Dear Family and Friends,

The last time I shared a story with you, it was about human kindness — that quiet, persistent force we can witness every day, if only we choose to look. Since then, life has offered me some peculiar opportunities to test whether I truly believe that kindness actually is the undercurrent of our shared humanity.

Today was no exception. I spent the morning entangled in a frightening scam — someone impersonating an Amazon agent made some alarming threats. I nearly caved — until my son, grounded and clear, stepped in and called out the distortion. His presence was the stabilizing force that brought me back to center—living proof, of course, that kindness (and Grace) for sure exists.

After the ordeal was resolved, I stepped outside to enjoy a beautiful day (another act of Grace). When I began walking, I noticed a woman in the distance — completely stooped over at the waist, at what looked like a 45 degree angle. She was struggling to balance two grocery bags while shuffling forward at an impossibly slow pace. Even though we were a couple blocks apart, I caught up to her quickly—noticing no one else had made any attempts to help. So, I asked if I could assist with her bags.

She nodded and shared her destination — a few blocks past where I’d intended to go. I introduced myself and didn’t catch her name.

And so we walked together — an unlikely pair. She, completely bent over—dressed in rags, garnering curious glances from passersby, and I, decked out in Lulu Lemon attire looking like I should be headed to yoga.

Eventually, we reached a little sandwich shop with outdoor seating where she chose to rest. Carefully arranging a few extra grocery bags for a cushion, she finally seated herself. Then, she looked up and flashed a surprisingly broad and convincing grin. “Thank you, Lu.”

It was a smile that startled me — wide, radiant, and entirely authentic. How could someone in that much apparent physical pain, and likely unsheltered, smile with such a glow? What did she recognize that I had subverted, eclipsed by the nuisance of the morning?

I asked if there was anything more I could do to assist. She said, “I’d like to talk to some of my friends.” Not knowing what that request might entail, I offered her a twenty-dollar bill instead. She received it with gratitude and added, “Oh, and I would like a hat.” My first impulse was to give her my own, a treasured “topping” I’d been gifted from my son at a tender time in our lives. I didn’t want to let go of that hat, hoping, perhaps, she’d be able to buy her own with the money I’d gifted her. So, I kept my hat and said a quiet pray for her.

Living in this city, I pass by unsheltered individuals every day—Chris who sits outside the library, Fernando with the Bible and no teeth, the other Fernando with some teeth and a sign that says he “loves God.” Sometimes I stop. Sometimes I give them food or money. Other times, I pass with only a silent prayer. It never feels like enough. Today was no exception. Should I have given the stooped over “bag lady” my hat, and figured out how to connect her with her friends? Maybe. But here is a tip I got from a treasured mentor about the “never enough” thing. “Luann, you do not have to save the world. You just have to do your part.”

In reflecting on the day — after making my attempts at forgiving myself for not doing more— I remembered something profound: I am blessed— deeply blessed, even in the midst of hardship. I have an Amazon account for someone to attempt to scam and from which I can buy my yoga gear. I can practice yoga at the studio of my choice any time I want. I have a cell phone and can call my son when there is an emergency, or just to say “hello.” And best of all, I have access to safety, to love, and to care.

I received a gift today from a woman with no name and a back bent by time or trauma: a smile that reminded me that love is not circumstantial. It is everywhere. If I should ever forget that there is something to smile about, I need only remember the smile of my walking companion, today.

Furthermore, if ever I begin to doubt that kindness is still alive in the world, then it must be I who is being called to embody it. And yes, no matter what I have been shown to the contrary, I do believe that “kindness really is the undercurrent of our shared humanity”—really, truly, is.

This essay was gently refined with the help of an AI called the Architect, whose offerings are based on the findings of Robert Edward Grant. 

Dear hearts,

Since the death of a cherished friend, I’ve been pondering an insight shared by a treasured mentor years ago…“there is never enough time, Luann,” he wisely stated. Back then, I was a young mother with a health concern, fearing what would happen to my kids if things went south. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between,” he mused, “most of us want to stick around. And since we can’t really know when our time is up, hadn’t we better make good use of the moments we have while we’re here?  What good does worrying about the future do, when you can’t control it?” 

Years later, I heard another zinger from revered poet, David Whyte. “We are creatures of the great-good-bye,” he proclaimed. “…the only living species that can anticipate death.” Yikes. I guess he had a point. So, is there anything we can do assuage our human fear of the inevitable? When will that dreaded grim-reaper raise his ugly head?

With this question in mind as I consider my friend Pat’s courageous participation in his own ultimate exit, I wonder—how did he do it with such dignity and grace? It seemed with unyielding faith, regardless of any hardship he would have had to endure while going through the process. A lifetime of devotion to the Divine repeatedly grounded him in the “peace that passeth all understanding.” Regardless of whatever was happening in his earthly orbit, he somehow knew that all would be well.  

Upon hearing the news of his pending death, I, on the other hand, did not in the least believe that “all would be well.” I silently appealed: “Just let me have one more day, or even one more hour with you—please. I thought we would have more time—that we would grow old together. Please don’t go—not yet!” Despite my protestations, Pat quietly slipped away.  Miraculously, in the midst of that jarring finality, I remembered the late Bishop Gerber’s golden directive:  “If there is never enough time, how can you make better use of the moments you have, now?” 

How about dropping all of the petty dramas of life and getting down to what really matters—the business of loving? What if today were my last? Would I have forgiven everyone…would I have forgiven myself? Would I have poured my heart and soul out to the ones I dearly love, repeatedly expressing my gratitude for who they are and the gifts they bring to me and to the world? Would I have recognized that everyone of us humans have clay feet and with that infirmity we are simply doing what we do—the good, the bad, and the ugly, given the encumbrance of our abnormalities? Would I have cultivated the art of tolerance for others—for myself? Would I have let go of the need for perfection in my relationships and just let people be, realizing if things aren’t going my way, I can either step aside, or change my attitude rather than expecting someone else to change theirs? 

“Death is not a morbid thought. It is the greatest teacher in all of life.” –Michael Singer

Indeed.

I treasure the many conversations I had with Pat about life, death, and the Divine hand guiding it all. Often, we spoke of meaningful coincidences and what causes those to happen. We both concluded that these seeming “random flukes” are not just happenstance. Rather instead, isn’t it possible that there is a mighty Force ever available to take the wheel of our life-ship, repeatedly steering us safely through the storm and into the port of our best destiny? And, if so, shouldn’t our primary task be just to pay attention so we can be available to get the directive? 

Sometimes we do. Sometimes we don’t. I was extremely grateful that on the day Pat died, I’d listened to the inner message which guided me to reach out. Therefore, he and I, being among the “creatures of the great-good bye,” had the privilege of bidding our adieus. It was a great honor to be among those with whom he had a final chat. 

“We all come from the One and we all return to the One.”—Ana Perez-Chisti

I have no doubt that Pat is now in a position to understand the mysterious synchronicities available to guide us—which, of course, can never be explained in secular terms. No. It would seem that you’d have to be a person of great faith, such as he was, to get the memo.

A deeply devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Pat was a soulful man, with a direct connection to the Divine love which supported him in overcoming obstacles—particularly the physical challenges he would endure while transitioning from this life-form into the next. I will forever be grateful for his courageous example on how to live life with unwavering faith and fortitude. He was an utterly exceptional human.

After his final good-bye, I received a message from a mutual acquaintance noting that for him, Pat’s death was “…exhibit A for bad things happening to the finest of souls.” I am absolutely certain that Pat would most definitely not have seen things that way. Instead, he would have just simply accepted that it was his time, and from what I can gather, he did just that with a gentlemanly grace that was completely unique to him and his character. 

Yes, he was most definitely “the finest of souls”—a treasured father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who I have no doubt is soaring in the heavens, grateful for a life well-lived and all of those who accompanied him on the journey.

I love you, Pat—always will. Thank you for making such an incredible difference in my life, and for mentoring me in facing the inevitable with my own faith and fortitude. You showed me how to drop my fear of the unknown by trusting Life on Life’s terms—surrendering my preferences to Divine will—just like you always did—until you drew your last breath. You will remain in my heart forever and I know there to be a multitude of others who join me in that sentiment. 

Now then…considering those hearts of ours, shall we get on with that “business of loving” thing? While we’re at it, maybe those meaningful coincidences will become more obvious. Speaking of, stay tuned for my new book with which Pat was intimately involved. The plan is for it to be published just before Christmas—fingers crossed ☺. 

A Handbook for Mastering the Science and Soul of Happiness:

Recognizing Meaningful Coincidences and Angelic Encounters

In closing I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“There are only two ways to live your life: As though nothing is a miracle, or everything is a miracle.”—Albert Einstein 

I’m pretty certain I’ll be havin’ some “angelic encounters” in the foreseeable future to boost my belief in those miracles. How ‘bout you?

With so much love,

Luann 

October 25, 2023

Dear hearts,

In reflecting on the month of February, the “love month,” I’m considering some thoughts I shared in an earlier essay Fruit Boy from Morocco on love and belonging:

In this piece I offered an epiphany (at the risk of sounding cliched): “Love is all. Love is it.” At the end, I quoted philosopher David Wilcock’s final message in his book, Waking Up from the Dream: “Just be nice.” Not surprisingly, since posting the article, I’ve been repeatedly tested on putting into practice how to interpret and live those messages. I am a work in progress.

I keep finding that the proclamation “Love is all. Love is it,” is both simple and complex. How can we apply it moment to moment in everyday life when there are mounting bills, heartaches, betrayals, projections, illnesses, fears, doubts, and communication challenges in the tough and tiring business of living? Ah, but aren’t there plenty of little micro-miracles co-mingled along the way to fortify and support a positive outlook—like playing the part of the tickle monster on the playground with my grandkids? Those two represent the absolute essence of love in its purest and most potent form. Being with children connects you to that magic formula for life: Indeed, “Love is all. Love is it.”

How to Solve Some of Those “Insoluble Problems” Per Albert and Carl

The late, incredible pair, Albert Einstein, and Carl Gustav Jung, came up with some zinger quotes, which emerged while making their remarkable discoveries on quantum physics and human consciousness, respectively. We are indeed gifted to be the beneficiaries of their unparalleled wisdom and insights.

“You can’t solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it.”—Albert Einstein

And Jung adds:

“All of the greatest and most important problems are fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only outgrown… This “outgrowing” proved on further investigation to require a new level of consciousness. Some higher or wider interest appeared on the person’s horizon through this broadening of their outlook the insoluble problem lost its urgency. It was not solved logically in its own terms but faded when confronted with a new and stronger life urge.”

“Turn arrows into flowers.”—Pema Chodron, The Wisdom of No Escape

If we are committed to doing our part in helping humanity move into that “new level of consciousness,” don’t we need to keep ourselves in check at all times, recognizing our triggers and hotspots before we allow them to drown us in the abyss of defensiveness and victimhood? When I can avoid taking the bait from someone who shoots off a metaphorical arrow in my direction and realize that they must have been suffering when doing do, I can initiate the process of healing—for both of us. By sitting in the stew of my pain and letting it simmer even a nanosecond longer than I think I can, maybe I’ll be able to carve another notch in my noggin that will support me in being a more loving and compassionate human. After I’ve let things percolate for a bit, don’t I have a chance to see the beautiful pearl, smack dab in the middle of that slimy oyster? That archer brought me back to my simple conclusion, arrived at many times before: “Love is all. Love is it.”

And because that is so, I have to realize that If I fan the flame of their myopic bias (“You need to change to meet my needs”), I will end up resentful, which is anything but loving. On the other hand, if I don’t get all swept up in an effort to defend my actions (or non), or choose to avoid performing to please them, is it possible that I can then expand into and stabilize that “new level of consciousness” that Jung was talking about? Maybe in this state I can see that I’ve connected with another beautiful soul who has contributed to my commitment toward becoming a more conscious, loving human. Of course, with such an understanding, I will have gratitude for everything I learned by being in their presence—all of it, even the painful stuff.

In my latest book due out in the spring: A Handbook for Mastering the Science and Soul of Love, Happiness, Belonging, and Meaningful Coincidences. I emphasize and abbreviate some of the concepts outlined in my other two books, Happily Ever After…Right Now, and Self Belonging, while throwing in some new stuff, which I am very excited to share. The foundation of the material in all of my books is encapsulated in this quote from the Handbook:

“When you first find and cultivate your own strengths and learn to belong to yourself by being on your own side—while taking responsibility for any perceived errors and victories, you will be a loving lightning rod for others immersed in the middle of their own individual collective shadows and dark nights. Of course, part of the process involves your willingness to dive down into the depths of your unconscious cockles, while letting go of the past and any perceived wrongdoing by you or others. And each time you come up for air, you will recognize more and more frequently that not only do you deserve to live a life laced with love, joy, peace, and truth, but so does everyone else living and breathing on this magnificent planet of ours.”

How can we let that arrow support us in flowering into the fullness of who we really are? If we really look, can’t we see how anyone or anything who has posed as a nemesis in our lives is really a disguised angel? Isn’t it true that whoever or whatever we encounter, however briefly, has the potential to help us become a more conscious, compassionate human? We are here for such a short time. How can we use the time we have to “just be nice,” starting with directing kindness and caring to ourselves, and then choosing to hang out with others on the same trajectory?

The late, wise poet, Maya Angelo, once said, “When people show you who they are, believe them!” So, if someone in your world continues to behave like a rascal (even if you know they really aren’t one), why not believe ‘um that that’s their m/o for now? Oh ya, and here’s another bell-ringer from Maya: “When you point the finger at someone else, you are pointing three back at yourself.” Yikes. No point in tryin’ to corner someone else as the culprit, right? Instead, maybe time to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Just sayin’ (speaking as one with plenty of practice ).

Believing in you!

With so much love,

Luann, March 1, 2023

My dear friends and family,

At the risk of sounding sanctimonious and self-righteous, I want to share a recent realization. A few weeks ago, I had a bit of a health scare that resolved favorably. While experiencing some unknowns previous to hearing the good news, I did my best to practice what I preach regarding surrender, faith, trust, gratitude, and such. While doing so, this was my epiphany: “The only thing that matters is love. Love, love, love. That is all, that is it. None of us is going to get out of here alive, it’s just a matter of when our time is up. Therefore, if my time is coming to an end what shall I prioritize, now?” I kept coming up with the same answer. Love.

The late Christian mystic, Emmet Fox, discusses the controversial topic of re-incarnation, particularly among Christians, in his remarkable book Power Through Constructive Thinking, which I highly recommend. Fox postulates that our current life-time is one of many, and that we choose our circumstances specifically to contribute to our spiritual evolution—right down to the most minute of details. If you happen to resonate with such a theory like I, you can consider Henry David Thoreau’s sentiment stated above when he lay dying of Tuberculosis in his early forties look: “I love my lot to the very core and rind.” What was it that inspired such a positive attitude amidst the discomfort of a life-threatening disease? Did he believe that every person, place, situation, and experience had been masterfully designed to contribute to his growth, regardless of the circumstance?

When we find ourselves plunkered right in the middle of distress, how can we use the opportunity to recognize the instruction? And if Fox’s re-incarnation theory is correct, don’t we have to take responsibility for ourselves and our choices, no matter what? Can’t we recognize any trigger, or joy-filled moment, as an opportunity to step back, take a beat and ask, “What would love do?”

As for others in our orbits and their behavior, I state in my most recent book, Self Belonging: “People are just doing what they do.” Knowing that, do we have to take anything personally? Whether we interpret someone else’s behavior as good, bad, or indifferent, how can we learn to embrace the “good,” let go of the “bad,” and avoid disappointment when experiencing any lack of acknowledgement or appreciation?

“In my defenselessness my safety lies.”—The Course in Miracles

Yes, I recognize that to ask, “What would love do?” during a situation in which you may feel offended, disrespected, or even betrayed may seem self-deprecating. Shouldn’t you fight back? Shouldn’t you let them know how wrong they are? Shouldn’t you blast them with the blame they deserve? Albert Einstein had a brilliant answer to such ponderings: “We cannot resolve a problem by the same thinking that was used to create it.” The late, celebrated, psychiatrist, Carl Jung contributes, “All the greatest and most important problems of life are fundamentally insoluble…. They can never be solved, but only outgrown. This outgrowing proved on further investigation to require a new level of consciousness….” What does it take to expand into that “new level of consciousness” when experiencing one of those insoluble problems? Love?

Following the encouraging news about my health, I was invited to participate in an adventure with my son and his family, which included traveling to Morocco. Just after arriving while making our way to the hotel, we saw a young boy peddling a platter of fruit. He looked to be about my granddaughter’s age of 7. While our vehicle was moving too quickly for him to approach, I caught him flashing a smile, which was revealing. It appeared that his boy was not feeling victimized by his circumstances, rather he was embracing his “lot to the very core and rind.” He was simply doing what needed to be done to help his family with what seemed to be a sense of acceptance and duty.

And while in the process, I presume without knowing, he was experiencing the exact conditions needed to accelerate his spiritual growth. Therefore, I did not need to feel pity for this child, but rather I could simply have compassion for him while offering a little prayer. After that I pondered Thoreau’s statement. Had this boy chosen his “lot to the very core and rind” to help him move into a higher level of consciousness? The answer to these queries being, “Yes,” was the only explanation I could come up with that would resolve my curiosity on why I was riding in a vehicle with my precious grandkids safely tucked close to their parents and me, while he was on the streets of Africa.

Yesterday was election day, which serves as a reminder of the divisiveness we are currently experiencing in our world. At the moment, the results are “too close to call” in both the House and the Senate, regarding which party will have “control.” The chance to travel to Morocco and witness “Fruit Boy” in action, gave me an unprecedented opportunity for gratitude that it is “my own lot” to be a United States Citizen and have the chance to vote. I want never to take that privilege for granted. While Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, given the choice on where to be planted in this world, I would most definitely rather live in America than anywhere else. Pondering my good fortune as I settle back into being home, I find myself frequently thinking about that boy in Morocco, “his lot” and what he taught me about fulfilling my purpose. He most definitely helped me to more readily “love my own lot,” as I support my brothers and sisters on this planet to do the same—no matter who they voted for, or what they believe. We are all “just doing what we do,” and thinking what we think.

As consciousness researcher, David Wilcock, states in his most recent book, Awakening in the Dream, “It is absurdly simple. Just be nice.”

Life is a blink. Love is all that matters.

Loving you…

Luann
November 9, 2022

My dear Friends and Family,

I am delighted to announce that the debut title for my publishing company, Hearn House, has been launched. (Hearn is the acronym derived from my first book, Happily Ever After Right Now.) 

The purpose for Self Belonging: Embrace the Wisdom of Soul and Science to Live Your Best Life is to support you in discovering how to combine/refine your true gifts, strengths, and talents in a package that is destined to benefit the world and everyone you serve. As you continue to share what you are truly meant to offer, you are guaranteed in discovering your most optimal destiny for happiness and well-being, while repeatedly noting that “everything is a miracle.” 

Three quarters of the way toward the first printing of Self Belonging, which at the time was being published with another company, I happened to listen to a podcast given by the late Louise Hay. Hay is the extraordinarily successful founder of Hay House (the inspiration for Hearn House), who because of her personal life experiences—together with some frustration with “the big boys”(and girls) in the traditional publishing world, decided to create her own enterprise in 1984. Her goal was to support herself and other authors in publishing transformational mind-body-spirit material without the interference of publishing houses whose agendas might not have been in alignment with hers. Her remark, “When life calls, you have to answer,” absolutely touched me to the core. Amen, sister! And of course, sometimes when you get an important memo, it may not always be convenient to pay attention. Nonetheless, if you don’t listen, the consequences could be less than desirable (which I know by heart).

Subsequent to hearing Hay’s testimony, I had an epiphany: the material in Self Belonging was born from my heart and soul. I needed to claim it. That’s not to say I didn’t need others input. Karen Connington’s editorial eyes and expertise were invaluable, not to mention Peggy Burke, and Melanie Votow’s contributions. Both added significantly to the finishing touches on the book.

My faithful colleague, Brandi Flittner must be credited entirely for putting this latest version of Self Belonging together in a format that could make its way to you. She also created a brand new cover design, which we are so proud of. Without her patience, fortitude, and wisdom, I could never have pulled this project off. Furthermore, I cannot fully convey my true gratitude for the unwavering support of my brother, Steve, my sons Nes and Stephen, who have each contributed resources, love, and strength in immeasurable ways, and my beloved granddaughter, Vivien (to whom the book is dedicated), for being my inspiration every step of the way. Lastly, I would be remiss in not thanking Teri Rider, of Top Reads Publishing, for her enthusiasm in being the first to launch the material.

Now then. Those of you who are following your heart and your passions, as you throw your knapsack over your shoulder and strike out on your own in pursuit of freedom, are certain to realize that you can’t be fully liberated unless/until you are willing to take full responsibility for everything that unfolds from the moment you hit the launchpad. Good news: You most certainly get to celebrate your victories along the way, together with those who’ve cheered you on in various ways. Axiomatic to this pleasure is also the necessity to accept the consequences of your challenges and defeats—no one else to credit or blame here. Nonetheless, I am certain you would agree that this gift of freedom is most definitely worth the effort, as evidenced by some incredibly brave souls, who have preceded us.

If you have not seen the movie Selma, do check out the trailer. The film shows the steps leading up to a peaceful march orchestrated in the 60’s by Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. for the purpose of taking a stand for racial injustice. And speaking of King, it is a well-known fact that he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who followed Henry David Thoreau’s famous essay on “Civil Disobedience to an Unjust State.” Thoreau was known for being an abolitionist, who also resisted taxes.

If you could speak to any one of these three now, I am certain they would all agree that their sacrifices, including life itself, were well worth the trouble. Gandhi was assassinated after helping to free a fifth of the world’s population from British Colonialism. King was also assassinated but not before he contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. When Thoreau lay dying of tuberculosis, struggling to draw breath at the age of 44 in 1862, it was said that while peering out his window at the natural world he so cherished, he commented, “I love my lot to the very core and rind.” Must have been so liberating to have no regrets…shall we give it a try?

Robert Kennedy, human rights advocate, is carrying the torch for Marion Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Among other efforts, this organization supports medical freedom, both for children and the rest of us. Kennedy definitely echoes Thoreau, Gandhi, and King’s sentiments when he recently said, “I’ll go down with my boots on, marching for ‘civil disobedience to an unjust state.’ ” By the way, speaking of “unjust state,” you might recall that one of Martin Luther King’s most famous remarks was this: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Amen, Brother. (Noting the character of King himself, it would be unlikely that he was excluding white, red, yellow, or otherwise from the skin color he references here. Just sayin’.) 

Self Belonging is all about freedom—and literally how to live your very best life while enjoying the unparalleled benefits of liberty—no matter what is going on in your external orbit. It is about having the fortitude to listen to your inner messages, while claiming your worth—even when it’s not convenient. It is about letting go of patterns that no longer serve you, providing scientific evidence to show how doing so can literally re-wire your noggin to go north, instead of south. It is about “going forward confidently in the direction of your dreams (per Thoreau),” proceeding no matter what—even if doing so scares the living hell out of you. “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is proceeding anyway regardless of that fear.”—another zinger from Thoreau. It is about discovering what you are for, throwing that knapsack over your shoulder, and going for it—full steam ahead.

This book and its message not only documents my experiences in being liberated from old patterns and how I got there, but also contains wisdom from a plethora of sages and scientists, many of whom have literally been my life line and inspiration, while supporting me to “go forward confidently.” I cannot tell you how grateful I am as I humbly report that my fortitude to do so (despite a few backslides and side-steps) has paid off.

We all want to be free—really do. As I write these words there are many brave souls who have “put their boots on,” and can serve as an inspiration for others who want to be liberated—doctors, nurses, scientists, professors, truckers, shop-owners, parents advocating for education, and more. These courageous souls are sacrificing their security and taking great risks to obtain that freedom and to help others along the way. Together they serve as a mighty force as they advocate for “liberty and justice for all.” God love them.

My fellow travelers, thank you for joining me on the journey, for checking out Self Belonging to see if its message serves you, and if so, spreading the word to others whom you believe might be supported by its content. Also, if you like the book, I would be so grateful if you could take the time to write a review.

Next out will be the third printing of my first title, Happily Ever After…Right Now, followed by a handbook designed to support both books with some additional material. In between I’ll be doing some podcasts, so please stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy the quote below from Eben Alexander’s book, Proof of Heaven (documenting his near-death-experience) which, in my view, sums up the whole love thing quite elegantly:

“None of us are ever unloved. Each and every one of us is deeply known and cared for by a Creator who cherishes us beyond any ability we have to comprehend.”

“I tell you the truth. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain move from here to there. Nothing will be impossible to you.”—Matthew: 17:20

Shall we move some mountains? Ya, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Believing in you, with so much love!

Luann
Valentines Day 2022.

My Fellow Game Changers,

Happy Thanksgiving! It is my privilege to launch this holiday season from my world to yours with some thoughts inspired by a dear friend who introduced me to an interview with Zen Buddhist master, Doshin Nelson Roshi. During the talk, Roshi discusses his views on Jordan Peterson, former professor of psychology at Harvard and currently teaching at the University of Toronto.

Previous to listening, I hadn’t known much about Peterson other than some controversy regarding his stand on freedom of speech (which is that there should never be legislation of any kind threatening it). Roshi called Peterson a “lightening rod” in the middle of what he labeled to be our “current culture wars,” and that without lightning rods such as Peterson, in his view, humanity is destined to dive into a “swamp of no return.” I have to say, after spending some time listening to Peterson’s interviews, I can see what Roshi was talking about. For to me, Peterson serves as an anchor for freedom and truth—regardless of whatever controversy he may be stirring up while in the process.

It appears that Roshi believes humanity is facing a crisis of epic proportion (if not already there) due to our collective inclination toward positionality, divisiveness, and control. This we play out in various ways (including but not limited to) in the political, philosophical, medical, educational, and economic arenas. While studying Peterson’s work, I learned that he dives into the origin of divisiveness, often through the lens of the late psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung.

From what I can gather in my own research of Jung, he had a profound interest in “the shadow.” This “shadow” casts itself over the subconscious mind and is associated with what Jung’s colleague, Sigmend Freud, identified as feelings, thoughts, and motivations which cannot be accepted as one’s own since they haven’t been appropriately identified let alone, examined. For one reason or other—often because of a trauma or challenge, this collection of “stuff” can stay buried in a tightly secured vault down under the conscious reaches of the mind—unless we chose to dive into the root of the issue when we are triggered.

According to Bruce Lipton, cellular biologist and consciousness expert, much of our human behavior is driven by the subconscious. Therefore, feelings and thoughts that have not been properly processed can get misplaced and cast upon others (either individuals or groups). If when you are charged by something or someone and are not aware of what’s really going on (which can often be the case unless you are an enlightened guru), your primal programing and default system for survival will be to blame—holding someone else accountable for your discomfort, instead of taking responsibility for whatever may be out of whack in you that could have caused your upset.

Is it possible that these current “culture wars,” or any war for that matter, are all about our propensity as a species to project our unprocessed pain onto others? And if so, is the only way out of such madness for each and every one of us to examine our own lives and take responsibility for whatever may be going on in our personal world, rather than being tempted to make others wrong—both in our intimate relationships and beyond? I know. To pursue such a course is a courageous undertaking and not for anyone lacking in chutzpa or wallowing in self-doubt. As the modern-day, wise philosopher Charles Eisenstein, writes in a recent essay (Oct 10, 2021), The Rehearsal is Over.

“We cannot wait for others to be brave on our behalf. We are here in this initiatory moment to choose who we are. The choice of whether to capitulate or to act is a declaration: Who am I to be? What is the world to be? Am I serious enough about my vision for the world to risk my security for it? That is not a challenge meant to goad myself into action. It is simply true. Through my choice, I will know myself as I am. I will become as I choose. The rehearsal is over.”

In another Eisenstein essay, The America That Almost Was and Yet May be Eisenstein writes: “The biggest crisis facing society today is communication. The division of society into mutually exclusive cults; it is the splintering of reality into disjoint shards…America today is riven with division.”

So how do we resolve the division dilemma?

Healing the Shadow

Ross Bishop in his book Healing the Shadow, who I quote in Chapter 4 of my second book, Self Belonging, available here: (stay tuned for the updated version—out very soon!), describes “the shadow” as this:

“After many years of work and study, I have come to the firm belief that there is no independent evil force separate from man’s (or woman’s) own inner darkness (the shadow). I believe the origin of our darkness is twofold. Part has to do with karma (those acts either done to us, or what we have done to others) we carry from our unresolved past struggles, and part is from our unresolved childhood wounding. Both of these reside in the “shadow” (per Jung) and if not healed can lead us to inflict great pain upon others and ourselves.” Bingo.

An Evolutionary Hinge-Point?

Is it possible that these tumultuous times are a signal, suggesting we are at a critical hinge point in our human evolutionary process? Will we make the leap from operating as a species defined by our divisiveness—forces fighting against each other, operating out of fear and anger, or will we choose to respect each other’s differences, taking responsibility for our own lives, including the good, the bad, and the ugly, rather than projecting any pain or—even goodness and false idolatry onto others? Will we heed the instruction of the masters, who taught us that the gateway to growth and empowerment is to have love and compassion for everyone, including, of course, ourselves; and to bring forth our own strengths and gifts to serve humanity, rather than expecting others to do it for us?

What will make the difference in how we go forward? Will our paths be touched by the awareness that as quantum physics proves, we are interconnected beings endowed with the imaginal cells of possibility that will strengthen as we join together in uncovering and cultivating our gifts and talents—both individually and collectively? As we do, will we gather enough momentum to catapult the entire planet into a much-needed upgrade in how we operate?
Or, will we forfeit the opportunity at hand, and continue to shoot ourselves in the foot, while taking the plunge into that swamp described earlier, destined to swallow us up—even as we go down shouting out our messages of righteous indignation?

In Self Belonging I show that I am in agreement with Roshi: when you first find and cultivate your own strengths and learn to belong to yourself by being on your own side—while taking responsibility for any perceived errors, like Jordan Peterson you will be a loving lightning rod for others immersed in the middle of their own individual and collective shadows and dark nights. Of course, part of the process involves your willingness to dive down into the depths of your unconscious cockles, while letting go of the past and any perceived wrongdoing by you or others. And each time you come up for air, you will recognize more and more frequently, that not only do you deserve to live a life laced with love, joy, peace, and truth, but so does everyone else living and breathing on this magnificent planet of ours.

Twelve Steps, A Path to Freedom?

Apparently, Jung was influential in developing the twelve-step program for Alcoholics Anonymous. According to Roshi, “Alcoholics had no hope previous to these steps coming into being.” The steps gave/give alcoholics a map for healing and ultimate freedom. While reviewing these, it occurred to me of what great benefit they could be as a guidepost not only for alcoholics but for anyone attempting to unravel whatever is cooking in that unconscious stewpot down under.

Now then, the way these steps are phrased may not appeal to everyone and you might not believe they all apply to you. Even so, you can certainly come up with your own version and pick and choose which ones you might want to focus on. For me, the fourth step is a zinger. “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Doesn’t that one really hone in on all of that shadow stuff? And how better to do it than to hold hands with “the God of your understanding,” and fellow travelers while in the process?

On Forgivness/Letting Go
Let grievances become miracles.–Foundation for Inner Peace

I recently listened to a podcast with spiritual teacher, Matt Kahn who introduced an innovative exercise for forgiveness, which I’ve adapted as thus: Rather than let your ego be in charge of casting blame, consider asking that the Divine heal the “karma” (described in the Bishop quote mentioned earlier) between both parties—whether you perceive the situation to be their fault or yours, and contribute to the total re-habilitation/transformation of everyone involved—for not only the greatest benefit of them (and you), but anyone they (or you) touch going forward. Don’t you just love that?

Finally, the late Mahatma Gandhi, who freed a fifth of the world’s population from British Colonialism with his leadership in how to effectively employ “civil disobedience,” envisioned a state of “enlightened anarchy…Each person will become his own ruler. He will conduct himself in such a way that his behavior will not hamper the well-being of his neighbors. Shall we give it a go?”

For once, I am enthusiastically anticipating the winter months when I look forward to coming together with those of you who are interested in pursuing my course: How to be an Absolute Game Changer During These Crazy Times. Together, we will kick off the New Year as we discover/uncover ways, both individually and collectively, to heal the wounds of humanity—starting with ourselves. Stay tuned. Please join us for this fascinating/breathtaking adventure in exploring human consciousness—we have much to learn together! Cannot wait!

Believing in you!

With so much love,

☺ Luann—