Rituals for Ending the Year Consciously 🎉

2022 gave us the opportunity to do things in a different way. But did we? I think it is a mixed bag and now it is time to say goodbye to 2022 and really take some time to dive into what we have learned this year and what we want to change. 

Anxiety is at an all-time high and most of the people I have been working with (including therapist and healers) have needed a lot of clearing…emotionally, mentally, and physically.

We live in extraordinary times. As I have been saying all year, the vibrational frequency of the planet has shifted, and we are required to shift with her. We must expand and ground our energetic containers. We can only receive what we have the capacity to hold. Think of a high voltage of electricity going through a small light bulb. It will shatter it. And this cannot be done through the mind: it is only possible through the heart center.

MY GIFT TO YOU:

As always, I am offering my FREE 12-day intention intensive. Sign up on the homepage and you will be receiving one audio meditation daily starting January 1st to guide you in setting intentions for 2023. As my teacher Omraam Mikhael  Aivanhov taught, the first 12 days of the year set an intention for the entire year. If your friends want to receive these, have them go to my website and sign up for our newsletter.

And to lighten your spirits, here are some global New Year’s Rituals. I will be posting my prosperity ritual on December 31st on IG so check it out. 

Spain: Eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year.

Southern USA: Black eyed peas and collard greens are believed to bring money and abundance into your year.

Greece: Vasilopita is eaten ( cake with a coin inside) Whoever finds the coin in her piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

Italy: Throw out old furniture, clothes, pots……open the windows to throw out the old. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU THROW THINGS OUT THE WINDOW. Best to put them out on the street for people to take. 

Japan: Eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve or Day is believed to bring in longevity and abundance.

BRAZIL: New Year's Eve priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult dress in blue skirts and white blouses for a  ceremony dedicated to the goddess of water, Yemanja. A sacrificial boat laden with flowers, candles and jewelry is pushed out to sea from Brazil's famous Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. 

South America/Mexico: For travel in the coming year, walk around the block with an empty suitcase.

Cuba: water represents both cleansing and renewal, and the New Year is celebrated with rituals of splashing water. Water is tossed out of doors or windows (checking first for passers-by!) or into public fountains

And don’t forget to wear new red underwear to bring in Love and Passion!

Until next time,
Barbara

A Special Way to Make a Wish 🎊

I love the creativity of community whether it is virtual, together in person or a hybrid experience.

How fabulous is this? NY has a Wishing Wall at Times Square to celebrate the New Year. People from around the world can add their wishes on pieces of official Times Square New Year's Eve confetti, either digitally or in person.

These wishes are added to over a ton of confetti that floats down at midnight onto the revelers gathered in Times Square in celebration of the new year. If you can’t do it in person, fill out the form here or share a wish on IG or Twitter using #ConfettiWish. It will be added to the thousands of others released above Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve for all the world to see! If you are doing it digitally, it must be received by December 28th.

On the same note, some members of our community of spiritual seekers have decided to create VISION PARTIES for our January 21-22 interactive online VISION 2023 Workshop: Clarity & Spiritual Alignment. It is THE MOST POWERFUL event of the year to move into this new year with energy, inspiration, grounding, and focus. 

If you want to do a Vision Party, invite some people to join you in person, but please sign up individually and bring your laptop to the event so you can connect online with our global community and receive all handouts and my special workbook. In this way you can still benefit from our global community and have your personal party to share the experience and create your vision collages with. 
 
Of course, many of you still prefer to do this individually in the privacy of your own home, where  you still will be connecting virtually with our supportive caring community.

My Special guests this year—celebrated astrologer Rebecca Gordon, Sound Circles founder Joule L’Adara, and shamanic movement healer Parashakti—will join me for this signature event to kindle and ignite your spiritual growth. 

Remember our Early Bird Discount is only available through December 31st. Digital gift Certificates available and can be used for workshops, private sessions, and products.

CONSCIOUS HOLIDAY GIFTING

FREE SHIPPING on my magical Aromatherapy Sprays available through December 31st. SHOP HERE >>

Digital Gift Certificates to be used for readings, workshops, and rituals are available HERE >>

For an extra special gift, give yourself and others VISION 2023 -- EARLY BIRD SAVINGS OF $100 available until December 31st. REGISTER NOW >>

Shop The Winged Ones sacred jewelry line >> These pendants are purposed to be power objects that can be infused with intention and spiritual manifestations during VISION 2023 as well as a reminder object for these intentions as you continue to enjoy and wear the pieces.

Until next time,
Barbara

Simple Ritual for Spiritual Support 👐

The song by Bill Withers "Lean on Me" has been twirling around in my brain all week.

“……Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
… But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
… Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...
… For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on”
 

As we end this chaotic year of 2022, one thing is clear: we all need one another and trying to “do it alone” really doesn’t work. That is why I love to create a community and have found that we can do it online (if we set conscious intention)  as well as in person. The key is being willing to connect with others while still taking care of your own needs.

Here is a simple  ritual that I love that you can do at home:

• Get a plain white bowl that you can draw on.

• Write and draw symbols of your spiritual and physical helpers with a permanent marker on the outside and inside of the bowl. These can be people, ancestors, animals, angels, guides, elements from nature….be creative!

• Place edible seeds in the bowl.

• Take one at a time as you acknowledge the support you have in your life. Keep the bowl full and every time you need support take a seed and eat it.

• or plant it in the ground.

For more support check out my offerings this week and/or contact me for a personal reading,ritual, or a coaching package. And the special EARLY BIRD SAVINGS for VISION 2023 IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST.

Until next time,
Barbara

Message of the last Full Moon of 2022 🌝✨

December 7th brings us the last Full Moon of 2022 and with Mars retrograde invites us to go inward and see what is coming to an end. This could be old grief, anger, or confusion that you are still holding on to. It may also mean an ending to a project, relationship, or way of being in the world that will lead to a bright new future.

As a spiritual practice, focus on the quote by Rainer Maria Rilke that I have posted below. You may want to take some quiet time to journal and see what emerges.

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue.”

CONSCIOUS GIFTING

FREE SHIPPING on my magical Aromatherapy Sprays available through December 31st! Change your vibes and reclaim positive energy. SHOP HERE >>

Digital Gift Certificates to be used for readings, workshops, and rituals are available HERE >>

For an extra special gift, give yourself and others VISION 2023 -- EARLY BIRD SAVINGS OF $100 available until December 31st. REGISTER NOW >>

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Create Something New — the End of the Year Reflections

Back in the early 80’s I took a course on creating your vision, and I remember how the instructor emphasized that the creative process was all about “creating and adjusting.” Think of it. No one writes a book or a film without editing. You don’t build a home or software program without fine tuning the details.

Yet, so often, we expect perfection of ourselves and others before we even have a chance to really assimilate what we have learned. We allow our inner critic to take over and that leaves little room for true learning or the joy of creating.

As we move into the last month of 2022 let’s take some time to reflect on what we have learned this year and what requires adjusting. Remember it is a process so enjoy the journey!

And, just for the joy of it, create something new…experiment with a recipe, paint a wall in your home, play with the apps on your phone, try out a new sport, change your hairstyle or redecorate your bedroom. Let your imagination guide you.

I will be in LA December 7th-13th and will be participating in an in-person Grief Ceremony in Camarillo, CA hosted by Jennifer Love on December 8th. See events below to join us.

I do have a few spots open for in person readings or rituals while I am in LA, so contact me if you want to book a time.

CONSCIOUS GIFTING

Change your vibes and reclaim positive energy with my magical Aromatherapy Sprays available HERE >>

Digital Gift Certificates to be used for readings, workshops, and rituals are available HERE >>

For an extra special gift, give yourself and others VISION 2023 -- early bird savings of $100 available until December 31st. REGISTER NOW >>

Discover more thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas here.

WORK WITH ME:

There are only 32 days left in 2022 so this is a great time to end the year consciously with an intuitive tarot reading or ritual.

I am also available December 12th and 13th for a few in-person sessions in LA. Book a session or a coaching package >>

Until next time,
Barbara

10 Tools & Rituals of Connections for Happy Holidays 🥧🕯️🧡

Anxiety is at an all-time high around the world, and we’re unfortunately more likely to get stressed out and frustrated with friends, family, and colleagues during the holidays than we are to connect deeply with them, show our appreciation and express our gratitude. Relationships have become more complicated & strained in the past few years and many are still suffering from social anxiety as we move back into the world.

I want to suggest that we shift from focusing on getting presents, wearing new outfits or posting our perfect food photos on Instagram to focusing on listening, having real conversations, and appreciating what we do have in our lives.

Let’s take a digital detox for the holidays and return to Rituals of Connections. Try these:

1. Take time to share with your family and friends. For Thanksgiving or any gathering around this time, I like to have each person light a candle before dinner and share one thing that they are grateful for. This simple ceremony creates a new intimacy and sense of connection.

2. Fast from complaining. Try it and see how much better you feel.

3. Be aware of your feelings. You may feel sad during the holidays if you are physically far away from family and friends. You don’t have to pretend to be happy, however, once you acknowledge your feelings, you then have the freedom to move on and focus on other things. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, your local church or a temple is a great way to re-focus & shift your feelings.

4. Be flexible. Things change, and we must change with them to stay in the flow of life. Include some of your favorite traditions this holiday and then be open to creating new ones. Maybe your sister is now a vegetarian, and you include a Tofurkey along with the traditional one, or you celebrate a tradition from a new friend or relative.

5. Do not overspend. Use this year to find simple ways to enjoy the holidays without going into debt. Creating more debt will add to the stress you are already feeling. Remember it is the spirit of giving that counts, not the dollar amount of the gift.

6. Do some simple relaxation exercises. Try some simple breathing exercises, move your body into an easy yoga pose, or go for a brisk walk outdoors in nature. If you are going to be around many people, plan out rest stops and alone time during your (holi)days so you will not be burnt out.

7. Set boundaries. If you never say no, your yes will never mean anything. If you don’t treat yourself as valuable, no one else will either. This can cause you to either “stuff” your feelings down within and become resentful or blow up and explode unintentionally. You don’t have to say yes to every social invitation and you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Learn to delegate.

8. Laugh and do things that bring you joy. When you laugh, your brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, which make you feel happy and content. Get together with friends and just be silly, try laughter yoga or just watch a funny movie.

9. Give up being a perfectionist! Stop comparing yourself to others or measuring your success by impossible standards, including those you see on social media.

10. Reach out to others. Facetime or Zoom with friends or family who may be feeling lonely or isolated, volunteer at your local food bank, buy toys for kids in shelters, bake cookies for your neighbors or simply be generous with your compliments and be extra kind and patient with all your interactions.

May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!
(Irish Blessings)

For those of you who celebrate: Happy Thanksgiving!

CONSCIOUS GIFTING

For Small Business Saturday - NOVEMBER 26 ONLY - take 20% off any of my Aromatherapy Sprays with code GIVETHANKS22 at checkout. Shop Here >>

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT THAT WILL JUMPSTART YOUR NEW YEAR BY SIGNING UP FOR VISION 2023 AND SAVING $100. Learn More & Sign Up Here >>

Work with Barbara:

We are coming to the end of 2022, and this is a perfect time for an intuitive tarot reading or ritual.

I am also available December 12th and 13th for a few in-person sessions in LA. Book a session or a coaching package >>

Until next time,
Barbara

Tools I Used in My Physical Healing Journey

I have been asked a lot in the past few weeks what I have been doing to heal my broken shoulder so I thought I would share my gems with you.

First, I want to give a big shout out to my friends, family, and community for all their help and positive energy. You really do need a strong support system to move through any challenge. And a special thank you to Lana Smith - my right hand (@hilo_de_lana).

Second, all the fabulous Practitioners who helped me (sometimes I do feel like the Emily’s list of spirituality):

Acupuncture: Naria Chi, NYC (acunariachi@gmail.com)
Chiropractic: Dr. Steven Oswald, NYC (stephenoswaldchiropractic.com)
Shiatsu/ Tai Massage: Saki Kim, NYC (srkacupuncture.com)
Reiki: Pamela Miles(@pamelamoves) and Hope Tarr (@hopectarr, @handsofhopereiki)
Healing Tea: Miriam Novalle (@tealadytsalon)
PT/OT: Spear Physical Therapy (@spearptnyc)

Third: My Body Elemental. This deva is like an angel…it is the overseeing intelligence of your body. Its only job is to take care of your physical body and it requires love and appreciation from you. Each morning I check in with her and ask her what we need to know and do to keep my physical body healthy and in optimal health and well-being. This keeps a strong resonance and supports a loving relationship between the Body elemental and the physical form.

I was taught that it incarnates with you every lifetime, so if you believe in ancestral karma, it can also help you release what no longer serves you.

If you would like assistance with a healing ritual or reading, please contact my office: info@barbarabiziou.com.

Until next time,
Barbara

What This Total Lunar Eclipse is Telling You 🌝✨

As many of you know, I am re-infused with the energy of ancient Egypt and the goddess who came to me in my meditations today was Heket. She was the divine midwife of ancient Egypt and the protector of new life.

I feel that collectively we are in the shift to birth a new part of ourselves as well as the Earth. As in any birth, there is a need to let go of the old way of being and open to the new…a quickening.

Today is a major eclipse and I recommend you take time to take an active part in creating the harmony you desire currently. This means grounding yourself and being mindful of what you eat, say, and think. Every action has a reaction and affects the entire ecosystem.

We all are being urged to create more nourishing environments for ourselves, our family and community. No matter what the outcome of today's election in the US, (although I hold the intention that our democracy will prevail) we are being given an opportunity to come home to ourselves spiritually and to envision a place where we are safe and protected.

If you were your own Magical Parent, what blessings would you give to this child who is being born? Bless them with the qualities that you would like to develop in your life right now.

Place your hands on your heart and say, “I bless you with courage”, “I bless you to trust your inner guidance”, “I bless you with the ability to share your gifts and talents with the world and receive all the support that you require”. You get the idea. Make this your own special blessing.

Work with Barbara:

Connect to the dreams that are in alignment with your truest self. Then create a life that suits who you are. Let me guide you.

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 package >>

This is also a great time for a space clearing/blessing of your home.

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Shift Your Mood Out Of Fall "Coma" 🍁😴

Yes it is almost time to turn back the clocks in the USA...not one of my favorite activities. Days are shorter and darker, and many studies show that this is a time when depression spikes. So, how can we shift our moods when all we feel like doing is binging on Netflix and eating bowls of popcorn?

As my friend Lavinia Errico (co-founder of Equinox) has said for years, exercise exercise exercise. Even turning on a song and dancing in your pjs can get the endorphins moving. One of the hardest things for me as I have been healing my broken shoulder, has been the lack of fun exercise that I used to do. Slowly I am adding more and more back into my life, and it makes me feel so much better.

Morning Pages: I love Julia Cameron’s morning pages from her book THE ARTIST’S WAY. Just sitting down in the morning and freewriting 3 pages can give the judgmental voices in your head a platform for dumping out their negative messages. Just write anything that comes to you without editing. Then, like emptying the trash, you will have more room in your brain to bring in the creative voices. For more exercises on accessing your creativity and intuition join me on the power packed day of 11/11 for a 2-hour workshop to Ignite Your Creativity and Intuition.

Creativity altar: Use your imagination and put up an altar for creativity in your home where you can look at it. Use bright colors, scents that make you happy (I love my happiness spray), beautiful things from Nature (crystals, rocks, leaves), pictures of people who inspire you, affirmations, and/or poems. Sometimes I even add kid’s toys like playdough or Legos to help remind me of my creative inner child. And if you have any ideas for new projects, place a symbol there too.

Let there be light: Make sure to have good lighting available. Some people like to use a Light Box which mimics outdoor light. There are many different ones available so do your research. Make sure you look at the ones that are designed for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). If you have any eye disorders like glaucoma or cataracts please check with your eye doctor first before using.

Take Action: This is a perfect time to make that phone call or send that email that you have been avoiding. Google something that interests you, paint your kitchen bright orange, meet a friend for tea. And, if you live in the USA, remember to VOTE on November 8th. As my friend David Meggyesy said in his email to me, “the fate of our Republic is at a fork in the road, going towards greater democracy or authoritarianism. Freedom of Choice is central and essential. It is our Choice. VOTE!"

Work with Barbara:

Connect to the dreams that are in alignment with your truest self. Then create a life that suits who you are. Let me guide you.

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 package >>

This is also a great time for a space clearing/blessing of your home.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Message of The Present Moment (Egypt Adventures)

This trip to Egypt started with an auspicious meeting. Because of my broken shoulder, I ordered a wheel chair at the airport. My wheelchair attendant told me his name was Levi…one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He told me that his lineage dated back to the building of the ancient pyramids and that his ancestors were the architects and builders of the pyramids. I told him that I was on my way to Egypt. You really can’t make this stuff up!

After a fabulous visit in Paris with friends, we arrived in Egypt and now are about to embark on the next phase of our journey. I already got the message to ground and center as I bashed my head on the locker door at the spa (and so did 2 other people in our group). Luckily it was not serious, but the message was clear…..slow down and pay attention.

The energy in the world is very intense, so trust your intuition to guide you as you allow the old to come up to be cleared. This is a time of honoring what was and being open to the new that wants to come in. And always be gentle with yourself.

Follow me on IG as I continue my journey.

Until next time,
Barbara

Journey Into the Unknown 🧭

Today begins my journey into the unknown. I am going on a spiritual pilgrimage to Egypt via Paris and feeling excited and a bit frazzled after a crazy week of Mercury Retrograde glitches.

Travel has always fed my soul, and this will be the first big trip I am taking since the Pandemic. And I know that spiritual travel always takes me out of my comfort zone since it challenges me to embrace the unknown. However, the gift is always a deepening, expansion and new awareness. And I get to share this trip with friends and new acquaintances.

I will be posting on IG so come join me on this magical mystery tour.

After consulting with astrologer Rebecca Gordon (who will be joining us at VISION to give us an overview of the year), we have picked a date for VISION 2023. It will take place on the most powerful New Moon of 2023: The New moon in Aquarius - January 21st / 22nd.

SAVE THE DATE

VISION 2023: January 21st and 22nd

Start off 2023 on the most powerful New Moon of the year. As the New Moon enters Aquarius, we will get extra support to manifest our PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE Visions into a grounded reality.

Astrologer Rebecca Gordon will be joining us to give an overview of 2023, Parashakti will be leading us in sacred dance as well as other special guests. Stay tuned for more information.

Until next time,
Barbara

How To Tell When To Go Forward And When To Stay Still🚶🏽‍♀️

After a summer of focusing on my healing, I was propelled forward into this new season with a new sense of purpose and passion.

I did a house blessing in NJ, a theater blessing of The Kite Runner on Broadway, an Autumn Equinox Ritual on Zoom, coached some clients, wrote an article for Mind Body Green on rituals for the Fall Equinox, shot 5 reels, interviewed Susan Piver on The Buddhist Enneagram on my IG Live and then taught in person for the second-year students at One Spirit Interfaith (the first in-person class in three years).

AND I still took time for my personal healing with acupuncture, physical therapy, and deep meditation.

Yes, I know that this seems like a lot, but there are weeks when I do very little. So how do I know when to go forward and when to stay still?

The key for me has been my relationship with my Body Elemental - the overseeing intelligence which keeps our body well. I like to think of it as an angel of the body. Before I eat, go outside, or plan any activity, I check in with my Body Elemental to see what will be the most helpful for my health and wellbeing. Sometimes the answer is to rest, take a walk, turn down a job, or eat a specific food.

I even check in to see if it is ok to take a subway or bus, or if it is better to take an Uber. My body lets me know what it needs. In fact, for almost 6 weeks after my accident, I did not go anywhere unless it was within walking distance from my apartment. I was guided not to be in a car, or any public transportation and I listened. Even though I longed to be at the beach or in the country, I knew that it was not the safest or best thing for me to do. And I know that having this deep relationship speeded up my healing.

When you take some time to offer gratitude and light to the Body Elemental daily, you will build a relationship that is built on a loving partnership. Self-care is a crucial component in our spiritual journey.

I will be traveling for most of the month of October and will be back seeing clients in November. Follow me on IG as I will be sharing my journey with you.

If you have any questions or want to book a Reading, Ritual or Coaching session, contact info@barbarabiziou.com. You can still buy my aromatherapy sprays directly from our website. And remember, all sprays are 20% off during the month of September.

SAVE THE DATE

VISION 2023: January 21st and 22nd

Start off 2023 on the most powerful New Moon of the year. As the New Moon enters Aquarius, we will get extra support to manifest our PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE Visions into a grounded reality.

Astrologer Rebecca Gordon will be joining us to give an overview of 2023 , Parashakti will be leading us in sacred dance as well as other special guests. Stay tuned for more information.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Energy of Plants and Flowers 🌺

It was impossible to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth without noticing the precise symbolism of everything involved.

I was especially touched by the wreath of flowers and foliage on the coffin cut from the Gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Highgrove House. For centuries, flowers have been used in sacred ceremonies to represent friendship, gratitude, love and remembrance.

Buckingham Palace released a statement saying, “the foliage had been chosen for its symbolism”.

The wreath included:

• Rosemary - for remembrance

• Myrtle - ancient symbol for a happy marriage (and this was cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in the Queens wedding bouquet in 1947)

• English Oak- strength of love

• Garden Roses - Love

• Hydrangea - Creating your destiny

• Dahlias - Inner strength and grace

All the foliage was in shades of gold, pink, deep burgundy with touches of white, to reflect the Royal Standard. And as a symbolic gesture, the wreath was made in a totally sustainable way in a nest of English moss and oak branches.

As we enter the Fall Equinox, why not experiment with the energy of different plants and flowers as well as aromatherapy. They stimulate memories, calm our nerves, and heal our bodies. And having them in our environment can awaken psychic awareness, stimulate love and sexuality. I believe in the magic of Nature and all we need to do is consciously invite her in with love.

For the month of September (2022) all my magical Aromatherapy Sprays will be offered at a 20% discount as my gift to you. Using scent with visualization is “magical aromatherapy” as we make the most of their subtle powers through our own powers of thought to manifest needed change.

Until next time,
Barbara

Ways to Find Comfort in the Face of Life’s Challenges 🍵

Between Mercury retrograde, the full moon in Pisces, and the anniversary of 9/11, I am once more reminded that ritual is one of the greatest spiritual technologies of the 21st century. Greater and small rituals anchor us and give us a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. They add substance and meaning to our lives - enhancing daily routines, enriching milestones, and guiding us through life's inevitable transitions.

Rituals both support and honor the changes we experience, and they increase our capacity to embrace life fully whether we are overcoming adversity, strengthening our relationships, or enhancing our ability to experience joy and abundance.

Rituals can be as simple as transforming your morning cup of tea into a ceremony of connection or placing a coin in a success jar to mark your accomplishments. Or they can be as complex as organizing a wedding, fertility ceremony or memorial.

9/11, Covid and, in fact, every crisis humankind confronts—teaches us that comfort in the face of life’s challenges is not a luxury but a necessity. Comfort rituals are the universal lifelines that offer us deliverance from fears real and imagined; they resurrect us from the heart of despair and return us to wholeness.

As time passed, though, I noticed that many people began to bury their vulnerabilities and their need to be comforted and feel connected. They unwittingly deluded themselves into believing that they could substitute "cold comforts” like drinking, smoking, and drugging (legal and illegal), overeating or workaholism for genuine comfort.

Cold comforts numb us to the sometimes-overwhelming conditions that we cannot or chose not to face. For instance, I am reminded of a young student I saw in the park who struck an impressive yoga posture while smoking a cigarette, and the lawyer who wanted to meditate after three glasses of wine. Cold comforts devitalize us and ultimately drain us of our energy and resources.

These attempts are evidence of people’s longing to move beyond their formidable barriers to healing. But they fall short. In contrast, real comforts, which we extend to each other or to ourselves, are one of the most beautiful ways of curing what ails us.

How can we find positive sustainable comforts in our age of anxiety? A comfort that connects us to the Divine, regardless of our religion or spiritual tradition. In my work, a heart-centered ritual is the key that turns the lock and opens the mind and heart and shifts us from unconsciousness back into consciousness.

Through conscious rituals our blocked energy can be opened, and our vitality restored. No matter what form our unique comfort prescription takes, it is only when our energies are flowing that we are truly able to give and receive love and abundance.

They take us to an inner sanctuary where our inner resources can fuel our outer expression and they return us to our center, the surest place of comfort in our soul.

Work with Barbara:

I will be traveling in the month of October so if you'd like a session, please book now for September or November.

September is a month of reflection and renewal. This is the time to release the stories that keep you living an old story that does not support your expansion. Now and then live your own values. Connect to the dreams that are in alignment with your truest self. Then create a life that suits who you are. Let me guide you.

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 package >>

This is also a great time for a space clearing/blessing of your home.

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Create Your Own Happiness 🌞

I woke up this morning thinking of something my mother used to say. No matter what was going on in her life, she would find things to be grateful for. “You make your own happiness” was her mantra.

As we move into the last 4 months of 2022, let us reflect on how we choose to show up in the world. As Mary Oliver said, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life”.

A happy heart draws to itself all that it needs for happiness.

Learn to be happy for others. Think of someone you know who has manifested something they wanted. Now imagine from your heart you can send vibrations of happiness and joy to them. This allows you to become more available for joy in your own life.

Now share something that makes you burst with joy to a friend or family member. It may be a beautiful sunset, the birth of a child, an art project or the love of a dear friend.

We must realize that Spirit is the source of our joy, the only Source. People and things and situations are wonderful when all is well, but since they may change, we must not place our spiritual dependence on them. We must depend on the Source which cannot change and from which all good flows.

Think of it…you go to a party and a stranger comes up to you and tells you they love your outfit or gives you a compliment……. how do you feel? Good?

Then an acquaintance or stranger comes up to you and says, “You look tired” “Are you ok?’ How do you feel? Not so good.

You are like a yoyo…going up and down based on other people’s perceptions. Don’t give your power away to other’s opinions. You are a work in progress and it is important that you appreciate and value yourself.

In Jewish tradition this is the month of Elul which leads up to a New Year on Sept 25th…it is a time for reflection. We are also moving into the Autumn Equinox (September 22nd) in the Northern Hemisphere and The Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere: a time of balance.

Take some time this week and journal with the following question. What do I feel called to renew in myself this year?

Until next time,
Barbara

An Unexpected Way to Find Balance ⚖️

I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't believe it's the end of August. Why is it that winter seems to go so slowly, and summer just speeds up? As we move into September - fall in the northern hemisphere - the concept of balance keeps spinning in my mind.

According to the brilliant Thomas Hubl, “balance means movement.”

Think of riding a bike. When you stop it is harder to keep your balance

When we resist, we lose our balance.

Therefore, it is important to align with the movement in our lives. It is a constant process of relating to what is in the moment.

The key is to Become more skillful in walking our path. In this way we can expand our perspective and are more motivated to take the small steps required to accomplish our greater vision.

I know that personally when I run into difficulty and resist, I become tight physically and emotionally and then become reactive. At these times I stop, center in my heart, and send compassion to the part of me who is scared or resisting (usually my inner child).

Let us learn to be curious rather than fearful. Make it a habit to Call in the light into any situation that we're in. Do not let anyone or anything dim your light.

Until next time,
Barbara

How Would You Pass This "Surprise Test"❔

Every day this summer I've become more and more aware of what sucks my joy and what takes my attention off what's really important. I am consciously making choices based on living in the now and allowing Spirit to truly live through me.

It’s easy to waste time of all that you’ve been led to believe matters, because the truth is that much of it simply doesn't.

This beautiful story says it all.

One day, a professor entered his classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They all waited anxiously at their desks for the exam to begin. The professor handed out the exams with the text facing down, as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked the students to turn over the papers.

To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions–just a black dot in the center of the paper. The professor, seeing the expression on everyone’s faces, told them the following: “I want you to write about what you see there.”

The students, confused, got started on the inexplicable task. At the end of the class, the professor took all the exams and started reading each one of them out loud in front of all the students. All of them, with no exception, defined the black dot, trying to explain its position in the center of the sheet.

After all had been read, the classroom silent, the professor started to explain: “I’m not going to grade you on this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot – and the same thing happens in our lives.

However, we insist on focusing only on the black dot – the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend. The dark spots are very small when compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds. Take your eyes away from the black dots in your lives. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you. Be happy and live a life filled with love!”

Author Unknown

Until next time,
Barbara

Feeling Impatient? It's a Sign 🛑

Although my shoulder is getting stronger each day, there are still a lot of things that I'm unable to do. I know that this is a process, and that patience is required for me to build the new physical, mental, emotional and spiritual muscles that will enable me to bring in the new energy.

I remember hearing many years ago: ‘when you are feeling impatient it is a sign from the universe to slow down.’

And, I do know from experience, that when I start to feel better, I tend to overdo it and don't pay as much attention. It is so easy to go back to old ways of being that may not even work for me anymore. So, exploring new ones may just be the thing that I'm looking for.

So, I am choosing to slow down, consciously ground myself and pay attention to my surroundings even when my overachiever wants me to go forward full speed ahead. And in this way I can be receptive to the deep healing and rewiring that is taking place at this time in my mind, body and spirit.

My spiritual practice this week is to embody patience. The quote by the brilliant Rainer Maria Rilke says it all.

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue.”

I once heard that our brains are hardwired to danger and are like Velcro for negativity and Teflon for positivity. So, it takes more positive experiences to overcome even one negative.

Try this When a negative thought arises:

1. Stop.

2. Breathe in to the count of 4, hold for the count of 4 and exhale for the count of 4.

3. Imagine that like a book you are reading, you can put the thought back on a shelf. Or like a movie you are watching, you can turn the channel.

4. Say out loud “Cancel Clear!" Think of this as deleting a file from your mental computer.

Is it easy? NO. Is it worth it? YES.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Energy of the Super Full Moon in Aquarius 🌝✨

Here comes the last super full moon of 2022. Because this moon is in Aquarius, it is really a time to think out-of-the-box and to let go of the self-imposed limitations that you've put on yourself and open to the new and unexpected.

Did you know that the ancient Olympic Games which honored the god Zeus started on the full moon in August and were held every four years?

Many years ago, I found myself in Athens on the August full moon. I had no idea that it was such a special evening in Greece. Luckily for me, my friend Agapi had introduced me to her friend Radu, who generously invited me and my friend Linda to go to the Acropolis with him late that night. He was very mysterious about what would happen, so I truly had no idea what to expect.

To see the brilliant white marble of the Acropolis glowing in the moonlight was magical. I was also struck by the fact that people honored this night by walking silently, sitting, and doing prayers and allowing the inspiration of this magical place to wash over them. No one was talking on their phone; no music was playing, no loud voices could be heard above a whisper. it was as if everyone realized they were walking on sacred ground.

In North America this full moon is traditionally called the sturgeon moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer. Sturgeons represent resilience and strength, and perseverance of spirit that all of us could use at this moment.

On this full moon, no matter where you are in the world, take some time to stop and open to all the blessings that are in your life at this moment. This is a time to focus on what you truly have in your life. Remember gratitude builds gratitude, compassion creates compassion, and love creates love.

Until next time,
Barbara

Take Back Your Power ⛰️

As I continue on my path of healing, I am hyper aware of the challenges everyone is going through. Some of my friends and clients have health challenges, others are dealing with releasing ancestral patterns, others are focusing on relationship issues, and many are just rethinking and reimagining their future.

This story always inspired me, and I want to share it with you.

In 1955, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood told her children that she was “going for a hike in the woods”– which turned out to be the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

At the time she was 67 years old, a mother of 11, a grandmother of 23, and a survivor of more than 30 years of domestic abuse. For Emma, the woods were a source of comfort and an escape from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband.

Wearing Kids sneakers and carrying a few items like a poncho, a blanket, some food, and a knife, she walked with her home-made duffel over her shoulder. Without a tent or sleeping bag (she used a shower curtain for shelter), she chose to spend the night on nearby farms or off the trail, eating whatever she could find or relying on the kindness of strangers.

On September 25, 1955, she became the first woman ever to complete the entire A.T. alone in one season. And, by the way, she did it twice! A portrait of resilience, Gatewood broke barriers in the outdoors, sending the message that “If those men can do it, I can do it”

For Gatewood, the decision to hike the A.T. was rather simple – she ignored any barriers and anyone who told her she wouldn’t be able to do it. When one reporter asked why she wanted to hike the A.T., Gatewood stated: “Because I wanted to.“

To find out more, read Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery.

Until next time,
Barbara