Journey to Center

The Gift of Tears

2012-02-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

As a Holistic Life Counselor I often support people in navigating through the confusing terrain of grief. During the healing journey deep sadness can bubble up as suppressed emotion from the past, or by virtue of a current situation which can unleash an unexpected river of tears. Last week one of my clients was in a great deal of pain and my advice to her was: "Do not fight or suppress your tears, allow them to wash through you. Relax into your feelings without resistance and eventually you will get to the other side." I wholeheartedly agree with Gary Zukav who has said: "Tears are the healing balm to the soul." However, it is potentially compelling to deny our tears and distract ourselves from pain, because it hurts to hurt.

Pain is part of life - a basic ingredient of the human experience. Carl Jung has said: "Neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering." Many people walking around on planet Earth are in pain and attempt to ignore, avoid or deny it. Unexpressed emotion can cause a disconnection within oneself and create a sense of detachment. It renders us incapable of authentic empathy or compassion for ourselves or others. It can leave us feeling dull and seeing our lives through a haze or gray fog. As we attempt to squelch our pain, we also limit our ability to see the vibrant colors of joy.

Many of us grew up hearing big kids don't cry. For some, tears may be perceived as sign of weakness or vulnerability. Hurts that were too much to bear as a young person can be locked away in the closet of the subconscious, take up residence in our psyche and control our lives from behind the scenes. My advice to anyone who will listen is: "Tears are a gift. Whenever they present themselves, let them flow. Accepting and allowing them without resistance can heal us on a very deep level." In Eastern traditions, the element of water is associated with emotion, which is meant to flow without obstruction. The shedding of tears can be a release for what is too much to sustain in the body, mind and heart. When feelings or emotions become frozen or crystallized in the energy field it can cause harm in multiple ways.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to take my own advice. I received a phone call and was informed a peripheral girlfriend had been murdered. The news was shocking and utterly heartbreaking. The cord of pain struck deeper notes as additional details emerged. My friend was shot by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself. Their four young children looked on as their parents fought, which escalated and crescendoed in death. I hung up the phone in shock. I reviewed all of my memories. I have worked with abused women and although this woman was not a client, I did not recall any tell-tale signs or red flags in her behavior or their relationship. As I sat down dizzy with the news, I felt my heart begin to shatter into a trillion pieces. No sense can be made of such a tragic situation, the only thing I could do was cry. I wanted to run, I wanted to hide, I wanted to escape, but there was no place I could go that would minimize the pain. And so, I acquiesced to my anguish, and I wept.

The following day a friend reminded me pain and tragedy is a part of life and this dear sweet girl is in heaven and in the arms of God. He spoke to me of truth; that each person in this situation has their own curriculum and we cannot begin to understand what that might be. Though I knew his words were the "Truest Truth," they did not soothe or comfort me. Perhaps in a week or two that will be the message my heart longs to hear. But for now I give myself permission to surrender to the grief and allow my tears to flow.

Marianne Williamson has a wonderful quote: "If you have 100 tears to cry 98 will not be enough." Allowing all of our tears to fall is vital if we are to be healthy, happy and whole. Being fully human means be able to experience the full spectrum of emotions. I am certain most of us would prefer to avoid suffering, but if we do, we lose access to our inner compass and the alignment to our own heart and soul.

When we avoid feeling hurt and pain we also limit our ability to experience to authentic happiness, connection and true love. What I know from having experienced loss and supporting others in walking through grief is it can be a gift. Acknowledging and processing our deep pain can refine, hone and help us become more empathetic, compassionate, loving, soulful beings. It can increase our ability to be fully present with another as they walk through their own pain. Fully allowing our grief can open our hearts and assist us in being of greater service in the world. It also keeps us open to experiencing and embracing the higher realms of vibration such as gratitude, faith, wonder, celebration, magic, miracles and joy.

So the next time you feel the sting of tears threatening the back of your eyes, remember they are not your enemy or something to suppress or ignore. Instead they are your friends, a gift and important companions on this human journey. Tears are the healer of hurts, the tangible expression of emotion and the redeemer of angst. The release of all your tears can help clear confusion and lift the heavy gray clouds of grief so you can, in time, see all the brilliant, spectacular colors of the rainbow and reclaim the experience of being truly, vitally and vibrantly alive.

For more about emotions, listen to my conversation with spiritual teacher, Chuck Danes, at: http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/journey-show-info/29384-February-2012---Chuck-Danes-What-your-Relationship-with-your-Emotions.html

The Shift

2011-10-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Do you feel there is change in the air? A significant shift happening? On my radio program “Journey to Center” on Empoweradio.com I have interviewed astrologers, healers, teacher and experts and they all confirm this is true. The big question is do you feel it? And how is it affecting you?

For me it is showing up in some unexpected ways. I had a studio/gallery and private counseling practice in Idaho, my neighbors were not loving me and there seemed to be other “hints” from the universe that maybe it was time to consider letting it go. My husband suggested I put it on the market just to “see what would happen.” I thought perhaps we would sell it in the spring. Maybe you have heard, for the most part real estate is not moving, things are slow and somewhat depressed. Imagine my surprise when we got an offer two days after we put it on the market - and then a bidding war. We were in escrow within a week. Now my studio/gallery is gone. What? What just happened and what do I do now?

I am now getting to explore and consider what I really, really want. Where do I want to put my energy, focus and intentions? I have recently said, “I am not where I have been, and I am not where I am going, I am kind of in the uncomfortable in between state,” and my strong intention is to make friends with what is and affirm frequently that I am shifting and expanding in grace, ease, acceptance and joy.

What comes to mind is a vision of the caterpillar becoming the butterfly, that in between stage the where the creature is literally liquid inside of his chrysalis, no longer a caterpillar, but not yet the butterfly, and if you were to crack open the chrysalis during this in between state, it actually looks like water. It is an amazing and mysterious process of shift and transformation.

Are you like me and feeling a little like liquid? If so, just know you can give yourself permission to relax, be patient and set the intention for clarity. The liquid state is not the time to press, push or attempt to fly. I am patiently and faithfully allowing this process of transformation and for my wings to form. Then when it is time, I will emerge from my chrysalis, rested, refreshed and allowing the gust of wind to gently lift me up and carry me to my next adventure! I hope you will join me!

For more about “The Shift” listen to my radio interview with Jim Self:

http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/journey-show-info/1184-October-2011---Jim-Self-Shift-Expert.html

Please be in touch and let me know your thoughts how you are feeling and what you are doing. Blessings of peace, grace, ease and love.

Loss

2011-07-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Loss, is never easy, especially if we have a strong attachment to someone or something. I recently lost my duck Afflack (affectionately known as Flacky by my family and me) and spiraled into grief. I knew he wasn’t much longer for this world. My research revealed that Ducks tend to live 7 or 8 years and he was at least 7. Arthritis contorted his legs and feet and made it difficult for him to walk. As I watched him stumble around the pond towards the end of his life, my eyes would fill with tears. It is painful to witness those we love struggle. However, loss and pain is a part of life on planet Earth, and as much as it hurts, if we can make friends with these experiences, (or at least relax our resistance to them) the tears, hurt, and grief can flow through us, rather than get stuck in our physical, mental and emotional bodies.

One thing is for sure, everything here is temporary. I have the image of us as a part of a cosmic soup, part of Spirit. We bubble up and put on our skin, fur or feather suits; we play and flail about for a while, then bubble back into Spirit. But from this side of the bubbling, it feels like a great loss when someone dissolves back into that other realm.

A few years back I lost a dear friend to suicide. I knew he had been in great pain and thought I could help soothe his angst. When he made that decision, not only did I feel like a failure as a friend, I felt like I had lost a touchstone to love; the same feeling I have now with the loss of my duck. My friends were worldly representations of love, and when they were suddenly gone…I felt they had taken my love with them. This is the core of grief – being separated from love.

The Course of Miracles say, only the love is real, everything else is an illusion. So whether we are losing a friend to death, divorce or otherwise, only the love matters…only the love is real. My friends may no longer be here in physical form for me to hug, but they still do exist and so does the love. I occasionally feel the sting of tears at the back of my eyes but unlike certain losses from my past, I don’t resist the tears. I let them flow through me, and I consciously connect to the love, respect, gratitude and reverence in my heart for these special beings. My tears have become like free flowing prayers.

Even though I know what I know, loss hurts, pain hurts. However, I am not adding to that pain by suppressing my tears, ignoring my pain, or putting challenging emotions in the closet and locking the door. Suppressed emotions, and unshed tears, can rule our lives from the shadows and put a blanket of gray haze over our lives. This tactic is often the cause of disease, unease in our bodies. Tears are not the enemy, they are our friends. In fact, according to Gary Zukav “tears are the healing balm to the soul.”

So today I celebrate my friends, those still in physical form and those who have blended into Spirit. I am also rinsing my soul off in the process. If you are reading this, I want to thank you for being a part of my Earthly experience. Let’s flail, dance and play for a while, and let’s allow the tears flow when they present themselves. And may you experience a whole, loving, rich, and fully-lived life.

Change One Belief

2011-06-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

Buddha has said the world is a manifestation of our minds. What we think and what we believe creates our reality, so when we change our beliefs, we can change our world as well as the trajectory of our lives.

Years ago when I was asked if the world a safe a loving place or not I immediately answered “NO” with great conviction. My life had been filled with plenty of proof loss, betrayal, lies and abandonment, nope, definitely not safe. Then a teacher I respected a great deal, Dr. Ron, shared with me his perception of God and the universe, he described God as: “My very, very best friend who wanted the very, very best for me”. Ron told me he felt safe, loved and very protected at all times. I thought, wow, what must that feel like? Then Ron said, “You can’t know unless you open your mind to that possibility”. So I decided I consciously chose to change my belief, if only temporarily, and be like something like a spiritual scientist. I reasoned if things did not work out, I could always go back to this other way of being that was clearly not working for me.

So one night, I lit a candle and chose to invite Spirit in relax and trust that I was loved and all was well. The Universe responded in kind, I was soon met with miracles, grace, and manifested a great job two days later. I am happy to report I never did go back to that other way of being.

William James has said: “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” As human beings we have free will and choice, we have the incredible opportunity to choose what we want to believe - and what we believe we will eventually experience. It is easy to get sucked into the drama and fear if we watch the news, or read statistics and reports about the economy, but we have a choice, and those choices are backed with incredible power.

Another belief I consciously changed was my opinion about relationships. I grew up in a home where I saw a lot of fighting, disrespect, discord and eventually divorce. I think I made a decision very early on that relationships are hard, and ultimately they do not work. So, guess what I experienced as I got older? Lots and lots of challenging, painful and unsuccessful relationships. One day someone said to me he knew he had met his wife, because things were easy Easy? It never occurred to me that a relationship could be easy! So I opened my mind to the possibility and then looked for examples of those kinds of relationships. I only found two, but that was enough to open my mind to the possibility. I created and ideal scene to manifest a husband and included the fun and easy part. have since manifested that relationship and 10 years later it is still fun and easy! I know if I did not change my belief about men and relationships, I would not have manifested this incredible partnership.

I personally know how changing a belief can change your life, so when I heard about an opportunity to submit a story about how changing a belief changed you life for a book, I knew I had to do it. Bob Burnham is creating an anthology about this very subject. You can listen to my interview with him on Empower Radio by clicking this link: http:// www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/journey-show-info/876-June-2011---Author-Bob-Burnam-Tools-For-Writing-and-Publishing-Your-Own-Book.html

So, if you have a great story about how you changed a belief and it changed your life, check out www.changeonebelief.com and share it, you have no idea how you might be able to uplift and inspire another. And if accepted you will have the title “Amazon Best Selling Author” to add your resume!

Creativity - Our Lifeline to The Creator!

2011-05-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

“But I’m not an artist!” I hear this statement frequently from friends, clients, and students. Are you breathing? Yes? Then you are an aspect of Creative Intelligence, therefore innately creative and intelligent. As human being we are creative beings, however, somewhere between 2 and 3rd grade we may have forgotten. Perhaps Little Johnny’s crayon rendition of a tree got picked for the art fair and yours did not. Perhaps you had a sibling who could draw really well, so you decided it wasn’t your thing, or perhaps you got a C in a craft class. Or maybe you KNEW you were an artist, but in high school or college you were told to pick a more logical career, or the term “starving artist” got stuck in your psyche. Whatever the reason the artist was put in the closet, or set to the side, I invite you to extend your hand to the creative aspect that resides inside of you, bring them out into the sunshine and into the world.

I know it can be scary to put the toe in the creativity pond, but we can go slow. Rather than going to the art store and picking up a 4 foot canvas, tubes of paint, and a dozen brushes, it can be less daunting to pull out old magazines and tear out pictures that make you happy. Then arrange them on a piece of cardboard or poster board. You may be amazed by a theme that emerges. This process can literally be a doorway to your heart, a portal to your soul and give you valuable feedback about who you are and why you are here.

Another suggestion is to look at the activities you participated in as a child… there is always valuable information about what aligns us to that something greater, to fulfillment, and joy. I have never gone into a kindergarten classroom while involved in an art project, where the children were not having a GREAT (and sometimes very messy) time. As kids we LOVE to play and create. It’s not about WHAT we create, it is that we GET to create! When we get back in touch with that joyful, happy, creative being, we naturally and easily come into alignment, greater health, and deeper fulfillment.

As a kid I loved to sit outside on the grass with crayons and pencils and draw. I also loved to collect colorful stones, play with clay, and pick flowers. As life became more serious, I put my “childish habits” away. Somewhere along the line I also started to get depressed, anxious, and sick. In my Masters Program at the University of Santa Monica, part of the healing process included inviting back the inner child. “Little Tammi” told me in no uncertain terms, it was time to create. I was scared, but I complied. As I did, I started to feel the fog of sadness lift, and a ray of golden sunshine pierce the gray that had become my life. Creativity, and my inner child, have been my constant companions ever since. And now I love supporting others in tapping into the well of fun, joy, beauty, and wisdom within.

As I hold the hands and hearts of my students when they come to an Art for Healing class or Mandala class, I assure them that everything is going to be O.K. They have already done the hardest part…they showed up. I make the process accessible, simple, and fun. By the end of the class many have said: “I can’t believe I created that!” Well, you didn’t do it alone, God did it through you! This is why I create and why I support others in creating. It is a lifeline to the Divine.

If you are ready for a more fulfilling life, greater health, more love, and more joy, consider creativity. Look up classes in your area and see what ignites a spark inside of you. Ask your inner child what would be fun for them, and DO IT! Create a collage and send me a picture, I LOVE this stuff!

You can also go to my radio interview with creative genius, artist, author, inventor, jewlery designer and mother, Elizabeth Bryan at http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/journey-show-info/862-May-2011---Elizabeth-Bryan-Creativity-Can-Change-Your-World-and-Feed-Your-Soul.html

Let me know your thoughts and be in touch if you need a "Creativity Coach" or want to share your creations. I would truly love to hear from you! God bless and may you have a happy, healthy, prosperous, and creative life!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ah Mothers Day, a holiday created to honor and acknowledge our Moms. Perhaps you called your mom, got her flowers, took her to brunch, or purchased a card or gift. If your mother is no longer in physical form maybe you thought of her, or said a prayer on her behalf. Perhaps some of you reading this blog are not on the best of terms with your mother, but I would imagine, even if this is the case, you can conjure up appreciation for the gift of life. If you are a mother, perhaps you were celebrated on this day, I certainly hope so! To be a mother is the most profound gift of the soul, of sacrifice and of great love.

I think it is wonderful to acknowledge our Earthly mothers, and regardless of that relationship, I think it is also powerful and important to take time to acknowledge and appreciate Mother Earth, the Divine Feminine, and the feminine qualities that reside in each and every one of us.

The qualities of compassion, connection, kindness and love are that of the feminine. Others include support, nurturing, sharing, and deep affection. So if you have ever had someone see the best in you, hold you as you cried, laughed with you, celebrated with you, sat with you when you were sick, sad or confused, you experienced the energy of the feminine. This is ultimately the energy of God, Spirit and the Universe. God consistently sees the best in us, wants to sooths our hurts, forgives our mistakes, loves us unconditionally, appreciates us, is amused with us, and wants to bestow great gifts upon us…if we can receive them!

Living with an open heart is the energy of the feminine. If you have given of yourself without an agenda, seen someone through the eyes of love, if you have encouraged one who felt sad, lonely or confused, if you experience empathy or compassion for someone in pain, if you have uttered a prayer on anyone’s behalf, if you have prepared a meal, given a gift, smiled, laughed or felt a connection with someone, I am acknowledging you on this incredible and magnificent “Day of the Mother!”

The world feels out of balance to me, it feels masculine in the extreme. The energy of war, competition and greed has taken us off track and into a world of hurt. I think by taking a moment to acknowledge the feminine it can create miracles and bring us back to a sense of peace, balance, softness, sweetness, appreciation, and love.

So join me if you will, and open your heart in deep gratitude to your mother, to Mother Earth, to Spirit, and to yourself. Send out blessings of gratitude and love, and then open your heart WIDE to receive every drop of love, kindness, and affection ever given to you from your mother, and from every person, animal, angel, guide, nature and God. Relax into this moment of connection, appreciation and great love - generously giving and graciously receiving. And know I am sending you blessings of mother’s day affection, respect and love from my heart to yours!

RETROGRADE!

2011-04-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling pretty darn frustrated and stuck - and dealing with many clients, students and friends who seemed to be in the same boat. So I thought to myself, “I wonder if Mercury is in retrograde?” I am no expert when it comes to astrology, but I believe it can be a powerful tool and guide when we need some help understanding the lay of the land here on planet Earth. So I did some research and not surprisingly it was. I also discovered Saturn was in retrograde as well.

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. Of course the planets really never go backwards, they all move around the sun in the same forward direction. However there is an optical illusion and they SEEM to move backwards due to cosmic shadow-play. For the sake of clarity, imagine driving along the freeway and if you are driving 60 miles and hour and you approach someone driving 40, it will appear as if they are going backwards for a moment in time.

All planets go into retrograde, with exception of the Sun and Moon. The qualities of the retrograde planet influence the house they are in. Mercury turned retrograde in Aries March 30, and goes direct April 23. Knowing this little tidbit of information can support us in realizing we are not crazy! This is simply a time to relax, turn inward and be more introspective, rather then try to push forward full steam ahead. Because, unless you can defy gravity and the power of the heavens…it will not be very effective!

What does Mercury affect? Mercury rules thinking, perception, processing, communication, commerce, education and transportation. Mercury retrograde gives rise to challenges in these areas and likely includes misunderstandings, miscommunications, glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. Traveling can be tough and a feeling of “stuckness,” frustration, and confusion is often present for most people.

It is not generally a good idea to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, they will often be clouded by misinformation, challenged communication and scattered thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less sharp than usual.

As I mentioned Mercury is retrograde in Mars-ruled Aries, which may make some feel some anger, impatience or just plain grouchy. Mercury in Aries gives a nervous disposition that frequently reveals itself as a “short fuse.” Some symptoms likely to occur are headaches, fatigue, stress, tension, pessimism, depression, and general malaise. It is a really good idea to consider what might nurture you at this time to bring you into a state of peace and balance. Maybe some extra time in meditation, a massage, bubble baths and just some quality time to yourself!

Another piece of the astrological puzzle is Saturn in retrograde. This is not quite as challenging, but it is still nice to be aware of it. Saturn is not as close to the sun so it is a slower moving planet, it went retrograde January 26 and will go direct June 13.

Saturn in retrograde slows down the normal rate of activity so that more effective methods and strategies can be developed. Saturn rules the physical and psychological structures in our lives life. It produces the rules and regulations, our sense of responsibility, and our limitations. It encourages us to cultivate our boundaries by checking in with ourselves, honoring ourselves and saying NO when we mean no.

Saturn turning retrograde gives us the opportunity to go back, reorganize, redefine, or renegotiate any activities or commitments that are a source of frustration. If you try to press forward in areas that are not good for you, the frustrations will increase. This is a good time to energetically “weed your garden.” You may want to consider any current sources of frustration and remove them, or at least refine them. Pay close attention to boundaries and do not spread yourself too thin, or say yes if you really don’t want to.

Lastly it is not recommended that you start any new business activity while Saturn is retrograde. Organization is elusive and lots of additional work will be needed to put thing into order down the line. So, in other words, this is a great time to slow down and allow yourself to “cocoon” a bit. Give yourself permission to be creative: write, paint, read, meditate. Ask yourself what would really honor me? What would really nurture my body, mind and Spirit? Then really listen to the wisdom that bubbles up from within.

So, what do you think? Does this information help? Be in touch with any additional thoughts, information, and/or stories. It is really nice to know we are in this together! Sending you blessings of grace, ease, relaxation, nurturing and peace during this season of retrograde!

SURRENDER!

2011-03-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

“Surrender is faith that the power of love can accomplish anything, even when you cannot foresee the outcome.” ~ Deepak Chopra

Surrender as described in the dictionary is to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand, to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another 2 a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence) intransitive senses : to give oneself up into the power of another : YIELD synonym see RELINQUISH.

Surrender, it sounds a little scary doesn’t it? Even if the power we are surrendering to is the power of the Universe! I don’t know many people who would even consider such a thing…until life becomes horribly painful, absolutely unworkable, or entirely impossible. I certainly know that was the case for me!

15 years ago I was in a place of emotional devastation and there was no place to go but to my knees. On the floor on my bedroom floor of an apartment I could no longer afford, I surrendered utterly and completely. My attempt at being the director and creator of my life had failed miserably and it seemed I had no choice but to give up. I had a heart to heart conversation with Spirit and said I wanted to come home. Almost immediately I had a sense of warmth and compassion wash over me like nothing I had experienced before. I felt I was being assured that everything was going to be O.K. I just needed to relax, keep breathing, and be open to signs and support from God.

I had never lived my life in that way, I had always tried to figure things out, push, and control. It was clearly time to do something radically different. Rather than tell God what I wanted, I surrendered and now asked God what He wanted from me. I asked for synchronicity and support and it didn’t take long for it to arrive. Signs showed up as messages from people, dreams, and intuitive hits. I listened to inner promptings and information from friends and found myself going in a very different direction in my life. I ended up in school, I also ended up painting and writing - all things that I had never considered while living in my head.

I love this saying “The same energy that can move the planets around the sun, turn seeds into flowers and trees and turns embryos into babies, can take care of your life…if you let it.” But we live in a choice-based, free-will world, so before Spirit or the Universe can take care of us, we have to invite it in; we need to surrender to it.

I now understand the act of surrendering is really about relaxing and silencing the limited, fear-based, incessently chattering monkey-mind. When we do this Spirit, Love, or our Higher Self can be accessed and heard. Surrender is ultimately releasing control, fear and resistance. It is consciously choosing to place faith and trust in something far more vast and far more capable than our small, scared, separate-feeling self.

Here is another wonderful quote about surrender from Chuck Danes: “The power of surrender, just as the miracle of nature effortlessly produces the beauty of its surroundings, you have been provided with and hold the power to effortlessly attract and create YOUR desired miracles in each and every area of your life if only you will trust, surrender and allow it to be so.”

I thank God for my rock bottom experience of years ago. That was the day I opened my heart fully to Spirit and let Him take over the drivers seat of my life. Today, I have a truly blessed, love-filled, miracle-filled life - and I am abundantly clear I did not do this on my own! My life is a co-creative process, and Spirit my constant companion. Now rather than God being an afterthought, He is number one on my list. When I think I want something I give it to God (often articulating a preference, but releasing my attachment) and know however things work out was/is God’s highest ideal for me - because I invited Him to drive! I now trust this process implicitly and completely and recommend to it anyone who asks me for support or my opinion.

The surrender process is simple, you can take any liberty with this you would like, but here is an example I have used a lot with great success.

“Dear God, I am in some discomfort, pain, confusion, fear, etc. I don’t know what to do, or what the highest good for me is, but I know You do. So, just now, I invite you in. I am requesting your support, God, You decide for me."

And then RELAX! Know your situation, be it financial, a relationship, a health issue, or whatever the challenge may be, is now in God’s hands…and what better place could it possibly be? The next step consists of you paying attention to signs from the Universe. Those signs can look like dreams, inner promptings, information from people, a billboard, something on television, a phone call and more. Just keep your eyes, ears, and heart open!

At first surrendering may not be easy, but with some practice you will relax, knowing you can really trust that the Universe is on your side. This process can support and guide you to your highest path, your greatest good, and the pinnacle of your potential!

Do you have any thoughts or feedback? Please write to me, I would love to hear any stories or support you in any way I can!

CHAOS!

2011-03-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

I long to be centered, aligned with Spirit, and feel the world solid beneath my feet - that is why the name of my website, blog, and radio show is “Journey to Center.” Unfortunately life in its natural color is not always so balanced, clean and clear. Chaos, yuck, it brings to mind messiness and discomfort. Chaos comes from the Greek word “khaos.” To the ancients, chaos was the first state of the universe, or the emptiness of the outer darkness. In modern times, chaos has come to mean disorder, confusion and a total lack of organization. Most of us probably would not consider chaos to be positive - but are their gifts or an upside to chaos? I was assured by some of my recent guests on my radio show on Empower Radio that chaos can indeed be a very good thing.

I was informed by my experts chaos can shake up the status quo, support us in breaking out of habits and patterns and uplevel in our lives. It may be a good idea to set the intention to make friends with chaos if you are on a journey of awakening, self-discovery, or have the desire to expand in consciousness, because it seems periods of chaos are going to inevitable!

I have experienced periods of profound chaos, where at the time, if I were asked, I would have described it as horrible, awful, and tragic. However, in retrospect, the chaos was exactly what I needed to shift, change, learn, grow and expand. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes those periods of confusion, messiness, and discomfort supported me in journeying to a place of higher altitude and greater awareness. Although uncomfortable I feel the quality of chaos certainly contributed to helping grow up spiritually.

In his book Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius, Michael Michalko says, "It is impossible to think unpredictably by looking harder and longer in the same direction. When your attention is focused on a subject, a few patterns are highly activated in your brain and dominate your thinking. ... If, however, you change your focus and think about something that is not related, different, unusual patterns are activated." Chaos sometimes involves deliberately looking at something in a new way, forcing new associations to form new and different patterns.

Now while in the midst of chaos, I find ways to support myself. I allow myself to rest more, meditate more, and I have found it helps immensely to put order into my environment. This seems to assist me in moving through those strange and uncomfortable times with a bit more grace and ease.

On a final note, I love this quote from American writer Henry Brooks Adams: “Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit.” So know I am sending you blessings of LIFE, love, expansion along with a generous dose of grace and ease!

RELAX!

2011-02-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy and productive as of late and am excited about perpetuating and increasing the momentum. So, during a recent meditation I asked Spirit, “What do I do next?” I did not receive the marching orders I expected. What I got was one word: Relax. But, what do I do? Relax. Hmmm, but I like being busy and productive. Relax. Then I started to get a little sick. O.K. I will relax.

Part of staying in balance is taking that time to be quiet, still and to relax. It not only rejuvenates us physically it supports us in maintaining our connection to Source. Our society worships hard work and “doingness,” ….beingness does not seem to get very much credit. However, without beingingness the doingness can turn into busy work and be akin to a gerbil on a wheel moving really fast, but not going anywhere.

Being busy can become a habit and a gear we are accustomed to, but being busy can make us crazy! It can be the root cause of accidents, illness and disease. When we spread ourselves to thin, we lose our vitality, become ungrounded, sacrifice our ability to focus and are no longer present for the magic and miracles that occur every day.

As I take some time off, and allow myself to relax I am much more aware of the beauty and synchronicity, that I know is always around me. However, when my monkey-mind is buzzing hundreds of miles an hour, there is no space to take any of it in. Breath, relax, receive. Take a moment to acknowledge the beauty of your home, your relationships, nature and your breath! Consider for a moment what feeds your soul and do it!

Here is a wonderful quote from Abraham: "Leverage your time more by spending a little more time every day relaxing and imagining and a lot less time doing. Do a little more imagining and a little more less doing - until eventually most of what's happening is happening in the cool, calm, anticipatory state. Just imagine and relax yourself into the successes, and watch what happens."

So now, I am going to stop writing and I am going to go relax. I hope you are taking some time to relax and nurture yourself as well. Be in touch and let me know your thoughts and how you are doing!

Blessings of peace, joy and deep relaxation.

Courage

2011-01-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

I am certain you have heard the saying, “if you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got.” So, if you want greater success, more prosperity, be used for greater service, or a “bigger life,” you need to be willing to go beyond your current limits and stretch out of your comfort zone.

I remember uttering a prayer, something to the effect: “God, use me for your purpose, I want to be of service.” Shortly thereafter I was asked to do some volunteer teaching - I was panic stricken! I thought, I am not ready for this…then the next thought dropped in, “be careful what you ask for.”

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite fear. The root of the word courage is from Old French corage, from cuer heart, so the word “courage” can be literally translated to mean “Rage of the Heart.” I think courage is a vital quality if one wants to live a heart-based life rather than a head-based one. Further confirmation of that fact comes from the definition of courage in the dictionary: Courage - The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery. In other words…you have to be out of your mind!

I remember feeling paralyzed and afraid to move forward when some big opportunities started presenting themselves (publishing my book, teaching classes, an offer to host my own radio show). My mind said NO WAY, my heart said LET'S PLAY! The heart will encourage you to move forward and grow while the mind will keep you playing small. The mind will tell you: better the devil you know than the angel you don’t. The mind wants to “understand” and have control, the heart wants to expand, grow and give and receive love. I have found when the desire for love overpowers the need for control is when life gets really interesting, fun and exciting!

Love takes courage (what if you get rejected?), service takes courage (what if you don’t have anything to offer?), stepping out more fully into the world takes courage (what if people laugh?). If you want to uplevel and expand in your life, you will have to go through glass ceilings and be confronted with experiences, situations, and people that will take you out of your comfort zone and into unchartered territory. But it is sort of like the Indiana Jones movie, when you take that step in faith, the bridge shows up to support you. And if you don’t have the courage and don’t take that leap of faith, you may never find out that you can fly!

The Power of Intention

2010-12-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

The power of intention is one of the most wonderful tools to work with to co-create the life of your dreams. A working definition for intention is: “To claim a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, or aim the heart at a goal or intended outcome.” If we lack intention, we can float and wander aimlesly or live a confusing and chaotic life. But if we consciously work with intention, the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible things, possible.

Here is a quote from Wayne Dyer that I love: “Intention is not something that you do, but rather a force that exists in the Universe as an invisible field of energy.” Ralph Waldo Emerson has also talked about the power of intention when he said: “A good intention cloths itself with sudden power.” When you think about it, everything around you starts with intention, every house or building ever built, a newspaper, a book, a car, a cup of coffee, a piece of art…this blog! The list goes on and on.

I start every day with conscious intention. If I have clients or classes my intention is that I am a conduit for Spirit, love, wisdom and healing. If I have a day off, I often set the intention for relaxation, grace and peace. When I paint a mandala or write, I ask for inspired creativity or revelation. We can use the power of intention for all things big and small: from getting in your car and driving safely to your destination, to having a sacred drama-free holiday season, to making a heartfelt fabulous meal - I even used a detailed intention list to manifest my amazing husband!

The power of intention is not necessarily like handing your wish list to God and expecting it to be fulfilled(although sometimes it does seem to work this way!) It is letting the Universe know your preferences and then holding them lightly in your hand. Then allowing God do with it what He will - and handing it back in a way that is for the highest good of all concerned. Sometimes, we may get something very different than what we believe we want…and often it is so much better!

I used the power of intention constantly when I was completing my Ph.D. and as I wrote my book “Manifesting Love from the Inside Out.” I set the intention for grace, clarity of thought, and easy execution. I also set the intention for it to get into the hands of those that it could support, help and heal. However, I had no idea what that would look like. Right after my book was published, I was asked to work with some women in prison, and I was invited to make my book part of the curriculum. This was not something that was on my conscious radar, but it was of great support to many wonderful women in a way I could not have anticipated, predicted or created all on my own.

When we set intentions, we invite the power of the Universe to join with us and participate in the creation of our lives. Really, what better partner could we ever have? I have witnessed so much synchronicity, miracles and grace through this powerful, simple practice. The hardest part is just remembering to do it!

So, what are your intentions for this day, this week, for the holidays and this New Year? Play with this powerful practice a bit and let me know how things go! My intention is to connect with those who receive value, have fun, and enjoy this fantastic intention-based-adventure! Sending you blessings of a happy, grace- filled, miracle-filled, holy-day season to you!

For more about the power if intention, listen to my interview with Rosemary Sneeringer on Empower Radio! http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/journey-to-center/377-Journey-Center-with-Tammi-Baliszewski.html

Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

The Holiday season is now officially underway! With Thanksgiving comes the turkey, accoutrements, family, friends and hopefully many prayers of gratitude, appreciation and thanks. Giving thanks is a quality that everyone would benefit from weaving into a daily practice and a consistent habit. According to Abraham Hicks, gratitude and appreciation are the highest of vibrations, and more akin to the energy of the Universe than even love. I know my life dramatically improved when I made the practice of gratitude more prevalent than my practice of complaining – but really, I had so much great fodder for complaint! I had been dumped, I had no job, no friends, no money, and my health was compromised. Of course I wanted to talk about that. I wanted sympathy, understanding and some help! What I did not understand at that time was what we talk about and think about is what is coming down the pike.

As I was meditating one day, I asked Spirit why my life was not going the direction I wanted it to. I “got” it was because I was looking with regret at my past instead of being optimistic about my future. I realized with crystal clear clarity, I needed to let go of my story and start a new habit - that habit was gratitude. I read that Oprah kept a gratitude journal; I figured if it was good enough for Oprah, it was good enough for me. I went and splurged on a blingy purple and pink journal and sat with it every night to consciously consider what I was grateful for. Some nights I just looked at it with tears in my eyes, life was so hard, and so confusing, it was challenging to think of things to be grateful for. However, I was consistently grateful for the beauty of the magenta and glitter; somehow it soothed and comforted me.

As I made writing in my Gratitude Journal a habit, I started to think of more and more things to be grateful for - and slowly life seemed to move in a more positive direction. I thought perhaps it was a coincidence, but did not want to take a chance and stop! I felt like the lotus reaching up through the darkness of the mud, and gratitude was my lifeline to the Light.

I have been told by teachers I respect that a new habit takes 32 days to cultivate. Now when dealing with clients who are struggling, I ask them to commit to a 32 day process of gratitude. In every situation, their lives change positively and dramatically. Gratitude is a magnetic energy and the more we consciously focus on it, the more we attract things to be grateful for. It is a simple practice that just takes practice. Gratitude an energy that opens the door to miracles, synchronicity and Divine support.

The science community is also getting on baord with the power of gratitide! It turns out, giving thanks is good for your health. A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being. People who feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy or substance abusers. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections. So, gratitude is good for us physically, mentally, emotionally, finacially and spiritually!

Here is a quote I LOVE from author Melody Beattie: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.”

If you want more money, take time to bless and give thanks for the money you do have. If you want more love, be grateful for every drop of love you have ever given or received. If you want more miracles, be still and sit in gratitude for the miracle of your heartbeat and your breath. Meditating on the quality of gratitude, lines us up with the generous and prosperous nature of the Universe. Live with an open, grateful and receptive heart and keep your eyes open for magical and amazing things!

I now am living a life of beauty, wonder, amazing synchronicity, immense support, crazy opportunity and profound love - and I attribute it to the practice of giving thanks. Have you tried it? If you have and have a story to tell, get in touch with me and share! If you haven’t, give it a shot and let me know how it goes! Happy Thanksgiving to you and may you be blessed with grace, healing, wholeness, fulfillment, prosperity, Divine support and great love.

Law of Attraction

2010-11-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

The Law of Attraction is a powerful law of the Universe. Like gravity it is consistent, but unlike gravity we can choose to consciously work with this law - or not. However, if we DON’T work with it, we create our lives by default and end up feeling like victims.

As aspects of Divine Mind, we all have so much more power than we think. One way to start exploring this power is to create affirmations. It is a simple concept, but practice and diligence is necessary to get the best results. To put Law of Attraction in a nut shell water finds its own level and like attracts like.
You get what you put your energy and focus on, whether wanted or unwanted. The Law of Attraction is neutral.

All forms of matter and energy are attracted to that which is of a like vibration.

You are a living magnet.

Energy attracts like energy

"That which is like unto itself is drawn." Abraham-Hicks

I have been playing with affirmations and the Law of Attraction for a while. I have found I cannot have an attachment to when or how things show up. I seem to continually be surprised at the sense of humor the Universe has.

After I set the intention to be of service and be prosperous I was presented with several opportunities to do volunteer work, and other opportunities to make money. It all turned out very different than I expected.

Then I became aware that an aspect of me was still not satisfied. I was missing LA, dressing up and fine dining. So I revised my affirmation to “I am of service, I am prosperous and I am glamorous!” I didn’t really know how the glamour was going to show up, but I had fun imagining the possibilities and relaxed. Several days later I was invited to a red carpet event in LA and the following day I got a call from Vanna White. She wanted to by 10 copies of my book and invited me to the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills for lunch. As I was shopping for some new cloths, I laughed to myself and thought about how effective my new affirmation seemed to be!

Once you start to get it, the Law of Attraction can be great fun! Once you put your desires into motion and remove and dueling intentions, or blocks of unworthiness, you can sit back relax and wait for your desires to manifest.

So what exactly is the Law of Attraction formula? Here are the basic steps.

1. Ask and be clear about your desires.

2. Source says YES!

3. Relax, feel good, be grateful and graciously receive.

If inspiration “drops in” in regard to taking action steps, be prepared to do so. If something feels right, do it. Then just relax and expect great things. Feel good knowing you deserve the life of your dreams and your desires are on their way to you.

Don’t worry about if, how, when, where and what everything is going to look like. Let the Universe take care of the details and the method of delivery, when you will receive it, etc. RELAX and ALLOW. Although this may sound easy, it can often be the challenging part of the manifestation process. I call it the period of “patience and faith.” Eliminate any doubt; all you need to do is expect it. Get into the feeling state of already having it and BE GRATEFUL!

For more about the Law of Attraction and the other “Laws of the Universe,” listen to my interview on “Journey to Center” with life coach Roxy McAllister on Empower Radio. Here is the link: http://www.empoweradio.com/home/index.php?news=377
And if you would like, drop me a line and share your thoughts and stories, I would love to hear from you! You can leave a comment here or email me at j2center@gmail.com. May you be blessed with grace and ease as you manifest all of your hearts desires!

Success

2010-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Success? How do you define it and is it only for the select few? Perhaps not everyone is destined to create an empire and manifest billions of dollars but I think everyone IS wired for success.

I believe everyone has incredible gifts, an important purpose and a “particular brand of magic” that no one else possesses. I think the ones who really create abundance with their magic are those who KNOW they have value. So how does one go about rewiring for success? For me the recipe is: Meditation, Contemplation, Action steps and Celebration.

Meditation: Success first and foremost comes from being happy and lining up with the energy of the Universe. To quote Marianne Williamson: “The same energy that can move planets around the sun and turns embryos into babies, can take care of our lives - if we let it!” So the first important step is inviting that energy in. It can be as simple as turning our attention inward with the intention of aligning with the organizing intelligence of the Universe. I recommend taking five minutes at the beginning of the day and focusing on the breath, or seeing the light within. This reduces the “mind chatter” and allows the energy and wisdom of the heart and soul to bubble up. The heart is THE most effective companion, compass and guide on the journey to success.

Contemplation: Once I reduce the mind chatter, I ask questions, then I LISTEN! Prayer is like talking to God, meditation is listening to God. Some of my greatest learning’s, powerful analogies and awesome “advice,” has come from my attention being “turned inward.” Then, I listen and contemplate the information that comes forward. A powerful example of this was when I was involved in television project that seemed “stuck.” I was frustrated, because I had done my part and could not seem do anything else to move it forward. So, I meditated. I asked the inward oriented question: “What do I do?” What came forward from my “Inner Intelligence” (aka: II) was: Write. Me: “Write? I’m not a writer, I don’t want to write!” Again I hear: Write. Me: “Write what?” II: Write about what you know. Me: “I don’t know anything!” II: You know how you got from a pattern of unhealthy relationships to one that works. Me: “….well, I do know that.” II: Write about that. I had never written and did not have a conscious desire to write, but a deeper part of me knew this was an aspect of my destiny and an important ingredient in my “success.”

Action Steps: Science of Mind has a great quote: “Treat and move your feet.” Do the inner work, then do the outer work. After I had done the inner work, meditation and contemplation, now it was time to take the action steps. Start writing. Since I had never written anything before, I had no Idea how to start. But I had an idea…I would sit with a notebook as I meditated and write down what came forward. I also slept with my notebook, and as I would start to fall asleep, ideas for chapters would drop in, and eventually the chapters started to fill out. I also went back to school and was further supported by some required writing classes. To me this was an example of taking one step to God and God taking several to me.

Celebration! So, do the inner work, do that outer work, and don’t forget to have fun along the way! I think it is vital to express gratitude for ourselves and to the Universe. It is also important to take those moments to be proud of ourselves, nurture ourselves and CELEBRATE ourselves! Plants grow better in an environment of love, children thrive in it - and so do we! We do not have to wait for someone to do it for us, we can do it for ourselves. For in truth, we are all deeply loved and the children in whom God is well pleased. And in order to receive it in the physical world from others, we need to carve out the place inside of us to receive it. The world would be a much happier place if more people would validate and celebrate themselves, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for them. Dance in your own light. Enjoy the unique expression of the Divine that you are. Celebrate the beautiful spirit that is you. And soon you will notice you are not dancing alone!

My Divinely Inspired book “Manifesting Love From the Inside Out” is now complete and is going places and doing things I never would have imagined. It is in the hands of women in prison, on Amazon, Kindle and expanding in surprising, exciting and grace-filled ways. I recently got a call from Vanna White, she said my book was not only inspirational and transformational, but also the best self-help book she ever read. And my ego thought I had nothing to say!

I had no idea I was wired for success, but now I know that I am…and so are you. Please let me know if you explore the simple steps I have outlined here for you, I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and your stories. And please be in touch if I can do anything to support you along the way. Write me at j2center@gmail.com. Take care and God bless on your path to success!

Do you want to be right..or happy?

2010-11-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am fairly confident you have heard the oft posed question: “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” After being unceremoniously dumped years ago, I was determined to have both. I had clearly been treated badly and was very attached to my story. I was RIGHT about being right about being wronged. Two years later I was still telling my sad story and garnering a certain about of sympathy. But the “happy” part of the equation was elusive.

As I sat and meditated about my dilemma one day, I asked the question “Why am I not happy: why is my life not moving in a positive direction, why can I not obtain my goals, why am I seeing my ex-fiancés head everywhere?” (Unfortunately for me he was a well known actor at that time). The information that dropped clearly into my awareness was I was facing the wrong direction by telling my story repeatedly - and I could not move forward until I was willing to let go of the past and my need to be right. I was not happy about this revelation. After a week of considering it, and continuing to tell my story to whomever would listen - I finally really GOT I had to let this go if I wanted to be happy. * EXASPERATED SIGH* Oh alright. If I only get one or the other, I am going to go for the happy now.

Almost immediately, life started to shift. I started to book auditions, attract clients, and make more money. My old habit of telling my story tempted me, but I remained strong in my resolve. NO I want to be happy!

I also started to do some conscious forgiveness work. When my ex would pop into my head, I would repeat the mantra “God bless you on your path, God bless me on mine.” I also did a guided meditation where I would have my Guardian angel or Higher Self cut the tangled cords that connected us. I would them see him floating away in an irredesant bubble.

A short time later I met a wonderful man, and I know this would not have been possible had I not surrendered my negative connection to my ex. I also went back to school, got my Ph.D. opened a private practice, wrote a book, started painting and teaching classes – a MUCH better use of my time, energy and life force than holding on desperately to my old story and being right!

The “letting of a being right” practice has been so liberating on many levels. I am now willing to be wrong in my opinions, perspectives and memories. I don’t feel the need to convince anyone of anything. What I eventually came to realize I had a deep seated belief that I had to be right, and convince others it was so, in order to be worthy of having value. What a relief to find out that this wasn’t true. I can be flawed, make mistakes and be wrong and still be worthy! I am no longer attached to being right about almost anything. I don’t feel the need to argue my points, tell my story, or garner sympathy. I feel all of this has softened me and made me more flexible and more lovable human being - at least that is what my husband, that wonderful man I met years ago, has told me!

What I have found by letting go of my story is that respect feels infinitely better than sympathy, and happiness feels so much better than being right. Is it easy? No. Is it always fun? Not so much. Is it worth it? HECK YEAH!

Write to me with any thoughts at j2center@gmail.com. And For more about being right or being happy, listen to my podcast about surrendering control on emoweradio.com. http://www.empoweradio.com/home/index.php?news=377

Claim your Good Now!

2010-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in unmoving and unmerciful LA traffic the other day thinking to myself OMG I am SO annoyed! Anger and frustration were bubbling and brewing as I muttered at the other drivers that were in my way. I thought, once I get home I can relax, align and feel peace. Then another thought dropped into my awareness, I can choose that experience now - why do I have to be home sitting on my couch to feel the presence of Spirit? I can choose peace and connect with Spirit in THIS moment. I laughed at the simplicity of the thought: God is available in every minute - every second, every millisecond! I felt the dark cloud of discomfort dissipate, and a ray of sunshine pierced my consciousness. I felt Spirit smile and my connection to the Divine was reestablished – right there in the midst of crazy LA traffic!

Many people are struggling financially, emotionally and in their relationships right now. Not many would argue that these are strange and tumultuous times - but even in these times, God is present and our connection to Him/Her is available. I know I have thought to myself, once I finish my book THEN I will feel peace, once I make the money THEN I will be content and happy, once I am on vacation, THEN I will relax. Many people are peddling hard and fast to their future to arrive some perceived destination or cross some finish line where they can finally feel better. But what is that destination? Where is that finish line? I wonder how many people get to the end of their lives and think, why was I in such a rush? This must be what Ekhart Tolle was talking about in his book, the Power of Now. “Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be.”

Because our lives are reflections of our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, our outer reality changes AFTER our inner reality shifts. Most people want their outer reality to change so they can feel better. I say choose to FEEL BETTER NOW and then life will improve.

Ernest Holmes the founder of religious Science wrote these wonderful words:

My Good is complete; it is finished; it is now here
and is conscious of me and of mine.

I do not have to wait for my Good; it is at hand and ever
ready to spring forth and express itself to me.

I accept my Good and gladly acknowledge it to be
my daily companion.

My Good is mine now, and I can see it and feel it and know it.
Today I claim my Good.

Are you ready to claim your good? Are you ready to be happy? Are you ready to claim your connection with Spirit? I invite you to take a deep breath, allow your body to relax and imagine aligning with your soul. Feel the presence of God and know He/She is smiling at you. This is the relaxed state of connected awareness where you can be assured all is well, you are loved and life is good! Now get ready to expect miracles!

Resurrection

2010-06-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Resurrection

Don’t you just love synchronicity? Anyone who knows me even a little bit, knows I LOVE synchronicity! Carl Jung coined the term in the 1920’s and referred to it as “meaningful coincidence.” In other words, God is winking at you and the Universe is communicating with you directly, lovingly and personally.

Recently peacock feathers have been coming to me in dreams and in physical world reality. It made me curious about the message they may carry. My research revealed some interesting facts about the history, beliefs and legends of this strangely magnificent creature.

Something I learned was the peacock has the unusual ability to eat poisonous snakes without being harmed. In ancient Egypt the bird became a symbol of immortality and resurrection, because of the peacock’s assumed incorruptibility. This, in turn, led to the custom of the feathers being used at funerals, meaning that the deceased person was not really dead, the spirit survived and eventual rebirth was assured. In Christianity, the peacock once again is the symbol of death and resurrection. Perhaps another reason for this symbology is peacock feathers are shed, replaced and renewed annually.

Marianne Williamson has often talked about beauty, color and iridescence of peacock’s feathers coming from the activity and pain of digesting thorns. As humans we digest the thorns and walk through the pain of our lives, and through this process we are refined, humbled and transformed into more authentic, luminous and beautiful expressions of the Divine.

So for me, the personal message I have gleaned from the peacocks repeated visit to my consciousness, is death to an old way of being, the shattering of the ego and the purging of shame. It is also the rebirth into a new and unexpected place of beauty, awareness, confidence, and celebration. Yes, it seems we are right on track with this one! So many of my clients, friends and students are currently dealing with these lessons - these subjects have also been the fodder of my recent musings, blogs and radio shows.

So, once again, it seems to boil down to this: Do you believe the Universe is a safe and loving place or not? As I was meditating about current challenges, a question dropped into my awareness: “Do you believe God loves you? Um, yes? Do you believe that God wants you to be happy? Um, yes? Do you believe that everything happening is for the highest good of all concerned? Um…..yes?" Then I hear, “Can you say “yes” without question marks at the end?” Um…maybe?

It feels like we are being asked if we are really committed to this human adventure. Are we really ALL THE WAY IN? The mind cannot serve two masters: So are you frantic or faithful? Do you choose love or fear? It seems we are being honed and refined and being invited to go deeper. Yes, things are uncertain, and yes life can be scary and strange, but for me the peacock is yet another synchronistic messenger to remind me that all is well, we are loved, and to encourage us in saying “YES!”

Join me and say YES to:

All aspects of beauty

Immortality

The ability to see into the past, present, and future

Dignity

Self-confidence

Rising out of ashes

The journey from confusion and death to rebirth and resurrection!

I invite you to write me with your thoughts or feelings at j2center@gmail.com . And know that I am sending you blessings of grace, ease, healing, expansion, transformation, revelation and great joy!

Rise Today

2010-06-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

Have you heard the saying, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution? In reality all we can do is take responsibility for ourselves. Are you ready to let go of the competitive confines of ego? Do you want to heal, evolve, change, grow and expand? Do you want to rise despite any one else’s reality or choices? I know I do! Here are the lyrics to a song, “Rise Today,” by the band Alter Bridge. I love the message and it resonates deeply for me - let me know if it resonates for you!

"Rise Today"

The wind is blowing cold
Have we lost our way tonight?
Have we lost our hope to sorrow?

Feels like we're all alone
Running further from what's right
And there are no more heroes to follow

So what are we becoming?
Where did we go wrong?

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
Oh, won't you rise today
And change this world?

The sun is beating down
Are we ever gonna change
Can we stop the blood from running?

Our time is running out
Hope we find a better way
Before we find we're left with nothing

For every life that's taken
So much love is wasted

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
So won't you rise today
And change

This world
Only love can set it right
This world
If only peace would never die

Seems to me that we've got each other wrong
Was the enemy just your brother all along?

[Chorus:]
Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
Oh won't you rise today
And change this world?

Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

Yeah, oh yeah
I want to rise today
And change this world

The Void

2010-05-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

If you are on a spiritual path, then it is inevitable that you will go through periods of discord and discomfort as you seek to raise your vibration. I refer to this as “The Void.” Our Higher Selves know the void is great opportunity for expansion - but our personalities don’t like it very much! Our egos and small selves like the experience of safety and security, but if we truly want to evolve, then safety does not always serve us.

The Void often comes with crisis, confusion and lots of questions like: What is going on? Why am I here? Where am I supposed to be and what am I supposed to do? There may be the experience of instability and loss if identity, coupled with resistance, anger, depression and fear. Let’s face it, it’s not fun to not know what is going on and not feel on solid ground within ourselves! The rules of the game are changing, but we don’t know what the new rules are yet!

The Void is a state of transition and transformation and while in it you may find yourself needing more time alone, more sleep, a change in diet, or you may want to do a cleanse, throw away old cloths, or alter habits and patterns. The Void shakes us up and insists we relinquish control. The most important thing we can do is meditate and surrender to what is. This can help us flow more gracefully into our new state of being and a more expanded awareness. In other words, relax and trust the process!

Challenge yourself to consider, explore and visualize the life of your dreams and practice positive self-talk. As you emerge from the void, you will find you are connecting with people on deeper level and have more clarity about who you are, why you are here and what you want.

Find the comfort in the discomfort and make friends with the not knowing. Times of uncertainty are also times of rebirth and new possibilities. The Universe is a friendly place and it IS on your side! Are you in the Void? Do you have any questions, stories or wisdom you want to share? I invite you to Email me at tammibaliszewski@aol.com and let's talk about it!

Let your Light Shine!

2010-03-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Our souls essence is that of light. We have heard of people who have near death experiences and see this remarkable loving light. The word enlightenment means one has attained spiritual mastery and is lit up from within.

Our soul is a spark of divine radiance. As humans we get to have this wonderful adventure - the illusion of being separate from God; the experience of free will and choice. But the truth remains the same. We are love, we are light and we are God incarnate.

It is your inner light that determines what you attract and experience. As you increase your wattage and turn up the volume of your inner light, you naturally release those forms that are not aligned with your soul, and draw to you new ones that are. You will be able to create a future filled with light, abundance, joy, and inspiration.

If you allow your inner light to increase and shine through you, not only will you achieve inner peace and abundance, but inspire those around you to do the same. This is an exerpt from a profound and powerful speech given by Nelson Mandela:

"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our fear that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in every one of us, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Nelson Mandela

The question is: Are you going to say yes to your essence? Are you going align with the light and express it your unique way in the world? I hope you say yes, because I sure am! Join me and let’s shine! Let's brighten up the world with our our creativity, our joy, our light and our love!

Your Soul's Purpose

2010-03-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Many of you know my story from my book, Manifesting Love from the Inside Out. Ten years ago, I ended a relationship with a TV star filled pain, betrayal, Hollywood-sized egos and the loss of my sense of self. From financial and personal ruin, I went on to earn a degree in psychology, two Masters Degrees in spiritual psychology and a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling.

As a young woman, I had everything society tells us we’re supposed to want – the successful modeling career, the relationship, the fame, the fortune -- and I found myself more depressed than ever. Why? Because I was not lined up with my soul’s purpose. Finally after significant pain and disappointment I changed my conversation with Spirit: rather than telling God what I wanted, I began to ask God what He wanted from me. This radically changed the direction of my life. I am now aligned with what my soul came here to do, I am happy, productive and fulfilled. But I could not have successfully journeyed the terrain alone - I could not have gone from confusion and despair to grace and joy without support from some amazing teachers, healers and friends.

Deepak Chopra has a wonderful quote: Within each of us is the embryo of God, and all the embryo of God wants is to be born. I consider myself a “Midwife to the Soul.” My degrees in psychology and spirituality offer a balanced approach to healing and wholeness. Often people on a spiritual path haven’t done their own psychological healing, so they tend to gloss over painful emotions. It is important to review our history and the beliefs we established as children -- what were the decisions you made about yourself as a young person? Do you believe the world is a safe place? Is money hard to come by? What were your relationships with your parents like? What were their relationships like? You’re going to tend to re-create those relationships you witnessed or experienced. What we experienced as a child is indelibly etched into the unconscious mind.

The other vital component is our relationship to the Universe, our connection to something greater than ourselves. For true healing to occur we need both sides of the coin: the head (psychology) and the heart (spirituality). One without the other is incomplete.

Our path home can begin to reveal itself when we have an earnest conversation with Spirit about what He would have us do, where He would have us go, what would He have us say and to whom. You have probably heard the saying, when the students ready the teacher appears. I have always found this to be the case.

Are you lined up with your soul’s purpose? Are you heading the right direction? Are you fulfilled in your life? If not, and you need support, be sure to be in touch! I am available for sessions, both in person and on the phone. Also I invite you to write me to share any thoughts or feelings.

The Nature of Happiness

2010-01-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Nature - it is just so natural! I have never considered myself much of a country girl - I really feel I more the city type. I love Nordstrom’s, fine dining and the occasional play. However, my husband invested in a cabin in McCall Idaho, and has occasionally insisted that we visit the place. I begrudgingly acquiesce, usually heavily armed with my paints, canvases and a nice bottle of wine.

This month he decided to surprise me with something ‘special.’ “We’re going on a sleigh ride with the kids,” he shared enthusiastically. “Great” I mutter. “We are going to feed the Elk” he continued. “Yea, O.K…Wait, what?” He knows I am an enormous lover of anything with feathers or fur, and I would be overjoyed at the prospect of seeing some wild critters up close and personal.

I have to admit, I have never been happier in my life than hanging with the Elk. I made good friends with a young female and I gave her some dating advice. My city girls laugh at me, but I think I may be coming into balance with the whole city/country thing. A few days in nature does seem to support me in down shifting into a more graceful, easy and gentle gear. And with the chaos and the craziness of the world, it can be a very pleasant change of pace.

The Course of Miracles says: “The problem is, you don’t KNOW what would make you happy.” I have found that to be true. Years ago, I had gotten everything I thought I wanted, and felt empty and depressed. I remember clearly saying to God, “I JUST WANT TO BE HAPPY!” In that moment I handed over the steering wheel of my life to Spirit – and He has taken me in a radically direction than what I would have consciously chosen for myself. Fortunately, God knew me better than I knew myself, and life has become a strange, supportive, surprising, amazing and fun-filled adventure.

Are you happy? Who is the captain of your ship? Write to me and share your thoughts and experiences!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

2009 was a profound year for change and transformation. Unfortunately we cannot have the experience of rebirth without dying to the old way of being, which generally consists of confusion, pain and angst. Now that 2010 is underway I get the strong sense of new beginnings, optimism, relief and joy.

A simple exercise I recommend to students and clients is to consider where they were a year ago, and all they have learned and accomplished in 2009. Then express gratitude for the lessons and blessings (even if they were difficult or painful). The next step I recommend is choosing four or five words as anchors or intentions for the New Year. My words are Service, Prosperity, Celebration, and Co-Creation.

Service - May I easily find and connect with the souls whom I can inspire, empower, sooth and support. This is my prayer: “Dear God, where would you have me go, what would you have me do, what would you have me say and to whom?”

Prosperity - As I graciously receive all the Universe has for me, may I light the way for others to prosper, create and play. I finally understand I do not need to struggle financially to be spiritual or noble. I love not having to worry about money and instead use my energy to expand. Prosperity is our Divine Right and should be like breathing: I am graciously receiving and generously giving.

Celebration - We learn through sorrow until we learn how to learn through joy. I feel I have tipped over to the side of joy and life feels great. I want to thrive, play with others of like mind, and light the way for those who want to do the same!

Co-Creation - One of my greatest joys is that sense of being lined up with the Divine, and creating, teaching, and living from that space. I love the saying: “Go for God and all things can be added unto thee.” My strongest intention for the New Year, is to keep my eye on Spirit and consistently live life from this powerful,connected, joyful and miraculous space.

What are your words and intentions for the New Year? Write me and let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-16T13:21:00.001-08:00

The holidays are upon us and it is easy to get caught up in the busy-ness, stress, consumerism, craziness and chaos. For me, it has been incredibly helpful to take a deep breath and come back to the true meaning of the season. While taking this deep healing cleansing breath, I set my intention to celebrate Spirit and remember my true nature, and the nature of those around me. We are after all Spiritual beings having this human experience! In addition to these breaths, I consciously relax and invite Spirit in for the highest possible healing purpose in all that I am doing. The miracles and synchronicity that has shown up has been astonishing.

Overwhelment and frustration for many is high, so remembering and implementing this simple practice can invite and attract wonderful support. Intention is a powerful tool that many do not use to their greatest advantage. So, the next time you feel stressed or anxious, simply take a healing cleansing breath and set the intention you would like to invite. This can be done in less than a minute and can completely change the course and experience of your day.

We have more power than we think, but using our own willpower and life force to push can not only be unpleasant but even dangerous! Line up with “real power,” and co-create with the Universal Source of energy. When we do this, life can be more like riding a wave rather than swimming upstream. It is much less exhausting and so much more fun!

Happy Holy-Days to you, may you be filled with the magic, joy and true meaning of the season! And remember you are a walking, living breathing miracle! Blessings of immense love, compassion and miracles.

EGO or IGO?

2009-12-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

Zen teaches us that pain is the universal great awakener - I know for me this has been true. The pain and disillusionment of life has brought me to my knees, and starkly revealed that I have much less power (and wisdom) than I think. Pain is frequently the catalyst that brings us to the place of earnest prayer. During these interesting and difficult times, I see people’s hearts and minds cracking open. Many are starting to have authentic conversations with God - which I doubt would have happened if life was going along smoothly.

So what is pain supposed to be waking us up too? The fact that we are no different, better, or worse than anyone else. Pain insists that we release our white knuckled grip on life, our attachments, and the youthful notion that we are all powerful and in control. I love the acronym for EGO: Edging God Out. From ego, it is easy to live life from the position of seperateness, superiority and self importance. Rather than living from EGO, I now live from IGO. I translate this to mean: Inviting God Only…OR I Go with God. You have probably heard the saying: the same energy that can turn embryos into babies and turn the planets around the sun, can take care of your life – if you let it. So when we invite God in, we are aligning with the Creative Intelligence that does such an amazing job in nature: with the animals, the seasons, the stars and beyond.

So, it seems to me that many, many people are inviting God in right now and lining up with Source. Can you feel the shift? Such intense energy: cracking opening and awakening. It feels we have been stuck in the middle of the hour glass for a long time, and yes it has been painful, but it has also been a blessing. It has helped us prioritize, grow up, set strong intentions and go deeper in our spiritual connection. It is when the roots grow really deep that we can withstand the hurricanes, the tornados and category 5 storms.

So how are you feeling? Are you living in EGO or IGO? Are you optimistic and feeling relief? Or are you still pinched and pained? Write to me at yes2miracles@aol.com and share your experiences, thoughts, questions and ideas. I love hearing from you!

Gratitude

2009-11-24T02:43:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, ‘tis the “official season” of gratitude, however, gratitude is something that will never go out of style. To quote Johannes s Gaertner a well-known professor of art history, poet and theologian: “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”

More than simply etiquette, good manners or a positive habit, gratitude is literally the most powerful energy of the Universe. My friend Stacey Robyn, author, creator and founder of gogratitude.org has written: “Imagine being given a master key, yours for all eternity to open all door of possibility - rejoice for it is so. Gratitude is the Master Key opening passage for opportunity, abundance and celebration.”

Cultivating an attitude of sincere gratitude for the blessings of your life, creates a magnetic force which draws to you even more to be grateful for. It can also shift and soften discomfort and anxiety when things are not going so well. Like the steering wheel of a car, consciously choosing to focus on gratitude can redirect the circumstances and the direction of your life. When I have been challenged, frustrated or annoyed I will plug in my mantra “thank you for this moment,” it consistently changes my attitude and vibration. This practice has supported me while impatiently waiting in a line or traffic, when I have dropped a box of straight pins on the floor or even when I have been in involved in an accident.

Often I will start my day with a list of gratitude, Abraham refers to this practice and the “Rampage of Appreciation.” Consider all things that you are grateful for - if you are honest and thorough you may find yourself occupied for a very long time! This is a powerful practice that raises ones vibration and point of attraction every time.

If you are ready to cultivate a deeper more conscious relationship with the powerful pratice of gratitude and radically change your life, you can sign up for Stacey’s 42 days of gratitude on her website www.gogratitude.org. She has prepared a series of 42short messages that you will receive one day at a time. The messages are uplifting, easy to digest, and appeal to both the left and right side of the brain. It is an amazing gift that you can give yourself and it is free! What a fantastic way to begin the season and an incredible way to step into the New Year! I have done it several times, it is always a grand adventure and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Let me know if you embark on the "gratitude adventure" and share your stories, I would love to hear from you! Abundant blessings of grace, ease, joy and gratitude!

Change

2009-11-10T00:37:00.000-08:00

Doesn’t feel like there is change in the air? It’s more than just summer surrendering to fall and more than simply one season fading into the next. It seems we are shifting into a completely different way of being and venturing into unchartered territory. I know for many of my friends and clients, there has been a sense of being disoriented, distressed and overwhelmed. Admittedly I have had plenty of those moments, however, I predominately feel a sense of excitement, optimism and anticipation.

It seems we are all being asked to step up our game and blind spots are clearly being revealed. I know my boundaries have been tested and my courage challenged, but I feel there are reasons for all of it. Sacred text advises us to “know thyself.” I believe the opportunity to cultivate self-knowledge and personal power is increased exponentially through challenge and change. The people who want to hold tightly to their victim stance are suffering more than ever, but if we are willing to let go of our story, sit with our challenging emotions, look within and go deeper, there is a wealth of wisdom available to each and everyone of us.

While dealing with confusing or challenging situations or emotions, I will sit still for a bit, quiet my mind and ask myself “what is my soul trying to learn” and “what is the highest good for all concerned,” the wisdom is always forthcoming. This inner counsel provides solace, advise, direction and guidance. It takes discipline to sit in silence, especially when pain or confusion is present - and the more we need it the more we seem to resist it. However, this simple practice can make change so much less confusing and painful!

I believe we are more divine than human and this present time is supporting us in knowing and embodying this truth. Taking the time to quite our mind and go within is a powerful way to reduce the chaos, reestablish our alignment to Source, and find our center. It is also a profoundly helpful practice as we continue to navigate through change and expand in our consciousness and awareness.

When we decide to stay in the center of our hearts it not only lights the way more clearly for ourselves, it lights the way for all of those around us. Be still, sit in the center of your heart and align with the light and wisdom within. These are indeed powerful and exciting times and I am happy to be here now - how about you? Let me know your thoughts and feelings, I would love to hear from you!

Balance

2009-11-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

This week I am going to discuss the balancing act of being divine and being human. Most of us have heard the saying “we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” What does that mean? To me it means we are much more than we think we are. The human aspect is a very small, yet very important part of who we are. It is helpful when we are in great pain or emotion, (anger, grief, sadness) to remember there is an aspect of ourselves that is peaceful, safe, content and happy. Often our discomfort can pull us out of our center and into the chaos of life. This is natural, but it can be helpful to remember, that we are much more than our small selves, our stories and our pain.

I believe as humans we are here to experience and explore. Our greatest gifts (and challenges) are free will and choice. This can be fun and exciting; it can also be painful and confusing. What I have found to be helpful in those painful and confusing moments, is to remind myself that life can be like WATCHING a movie, not BEING the movie. Sure that is a choice, but when life is challenging, it can help to have a more removed perspective and some space between oneself and their story.

Challenging relationships are one of the richest areas for both confusion and growth. So often people want to hold on to their stories of being a victim, being wronged or taken advantage of that they never see the situation as it was meant to be…an opportunity for growth, healing and learning. I once had a student I found very challenging. I thought if she would go away it would make things better and easier. What I did not see for some time was she my teacher. I had set an intention to get stronger, so here came an individual to help me claim that intention. When she showed up, I felt confounded and confused by her deeply entrenched victim story. All the while, I perceived myself as a victim of her energy! When I finally extracted myself from the movie, backed up, got into the seat at the theater and asked myself; what is my soul trying to learn? The answer was strength, courage, speaking up and clear boundaries.

The divine part of me wanted to embrace this student, the human part, not so much. So I honored my spirutal aspect (I love you and honor your journey) and I honored my human aspect (this relationship does not feel good). So I released her with love, respect and a couple of recommendations to counselors who may be better able to support her. The lesson was big, uncomfortable yet profoundly liberating once I got it. Next time I will know more, and move through future challenging situations, with more grace, clarity and ease.

We have a choice to view everything on our human journey with a spiritual context. This is not only helpful but immensely liberating. Do you have a story to share? A question to ask? Comment me or email me directly at yes2miracles@aol.com.

Manifesting Love 3 1

2009-10-27T15:02:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Yourself!

2009-10-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have heard it said, the most wonderful gift you can offer the world is to be authentically yourself. Most of us grew up hearing we need to behave in a particular way to get approval, we need to get good grades, we need to dress a certain way, be cool and do certain things to impress our friends and peers. So we learn to contort and conform in order to be loved and accepted.

It is easy to lose our authentic shape - it is easy to forget who we truly are. For many years I struggled with chronic fatigue. As I participated in a Masters program at the University of Santa Monica, entitled “Health, Consciousness and Healing” I got to the core emotional root of this debilitating health challenge. What I found was I wanted people to like me. I made myself smaller and smaller in order not to offend anyone. There is an analogy that one third of the world is going to love you, a third will be indifferent, and a third will hate you. I had a revelation! I needed to find my authentic shape and be who I really am so the right people will love me and the right people will not love me - so I decided to celebrate myself!

I started ask myself questions like: What do I really like? What makes me happy? What brings me joy? Well, I love high heels, I love the color purple, I love painting and creating and I love sparkly and blingy things. Shortly thereafter, my wardrobe changed, my makeup changed, and my attitude changed. I started feeling happier and I was lot more amused with life. I was finding my authentic shape. Perhaps there are some people who don’t like me…but I am so busy being happy, I don’t even notice it!

A big part of finding our authentic shape is getting in touch with our inner child. Often when we consider what brought us joy as a child, it is what will bring us joy as an adult. As a child I liked drawing, picking flowers and swinging, but as an adult I simply did not have time for that “silly stuff.” However, when we make time for the silly stuff, the stuff that brings us joy, the quality of our lives change, our vibration increases, and we begin to attract amazing opportunities and wonderful people into our lives.

Now rather than judge myself, my flaws, odd habits and idiosyncrasies I celebrate them. I see myself through the eyes of amusement, acceptance and love. As a spiritual seeker my goal is to learn to love myself no matter what. I no longer look to the opinion of others to determine my value. I look inward and upward to claim my value. I used to feel like a piece of a puzzle that was always trying to fit in. Now I am a piece of the puzzle who has found her shape and life fits in around me. Life works so much better from this perspective!

What can you do to celebrate yourself ? What brought you great joy as a child that you could take time to do for yourself now? Celebrate yourself! Do something to make yourself feel good! Then write to me and share your experiences, your learnings and your joy!

Do have a question? Is there a topic you would like me to address? Comment me or write to me at yes2miracles@aol.com I would love to hear from you!

The Inner Dragon

2009-10-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment with a modern day shaman a couple of weeks ago. He told me I needed to access my Inner Dragon. My response was, huh? I told him I was aware of my Inner Unicorn but not my Inner Dragon. He told me I needed a dragon to protect my unicorn. Well, that at least made a little sense to me.

After I wrote my blog “YES” last week, I went to an art class where another participant took all my new paints and painted 9 paintings with them (I painted 2) by the end of the class, it was the end of my paints. I didn’t say anything. Alright…I think I get it, it can’t always be “yeses” and “unicorns,” I need my dragon.

The dragon can say NO, the dragon knows boundaries. Healthy boundaries are all about discernment, letting in the good and keeping out the bad. I have healthy boundaries in my relationship with my husband, who like me, is intuitive and sensitive. But now it seems I need to strengthen my boundaries in the rest of my reality. Boundaries are important in the physical world, and if we do not have access to them, we will inevitably be taken advantage of. It is important to be able to say: no; no thank you; or this does not honor me.

I talk about the need for boundaries in my book Manifesting Love From the Inside Out (www.manifestinglove.net) An essential step in successfully defining and expressing boundaries is the ability to communicate without blaming. We need to be able to take responsibility for our feelings, rather than saying “You make me angry” or “You make me sad,” a more responsible way of defining boundaries would be “I feel angry” or “I feel sad.” A formula for emotionally honest communication would look something like:

When you: take my paints
I feel: a bit confused
I would appreciate: if you would ask to borrow them, or perhaps using some other students supplies, so there will be some left for me.

So what I have learned is, if my dragon speaks up, I can stay in the loving energy of the unicorn. If the dragon does not speak up, I build up resentment, frustration and anger – then the unicorn, my sense of connection and my good feelings are gone!

Setting and maintaining boundaries protects our personal connection to Spirit and supports in making that connection a priority. Healthy boundaries create a powerful sense of freedom and safety within ourselves, in our relationships and in the world.

Are you clear in your boundaries? Do you have a healthy balance of the dragon and the unicorn? Write to me I would love to hear your stories and your thoughts!

YES! YES! YES

2009-10-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

Mandala Monday – YES, YES, YES!!!

Joseph Campbell has a wonderful quote: “The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty YES to your adventure.” I was inspired when I read this, so I wrote a letter to God saying YES: Yes to my adventure! Yes I want to go deeper! Yes I want to reach higher! Yes I want to expand! And YES I want to awaken!

Abraham Hicks has said only 2 people out of 10 are really committed to being here - and I get it! It is HARD to be human! The majority has one foot in and one foot out of the earthly experience…this is why most struggle so intensely physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. I admit, for many years I was one or those people, and life did not work very well. As I have taken greater responsibility, and started to say yes, the tides have turned in a positive and powerful direction. It takes courage, patience, and faith to commit to being human, to commit to ourselves, to healing and expansion. You have probably heard the saying: Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t. The majority of people are afraid of change, and control is the biggest addiction we have as human beings.

There is a big difference between “getting old” and “growing older.” We have a choice, we can either expand or contract as we age. Unfortunately elders are not revered in our society, but there are the rare individuals who do not allow society to dictate who they are, what they do, their value, or their zest for life. Dr. Maya Angelou is in her 80’s and one of the most revered and dynamic elders of our time. I believe this is because she keeps saying YES to life, YES to learning, and YES to love.

My sister came to visit. I asked her if she would come to the studio with me, she said YES (yippee!) I asked her if she would paint, she said NO :( I knew better than to try to convince her. I have learned the hard way; you cannot force someone to go where they do not want to go. When we got to the studio, I asked her which color called to her, she quickly picked out a metallic bronze. Then I asked her which mandala shape she liked and she chose a powerful 6 pointed star. One step followed the other and soon my little sister was deep in the creative process. She kept saying yes to each next little step...and before we knew it, she had birthed an extraordinary work of art (which is featured on this weeks blog!) I am so proud of her, and I encouraged her to be proud of herself. It takes great courage to step out of one’s comfort zone, to surrender control, and do something they have never done before.

My sister inspired me to keep saying YES, YES, YES! Yes to Spirit, Yes to me, yes to being of service and yes to each next little step (even if it is scary or uncomfortable). And I promise to take the time to acknowledge myself and express gratitude for being on this amazing, crazy, fun-filled, human adventure!

Are you saying yes? Are you at least thinking about it? Share your thoughts, feelings and comments - I would love to hear from you!

Blessings

2009-10-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

This morning I was feeling somewhat irritable. I decided to go sit down, be still and meditate. At the end of my meditation, I considered all that I have to be grateful for and started to create a “Blessings List.”

In the past, if I did not feel good I would attempt to run away from myself. I would do busy work, and like a gerbil on a wheel, I would run, but not really be productive or get anywhere. I have found out the hard way – outrunning anxiety or pain doesn’t work. In fact, I received a few speeding tickets and experienced a couple of fender benders while in this frustrated state of being!

As I created my list of blessings I felt my heart start to expand. As my list got longer and longer, I took a deep breath and began to feel more peaceful. I know this practice helps to calm me down, it increases my vibration and points me in a more positive direction in my day and my life. I also know this practice makes me a less selfish, more patient, and a more attractive human being! Instead of quickly running out of Starbucks with a frown on my face, I am more present and happily holding the door open for the next customer.

I believe our pain comes from our disconnection from Source. I also believe Source is the energy of love, compassion and appreciation. When we direct our focus on appreciation and our blessings, this helps reestablish our connection and line up with Spirit once again. Life ALWAYS works better from this state!

I went on to have a very productive day, I attracted wonderful people, had great conversations and manifested incredible support with some of my projects. Would this have happened if I was disconnected and grouchy? Maybe, but I doubt it. So, the next time you are feeling anxious, irritable, or just plain blue. Take some time to create a Blessings List, as you get into the groove, you may find your list getting longer and longer. You may also find that you are starting to feel better and better. Then give me a shout and let me know how creating a Blessings List worked for you!

Courage

2009-09-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

This week I am addressing the subject of manifestation and courage. We all want to be able to create prosperity and manifest the things we want in the world. A very important ingredient in the “manifestation recipe” is the quality of courage. When we do the inner work to release unconscious constrictions (like I mentioned in last weeks blog), opportunities can then present we will need to take action steps on. This action can take us out of our comfort zone and into unchartered territory, which can be daunting, uncomfortable and downright scary!

Several people who are reading my book and doing the exercises, feel they are ready to manifest a partner. I often suggest joining a dating service or signing up on E-Harmony, not necessarily because it is where I think they are going to meet their future husband or wife, but to let the Universe know that they are serious and willing to take action on their own behalf. It can be scary, but very important in the process of grounding our intentions and manifesting our desires.

As some of you may know I have been preparing to get my book out in the world. For my birthday a very good friend has done the ground work to get me into several book stores for signings…she even has the contract ready for me! My response to this heartfelt and generous gift was silence, blanching, stomach flipping nausea and a vacant wide eyed stare - probably not the response she was hoping for. It is not that I was not grateful….I was just scared! I thought to myself: “Be careful what you ask for!”

Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of fear. Eleanor Roosevelt has a wonderful quote: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” So tomorrow I am going to look fear in the face, call my friend, coordinate our calendars and schedule some signing dates. My intention is to consistently take small steps in the direction of my dreams and support others in doing the same. And hopefully I will see you walking next to me on the path of manifestation, authentic power and our soul’s true purpose!

Prosperity

2009-09-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today is a rather lengthy blog, because I am addressing the subject of “Prosperity.” It is a big subject and something many people currently struggle with. With so much in the media about the state of our economy, it is easy to buy in to the mass consciousness of fear, lack and scarcity. However, nature and spiritual teachings reveal the truth about abundance. When we observe nature we have the opportunity to witness creativity, support, love and breathtaking beauty.

As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the most important question we can ask ourselves; is the Universe a safe and loving place or not? If it is, we can rest assured that we are safe, supported and that we are SUPPOSED to have all of our needs met. However, as human beings, we have free will and the choice to direct our attention toward topics of main stream media, competition, scarcity and “not enoughness” or towards bigger Truths - the loving nature of Spirit and the abundance of the Universe. When we do this, we can relax and release our fear, knowing that we truly deserve all the gifts this world has to offer.

Prosperity is ALWAYS a state of mind before it is a state of being. The law of Prosperity dictates we must FEEL rich in order to attract riches. We break the law of prosperity and Universal support through ignorance and fear. I frequently hear people affirm their scarcity when they say “I can’t afford it,” or “I’m so broke,” or “I would love to do this or that but I don’t have the money.” When these types thoughts bounce around in our minds or are uttered aloud, the Universe conspires to support them.

As spiritual beings having a human experience, we are immensely powerful, and we consistently manifest what we believe we deserve. If we know we want to manifest more money and the Universe is prosperous, what is the problem? If it is not a conscious issue of unworthiness, it is material residing in our unconscious mind; this is the pinch in the hour glass and the location of our guilt, deep seated unworthiness, shame or diminished value. I believe we all have the capacity to manifest what I call our “Divine Prosperity” Abraham hick refers to this as our “Vibrational Escrow.” Everything we want and need is there waiting for us, we just need to line up energetically to receive it. As a hypnotherapist, one technique I use to support clients in manifesting prosperity is to release unconscious blocks. While in a light meditative state, I invite my client’s unconscious mind to reveal any block to their prosperity as a symbol. Then we dialogue with the symbol to discover its intention, (which despite any first impression is always positive), then we thank it , bless it and release it. Then I have my client relax into the feeling state of receiving, joy and prosperity. Miracles occur after unconscious blocks are dissolved: raises; unexpected windfalls, opportunities; synchronicity, and incredible support.

So if you are ready for more prosperity in your life, these are a few suggestions addressing the three states of consciousness:

1. The Conscious State: Say the words and think the thoughts that support you in attracting what you want. Create “Positive, Prosperity Affirmations.” One example of a Prosperity Affirmation is: “I am a magnet for magic, miracles and money!” Another powerful practice is gratitude. Be thankful for all the prosperity currently in your life and all that is on its way to you now. Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the Universe, line up with it and use it to your advantage! Be grateful and you will attract even more to be grateful for.

2. The Subconscious State: Go into a light state of meditation and ask your unconscious mind to reveal any symbols, blocks or barriers to your prosperity, then dialogue with them. Why are they there? What are their intentions? Then bless and release them. Then get into the feeling state of receiving prosperity and living prosperously.

3. The Superconscious State: Meditate, relax and allow yourself to be lifted to the higher realms of love, support and peace. Get out of the mind (the place fear resides) and into your heart, the place of your higher nature, of co creation, connection, miracles and TRUE prosperity. Like a cork that raises to the surface of the ocean, meditation raises our vibration and our ability to attract good.

On a last note, I am available for personal sessions (by phone or in person) to support you in manifesting Divine Prosperity or Spiritual Counseling. You can email me personally at yes2miracles@aol.com. Please be in touch and share with me your positive, prosperity stories!

Surrender

2009-09-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is that time again, Mercury is in retrograde. Many people are feeling stuck, frustrated and unable to move forward. What I suggest to clients, students and friends during times like these, is the act of surrender. What exactly does that mean? In my book “Manifesting Love from the Inside Out,” I describe surrender as being willing to relax, release one’s white knuckled grip on life and trust the organizational skills of the Universe. It is the opportunity to stop telling Spirit what we want, and instead listen to what Spirit wants from us.

Non-resistance is the key to the greatest power of the Universe. Buddha says our pain comes from attachment, when we surrender we do not have to necessarily give up our preference, but we consciously relinquish control, we soften and surrender our resistance. The same energy that can move the planets around the sun and turn embryos into babies, can take care of our lives - if we allow it. But first, we have to open our minds to it, trust it and invite it in.

We are a predominantly “doing” based society. What do we do? How do we make more money? How do we fix it? How do we make it happen? There are times when we can bennifit greatly from surrendering, inviting Spirit in and relaxing. When we allow ourselves to simply BE, what we need to DO can then show up gracefully and easily without the pain and frustration of pushing, controlling and efforting. The process of relaxing and surrendering, literally lines us up with the energy of the Universe.

So during this Mercury retrograde, rather than asking the question: What do I need to do? Ask instead: What do I need to surrender? What do I need to release? Then be open to the wisdom that comes forward…then write me and share your wisdom with me!

Labor Day

2009-09-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Labor Day is often associated with the “Last Hoorah” of the summer, an extended weekend of barbeques, weekend travels and picnics. However, the true meaning of Labor Day was established 1882 and is about celebrating laborers around the nation. I categorize labor in one of three arenas: jobs, careers or life’s purpose. A job is a means to an end, making money to pay the bills. A career is a trade that one is proud of and feeds them on a deeper lever. A life’s purpose is the clear alignment with a soul’s mission.

Undoubtedly these are challenging economic times and many have been laid off from their careers, and perhaps “downgrading” to a job they feel is beneath them. Sometimes in life we feel like we are taking one step forward and two steps back. It can be SO POWERFUL to set the intention to do ALL that we do with the attitude of love and gratitude, knowing that each experience can bring us closer the ultimate destination of our life’s purpose.

I have always enjoyed working and been told repeatedly I have a great work ethic. I have waited tables and served cocktails, for me these were jobs. I have been a hairdresser and actress…these were my careers. Now as a Holistic Life Counselor, author, artist and sacred art facilitator I am living my life’s purpose. I feel very blessed to have found my soul’s purpose, but have enjoyed and been grateful for all of my jobs and careers. Each experience was a stepping stone supporting me in arriving at my current destination. When I worked as cocktail waitress, someone said to me: “What are you doing here? You are too good for this.” My response was, “This is what I do, not who I am and I am honored to be serving you.” To work is the opportunity to be of service to others. Mother Teresa has said: "We can do no great things; only small things with great love." And whether serving cocktails, doing someone’s hair or teaching them about the Mandala I have done it with the intention of love.

So no matter what your trade, or even if you are unemployed at this time, to live with the attitude of service, appreciation and loving, opens doors and make you a magnet for opportunity. So this Labor Day, let your attitude be of gratitude: for your work, your life and your lessons. To further energize your capacity to attract good, remember to extend this energy of gratitude to those around you who labor to bring you all of the comforts and blessings of your world. Happy Labor Day and I hope to hear from you!

Go with the Flow

2009-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Einstein once said: "I think the most important question facing humanity is, 'Is the universe a friendly place'. This is the first and most basic question all people must answer for themselves. If we believe the Universe is safe, we can relax and enjoy the experience of being human, if not, struggle, resistance and pain will be inevitable. For many years I thought the world was unfair and scary. When I really contemplated Einstein’s question, I decided to be like a spiritual scientist, I opened my mind to the possibility of trusting and relaxing for a while. If things did not work out, I figured I could always go back to my old way of being. That was about 10 years ago, and I am happy to report, I never went back.

This does not mean life is always easy - it isn’t. But I do not put up as much of a fight when challenges come my way. I also do not resist my discomfort, I surrender, I allow (sometimes even consciously go into the resistance) and soon I find my out of it.

The other day as I was leaving my house, I spun out on my stiletto and found myself on the floor. As I lay there, angry at first, then curious as to why this had happened, I allowed myself to just sit there, tail bone bruised, elbow bleeding and my head throbbing. I consciously relaxed, surrendered and found my center. Because I did not judge myself or the incident, I believe I moved through the situation more quickly and with more ease. Even before I reestablished myself in an upright position, I found some things to be grateful for: “Thank God this did not happen in public!”

Choosing to trust the process of life has brought miracles and support like I could never have imagined. And just like a flowing river can have rocks and logs in it, life can still be bumpy and we can still encounter the occasional bruise. But it is such a relief to be curious, amused and know life is on our side rather than feel angry, judgmental, afraid and unsafe.

Do you feel loved and supported by life? Are you going with the flow? Comment me and share your thoughts!

Releasing Guilt

2009-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hello my Beautiful Friends. I am back in the serene environment of Idaho after a month in LA and two intensive healing retreats. People ask what I learned on my adventures and there was SO MUCH, but I believe the greatest value I received was the awareness, release and liberation from a significant amount of guilt I have been carrying.

I have heard it said guilt is anger turned inward. In psychoanalysis, the concept of unconscious guilt is often used to explain certain kinds of self punitive behavior. Guilt can keep us playing small, it can also prevent us from creating prosperity or manifesting love. It can be like a dam in a river or the pinch in the flow of our lives. We always attract what we believe we deserve, and if we have hidden guilt or shame in the recesses of our psyche, it will be impossible to create the life of our dreams.

In my blog last week, I address the issue of guilt. In one of the phrases of my poem “God’s Face” I say “guilt is love misunderstood.” For three years I have carried a heavy burden as a result of a friend’s choice to commit suicide. I thought my guilt was “proving” to him how much I loved him and keeping us connected - it was, but not in a positive way. When I became conscious of the hidden material in the shadows of my heart and mind, I could then look at it, listen to it, and try to understand it. For me, the guilt was like bowing down in apology - and beneath that, reverence and profound, breathtaking love.

I finally understood, my guilt was tangled up, confused love and not serving anyone - not my beautiful friend, not me, not my family, and not those I hope to serve in the future. To heal the guilt, I needed to forgive myself. I forgave myself for not being a good enough friend, for not knowing more than I knew, for making perceived mistakes, for the quality of my love not being enough and much more. As I forgave myself and released the shackles of shame, I started to feel lighter, more open and more “clean” inside. It also seemed I was making space for more love.

If you are carrying any guilt, I support you in going deeper. What needs to be forgiven? What is the misunderstanding? What do you need to release? Becoming aware of and then releasing this heavy emotion can help you to lighten up in every way. I support you in relaxing and letting go of what is no longer serving you and in turning up your wattage. The world needs our light right now and we really do deserve the life of our dreams. Tell me about your process and your thoughts. And as always abundant blessings of grace, ease, healing and profound love, Tammi

God's Face

2009-08-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! The clearing of the unconscious continues with unexpected experiences from crazy vivid dreams to the sudden spewing of poetry. Although I don’t consider myself a poet, I have, on occasion, turned to this form of creativity while purging pain or seeking clarity in times of confusion. This weeks blog includes my lastest musings about our journey as spiritual beings having a human experience. I would love to hear your thoughts. And as always, abundant blessings of grace, ease, prosperity and joy to you. Tammi.

God’s Face
By Tammi Baliszewski

Vampire, preditor, victim, whore,
Whoever is in me I have tried to ignore.

I am gently calling you out of the shadow of shame,
It’s time to complete the cycle of guilt, this gut wrenching game.

The parts I deemed unlovable, descended underground.
Ignored but not forgotten, deafeningly loud with no sound.

Carrying beliefs of my unworthiness, mistakes and the pain,
The heavy baggage of misunderstanding, has made me insane.

Mortified and wounded it’s time to look in my eyes,
Willing to fall to my knees, surrender, let go of these lies

I have donned the false mask of courage defiled,
As I look in the mirror, I see the innocence of the child,

I have orphaned myself, seeking the approval of others,
It’s time to love unconditionally, be my own good father and mother.

The deepest part of me knows I am no horrible thing,
Not the monster I have hidden, nor the angst, or the pain.

Surrendering to God, finally too exhausted to hide,
Falling on my sword, my heart is pierced open wide.

The ego, the shadow, the fall from grace,
The Divine design to obscure God’s face

Not evil or bad, just the opportunity to decide,
I now turn towards Spirit, His arms open wide.

We have to forget so we can remember, a game of hide and seek,
This human adventure is not for the faint of heart or the weak.

Relaxing, releasing, falling into faith,
I melt into love, forgiveness and grace.

I think I understand, guilt is love misunderstood.
No more judging myself, no more “should nots” or “shoulds”

I am shedding this dark cloak I have worn for so long,
Emerging from the shadows, vulnerable yet strong.

The pain of separation and feeling alone,
Is healed in this moment, I am finally home.

I understand it takes courage to see the face of the Divine-
Because first I must be willing to see the perfection of mine.

The Unconscious Mind

2009-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

I just completed an intensive weekend workshop at the University of Santa Monica. It was a powerful weekend devoted to understanding accessing and healing our unconscious mind.

We all have a conscious, subconscious and Superconscious mind. Our conscious mind is the rational thinking part of ourselves and the one charge in our normal waking state. It is the place where free will and choice reside. The Superconscious mind is our Soul Self. Napoleon Hill called it the Infinite Intelligence. Scientists call it the Universal Mind. It is where we are one with our Creator.

The unconscious mind is the buffer in between the conscious and Superconscious mind. It is the place our dreams come from and the place we access when we are hynotized. In the negative, the unconscious mind can be the store house for deep seated guilt, shame, unworthiness and cause us great anguish. In the positive it is the place of profound inspired creativity. The more we release our guilt and shame the more access we have to our infinite creativity.

One very powerful and effective way of clearing out “negative” material in our unconscious mind is through prayer and meditation. Another non-directed way to experience healing is to go into a light meditative state, and flood the unconscious with violet light. Working consciously with our subconscious mind can support us in creating powerful and positive changes in our lives.

As a “Spiritual Scientist” I have committed to doing my “Purple Light Meditation” daily and look forward to witnessing the results in my life – I will keep you posted. If you decide to participate in the experiment, be sure to let me know the results in your life as well!

Happy Lughnasadh!

2009-08-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

On Saturday somebody said to me “Happy Lughnasadh” ….my response was “Huh?” I did a little research and found that Lughnasadh is an Irish holiday that marks the beginning of the harvest season and the ripening of first fruits.

This holiday represents that is our work is complete and we have done everything we can - even if the fruits of our labor are not yet evident. It is the time to come together with friends and family in celebration and laughter. If you are anything like me, we right on track! When I have prayed and asked God “What do I do?” I get the intuitive impression that Spirit is responding with “Relax.” Relax? But what do I DO? Relax! I understand now, I have done all I can do for now, it is time to relax and celebrate.

I love Abraham Hicks and I have often heard them say, “Celebrate NOW! Success is immanent!” When we relax and feel good, we are a magnet for good things. Yes, we have to take our action steps, and we have to plant our seeds, but once that part of the process is complete, it is time relax, feel good, be happy and know that great things are on their way.

Have you been taking responsibility for yourself? Have you planted your seeds? Are you relaxing in faith? If so, HAPPY LUGHNASADH TO YOU! Relax, celebrate, be happy - and write to me about your journey, I would love to hear from you!

Self Love

2009-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

A very interesting week at the Art 4 healing program! I put glitter paint on some of my abstract paintings…much to the chagrin of the teacher. As she was clearly (and loudly) expressing her displeasure about the bling…I felt my heart beating REALLY HARD in my chest, I was confused, wasn’t this course about personal self expression? Should I apologize? Defend myself? Explain myself? Crawl away and hide myself? Instead, I chose not to take it personally, to love my glitter - and to love me.

In the four agreements Author Don Miguel Ruiz tells us not to take anything personally. “Nothing others do is because of you, what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinion and actions of others you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.”

As a recovered People Pleaser, this was something really new for me. In the past I would have withered up and died. But this time I did not let the opinion of another (an authority figure no less!) pull me out of my own self approval and self love. I think our biggest hurt and heartache comes from withdrawing our approval from ourselves. If we can learn to love ourselves no matter what, life is so much less painful and so much more fun!

I learned a lot of new techniques and obtained some great healing tools this week (and created some cool glittery paintings!) but the most important thing I learned is that I have come a loooong way on the journey to Self love! I am happy to report I really do like and approve of me….even if others do not! Write to me with your wins about Self-love, it would be great to hear from you!

Try a Little Kindness

2009-07-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the experience where life just flowed along effortlessly, when you felt supported and blessed? Alternatively have you ever felt really stuck, when nothing you do seems to work? I used to get very upset and confused when those “stuck times” occurred. I now look at it differently, I take it as information from the Universe that it is time to relax, go inward and take care of myself.

People often mention how blessed I seem to be and I would agree. However, it wasn’t always this way. When I was mean to myself, life was unkind. Now that I constantly check in with myself and ask the questions “what honors me now?” or “how can I be gentle with myself? “ Life has seemingly transformed in miraculous ways.

Last week I felt a bit stuck. I kept making calls and trying to make things happen, then, I remembered I was preparing to go into an intensive healing art program - the light went on! It was time to go into my cocoon and be quiet and kind to myself. I shifted gears and relaxed. Buddha has said: “There is no out there,” everything that happens is a reflection of our relationship with ourselves. So, if you want life to be nicer to you, start being nicer to yourself. Be kind, gentle and honor yourself, then wait for the miracles to happen!

Centering

2009-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

My husband decided we needed to go on a family vacation this year, so we made plans to take our yacht to Catalina Island. The boys (ages 17 and 11) were very excited. We have a new jet ski, snorkel, fins and various other water toys. It sounds like a fun- filled vacation don’t you think? What we did not anticipate was the rocking and rolling of the sea! Once we arrived at Avalon Bay and got ourselves moored, the rocking really ensued. It wasn’t long before the family was various shades of green.

I descended below deck and as the boat weaved and bobbed, I felt disoriented and nauseas. I realized this could be a pretty painful week. Carl Jung once said “what we resist persists.” I knew it was futile to resist the ocean, so I consciously decided to find center, make peace with situation and make friends with the waves. Life improved immediately.

To center myself, I sink into the area of my solar plexus (right below the belly button) and become aware of the flow of my internal energy. When I sink into my center, I feel very peaceful, present, calm and connected. My husband and his kids needed Dramamine and lots of shore time, while I felt the sea was embracing me, loving me and rocking me to sleep. Once again my “journey to center” and the power of intention vastly improved my vacation - and my life! If you have stories about centering or the power of intention, please share them with me! Also please check out my website at www.journeytocenter.com.

Freedom

2009-07-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

If I HAD to choose my favorite holiday, it would be the Fourth of July. For me July represents celebration and freedom - freedom to be alive, to enjoy living, to give full and complete expression to every capacity we possess. To quote Moshe Dayan: “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”

For the most part I live in a wonderful state of inner freedom. Even though I have always lived in this great nation, I have not always felt free. More than a simple statement about one’s physical location, it is a state of being. When I was unclear in regard to my boundaries or worth, life was scary, overwhelming and painful. Although I was technically “free”, I was too afraid and in too much pain to enjoy it! I have since tightened up my boundaries and have done the inner work necessary to experience true freedom. Now with my healthy boundaries in place, I feel safe, balanced, happy and whole.

I love doing Mandalas, you start with the creation of a clear boundary (the circle), then from that place infinite possibilities are available. In my book Manifesting Love From the Inside Out, I quote Chuck Connradt, a motivational speaker, in my chapter about boundaries: “Freedom is greatest with the boundaries are clearly defined.” Knowing my boundaries and residing in my center is what supports me in experiencing a more consistent state of peace and freedom. Are you free? Write to me and let’s talk about it!

The Creative Process

2009-06-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

When we make the decision to open more fully to our creativity, to heal, or to evolve we can be assured that life will change. The journey can be challenging but saying “YES” to these adventures will eventually lead us to our joy, our passion, our purpose and peace.

This weekend I hosted a Sacred Art workshop. One of my regular students, who is typically upbeat and talkative, was very quiet. When I asked her what was going, she told me she had a headache. I offered to massage her head and neck. It soon became apparent that she was holding some painful emotions down. I told her whatever it was she was feeling was fine and to let it come up. Her eyes immediately welled up with tears. She said the image of her goddess she was painting was all covered up with “stuff” and you couldn’t see her. I asked her if SHE felt covered up and unseen. A torrential downpour of tears ensued. The creative process “uncorked” some deep seated issues from her long ago past.

We went to another room and I handed her a pillow. I told her to let her feelings out. I then picked up a pillow and I started screaming into it, she soon joined me. I supported her in exorcizing her suppressed anger, sadness and angst. When she was complete, I asked her how her headache was…she said it was gone.

Erich Fromm, an internationally renowned social psychologist, psychoanalyst, humanistic philosopher was once quoted as saying: “Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” I know from experience this statement is absolutely true. Creating can be joyful and fulfilling, it can also be overwhelming, painful and confusing. However, if we are willing to keep walking through the process, not only can it relieve us of our physical ailments, it can cleanse our emotions, give clarity to our minds and ultimately sooth our souls.

Are you a “creator,” evolving, or on healing path? If so, write me and share your thoughts or experiences, I would love to hear from you!

Father's Day

2009-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Fathers day, and several people asked if I was doing anything special for my dad. The answer was no. Dad and I have not spoken in the last couple of years, in fact we have never had much of a relationship at all. It used to make me very sad, and I know the lack of a loving father as a child impacted and influenced me significantly as an adult. I had a multitude of unhealthy, painful relationships and was consistently attracted to men that ignored me or were unavailable. When this painful pattern became abundantly clear, I finally decided to take responsibility for my own healing work. I document this process and support readers in their own healing journey in my book Manifesting Love From the Inside Out.

I believe we become emotional and spiritual adults when we learn love ourselves the way we wanted our parents to love us. Most of us (or perhaps ALL of us) have been raised by imperfect people with their own flaws, trauma and wounds. Profound healing for me occurred when I realized my REAL Father was not my biological father, but God.

So for this Fathers day, I did not get a tie or a card for dad, but I did write my real Father a Thank you letter. Cultivating this relationship has changed my life in profound, positive and powerful ways. I often invite clients to write a letter to God, and allow Spirit to respond in return. They are always surprised by the sense of unconditional love and wisdom they receive. So, if you are ready for more love, support and wisdom in your life, give this simple exercise a try.

I invite you to share any thoughts, revelations with me at J2Center@gmail.com.

Magic!

2009-06-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful trip to Marina Del Rey! Now that life in Idaho has gotten really busy, I go to Los Angeles connect with my friends, relax and play. These qualities are so important to create peace and balance in our lives. While I was there I had “girls night” at my condo. We ordered room service, had some wine and watched Tinkerbelle. So, not only did we have quality girl time - we had some awesome inner child time!

In the story of Tinkerbelle we learn that each fairy is born with a special gift or talent: whether it’s making flowers grow, creating wind and rain, teaching baby birds to fly or giving fireflies their light. Tinker Bell does not believe her fairy talent as a “tinker” is as special or important, because tinkers don’t go to the mainland like the other fairies. But when Tink tries to be something other than who she is, she creates havoc and disaster! With encouragement from her friends, Tink learns that the key to solving her problems is found in her unique abilities … and discovers that when you stay true to yourself, magical things can happen.

Perhaps this movie was created for children, but it shares a beautiful message and a profound truth: We all have our own magic! There is no competition,only cooperation! Each of us is a unique and important piece of the whole puzzle and we all need each other. If we take responsibility for ourselves, cultivate our own gifts, and understand our innate value, life is filled with support, grace and beauty. My prayer is that you know your value and worth. Any thoughts or questions? Write me! Wishing you abundant blessings of magic, miracles and joy.

Tammi

Mandala: Healing with Color

2009-06-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

I participated in a workshop this week entitled “Healing with Color.” It was a wonderful opportunity to express ones emotions through the creative process. When students or clients are struggling with anger, grief, confusion or other challenging emotions, I often suggest they do “Stream of Consciousness Writing” or get a tennis racket out and beat up a pillow. This modality is another opportunity to exorcize suppressed fear, anger, hope, desire—the rawest human frailties.

Byproducts of the creative experience are greater self-awareness, the confidence to process feelings and emotions, and the ability to articulate and share these feelings and emotions with others When people express themselves creatively, they can document their experience in a profound way, thus creating a healing environment for themselves.

It is my greatest intention, hope and joy to support and empower others on their creative journey and I look forward to adding this to my tool box of workshops in the very near future.

In the meantime, if anyone reading this is experiencing any intense feelings, go inside and ask “what color (or colors) and shape is this feeling?” If you feel compelled, give it expression with crayons, paint, pens, pencils, markers or anything else that calls to you. Allow the process to unfold organically, without censorship or judgment. You may find that you feel better and more “clear” afterwards. You may also have profound revelations. If you decide to explore this creative healing process, please write me and share your personal experience.

Mandala Monday

2009-06-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well it is Mandala Monday - what does that mean? Every Monday I will be posting a new blog and a new original image of one of my Mandalas. Mandala is Sanskrit for “sacred circle” or “container of essence.” I have been creating them sine 2002. I stumbled upon them accidentally while completing a masters program in spiritual psychology. Everyday for a week, we would do a brief guided meditation, ask our hearts for a healing symbol, then create the image that had come forth. That experience changed my life!

Beautiful colors and patterns emerged in my minds eye and reproducing them provided me with a sense of peace that I had never known. It felt as if my soul was humming. My drawings soon evolved into paintings. I have since became a “Certified Mandala Facilitator” and worked with children, troubled teens, women in prison, the educational system and many individuals. The process never ceases to amaze me.

All of us have such beauty and wisdom within, however, most of us are not taught how to effectively access these gifts. The Mandala is a tool, map or guide to the center of our being and for me it has truly revealed the kingdom of heaven within.

So just now, if your would like, take a cleansing breath, consider an area in your life that you would like support or clarity around, then close your eyes and ask your heart to reveal the perfect healing symbol for you right now. This symbol can give you solace and healing on many levels. And, if you feel so compelled, create this symbol with pencils, crayons, markers paint or any other medium that calls to you. Then write me with any comments, questions or to share your experience I would love to hear from you!

About Tammi

2009-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

My name is Tammi Baliszewski, welcome to my blog. I have a Ph. D in Holistic Life Counseling, am a hypnotherapist, artist, sacred art facilitator and a published author. Actually I am much more than that….I am a hairdresser and makeup artist, am a member of the Screen Actors Guild (I have been in several TV shows, commercials and a couple of films), I have been in Playboy, have been courted by the rich and famous and am now a wife and step-mother. I am also a teacher and a perpetual student. However, my resume and experiences are not who I am - just as what you do (think or feel) is not who you are.

The most powerful lesson I have learned thus far, is that we are much more than we know. None of us are simply our talents, education, abilities, income, jobs, careers, gender, social status, sexual preference, marital status, wounds, accomplishments, appearance or anything else we can identify by any worldly measure- we are aspects of the Infinite, we are our souls.

What does that mean exactly? That is what I will be addressing in this blog – life as a spiritual journey. Some spiritual teachings tell us that the purpose for our life is joy. When I first heard this, I did not understand or agree with it. Now I couldn’t agree more. I want to support you in also understanding life as a celebration, dialogue and connection with the Divine. This can be done in every arena of our lives: relationships, crisis, careers, health, finances and more. So stay tuned…this is going to be an adventure!

Let me know if you are blogging or tweeting about your journey. I'd love to connect with you!