the higher frequency you require to stay connected and present. Breath work, meditation, prayer, a consistent spiritual practice, and movement can help.

Third: Pray for Peace. I want to share this from One Spirit:

We grieve for all those who have been killed, we pray for comfort and solace for their loved ones, we pray for healing for those who have been wounded or injured, we pray for shelter for those who have been forced to flee their homes, we pray for the safety and the safe return of those taken hostage. We pray for the wisdom and courage that have so far eluded us to resolve the underlying and ongoing conflicts that explode into violence again and again. We pray for some way to undo the generations of hate and strife that cause people to see others as less than human.

Fourth: Become a warrior/warrioress for restoring peace in the world.

This weekend we have a New Moon/Libra Solar Eclipse and the beginning of the Hindu Festival of Navratri (9 nights of the goddess).

On Sunday, I will be doing a special ceremony to align us to the power of the goddess Durga- She is a warrior goddess who represent the Power of the Universe and our own power- something that is truly needed at this time of chaos and strife. We will also honor the goddess Lakshmi to bring in the wealth and love we require as well as celebrating the goddess Saraswati to connect us to true spiritual wisdom  and the ability to communicate it to the world for good.

Being in a supportive community can hold us up and give us the resources required during this difficult time.

And a happy Thanksgiving to our friends in Canada who celebrated yesterday.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

What I Learned From Doing 15 Tarot Readings in 1 Day

Question: What does a 14-year-old girl have in common with a successful 65-year-old career woman? 

After doing over 15 intuitive tarot readings last weekend at J Horton store in Madison CT, this became obvious. 

Answer: In some way they all wanted freedom from anxiety, stress, confusion, comparison, the past, and having to fit in to other people’s expectations.

As we move into the 4th of July holiday In the USA, let us embrace the concept of Freedom and Independence. And I do not mean the dysfunctional independence so many of us have taken on. There is a time to do it alone and a time to reach out for help and support.

As we approach this holiday, make a commitment to let go of all old energy patterns that keep you stuck. Then pick one modality that allows you to bring in emotional/mental balance and joy. 

Some of my favorites are meditation, dance, tapping, being in nature and swimming in the ocean.

If you require assistance, contact me for a private session via zoom or in person.

“Barbara has helped me clear negative energy and focus on positive energy in my life. I am creating a vision and life of my dreams. Her ritual and meditation work is transformational”- Emil Wilbekin, Founder Native Sons

Until next time,
Barbara

Techniques for Dealing With Stress, Anger and Fear 🤸🏻

Dear friends, happy Spring! Today I want to share some easy techniques that will help you deal with stress, anger and fear.

Instant Stress Relief: Hands-on Heart
This technique brings you from your head into your heart. It is comforting and nurturing.

a. Place your right hand over your left on the center of your chest (heart chakra).
b. Inhale slowly and gently through your nose.
c. Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your breath to drop into your heart. Smile.
d. Repeat twice.
If still stressed, repeat twice, for a total of three rounds.

Fear Reset: Finger Press
Try this before or during a challenging or uncomfortable situation, or when experiencing stress. Use the thumb and middle finger on one hand or both hands

1. Place the pad of your thumb on the soft side of your middle finger (under the big knuckle).
2. Inhale while holding it light as a butterfly.
3. Exhale while pressing firmly with your thumb. It is a powerful acupressure point.
4. Repeat twice.
If still fearful, repeat twice, for a total of three rounds.

Anger Reset: Reverse Breath
Try this when frustrated, irritated, or angry. It can be done without anyone noticing.

a. Inhale gently and long through your mouth.
b. Close your mouth. Exhale gently and long through your nose.
c. Repeat twice.

Until next time,
Barbara