What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword; it’s a way of life, a state of being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. In a world filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers us a path to reconnect with ourselves, find peace amidst chaos, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. It invites us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations with curiosity and compassion. By anchoring ourselves in the present moment, we can break free from the grip of past regrets and future anxieties, finding refuge in the here and now.

Benefits of Mindfulness

The benefits of mindfulness extend far beyond momentary relaxation. Numerous studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can have a profound impact on both our physical and mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep quality and enhancing focus, the benefits are truly remarkable. By rewiring our brains and fostering a greater sense of self-awareness, mindfulness empowers us to respond to life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. Mindfulness can also improve our relationships, by fostering a practice of slowing down so that we can respond versus react. It can also help us better connect with our bodies and our intuition so that we can make decisions that feel more aligned.

Five Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet powerful ways you can integrate mindfulness into your daily life:

1. Start with the breath: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. Notice the sensations as you inhale and exhale, allowing your breath to anchor you in the present moment. Follow the pathway of air in and out. Feel your body expand and contract with each breath.
2. Practice mindful eating: Slow down and savor each bite of your meal. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of eating, bringing your full awareness to the experience.
3. Take regular mindfulness breaks: Throughout the day, pause for a few moments to check in with yourself. Observe how you are feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally, without judgment.
4. Engage your senses: Tune into your surroundings by engaging your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you, fully immersing yourself in the present moment. 
5. Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, or a moment of peace, cultivating gratitude can help shift your perspective and foster a deeper sense of contentment.
   
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Embracing Mindfulness
As you embark on your mindfulness journey, remember that it’s not about achieving perfection, but rather embracing the process with openness and kindness toward yourself. Like any skill, mindfulness takes time and practice to cultivate, so be patient and gentle with yourself along the way. As you continue to nurture your mindfulness practice, you will notice that you will start to create more clarity, peace, and connection in your life.

I often get the questions, “How do you connect with those in Spirit?” or “How do you confirm who you are speaking with in Spirit?”

Conversing with those in Spirit is a bit like “spiritual charades.” I continue to get several “clues” until we can match that loved one with a person in the audience. Once I match the person in Spirit with someone who is sitting in front of me, then I can ask if there are any messages that the person in Spirit has for their loved one. I actually have no control over who comes through, or what kind of information that they are willing to give me. I can ask questions that their loved ones have for them, but it’s just like having a conversation in the same way as if they were here in physical form. Some may be more forthcoming than others, and some may not want to reveal the answers to the questions that you’re asking. Before I do readings, I always ask for people to come through for the highest good of those who I am reading for, and for messages for their highest good. As a result, many are often surprised with who they hear from, or may receive an unexpected (but very timely and relevant) message. Additionally, when doing group readings, I’ll often get a message for one person that highly resonates with other people in the group. Often, this is a result of “piggy backing.” In order to be as efficient as possible, those in Spirit sometimes “line up” or “pair up” in order to get their messages heard. They may sometimes group together with similarities in how they look, their occupation, their name, or a number of other characteristics. This is not always obvious when it’s happening, but it becomes evident when I’m doing a reading and getting information that resonates with one person but not with another, and some similarities between them. If this happens, I will ask one of the Spirits to step back so that I can confirm who I am speaking with, and deliver one message at a time.

Every psychic medium has different gifts and abilities, and therefore receives messages a little bit differently than the next. I’ve outlined the main ways in which psychics and mediums receive information below, so that you can have a general understanding of how it works.

                                         The “Clairs”

Clairvoyance - “Clear Seeing” - People who are clairvoyant receive information through a variety of images or pictures in their mind’s eye. Sometimes it’s a flash of pictures or symbols; other times in can be very much like watching a movie or a story unfold. One of my top gifts is clairvoyance. I often can see physical attributes of the person in Spirit and/or objects that they are showing me or referring to, or “scenes” that may be relevant.
Clairsentience - “Clear Feeling” - Clairsentience can show up in a couple of different ways. One way is through feeling emotions. The other is through feeling physical sensations in the body. Often times I can determine how a person has passed over through a physical clue in my body, or receive information about any emotions they may have felt, or are currently feeling.
Clairaudience - “Clear Hearing” - Clairaudience is when one is able to hear messages or words from those in Spirit. This can be either literally hearing sounds or whispering, or “hearing” the words in their mind. This could be songs, sentences, words, phrases, knocks, etc.
Claircognizance - “Clear Knowing” - Claircognizance is when someone receives information, but isn’t exactly sure how they know what they know. Oftentimes for me, this shows up as random thoughts, sayings, or messages popping into my mind.
Clairalience - “Clear smelling” - This is when there is a particular scent or aroma present that has something related to the person in Spirit. For example, smelling cigarette smoke in a room where no one is smoking.
Clairgustance - “Clear Tasting” - This is the ability to taste something without having anything present in your mouth.

One of the most challenging parts of developing my psychic and mediumship abilities has been trusting that the information that I am getting is actually the information from Spirit, and not from (or meant for) me. So as I’m doing my readings, just trusting that every sensation, thought, emotion, message, and sound is a clue that can be used to identify who is trying to communicate with me.

So what can you expect in a mediumship reading with me? It will be much like a mystery game, that I will need your help in “solving.” I will receive a number of clues, oftentimes through my gifts of clairvoyance, claircognizance, and clairsentience that I will communicate to the audience. All I ask is that you keep an open mind and an open heart, because the person who may come through for you may not necessarily the person who you were hoping to hear from. Periodically I will ask if any of the information makes sense to anyone. If several people raise their hand while I’m doing a group reading, I will continue to get more and more information until we narrow it down and you are sure that the person that we are talking with “belongs” to you. Then I will ask if that person has any messages for you. These messages are almost always healing in nature, or words of advice to help you on your journey. Other times loved ones may just show up to say “hi,” and want you to know that they are still present in your lives.

I would be honored to help you connect with your loved ones who have passed on from this physical world. If you live in the Denver area, I could offer you an in-person reading at one of my offices, that you can schedule here. You’ll notice that I have additional availability for virtual sessions, for those of you who live out of the area, or simply don’t prefer to commute. We can do these sessions through online video from wherever you are in the world. Please feel free to email me with any additional questions, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Make sure to keep an eye on my upcoming events page for group mediumship readings and other fun workshops and activities! These are typically local events in the Denver metro area, but I hope to add more virtual events in the future so more people can join.

This image is from the amazing Gaian Tarot deck by Joanna Powell Colbert

 

                              HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!

The summer Solstice is Thursday, June 21 at 4:07 am Mountain Time. This is the time where the Sun reaches it’s northernmost point from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the day with the most hours of sunlight of the whole year. Have you noticed that your energy has changed over the past few weeks, in anticipation of the fire energy of summer? I know I have! This is typically the time of year where I have a lot going on, and luckily, an excess of energy in order to meet those commitments. It’s a time where it’s easy for me to book several social events (sometimes several on the same day!) and still have time and energy left over to do what I need to do. It's a great time for me to start new projects and revisit my goals.

But what I also know from past experience, is that even though there’s a lot of excitement and positive energy flowing, that if I’m not careful to tend to my physical and emotional needs, I can burn out very easily. Can you relate? 

How are you tending to your mind, body, and spirit? How do you make sure that you aren’t pushing so hard that you are causing illness or exhaustion? How do you balance that fire energy of transformation, movement, change, and passion with the earth energy of groundedness and the feminine energy of water that encourages nurturing and rest and recharge?

            5 WAYS TO WELCOME MORE BALANCE INTO YOUR LIFE

There are 5 main elements (air, fire, water, earth and spirit) that are a part of this universe, this earth, and in each of us. I believe that we must tend to all of the parts of ourselves to live a life that feels healthy and balanced. I tend to look at things from a systemic lens; I believe if one area of our life feels out of balance, chances are our whole being will feel out of whack. I invite you to take a more holistic approach to your healing by taking an inventory of these 5 elements and relating to how you are currently integrating them into your life. As you reflect on each element, think about what they mean to you, and how you can invite more of this element into your life for wellness.                             

ELEMENT OF AIR

What it Represents: Inspiration, Wisdom, Knowledge

Questions to Ask Yourself: In which ways am I tending to my mental health? Do I feel like I am intellectually challenged? What makes me feel inspired? Do I put time aside to cultivate inspiration?

What's helped me personally: Continued education and learning. Therapy. Unscheduled "dream" time. Time in nature. Balance of alone time and time with others. Challenging thoughts. Philosophical discussions. Articles, books, and movies that allow me to see things from a different perspective. Listening to music.

ELEMENT OF FIRE

What it Represents: Passion, Movement, Sensuality

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me that "spark?" Am I currently doing things in my life that I am passionate about? What makes me feel good in my body? 

What's helped me personally: Exploring my spirituality, both with self and others. Walks in the park. Stretching. Massage. Hot showers. Dancing. Starting my own businesses. Physical touch. Creative pursuits. Being present with my emotions. Following my impulses.

ELEMENT OF WATER

What it Represents: Intuition, Dreams, Nurturing

Questions to Ask Yourself: What can I do to allow more flow into my life? Am I getting enough rest? What does my inner child need? How can I tune in to my intuition better?

What's helped me personally: Paying attention to symbols, signs, and dreams. Resting and slowing down when I need to. Being gentle with myself and checking in to see what I need. Trusting in myself and my higher power. Meditation. Pets. Soft blankets. Hot tea. Tarot cards. Visualization. Shamanic journeying. Connection with others.

ELEMENT OF EARTH

What it Represents: Groundedness, Physical Form, Abundance

Questions to Ask Yourself: What grounds me and brings me "back to earth?" How is my diet? Am I taking good care of my body? Do I have good boundaries with others? How is my financial health and security? 

What's helped me personally: Continued growth in my career. "Back to basics" (making sure I'm getting enough sleep, eating nutritionally, tending to my health, drinking enough water). Being clear and realistic with my boundaries around time. Walks in the park, and laying in the grass. Structure (a continual struggle in my life!). 

ELEMENT OF SPIRIT

What it Represents: Connection, Soul, Purpose

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me a sense of purpose? What are my spiritual beliefs, and how can I live by them? How is my connection with my self and others? How do I deepen my relationship to the Universe/Source/God/Goddess/My Higher Self (insert spiritual belief here)? 

What's helped me personally: Mindfulness. Meditation. Deep breathing. Shamanic journeying. Practicing mediumship. Community. Rituals, celebration, and connection with others. Faith and trust. Nature and Animals.

After looking through this list, do you feel like there are any areas of your life that feel imbalanced? Are there any goals that you'd like to make for better health and well-being? Sometimes having an accountability buddy can help you achieve changes in your life and develop new habits--whether that's a trusted friend or family member, a spiritual advisor, a therapist, or a coach. Humans are wired for connection and for survival. We are not meant to go through life's struggles and joys by ourselves. I hope you are inspired to find what "balance" means for you, and know that you don't have to be alone it!

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Are you unsure of which reading would be most helpful for you at this time? Here’s a brief description of some of the services that I offer so that you can decide what feels right. As always, I'm available for questions here if you need more clarity.

Tarot Readings
There are many different ways to work with Tarot. Some use cards for wisdom or inspiration. Others use them as writing prompts, or as an oracle for spiritual guidance. Some play games. I mostly use Tarot as a tool to channel helpful information for myself and others, to deepen understanding around a certain area of my life (or others), or as guidance for next steps to explore or to take action. Sometimes I will pull a card to see how the message and/or image shows up in the rest of my day, or as a way to focus my attention.

The one-card Tarot reading is a quick check in about an area of your life with which you’d like more information, or if you’d just like general information that your guides would like you to know at this time for your highest good. The more in depth Tarot card reading uses a 3-6 card spread (again, around a specific question or for general info). Both types of Tarot readings include a “write up” that will be e-mailed to you, that includes descriptions of the card, any helpful information that you may need to know, any action steps that you can take, and/or things to be on the lookout for. Since every person and every issue is unique, so is each reading.

Shamanic Reading
If you’d like a Shamanic reading, the first thing I do is pull a Tarot card with your concern or question in mind. I then go on a Shamanic journey on your behalf and meet with guides and helpers who will give me information related to what you have asked. Often I meet with power animals who have messages too. At the end of my journey, I will provide a write up of any information that I received, the meaning of the Tarot card, and let you know of any animals that I came in contact with, and their messages for you.

Mediumship Reading
A medium reading is a live reading (either through online video or in person) where I will connect to your loved ones in spirit. The first part of the reading I will explain a little bit about the process and what to expect and answer any questions that you may have. And then we’ll jump right in! Please note that I’m not able to necessarily connect to the specific loved ones who you have in mind. I don’t have control over who comes through or what information that loved ones want to give to me. But I always set the intention before we start that only spirits come through to me who are associated with you or someone you care about, and that the messages are for your highest good. Not to worry—I never connect to “bad” energy or get messages that are not loving. I often get that question, so just wanted to mention that so that you know that there is nothing to fear.

Coaching Session
Are you looking for guidance and clarity, but not necessarily a reading? I'm a licensed therapist in CO, and also a life coach who could help either in person in one of my Denver offices or through online video. For more information about the counseling services that I offer, or to schedule a coaching or therapy consultation, visit me here.

Scheduling or Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me. I won't bite, I promise! To schedule a reading, simply visit https://Flylikearaven.as.me/ for instant access to my schedule. I wish you all the best!

Some common questions I hear: What are power animals, how can they help me, and how do I find out what mine are? (Side note: I’ve heard people using spirit animal, power animal, and animal totem all interchangeably. I use the term power animal because that is the term that my Shamanic teachers have used).

A common misconception is that you can just take a quiz to find out who your power animal is, or simply just declare that a certain animal is your power animal because you like it or think it is cute. What it IS about is being open to receive messages without expectation and without judgement. To be able to listen intently and not overanalyze. It’s about getting your ego out of the way to receive wisdom from something that you can’t see, hear, or touch in physical form. That’s been the hardest part of my work in Shamanism, psychic development, Tarot card reading, and mediumship alike—being able to put my logical, left-brained, scientific, analytical mind aside to be open to receive messages from the spiritual realm. It’s been the biggest growth edge of my spiritual development. 

I’ve always felt like I’ve had a special connection to animals, as far back as I can remember. I’ve always loved observing them and interacting with them, and having pets has been one of my greatest joys in life. Animals teach us things that we sometimes cannot realize being human. Life gets busy and we have stressors that distract us from seeing the truth. Animals are typically much better at staying present and acting on their intuition and impulses, where human minds are so much more complicated and try to “out think” every situation.

Think of a power animal as a spiritual ally. Like your very own personal guide who is able to see things from a larger, more holistic picture than what you’re able to see from your subjective self. A teacher who can uncover the things that are holding you back, or how you might be getting in your own way. A friend who is able to point out your growth edges and what you need to work through in order to fulfill your dreams and goals.

I was first introduced to my power animals in my studies and workshops in Shamanism. By getting into an altered, meditative state, I’m able to frequently meet with them, with new ones, and with others’ power animals and decipher their messages. I have some power animals who visit me often and who I know who have followed me around most of my life. And I have other animals who just drop in as a type of “consultant” to help me with special projects, or to deliver a one-time message. When I journey on behalf of others with their permission, I am able to receive messages from their animal guides that are meant for their highest good. And I’m so very grateful for all of it! Life has gotten a lot less lonely since I’ve welcomed my very own spirit team to help me navigate through it.

In fact, the inspiration for my business and business name came from a very important power animal of mine - the Raven. Stay tuned for next week’s post as I describe the significance of Raven animal medicine to me, and how it has helped me (and my clients) get unstuck from patterns that are no longer useful, to understand next steps to create a life more in alignment with our highest selves, and to gain greater insight into our motivation and behavior.

If you’d like to find out more information on how I could help you make powerful and holistic changes in your life, please feel free to contact me here with questions or for instant access to my schedule to book a complimentary consultation. I look forward to hearing from you soon!