Happy Galactic New Year! 🎆

According to Jose Arguelles, “The Mayan Calendar—a 13-Moon Calendar that was devised by the Mayan Timekeepers, the Jaguar Priests, measures the year in 13 even months of 28 days each: a perpetual calendar of 52 perfect weeks, making a total of 364 days.

Today is the Galactic New Year and gives us a new opportunity to stop, look at where we are, and look at what we want to bring into this new year.

This week is also the new moon in Leo—it is a sign of play, creativity, self-expression, romance, and leadership. Recommit to using your creative talents and gifts for the good of all concerned, dare to dream big! This is also a perfect opportunity to examine how you express yourself in the world.

Self-expression is vital to experiencing a feeling of wholeness, so find a way to express your authentic self and be creative! For artists, this is a perfect time to start a new project and for you shy types, create something in a way that feels safe for you - but please express yourself!

If you think you aren't creative, ponder this; what if that's a false belief and you have gifts that you haven't yet discovered? It happens all the time, but only if you are willing to say "yes" to trying something new (or something old again!).

Take a few moments and do this exercise:

• Look at what is working and what is not working for you.

• What do you need to learn to become the best version of yourself?

• Call in the people and support that you require to move forward into a life of joy, health and abundance.

• Spend a few moments in gratitude for what you already have and what is available to you.

• Whatever your situation is right now, know that it is an invitation from the universe to move into something more expansive.

Until next time,
Barbara

Is It Time To Write A New Story For Yourself? ✍️

Last week I did a theater blessing for a new show called Between the Lines based on the novel by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer. Due to the breakout of COVID the show's opening had been delayed and the cast and crew were under enormous stress.

You know that I believe that Rituals have the power to bring order to the chaos in our lives and can instill a sense of shared purpose and experience. They anchor us and ground us in ways that can hold all the emotions that are present. In this case we were able to create a strong community that came together with a common vision. In my experience rituals allow us to perform at our best, because they help us stay calm when we're under pressure, create a sense of balance and reinforce our commitment to each other. It is an act of participating actively in our lives and therefore taking back personal responsibility for how we choose to live, with who we choose to share our experiences, and how we choose to define ourselves in our community and in our world.

The message of the play is simple: if you find yourself in a story that you don't like, write a new one. It talks about the power of choice and the importance of having supportive people around you that believe in the best version of you and are committed to your higher vision.

I highly recommend that you gift yourself a ticket to this amazing show. The cast is incredible, the set design beyond fabulous, the music inspiring, and the story speaks to our inner child to empower us to create the story we want to live in.

Ironically, I am in fact dictating this newsletter, because I had a fall and broke my right shoulder /arm. It is definitely not the story that I would have chosen, however, I am looking for the invitation that it is affording me to live a new story. And I wouldn't be able to do it without all the love and support of my friends, family, and community.

Join me next Wednesday on my Instagram live as I interview Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson who have written phenomenal music to Between the Lines, that you will want to sing along too and buy the soundtrack.

Until next time,
Barbara

Celebrating Guru Purnima + Free Guided Meditation 🙏

In the Hindu Tradition this Wednesday, July 13th, is Guru Purnima 2022: Guru Purnima is the day to commemorate the importance of Guru (teacher).

It is a time to celebrate and honor your spiritual teachers and to be open to receive their blessings of love, healing, and abundance. I recommend you take some time on Wednesday and do the following.

Center in your heart. Take a few deep breaths in and out of your heart. Feel the love you have for your teachers (past and present). Consciously send them love. Imagine how happy they are to receive it. Now open to accepting it back tenfold. Sprays to use: Love and Happiness.

All of my spiritual teachers (Amma, Hilda Charlton, Brugh Joy, Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov, Dr. Pillai) shared that transformation is only possible through the heart center.

Ground your energy. Since this is the full Moon in Capricorn, you may be feeling heightened emotions. This is a time to go slow and pay attention to what you need.

Sprays to use: Grounded, Manifest, Protect.

My gift to you today: Here is a special meditation I recorded for my friends at Sloomoo: LISTEN TO THE MEDITATION HERE.

Take the time to be gentle with yourself and others. Whenever there are big changes in the outer, major self- care is required.

Work with Barbara:

We are being called to work on ourselves to make lasting changes in the world. The time is NOW.

How I can help:

Readings: Get clarity of where you are right now, what needs to be healed and what forces are around you to move you forward. Book your reading >>

Rituals: for all of life’s transitions (healing, relationships, honoring milestones, fertility). Book a ritual >>

Coaching: Practical steps to tap into your natural genius and move you forward. Book a session or a coaching pakage >>

Until next time,
Barbara

A Lesson For Being A Role Model

With all the horrific news out in the world, I wanted to share something positive.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together nightly at the dinner table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass often milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So, the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather's direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day that building blocks are being laid for the child's future.

Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, and every day!

Until next time,
Barbara

How To Process The Latest Events and Act With Compassion

Having fought for the passage of Roe v. Wade back in the 70s and seeing this horrendous insanity with the Supreme Court, I am conflicted on what to write today.

Our country was built on the promise of freedom of religion. As the Rev. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary wrote, “This ruling has nothing to do with the law. It’s solely based on a distorted, warped version of Christianity that has been weaponized against women for too long…The Bible does not condemn abortion. It does, however, call on us to love and support one another. it’s beyond hypocritical for the religious right to latch onto abortion while supporting policies that literally kill people, like loose gun rules and restrictions on masks and vaccine mandates. Additionally, this decision will disproportionately harm communities of color and the poor, a reality that is clearly antithetical to biblical mandates of justice for us.”

One thing I do know: we must feel our feelings no matter what they are: rage, sadness, disbelief, betrayal, hopelessness and overwhelm, before we can transform them. This New Moon in Cancer is the time to do just that.

Take some time (preferably in Nature) to just Be with whatever you are feeling. You may also want to consider body work to assist you in releasing the emotional trauma from your body.

Commit to doing whatever it takes to create a world where every person has dignity and bodily autonomy and can choose when, whether, and how to make family and thrive. Being intentional and consistent is called for at this time to make a difference.

Vote in NY primaries today
Tell your story - let your voice be heard
Educate our children
Mentor others
Sign up to turn the midterm elections BLUE
Check out togetherweelect.org
Elect more women in Congress - www.emilyslist.org
Sign the petition to lift restrictions on Abortion Medication Now: https://chng.it/yrnDnmzv
Learn to access your Divine Feminine Power
Get Support - find your people
Give Support - open your hearts and join together with like-minded conscious souls
Remember that we are unstoppable together.

If you have any reputable organizations that you want to share with our community, go to my closed Facebook group, The Ritual Cafe, and ask to join.

I will also be doing regular healing meditations to keep our energy positive on my IGLive. Follow me to be notified. And I will be doing my first in person workshop Accessing the Power of the Divine Feminine the end of July in CT. Stay tuned for more info.

Until next time,
Barbara

What Inspired Me to Pay Forward Kindness 🌈

Wednesday evening, I went to a Native Son Event at Bloomingdales hosted by Emil Wilbekin. I left feeling happy and upbeat. On the way home I made a quick stop at Whole Foods then came home to chill.

An hour later, I went to make a call and….no phone. I looked everywhere. I even tried “find my phone” but realized I had never turned it on. I was not happy.

Then my friend Joanne called me on my landline and told me she had called my cell and a man answered who only spoke Spanish. She told me to call him asap. I did and his sister (who spoke more English) told me that he worked at Whole Foods and found the phone after the store had closed. He didn’t live in Manhattan and wasn’t going to be back until Friday morning. We set a time to meet early Friday and I sent a prayer of thanks to my angels.

Friday morning, I met Jose and he gave me back my phone.

So, for those of you who are only focusing on all the bad in the world, remember that there are still good people out there. And turn on your “find my phone”.

Because I was gifted with such kindness and generosity, I want to pay it forward so am offering a 20% discount on all rituals and readings through June 30th, 2022, with code KINDNESS20 at checkout (rituals and readings must be claimed within 60 days from the date of purchase).

Work with me:

It is time to upgrade yourself and your environment, not just your devices. Rituals and certain spiritual practices can change the way the neurons in our brains and hearts connect. Barbara uses these to provide comfort, healing, strength, and inner power in challenging times.

Let me support you to clear energy blocks, integrate practical spiritual tools into your life, and take action that will create a positive difference in your life.

Here’s What Clients Are Saying:

“Barbara has helped me clear negative energy and focus positive energy in my life. I am creating the vision and life of my dreams. Her ritual and meditation work are transformative.” -Emil Wilbekin, Founder, Native Son

"Barbara did a space clearing at Sloomoo Institute, cleansing the energy of COVID and inviting in a fresh, healthy, new energy of abundance and joy. We literally sold out every weekend since and it has been truly beautiful - our guests have been full of pure happiness!" -Karen Robinovitz, Co-Founder at Sloomoo Institute

“Barbara changed my life with her readings and serves as a guiding force through my many chapters. She's allowed me to brilliantly navigate tricky corporate dynamics, excel in my personal life, and gain the confidence to take big leaps that have led to such bountiful outcomes. I tell everyone that they MUST go see Barbara. She changed my life, and she can change yours!” -LAR, Entrepreneur

I am available for in-person and online Tarot Readings, Coaching, to officiate weddings, fertility rituals, baby blessings, ancestral clearing, new home and business rituals and space clearings.

Until next time,
Barbara

My Personal Father's Day Ritual 👨‍👧‍👦

All Full moons bring change and transformation and this one in Sagittarius is reminding us that all people and experiences that come into our lives are opportunities to learn and grow into the person we are meant to be.

As we approach Father’s Day in the USA, know that your relationship (or lack of one) with your father can trigger many emotions. If healing is called for, I highly encourage you to reach out for help.

Like many men of his generation, my father took care of his family financially, but was emotionally distant. I know at times I feel a longing to have had the kind of father who supported me unconditionally, encouraged my growth and taught me the practical tools necessary to thrive in the world.

Well, that didn't happen. I am smart enough (and have had enough therapy and spiritual teachers) to know that he did the best he could with the resources he had.

Shortly after my Dad passed, I went into the woods with my brother to do a letting go ritual. I wanted to "bury the hatchet " between us and for some bizarre reason my brother actually had my father's hatchet. (Why a man from Great Neck and South Florida had a hatchet is beyond my understanding). So, I physically buried it. My brother had a different issue. He no longer wanted to "walk in my father's footsteps" so he buried one of my father's shoes. I can't tell you how liberating that ritual was for both of us.

My brother Mark and many others that I know model the new masculine and have taken on the role of nurturer. He has very few "have tos" and has plenty of "want tos." Today children are growing up with a new model of a father: Someone who simply does what needs to be done without worrying about gender roles.

This Sunday I personally will be lighting a candle for my father -- letting myself feel the sadness of his passing and what could have been.

My ritual on Father’s Day is to eat one of his favorite foods. This year it may be Chinese soup or a piece of halvah. I also plan on writing down a list of what I learned from him and what qualities I want to claim as my own. After all, it is my inheritance.

Whatever you decide to do for this holiday, enjoy the celebration and the fathers and father figures you cherish. As my brother Mark, a father of three, so wisely said to me, "The best present for me is always feeling loved, included, and appreciated. Gifts are quite secondary."

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Make a Difference in the World 🌎

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and not sure of what you can do in this chaotic time of ours. Like you, I keep asking myself, what can I do to make a real difference in the world? As I was pondering this question, a story popped up into my mind and I want to share it with you.

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance, he could see a person going back and forth between the surf’s edge and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached, he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide.

The man was struck by the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish. As he approached, the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf.

As he came up to the person, he said: “You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The person looked at the man. She then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. She then looked back to the man and said: “It sure made a difference to that one!”

– Author unknown

After writing this, I was walking near Union Square when something got caught in my throat. I started choking. A guy on a bike pulled up to me and asked if I was ok and if I needed help. I didn’t, but that act of kindness made my day.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Message of This New Moon in Gemini 🌚

Yesterday the New Moon moved into Gemini and the message for all of us is to focus on our ability to reset our intentions for this time. It is time to be curious and try new things.

And as astrologer Michel Lennox reminds us, “This is the New Moon where we put our ideas into form, but if you are someone whose mind and thinking gets the better of them at times with overthinking and indecision, this is also a perfect moment to set intentions for clear thinking, right guidance, and finding your focus amidst all the possibilities, so you can follow with right action."

Remember that Mercury is still retrograde, so things may move slower than you want them to.

Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to quiet your mind and as the Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke said, “Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language."

Until next time,
Barbara

Are You Living Your Truth?

Today my friend Lavinia told me that during her morning meditation, she received guidance to change her plans for the summer. And she decided to follow her intuition. I love that she has the courage to be in her truth and follow her guidance.

During this Mercury Retrograde Period (and many of you notice how volatile it is) we must be grounded in the moment, be aware of our current reality (one of the main competencies of emotional intelligence) and be willing to be flexible and change plans.

One of the stories told of Mahatma Gandhi, was that he started to lead a march to protest against the British and after a few days he saw that it was going to have some bad consequences… so he stopped the march.

People came up to him and said, "Mahatma Ji you can’t do this, people left their jobs, they left their homes and they’re taking great risks to follow you. You can’t stop now."

And Gandhi replied: "I’m only human I don’t understand all. My understanding of truth changes from day to day. My commitment is to truth not to consistency… I’m sorry if that upsets you."

Think about it. If your security is based on being who you thought you were supposed to be and now Spirit is nudginung you in another direction, can you allow yourself to let go of the old and move into the unknown? Do you dare to shift course? Is your commitment to consistency greater than your commitment to truth?

Until next time,
Barbara

Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins 🏆

This Mercury Retrograde/eclipse is bringing up a lot of old stories for everyone. This morning as I was sharing one of my limiting stories (it has to do with love relationships), my friend Heide, a well-respected relationship expert, told me she has been sharing stories with her group of friends weekly.

“I love the one about “other people’s lives are so much happier than mine” or “the aging story”, she laughed.

It kind of feels like binge watching Netflix…once you get started you keep watching more and more even if you don’t like the characters or story line. And boy can we get sucked into the emotions of limitations and fear.

The bottom line is we all have the power to change the stories we tell ourselves. Stories can stop or motivate us. They can change our behavior and change the action steps we take (or don’t take).

This eclipse season is urging us to notice our stories and see which ones are serving us and supporting us to move forward. And like my friend Heide, having a sense of humor is key.

Let us remember the Native American parable:

A Cherokee grandfather is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Until next time,
Barbara

6 Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Mercury in Retrograde ✨

Right now we are amidst Mercury Retrograde which started on May 10 and will last until June 2nd. This is a powerful time to STOP and do an edit of your life.

Yes, it can be disruptive. Yes, communication can be challenging. Yes, technical glitches can happen. However, if you are prepared this can also be a powerful time of healing and building muscles of flexibility. Nothing stays the same and we all require skills to navigate change.

Here are some tips for surviving and thriving during Mercury in retrograde:

1. Ground and Center: do a grounding meditation daily and spend time outdoors. Try my Four Element Morning Meditation and/or Chakra Balancing Meditation.

2. Listen more than you speak. There is a likelihood that communication can be more challenging, and you don’t want to be guilty of “foot in mouth disease”, so especially watch being too frank or blunt. It is better to be diplomatic.

3. Because there can be technical mishaps, back up everything and double check all written communication.

4. Use this time for journaling, brainstorming, and preparing for the future. However, this is not a time to sign contracts or start new projects.

5. Review your personal and professional skills. Where and how can you improve them?

6. Have a tarot reading. Since working with tarot and other oracles over the past 25 years, I have discovered that as you gain clarity on where you are and what forces are around you, it opens space to be able to make better choices that will empower you to move forward (for the month of May I am offering a special gift to you of 20% savings on Readings)

Until next time,
Barbara

Mother’s Day Around the World 💞

Most of us buy cards, send flowers or go out for brunch to commemorate Mother’s Day, but we rarely realize how far back these celebrations date. Like many other holidays that have been commercialized in modern times, Mother’s Day has centuries-old antecedents. Cultures around the world celebrated (and still do) the Mother Goddess as a representative of nurturing and the giver of all life.

The ancient Egyptians celebrated the Mother Goddess Isis, while the Greeks celebrated the Goddess Rhea, who was the Mother of most of the major deities including Zeus. In ancient Rome, Cybele was the major Mother figure and as early as 2250 B.C., the Romans celebrated a festival of Hilaria, which occurred in the spring and was dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

In Taoism May 25th is celebrated as the Mother of the World Day. Since the belief is that the goddess is the mother of all; she is the origin of all things. Incense is burned and the focus is on meditating on Divine Harmony.

During the Middle Ages, people in remote villages attended the main church in their parish - the “mother” church - for a special service. In England, a day known as “Mothering Sunday” fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was a day when working people had a vacation and went home to visit their mothers.

Did you know that the first North American Mother’s Day was actually a call for peace? Jullia Ward Howe wrote a proclamation in 1870 that called for mothers to stop their sons from killing the sons of other mothers. She asked for an international Mother’s Day of Peace. I personally think this is a fabulous idea.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Many cultures use this day to enjoy traditional dishes that their mother’s taught them to cook. In Mexico a mother is serenaded by her family or a hired band and in Japan, children would enter drawings of their mothers in a contest that celebrated mothers and peace. Sweets and flowers—especially violets—are given to Mom on Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.

In addition to flowers, cards, jewelry and chocolates, it is customary for Australians to exchange perfume and tea on Mother’s Day. In Canada there seems to be an added emphasis on doing chores for the Mother and cooking her supper. Sweden’s Mother’s Day, which takes place on the last Sunday in May, has a strong charitable focus: the Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children. The Native American culture celebrates Mother Earth as our mother and councils us to take care of her.

With the changing configuration of families today, I invite you to honor the stepparents, foster parents, godparents and mentors- both alive and deceased- who have played an important role in our “mothering” and of the “mothering” of our children.

Work with Barbara:

In the spirit of May (fertility, self-care, making important decisions) I am offering a special savings of 20% off on all Tarot Readings =>> Use code MOTHER at checkout. (Readings must be purchased in May and claimed within 60 days of purchase)

Discover eco-friendly beauty tools and other sustainable gift ideas at EarthAhead.com

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Use the Creative Nature of Conflict

Most of you know that I am a bit obsessed with ancient Egyptian Mythology and Spirituality. Today I was meditating on the god Set (Seth): King of chaos and the destroyer god who murdered his brother Osiris. There were many different factions in ancient Egypt with many belief systems. Some scholars say that Seth represented one powerful king trying to take power from another. In any case, he represents our shadow. A story that is still true today.

There is teaching here on how to use the creative nature of conflict. When we move into fear, loss of control and overwhelm, we lose all perspective. Trust me I know! We project this outside of ourselves, our imagination goes wild, and we create all kinds of catastrophic images of the future.

I am not saying we can easily fix all situations; however, I do know that once we can own and integrate the parts of us that we reject, we can then ground and center. As we face our fears, extraordinary solutions arise. Then we must learn to assert ourselves with as much emotional intelligence as possible knowing that out of destruction can come new creative solutions.

God Set

Want to come to Egypt with me? Save the date: October 10th-22nd. My friend and World Ambassador/ teacher at the Mystery School of Damanhur will be guiding us in an extraordinary magical trip through Egypt. I am putting together a small group of 14 people who want to dive deep into a transformational journey to unlock the secret codes of Egypt. And, of course, I will be adding my own knowledge of ritual and spiritual practice. More details to follow this week or contact me at my office.

Work with Barbara:

I am a big believer in practical spiritual tools that allow you to fully express your deepest values. Let me guide you to develop your intuitive guidance system, learn to flow with change, integrate your shadow, build a strong network of support, and open to love and joy.

Book a Reading for Clarity on where you are and what forces are at play around you.

Coaching Package: 60- or 30-minute sessions available to gain consistency in your practice.

Rituals for all transitions: Space Clearings, Business and Home Blessings, Birthdays and Anniversaries, Weddings, Pre-nuptials, Fertility Rituals, Baby Blessings and more.

Shop Magical Aromatherapy Sprays to enhance your life.

Until next time,
Barbara

49-Day Spiritual Practice From Liberation To Revelation

My friend Liz and I are doing the Jewish spiritual practice of counting the Omer. It begins on the second night of Passover and ends on the Holiday of Shavuot – when G-d gave the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai.

Think of it as a 49-day spiritual practice from liberation to revelation. We open to the gifts of spirit and align our soul’s purpose with the good of the world.

Each morning during your meditation, ask yourself these questions:

How can I soften my heart?

Where am I still holding on to things and relationships that do not resonate with the person I am becoming?

How can I best express my strengths and passions?

Consider these offerings as a place to begin and then see what comes for you…

Remember: Right now, is the most powerful time in your life. Right now, you are creating your future.

Until next time,
Barbara

Overcoming Divisiveness: A Story Of Freedom And Resurrection 🕊️

Happy Passover and Easter to those of you who celebrate! I thought this was the perfect story to share this Holy Week of freedom and resurrection.

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side,sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox: "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother!

Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me an 8-foot fence – so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day – measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge... A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched..

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build".

This week journal on the following questions:

1. What bridges do you want to build?

2. How can you soften your heart?

3. What holds you in bondage so that you do not experience freedom?

4. What needs to be resurrected in your life?

Until next time,
Barbara

A True Story of an Act of Kindness That Had a Ripple Effect

You never know how what you do can change a life… or lives.

Last week I went to the opening of Plaza Suite starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Sitting in front of me was the director/playwright Eric Rosen and his actor husband Claybourne Elder. Eric is the son of one of my dear friends Susan Rosen and it was the first time I had seen him in person in years.

Of course, I immediately reached out to Susan to share this small world moment and she told me something wonderful that I want to share with you.

Fifteen years ago, Claybourne Elder had just come to NYC from Utah to make it as a Broadway actor. Because he didn’t have much money, he bought a standing room only ticket to see "Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

A man and woman came up to him and asked him if he was from out of town. Clay replied, ‘Yeah, I'm just here visiting.' The man handed him $200 and said, 'You looked like you were having more fun than the people in the expensive seats. Go buy yourself a ticket to "Sweeney Todd" tomorrow. It'll change your life.”

The next day Clay bought "a great seat" in the mezzanine. And the star of that show was the legendary Patti LuPone.

Fast forward to today. LuPone is now his co-star in the hit musical "Company" — a twist of fate that goes back to the stranger who gave him the means to watch one of Broadway's biggest productions.

During Covid, Clay decided he wanted to give back to those who couldn’t afford to pay for a Broadway ticket. He started giving away free tickets to his show through social media. When he shared the backstory, people reached out to donate money, giving close to $10,000. Over 850 people have received tickets paid for by a stranger. To follow him on IG @claybourneelder

And to make this even better, he found the stranger who started it all…Mark Howell, who lives in Los Angeles.

Remember that each act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Each one of us has the power to make this world better.

Until next time,
Barbara

My Prayer For You 🙏

Sunday I met my friend Agapi for lunch, and we were discussing her new book, Speaking With Spirit: 52 Prayers to Guide, Inspire, and Uplift you. Agapi shared with me a pivotal time in her life when she was going through a challenging time. At a New Year’s Eve retreat, instead of sharing his wishes for the year, her spiritual teacher John Roger began praying for her. For the first time in ages, she felt seen, acknowledged, and loved.

At that moment, a light bulb went off. I realized that I always pray for others no matter what the situation, but when I ask others to pray for me, I only ask for prayers for potentially life-threatening situations like going into surgery, or life altering events like the death of a loved one. Occasionally, I will ask for prayers before doing a super important event like being on network television or teaching a large workshop.

What I don’t do is ask for prayers for myself that involve nurturing my inner child or taking my teachings out into the world with abundance, support, and joy. In other words, the day-to-day things that make up my life.

As I shared that aha with Agapi, she took my hands in hers and began to pray for me. Tears filled my eyes and I felt cushioned in the energy of that love and caring.

As Agapi says in her book, “Let us never underestimate the power of our prayers to help us support one another.”

My prayer for you as we enter this new season and energetic New Year.

Mother Father God,

I ask that all who read this be able to release into the Light all feelings of overwhelm, hurt, fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness. May their hearts be open to compassion and love knowing that violence is never the best recourse.

I call forth the Power of Divine Love to be magnified within our hearts and world daily.

May all connect with all the people, projects and support they require to walk this spiritual path with practical feet.

I ask for this for the highest good of all concerned.

So be it.

Work with me:

Let me be your guide as we walk into this new future together.

>> Book a reading to connect you to wisdom available to you.
>> Book a ritual to let go of the old mindset and bring in the new vision or simply to celebrate a joyous occasion.
>> Book a coaching package—plug into your truest self with new tools to navigate the tsunami of energy and uncertainty in the world.

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

Amazing Acts of Kindness and Spring Equinox 🌸

Although the news is full of war and chaos, Nature, once again, celebrates the promise of infinite new possibilities as we enter the Spring Equinox this Saturday in the northern Hemisphere.

I had planned on writing about the rituals of The Spring Equinox today, however I saw an article this morning that my friend Diana posted on Facebook that made me change my mind and go in another direction.

The headline read, “Moms in Poland left their baby strollers in rail road stations for the Ukrainian moms that fled carrying their children.” This made me think about all the random acts of kindness that we are seeing amid the horrors of war and destruction.

At the Polish Border, people have come out to offer food, transportation, and a free place to stay.

Germans have welcomed refugees with flowers, toys for the children and a bed to stay in.

Romanians have come out in droves to welcome and help refugees.

Ukraine also borders Hungary, where volunteers from Khalsa Aid, a UK-based, Sikh run humanitarian relief organization are offering food to student refugees.

Even those who aren’t anywhere near Ukraine, or its borders are finding ways to help. Travelers have been booking Airbnbs in Ukraine (which they have no hope of staying in) as a way of sending money to locals. The idea was shared by a Twitter user and just hours after they posted hundreds of people had got in.

Now is the time to access what David Brooks calls our eulogy virtues…. How well do you love? Whom do you serve? When do you show character, conscience, compassion, and simple kindness?

I suggest that we use this Spring Equinox to do whatever we can to share love, peace, and hope for the world. And, if you can, donate to your favorite organization to help those in need.

Until next time,
Barbara