Your healing session, your spiritual belief: your personal experience.

Skepticism can be a good thing when it helps you examine your own beliefs. And somtimes you find your own skeptics are closest to you. They usually want to understand something new. A friend asked me pointed questions about my healing work and agreed to share our discussion here.

I want  a healing session but I notice you use words like G.d. Are you a faith-based minister, or do you impose your own spiritual beliefs on clients?

No. I’m not affiliated with any religious organization or group; and I don’t rely on faith-based religion in my personal experience or professional view and practice. I’m comfortable using the name “G.d” or other names from any tradition to signify something beyond the physical and more.

In my practice, I use guided imagery to help clients relax and get closer to their understanding of the Light if it is their wish. Others may just want a spiritual coach to guide them to the place of knowing for themselves, or a counselor to answer  questions or help during spiritual crisis.

I’d like to have a soul reading, but I don’t know whether or not I believe in past lives. How would a reading help me?

Clients often tell me they receive a benefit from the reading. They may see it as a past life reading, or an intuitive allegory or story to open their own intuition.

They said afterward that their reading helped them with the spiritual concern that initially lead them to me, and many said it brought about further revelation.

A client wrote an article on his view of reincarnation and past life readings, and how they help him. His understanding and views are unique to his life and personal experience, just as are yours. He offered his insight on how a reading can help.

Other clients provided testimonials of similar benefits and many more. So the advantages of having a reading can vary and be as unique as each individual.

Do you teach concepts about duality or other traditional views?

Not when these concepts would emphasize looking without for spiritual answers rather than looking within.

Your session will be based on where you are now to support you with regard to any spiritual issues you wish to heal. I begin with connecting you to deeper resources that you can tap into, right within your being.

Though I have a non-dualistic spiritual belief structure, I don’t impose my view on others who may rely on more traditional or other views. I do, however, practice and teach metaphysical healing, part of which has been popularized by the current interest in Law of Attraction. But my emphasis is on the power of love to dissolve fear.

True Law of Attraction can be misunderstood. It’s not simplistic, “wishcraft”. No matter how much you tell yourself that you “will get” something new or something better than what you already have or experience, if there’s a block of fear in the way, then fear is more likely to color what you manifest if you succeed at all.

I’m really interested in manifesting things, or at least in changing my life. How can a session help?

It’s good to have help with finding your own clarity before you begin. A lot of times people really are happy with their life as it is, but they read or hear about Law of Attraction and begin to dabble. Then, when things get out of hand, they call me to find out how to undo the mess.

It’s kind of like what happened to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Fantasia who, though he cast one of the master’s spells, did so by merely reading them aloud from the book of secrets. He did this without the necessary preparation.

In the mystery schools, this preparation is known as ‘initiation’. So I teach people first principles. Principles such as, before you pick up that magic wand, do you truly know what you want?

I ask this even before I teach someone how to manifest. I also teach them how to know if this ‘want’ is really something that feels true to their inner being. I lead people to ask themselves if what they want is a true desire or from an appetite that can be only temporarily slaked. I lead them to ask themselves if the manifestation of the desire would answer the deeper need or at least help clarify it.

‘Man, know Thyself’, is the first rule before you even begin to change your life! Another adage that is as true as ever, ‘Be careful of what you seek.’

This is why the movie, The Secret, was sort of a let down for me as a practitioner. Aside from some of the obvious things left out, like missing steps in the manifestation process, there were certain promotional aspects that lead to mass speculation about the film’s purpose: was it merely a marketing ploy or an attempt to provide teaching?

Can you elaborate on what you feel was left out of The Secret?

A couple of important points from the higher esoteric teachings were left out of the film. One was this: when the narrator said that the secret was deliberately kept from the people, she didn’t elaborate ‘why’. It was just treated as if it was a conspiracy.

But secrecy in mystery schools is neither conspiracy nor to cover a hoax. Mystery schools train initiates to find the true secret, and that this is the sacredness within you. So no one can keep that ’secret’ from you. People who would keep things from you out of spite or malice don’t have the real secret anyway, do they?

So you have to look at the film as an almost fictionalized dramatization to frame part of a truth. But the film itself isn’t going to prepare you for initiation into ancient mysteries. Even if it could, not everyone is going to “get it”, not without the transference of light that passes between teacher and student that has little to do with the outer message.

Transference of Light doesn’t have to come from a course costing thousands or any other obvious promotion. It can come from an outer teacher or the teacher within. And it should always be safe. People should feel no pressure to conform, so they can always hear the true Teacher within and be practical and use common sense.

My point is that The Secret, well meaning as it was, left out the all important really spiritual part. It was missing the answer to the age old question: where does this secret power to create come from, and how do you access it? Not just by buying The Secret marketing gurus’ products. But by developing your own spirituality.

How do I find out what The Secret really is? Do I have to follow one of the film’s gurus or other teacher?

First, let me clarify something, because I’m not bashing The Secret. The film did open the door for more self-inquiry. It did help people to look beyond the material. But it didn’t complete the job it set to do.

It really boils down to, again, the initiate’s principle — self-study, preparation and testing. Just like any other profession or trade, the spiritual initiate must study with the master within, practice and pass that master’s exams. And practice and study ever after.

Teaching how to access that subjective master ‘within’ is the objective of an ‘outer’ healer or teacher’s  job. The relationship between the a healer or teacher and her client or student is a sacred trust. It is through that trust that the Inner Master appears to the student who is ready.

Who is the Inner Master, and what are angels or guides? What do you teach on this?

The master is the inner guidance. Some call it conscience, some call it the small still voice. Some give it one of the names of G.d. Knowing about this master, and knowing this master, are two different things. People can read books about it until their human span is complete, and still not be any closer to truth. And sometimes that’s when they ‘get it’, when this life is all over: the joy of the journey is the Realization.

There’s a Zen-like expression that goes along the lines of “the more you know, the less you know”. And the less you know, the closer you are to the real inner being. Meditation, for instance, gives you so much more than mere books. Meditation opens you to your real master, or teacher. Your inner being.

And there are subjective experiences with teachers that are just as real and as illuminating as having a living guru whose physical feet you can touch. The arc or current of light from the touch of your hands of light to the feet of your subjective or inner teacher and the arc of light that returns back to your heart is as real if not more real than the arc between the living teacher and student.

When I hear about the non-physical master and student it confuses me. Would you explain this concept?

This is merely semantics, please don’t make the mistake of allowing my process or anyone’s to get in the way of you finding your own. Being open to what others experience doesn’t mean you have to accept it for yourself.

But being willing to observe can give you room to grow and expand into your own knowing. So having subjective experiences with non-physical beings would not necessarily have to be part of your process. I use it as an example. It can be with your own inner wisdom. Each person experiences it differently.

My process at times allows me to have ’subjective friends’ like angels or spiritual teachers. I have had such personal spiritual experiences ever since I was a child, but their manifestations do not govern my whole life.

I view these teachers as individuals and friends, just as I honor and enjoy those in the objective (outer) realm. Each person or angel can help me find deeper connection with my inner being, my true reality.

Today, I’m careful to avoid labeling what I encounter on my spiritual journey. Instead of  immediately embracing or rejecting it as a system or theism, and before jumping headlong into a new practice or running away from another before I’m finished learning from it, I choose instead to observe. Each can be a facet of the diamond that is part of the changing backdrop for my current experience.

In other words, try to allow your observations to unfold and teach you like the flower teaches you while you watch her entice the the hummingbird to sip nectar.

What teachers have you learned from?

I learn from my clients, and from just about everyone I meet in life. One of the core concepts and basis of my healing technique is the belief that anyone can be the teacher. There are many, though, who have left valuable traces for us to follow.

I’ve grown to respect many of the traditional world teachers: Buddha, Christ, Zarathustra, Abraham, Mohammad, Krishna, Lakshmi, Kali, Durga, Kuan Yin, Mother Mary among others.

And I learn from the lives or teachings of those more recently known: Vivekananda, Chogyam Trungpa, Maslow, Charles and Myrtle Filmore, Paramahansa Yogananda, Bertrand Russel, Ernest Holmes, Mother Theresa, Joseph Campbell, Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Dass, Madame Blavatsky, Martin Luther King, Rudolph Steiner, Corrine Heline, Mary Daly, etc.

I also continue to learn from present teachers such as Eckart Tolle, Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Adyashanti, Wayne Dyers. There are just so many outstanding teachers and healers to learn from.

I learn from those around me, and those who are in the world leading whatever lives and examples they choose. All, whether part of a path I would choose or not, can have something to share when I least expect it or need it the most.

How does your clairvoyance work with your training and work as a healer?

My training as a minister and spiritual life coach enables me to work with people from any background. My clairvoyance simply complements the work I do as a spiritual healer and teacher of other healers.

I believe and practice that religion has little to do with spirituality. If anyone develops their third eye or intuition, it can be a natural blessing when the gift is not worshiped. ‘Spiritualism’ can be just as ritualized or ‘outer’ directed as any dualistic religion. Or it can be as sublime.

This is why I simply allow my ability to perceive with my inner vision. I just ask that people try not to label me or my gift. It is secondary to what is truly happening between us in a session. The primary reason for such a gift is not only to use it to help others, but to teach them how to help themselves.

If someone comes to me with a need to express their desire for self-healing through a specific religion, a new-age hybrid of the world traditions, or anything whatsoever, I embrace them and honor their path. If spiritualism is their path, I honor that as much as I honor the ’spiritual not religious’ or any other path.

How did you become interested in following the spiritual path?

I’m fortunate that my mother, who comes from a Christian perspective, has always been respectful of my spiritual beliefs and personal experiences. She’s been sincerely interested and supportive of them since I was small.

At age 12, after receiving the sacrament of confirmation, I formally renounced my family religion–not from a place of rebellion or even rejection, but simply to give myself freedom. My family respected my choice and I was free to begin my lifelong quest. That has been and remains the study of the mind, metaphysics, mystery school teachings, and the world’s traditions and those evolving today that embrace non-duality.

I have studied the world traditions since age 12, so I can understand the preference of a client. My study has helped me to understand and support another’s spiritual belief, whether client, associate, acquaintance, friend, or loved one.

I see my role as one that supports the unique needs of each of my clients during our healing sessions together, and of my students in my classes. My ideals are flexible, inclusive and universal by nature, which gives me freedom to work with anyone.

What are your views on the role quantum physics could play in healing?

I have an interest in the subject, yet my knowledge and training lies outside the scope of the pure quantum science. You might enjoy the CD of the talk I gave based on my thesis, which is on the quantum and holographic nature of the mind. It has no religious context, yet I explore how quantum theory helps people understand their material role in the spiritual experience we know of as life.

My thesis also explores how the brain and “mind” support spiritual belief and personal experience. For instance, science is proving that “mind” exists everywhere, and not just within the brain or even the body.

I am in awe of the human brain as a valuable instrument for experiencing the individual’s concept of reality. I may explore this more in depth in meditation retreats or classes.

Why do you sometimes use or recommend meditative practices in your work?

Meditation comes easily to me from a lifetime of devotional or ‘bhakti’ yoga meditation, chanting and song, as well as through a personal daily sitting practice.

I was fortunate to have taken a 9-year retreat (also called a ’shmita’ or ’shantivanam’, which means to dwell in a forest of peace). I sat in daily meditation and satsang with teachers whenever I was not engaged in the 9 to 5 professional position that was my service at the retreat.

It’s different today. Many turn to ashrams and other spiritual communities out of desperation with no place to live during the economic times, to follow a charismatic Indian guru or a new age leader, or to meet a date or outer reasons. I believe you can take advantage of the times to become a true master by staying to face where you are. It takes courage to develop your spirituality in the midst of your life as it is.

There’s a spiritual action that occurs over time with meditation that results in the removal of unwanted spiritual energies. Buddhists teach of this experience that one encounters with the Light that tends to cut away, like a blade, the barnacles of human doubt, fear and egoistic questioning.

I found that the entire personal experience of my nine-year ’shmita’ provided me with a strong foundation. My shmita was passed with daily selfless service, devotion, meditation while reciting mantra or ‘japa’, and in company with the guru (’satsang’).

I’m blessed to now have my personal dream upheld by that foundation. I experience my dream as ultimate freedom to devote myself to G.d in my own way. And that way may change even daily as might my world view, based on the light I perceive in my meditation and inner sight.

I notice you are a minister. Are you affiliated with a church or other organization?

I’m a minister of healing, but I don’t belong to a church or minister to a formal congregation. My ministry involves one-on-one spiritual counseling sessions and teleconference classes and meditaiton retreats.

The metaphysical ministerial association I’m registered with is not Christian-based, nor affiliated with any religious organization, church or organized activity. It’s an international association of metaphysical ministers applying a variety of approaches in their individual ministries or practices.

My ministerial status and Metaphysical degree are not ink-jet printed certificates purchased somewhere online. Rather, I elected to submit to intensive training in metaphysics.

Why would you want to be a minister and not have a church?

The benefit of my ordination lies in its legal status, allowing me to practice Healing Touch, applied kinesiology and other hands-on practice, or even to visit and lay hands on patients in the hospital in my home state.

While I do not run a “church” or “center”, I still maintain my ministerial status. I do this through my websites, and by holding teleconference meditations that are open to the public.

I remember you sent me an invitation to one of your first TeleMeditations. What are they?

You can download complimentary MP3s of my Legacy TeleMeditations when you subscribe to my email updates. These 20-minute guided imagery meditation healing sessions are free of religious connotation. They give you a glimpse of my work. I use non-dualistic, spiritual, and guided imagery in my public healing sessions, just as I do in my one-on-one healing sessions

My teleconference listeners report experiences that show how varied and personal are each individual’s spiritual or religious values. Their values may not necessarily reflect my own or that of other listeners from the same teleconferences.

This demonstrates how freely yet subjectively people tend to draw from their inner resources to process new experiences. It can also explain the diversity found in client testimonials.

In reading the testimonials, I got the impression that they are by individuals who seem to come from more than one background. Is that correct?

Yes, I appreciate having a clientele of individuals from different paths in life, from the CEO of a major corporation looking for ways to maintain her spiritual integrity while facing the pressures of big business, to the waiter at the local organic bistro seeking to love others more fully while discovering his life’s purpose. I cherish this diversified group of individuals, each one a unique and fascinating being.

My fulfillment is not only in my practice but in the privilege of embracing each referral and others who find their way to my practice. They may be self-described as agnostic, Hindu or Buddhist, have a Judaic-Christian background, follow New Thought, janism, Zoroastrism, non-dualism, or be part of the New Age. I have clients from these and other backgrounds who all respond to and benefit from my healing approach

How do you choose which comments or testimonials to post on the website. You seem to practice an inclusivenes not often seen on others site. How is that?

I have no criteria other than the comments or testimonial be lawful (not leaning towards libel or slander), in good taste and ethical. And of course no ’spam’. I do
have a liberal link sharing policy on this and other websites that allows those who also have websites to have links back to their sites automatically built in to their comments.

Just as I wouldn’t dream of barring someone from my practice based on what they believe or study, neither do I discourage anyone from sharing their experience with me on this website. I enjoy their uniqueness.

Each person’s truth is precious to me and, like the frame that brings a painting to full view, it also adds to the beauty of other paintings around it. I support each person I meet, seeing them as an inherently a fearless being. Each is here to bring all of who they are to anything they do, including their healing session.

Would you share more about your personal experience and faith?

There’s a definition of faith that I like and it goes something like this: that the power of your spiritual belief when tested by experience becomes your faith. So that’s the foundation of what faith means to me.

I believe that what you “get” from life is affected greatly by what you bring to it. You ensure by your conscience that what you bring to life truly comes from within; that it’s not a mirror reflection of someone else’s truth that you happened to try on for size. There’s no ‘off-the-rack’ purchase when it comes to spiritual truth.

A group of individuals can be similarly affected by a shared experience, yet each one’s concept of the experience is still their own. And it’s colored by decisions they may make based on feelings, emotions and thought about that or similar experiences.

This is why a personal experience or spiritual belief can’t be something that I or any teacher or healer can “put into” someone else. It’s just not possible. And if it was, then I would ask to move on to a new universe!

It’s also why, despite it’s flaws, this universe is the one I gladly call home right now. It’s a place of possibility based on what is in your heart and head, and what you give or do with your hands, or where you go with your feet. It’s a more than something called ‘fate’.

If you are subjected to a tragic illness or condition, or mistreatment by another, the ‘perpetrator’–be it a disease, evil empire, or villain–can really get into your head or your heart when you allow it room. A teacher once said, “If a bird lands on your hair, don’t let it stay and build its nest.” The trick is to find a humane way to get that nest out of your hair if you realize it’s been there awhile! The strength it takes to meet such fate with individuality intact may be more than a person has built and developed.

Can you help someone who sincerely wants to build more strength of character?

The person has to have a strong desire for this. Sometimes this desire is hidden or latent until it is needed. A famous example of someone who was devoted to preserving the dignity and freedom of individuality is Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. His treatise, The Gulag Archipelago, was based in part by his own observations and experiences as a prisoner in a Gulag labor camp.

Another example of someone who refused to give in to self pity was stroke victim, Jean-Dominique Bauby. Read his vivid autobiography, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; it’s a powerful demonstration of the indomitable will over the betrayal of the flesh.

But you can prepare to meet life’s tests.

How can a person prepare to meet life’s tests?

You do this easily through embracing both subjectivity and oneness. They may seem to be opposing viewpoints, but to me they are partners in this wonderfully
baffling experience we call life. We happen to view life through the lenses of our one-of-a-kind perception. This perception can include not only most or all of the five physical senses, but also the sixth and seventh more subtle senses.

You have unlimited ability to also sense emotional and spiritual stories or energy records. You do this with the sixth and seventh senses, which are two aspects of your own intuition. This skill is worth nurturing as an invaluable and unlimited tool for the exploration of cosmos–from the microcosm to the macrocosm. I teach this to clients who desire to develop their full sensory perception.

In all I do, my intention is ever to be the clear pane of glass through which the Light can flow in harmony and wholeness, whether in my healing sessions with clients or my regard for anyone I meet in daily encounters.

I’m thinking I may have a session with you now that I know where you’re coming from!

I respect your decision, whatever it is, whether you choose to have a healing session with me or not. No ‘hard feelings’ if you don’t and, of course, good friends always!

The outcome of our discussion?

She is still my good friend who also happens to be a client, and one who refers others to me. She gave me her testimonial, which in part said that she has peace about reaching for her dreams and has already taken steps toward living them. She said these steps are beginning to bear fruit of the life she really desires from a place of inner knowing and not from ‘want’ or even to ‘prevent lack’. She also told me she is comfortable with not only asking for what she wants, but confident that she is always being taken care of.

Since our healing session she says she finds it easier to be more giving. She has also become more successful, which she says is because she now listens to her inner desires and follows that guidance. She is amazed at how easy that can be when she just allows it to flow through her.

There is no forcing things to go your way, there’s just allowing. Energy, like water, finds the pure channel you have prepared for it to flow through.