Creatures of the Great Goodbye

There Is Never Enough Time

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

On Turning Arrows into Flowers

On Turning Arrows into Flowers

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

Fruit Boy from Morocco

Fruit Boy

“I love my lot to the very core and rind.”—Henry David Thoreau

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

Happily Ever After

My Dear Friends and Family,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the publishing of the third edition of my first book, Happily Ever After…Right now, Stop Searching for Mr. Right and Start Celebrating You. Thanks to my wizard associate Brandi Flittner who is making it all happen, Happily will be the second title of HEARN House to be published this year. And, we are well on our way to getting the third one out—a handbook to accompany both Happily and Self Belonging—Embrace the Wisdom of Soul and Science to Live your best Life, which we anticipate will soon be complete.

Over the course of the last two years while this material has been in progress, it’s become more and more clear to me that it was time for a transition from life in the Rockies. At this stage of the game (which my older son affectionately terms: “the fourth quarter” ☺) I am feeling called to be closer to family and community. Therefore, I’ve set out on yet another in a series of life-adventures. One of my oldest and dearest friends and I packed up a Penske truck (after U Haul failed to make good on their rental) with all of my earthly belongings—plus some junk food for comfort. We hitched my car on the back and headed west (my favorite direction). After an amazing stop in Zion National Park (thanks to my older son), and with God’s grace, we ended up in the Los Angeles area where my younger son, who paved the way, gave us a glorious welcome.

With a brief stopover in Florida being the only exception, I’ve been inching my way to California for most of my adult life. Now then, according to the news (which these days I do my best to avoid) a slew of folks are moving east to avoid the crime, corruption, and excessive cost of living reported to be brewing out here under less-than-desirable leadership. And since I’m drawn to going in the opposite direction of the momentum (yet another time) with my blinders off regarding this leadership problem, I have to ask myself, what can be done? Well, of course we can vote, though if things continue to go south, I reckon we have no other choice but to become leaders ourselves in whatever ways we are called to do.

So how can such a seemingly daunting task be accomplished? Perhaps step by step as we tune in to the following insightful directive by John Heider, author of The Tao of Leadership. He says: (pp. 51) “Center and ground. The leader who is centered and grounded can work with erratic people…The centered and grounded leader has stability and a sense of self.” Bingo. Happily Ever After…Right Now, is fundamentally about being “centered and grounded” in yourself and not grasping for or clutching to whatever‘s orbiting in your outside world to find happiness, contentment, or leadership, for that matter.

In trying to sort what to take, leave behind, or discard, while preparing for the move, I have definitely been called to stay centered and grounded. And as I continue to be in the thick of this life-changing, glorious challenge, I often find myself mumbling, “Good luck with that.” Nonetheless, in my not-short-life-time, I have found the only way to move forward is to ground in the present—which seems to be an oxymoron when Life has shown you to advance on down the road. Even so if I’m not “here, now,” I find I can’t accomplish a damn thing. Magically, once I root my feet firmly to what’s underneath me, I find I can forge ahead, recruit what it takes to lighten the load, minimalize the collection of things that matter, while taking (and putting things away, now that I’m on the other end of the move) only what is necessary to live a simple life with meaning and purpose. It’s an exercise in faith and trust. You have to believe that you can rely on your judgement, and ability to discern—even when you think you can’t. (This method, I’ve found, applies to every other aspect of life, as well—not just packing up to move, and getting settled once you’re at your next destination.)

In continuing to whittle away at what to let go of, I had to consider how small the dimensions were in that Penske truck. And since books, my treasured companions, take up room and weigh a lot, I’ve been weeding through my collection. In so doing I’ve come across some real gems. One being the Heider book, mentioned earlier, as well as: If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill him!” by Sheldon B. Kopp. Now then, the pronouns the author uses definitely date the material. Nonetheless, it’s rich with insights. Here is one, pp.188:

“The Zen master warns: ‘If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!’ This admonition points up that no meaning that comes from outside of ourselves is real…Philosophy, religion, patriotism, are all empty idols. The only meaning in our lives is what we each bring to them…There are no mothers and fathers for grown-ups, only sisters and brothers.”

The following are some thoughts to add to Kopp’s musings from the beginning of Chapter 12, Happily:

“Many of you have been on the pilgrimage toward happiness and health for a while. Time and again, you have felt the ecstasy after making measurable progress followed by the agony when you slipped back into old behavioral patterns. You have been connected to the sense of freedom and peace that you have so desperately wanted to sustain, only to watch that state of bliss evade and elude you yet another time… And so, when things in your external world fall apart—together with all of your unresolved hopes and desires—you may be inclined to direct your attention inward for the answers…(And while you’re at it)…if there is even a tiny part of you that can start to believe, and then actually begin to know that you deserve excellence across every area of your life, the heart voice will become more and more audible. Remember. You were born to be loved, appreciated, and celebrated. And as you can continue to love, appreciate, and celebrate yourself (regardless of your perceived mistakes), so then can others see you in your state of grandeur.”

I wrote those words twelve years ago, and every time I take a breath, they continue to ring more true than with the last. As I exhale into this future of mine, I keep realizing with crystal clarity that it is my destiny to be a bit of a rebel and a renegade, if I am going to follow the true pioneer spirit that is inherent in my being. (Yours too, if you are reading the words on this page.)

“Oh that you would bless me indeed—enlarge my territory beyond the narrow bounds of confinement, the cage in which my soul has existed for far too long. Keep me from harm. Let me breathe the sweet air of freedom and savor the taste of joy. I am ready to expand. Take me beyond this cage into the lap of joy. Amen.”—Prayer of Jabez, Corinthians 4:10

If you’ve seen the latest version of Top Gun—Maverick, whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t disagree that Maverick was the only one flying that plane, and the success of the mission happened specifically because he dared to challenge the establishment. Living in the safety of “being retired” was not part of his MO. Maybe like Maverick (and me) you’ve come to understand that the only true retirement, is when you leave this life and go onto the next. No matter what our age or stage in life, don’t we have to strike out into new territory every now and then, face our fears, and stare possible failure in the face (whether it be moving to another state, another continent like my son and his family, learning how to play pickleball, or trying out a brand-new recipe on guests)?

Isn’t now the time to step fully into that state of “grandeur” of yours? Just sayin.’

Believing in you!

Love,
Luann
July 11, 2022

Celebrating Love, Miracles, and Valentines Day…

Celebrating Love, Miracles, and Valentines Day…
re-introducing Self Belonging with an essay on freedom

 

“There are two ways to live your life. Everything is miracle. Nothing is a miracle.”

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.

Want to be a Game Changer in the Middle of Culture Wars?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”—Mahatma Gandhi

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—

Reflections On Reversing the Horrors of 9.11 and Other Tragedies…

“May all beings everywhere, on all planes of existence, known and unknown, be happy, be peaceful, be free from suffering.”—Loving kindness meditation by Steven V. Smith

In reflecting on the 20th anniversary of 9.11, just like those of us who were alive the day JFK was shot, I know we all remember exactly where we were and how we got the news of the twin towers going down, killing 3000 and injuring 10,000, including first responders; the American Airlines hijacked plane, which crashed into the Pentagon taking out 125 military and civilians and 45 passengers on the aircraft; and a fourth plane which was diverted from its target by brave passengers and flight attendants who created an insurrection, sacrificing themselves to make certain the enemy’s target was not reached. All 45 aboard were killed when the plane crashed into an open field in Philadelphia.

On November 22, 1963, when JFK was assassinated, I was in Mrs. Griffith’s 8th grade geography class. Even Mrs. Griffith, who was an unusually sour human, seemed to soften up that day as she attempted to support our young minds in processing the unconscionable horror that had just occurred. Disasters can bring sharply into focus what really matters in our human family. Even Mrs. Griffith created some unifying moments that day.

I was born five years after WWII ended, narrowly missing the atrocities created by that war, though have lived through the Cold War (1945-1991), Korean War (1950-1953), Vietnamese War (1955-1975), and now, the war in Afghanistan from October 7, 2001-August 30, 2021. As I am certain you know, because of American forces pulling out, The Taliban, once toppled by U.S. led forces, have quickly surged back to power—with perhaps hundreds of Americans still stranded in an entire country held hostage by tribal heathens—it seems utterly reprehensible that this could have happened. The primal monsters (the Taliban), who are now seemingly in charge again in Afghanistan, attempted to murder Malala Yousafzai in October of 2012, because of her advocacy for women’s education in Pakistan. What do you suppose is becoming of women now in Afghanistan, not to mention anyone else whom the ruthless Taliban deem to be in the way of their agenda? The London Times recently reported: “Taliban fighters have shot dead an Afghan folk singer after they outlawed music and women’s voices on television and radio in the bellwether province of Kandahar, laying the ground for a nationwide ban in an echo of the brutal Islamist regime of 20 years ago.” We can only imagine future horrors with these beasts having come back into power. I highly recommend The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni Afghan/American author, to give you some insights on how the Taliban operate. I believe these books should be required reading for every American.

And, of course, while our dedicated service people were working tirelessly to help extricate those at risk for being left behind, thirteen of our most courageous marines were killed in cold blood in a suicide bombing at the airport in Kabul: Darin T. Hoover, 31, Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, Nicole L. gee, 23, Hunter Lopez, 22, Daegan W. Page, 23,Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, David L. Espinoza, 20, Jared M. Schjnitz, 20, Rylee, J. McCollum, 20, Dylan R. Merola, 20, Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, Maxton W. Soviak, 22,Ryan c. Knauss, 23. The average age of these heroes was 22.5.

As you know, the Taliban are not the only terrorists occupying the planet. Among others, Communist China has been accused of committing crimes against humanity, possibly including genocide against the Uyghur population and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups, as well as those who follow Falun Gong—a spiritual practice based on Buddhist and Dao principles. (I wrote about those being persecuted who follow Falun Gong in an earlier article.)

A few days ago, President Biden announced that businesses in America with 100 or more employees (despite earlier claims that it would never happen), would need to require their workers to either be vaccinated or submit to testing once a week. It would appear that the very government, created by and for the people in 1776 with liberty and justice for all, has decided to overrule that promise with such a demand, among others.

A woman visiting my little alpine village and wanting to attend a music festival went to a local facility to be tested for Covid so she could prove a negative result in order to attend the various concerts. She was refused by the facilities owner, apparently due to her political beliefs and her choice to not be vaccinated until more data has been collected about the effects of the injections.

I have a book coming out soon, Self Belonging, already launched previously, though upgraded with this latest version. The purpose of the material is multifaceted, but one of the main focuses has to do with cultivating everything that will catapult us both individually and collectively into a desperately needed human upgrade.

When launching this material 20 years ago which I started while researching my first book just previous to the 9.11. disaster, I never could have imagined the crescendo of divisiveness in our humanity which we have now reached. All I knew back then, was that I was inspired to pursue the goal of participating in helping to shift humanity toward an improved way of operating, embodying the principals that the masters, who preceded us came here to teach us—loving kindness, compassion, and tolerance for our fellow humans.

“And now, these three remain: Faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13:13

I have faith and hope that we can transcend all that ails us, though in order to do so, tremendous momentum may be required for those of us, who believe it can happen. Let’s let love be our constant companion and guide as we go forward making our contributions.

Believing in you!

Love,

Luann

September 13, 2021

Toward a Psychology of Goodness

“…Evil is that force, residing either inside or outside of human beings that seeks to kill life or liveliness and goodness is its opposite. Goodness is that which promotes life and liveliness.”—M. Scott Peck, People of the Lie

My dear friends and family,

In his epic book, People of the Lie, the legendary Scott Peck discusses the psychology of evil and his hope for healing it. After a recent experience I had in being labeled myself, I’ve been inspired to flip the title of one of his chapters, Toward a Psychology of Evil, and take a look at the goodness side of things, instead.

We have discussed these pivotal times previously, and the wide crevasse that seems to be broadening across the world due to various positions on this or that—political or otherwise. I recently had a jarring personal experience with that divisiveness, which shocked me to the core.

I’ve led a variety of groups over the years, among which was one I called Conscious Conversations. I continue to miss connecting with many of the folks who were regulars. That group disbanded a few years ago after it had run its course, though I’ve kept up with many of the members, one of whom I considered to be a dear friend. She joined our meetings shortly after she moved here, now nearly 15 years ago, and all of us extended ourselves to make her feel welcome.

She stopped returning my calls a number of months ago. The last time I reached out to her, I inquired if I’d done something to offend her, baffled by her radio silence. No response. I’d been ghosted. That was nearly six months ago. When I happened to run into her at the summer Farmer’s Market, I once again asked, “Have I done something to offend you?” “Yes,” she responded coldly. “When you told me who you were voting for (a mistake I will not be inclined to make again), I put you in his category. He is evil and anyone who voted for him is evil too.”

Now then, this is a woman, who (by her report) has been a spiritual querent for much of her life, including a longtime student of The Course in Miracles which, for those of you who aren’t acquainted with the material, is all about forgiveness and tolerance. Furthermore, she considers herself to be a guide for others, and is paid handsomely for it.
I have to say, following this experience I have felt more distress about the state of things, although steady in my faith. I know there is a way through all of this craziness.

Rather than wallow in any woefulness triggered by another, don’t we have to forge ahead and count our blessings? Here’s one: On the very same day as the unfortunate encounter described above, I had an experience with someone that was all about “life and liveliness.” While walking up the mountain a couple of days ago on a hike I do routinely, I developed something akin to altitude sickness, which I have never had in my 20 years of living at 8000 feet above see level. Somehow, I made it home (by the grace of God). Just before arriving, I ran into my neighbor—a doctor with whom I am only barely acquainted. Without hesitation, he dropped everything to examine me, following up later in the day and the next morning.

There is goodness everywhere, happening all the time in a multitude of ways. In my opinion, all we really have to do to overcome this “evil spell” that seems to have been casting a shadow on human nature for few thousand years, is to notice goodness when it occurs, and then pay it forward. You in?

Yah. That’s what I’m talkin about.

Believing in you…

Love,
Luann

PS. I am over the moon excited to announce that the latest version of Self Belonging will be published before summer’s end, together with a handbook, to accompany the material. Stay tuned for updates! My work is all about emphasizing a manifesto on the Psychology of Goodness. Thank you for being a part of our tribe!

Owning Our Core Independence

As we approach the fourth of July and all the day represents, I was inspired to re-read the Declaration of Independence. This incredible document was fought for and brilliantly designed by brave and brilliant souls, who risked their lives so that each and every one of us would have the freedom to pursue happiness on the path of our choosing. I hope you’re inspired to read it this weekend as a tribute to our enlightened ancestors.

As these courageous ones stated, a government that should attempt any form of power and control over us and those inalienable rights of ours must be overthrown. And since, at the moment, we are the most advanced nation on Earth (despite the obvious shenanigans by some), isn’t it our moral imperative to be hypervigilant and alert to any plots by those who may be more interested in stripping us of our Constitutional rights than upholding them? Isn’t it our civic duty to protect ourselves, together with innocents elsewhere who are being persecuted and denied the freedoms that every human on this planet should enjoy?

I recently read a disturbing article in the Epoch Times published in June, 2021. (In my view we must peruse various publications with differing positions in order to sort out the truth and expose what’s really going on in the world). According to this piece, Brutal Persecution of Falun Gong Continues in China, by Shi Ming, the Chinese Communist party launched a systematic elimination campaign in 1999 against those who participate in the spiritual practice of Falun Gong, which persists to the present time. The practice includes meditation and moral teachings that propagate compassion and tolerance. The following is an example of the savagery and torture that is being perpetrated on Falun Gong practitioners, apparently documented in reports that Ming uncovered:

Li Shunjiang, an engineer in Qiqihar in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang Provence, died in his early 50’s on May 20. He had been imprisoned twice since 2001 and spent a total of twelve years incarcerated, where he was tortured by prison guards. As a result, he suffered severe plural effusion with excessive fluid buildup in his lungs and chest cavity. He died after his release in poor condition, while caring for his wife and mother in law, who were in dire states after being persecuted—his wife had become mentally ill after three years in prison, and his mother in law was paralyzed and bedridden after four years in prison.

What has caused the human race to deteriorate to the degree that these merciless acts could be happening even as I write these words? Some theorists believe that approximately 10,000 years ago, following a time of peace and tranquility, that the earth and its inhabitants suffered some sort of physical catastrophe, hurling us back into survival mode where we are at repeated risk for intolerance and hatred rather than compassion and love. It would appear that remnants of that way of operating have persisted to the present.

By some act of amazing serendipity, while re-visiting a journal entry I wrote during a retreat in India 15 years ago, I found I’d made note of a book recommended by another participant. I am currently immersed in this fascinating read. For me the late author, Joseph Chilton Pearce, through his breakthrough work The Biology of Transcendence, weaves together many of my own findings on the connection between science and spirituality—and how understanding the combination of both can serve to strengthen the parts of our anatomy that are pre-wired for catapulting us into more optimal ways of operating.

In a key section of the book titled, The Great Accusation, Pearce notes:

“Civilizations that experienced no warfare—and so, possibly no violence—may have existed some ten thousand or so years ago. Consider the Harapi, an apparently advanced and civilized people whose cities and towns stretched from the Ural Mountains to present-day India long before the Egyptian and Middle East civilizations appeared. Excavations show that these orderly communities used common dimensions and weights and brick of the same dimension and laid out cities on the same symmetrical ground plan. In addition, they all had running water, underground sewage, and a form of common food storage. And as far as can be determined, they had no weaponry of any kind, and throughout the whole vax complex
there are no signs of warfare have occurred. I am told that recent excavations in China have unearthed statuary, apparently of ancient sages, that depict individuals with extraordinarily pronounced prefrontal lobes, a phenomenon that probably can take place only in a prolonged era of peace and tranquility.”

Isn’t it ironic that Pearce’s findings, suggesting an advanced civilization, seemed to have occurred in the very country that some believe may be attempting to systematically take over today’s world? According to some theorists, they are doing so in an effort to seize control over our beloved planet and sequester all of its inhabitants as their servants, perpetuating a master/slave paradigm—on steroids.

Over the course of the past 15 months or so (March, 2020 through June, 2021), we, as an entire species, have not only witnessed but become immersed in a field of horrors—different from the physical calamity described earlier that may have taken place thousands of years ago, though possibly having similar effects. This particular catastrophe is associated with conditions related to a virus that has attacked human bodies, the origin of which at this writing has not been fully disclosed, but no doubt known by a select few. The epidemic of terror and divisiveness that’s all but overtaken our species as a result of fear-mongering and propaganda may actually be worse than the actual physical malady that ignited this wildfire of panic in the first place. This of course is a supposition, which neither I nor any of us not privy to classified information can substantiate with facts. Nonetheless, the entire uncanny debacle could more than likely have a future post-traumatic effect on our entire species, as global catastrophes have for centuries. The key is what we together are willing to allow (or not)—and if we decide to reclaim our humanity.

So, how can we stop or prevent a human nose-dive altogether—not making anyone wrong, or projecting blame on this person, political party, government—this country or that? In so doing, don’t we have to take responsibility ourselves for our own lives, our own growth, our own happiness, and our own advancement into our most optimal potential? In my view, after following the leadership of spiritual avatars in various traditions and researching human behavior and consciousness for over 30 years, owning our core independence and polishing up our personal character and consciousness is the only way to save ourselves and the beloved planet.

Pearce goes on to say that after the time-frame in which the Harapi lived and dwelled among us, our species has “struggled in a sea of its own blood and carnage for several thousand years. An evolutionary advance of mind and spirit can be lost when our species retreats into survival mode—sufficient hindbrain bought at the price of forebrain.” (If something catastrophic did, indeed, occur a few thousand years ago—throwing our species into a tail-spin, we most certainly can’t afford to let it happen again.)

Good news: Pearce says, “ …evolution is always on the prowl, looking for an opportunity to shift us into a higher mode of functioning.” And if that is so, isn’t it up to us, one by one, to increase the capacity of our frontal lobes—diminishing the effects of the hind-brain (or survival brain), and repeatedly being “on the prowl” personally and collectively for ways to advance the human race into a complete and total upgrade? I absolutely know that it is entirely possible and within our bandwidth to restore tolerance and respect for our differences and uphold love and compassion as the fundamental operative in our lives.

Be the change you want to see in the world—Gandhi

As the wise authors of the preamble to the Constitution state:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Do consider strengthening whatever spiritual practices most serve you and those you love in order to support your personal distance from any hindbrain overload you may be experiencing—such as fear, anxiety, stress, anger—etc. Rupert Sheldrake, renowned British biologist’s theory, popularized by Malcom Gladwell in his book, The Tipping Point, suggests that when a certain number of beings of a particular species agree and participate in altering their behavior in consistent ways—like repeatedly practicing acts of loving kindness no matter what—that at some juncture any particular collective of creatures can and will tip the entire group into a radically new way of operating.

Ready to participate in the experiment?

Believing in you!
Love, Luann
July, 2, 2021

P.S. Please stay tuned for the updated version of Self Belonging, coming soon, and also an accompanying handbook for both Happily Ever After…Right Now and Self from which excerpts for this piece were taken.

Hidden Blessings

My dear Friends and Family,

Perhaps you will join me in recognizing that with every debacle, disagreement, misunderstanding, misfortune, or loss of any kind, there are hidden blessings.

Sometimes, we have to dig (maybe even with a crane) to find them, but nonetheless, they are there. Other times they are much more obvious, per my example below.

Over the course of this past interesting year of perceived containment, I have had the very good fortune to re-connect with my beloved professor/teacher, Ana Perez-Chisti, as a student in both her World Religion Class as well as her Fourth Wave Divine Feminine class, which has been an accompaniment to her latest book, published May 15, 2021: Sweet Reign—Fourth Wave Feminine Principles. I am anxiously awaiting my copy.

That Dr. Perez-Chisti is holding these classes on Zoom, an inevitable necessity triggered by the lockdown, has been indeed a blessing for me, since her Institute is in the Bay area of California and I reside in the mountains of Colorado—not an easy commute.

In the World Religion class, we are currently studying Judaism and last night’s class was devoted to the book of Exodus in The Bible. Masterfully, Ana pointed out the symbolism of the chapter, which had never occurred to me: “that there is within us always an opportunity to leave our own slavery and containment. Divine energy is kept down by the enslavement of anything that is not conducive to life’s progression—which would include being under the control of a dominant paradigm.”

Her words reminded me that the current governmental climate under which we are living (from my personal lens), seems to be quite heavily swayed toward perpetuating a quagmire of controls and regulations over the masses (among whom I seem to be currently operating—you too?).

Nonetheless, I fully believe, fortified by dear teacher Ana’s ever constant encouragement and wise insights, that if we use those cranes of ours to dig down deeply while systematically investigating our individual truths, we will be fortified with the necessary momentum to transcend any perceived control over our restricted freedoms.

And, while in the process, as we keep attracting others in to our circle of trust—operating with similar intent, we will be repeatedly fortified by the collective swell of an upsurge in a cooperative, shared, communal momentum that will transcend any stronghold under which our bodies, minds, and spirits, appear to be “locked down.”

And here is the really good news: while we continue gathering that momentum, we are fully participating in the evolutionary process that will catapult the human race into an entirely different stratosphere of consciousness than the one under which we are currently operating—where those bodies, minds, and spirits of ours will continue to live and thrive in the ultimate freedom that is our birthright.

As Stephen Weigand, my beloved son and yoga master said in his beautiful class today, “If we can keep a strong resolve to continue uncovering the truth while cultivating our warrior spirits through our practices—even when Life seems to throw us a curve ball, we are bound to uncover our very best destiny.” Don’t you just love that? I know he is my son, but I have to say, he is an amazing teacher. See for yourself.
I would categorize recent experiences in the adventures of printing my latest book, Self Belonging, to be among one of those curve balls.

As many of you know, our launch date for the book was April 13, 2021, and as of this writing, almost six weeks later, it is finally showing up on on Amazon as available. Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, and Books-A- Million, among other booksellers, will likely follow suit soon.

I am told that there was a snag in the “printing press operation” that sends the book out to these various booksellers, which has taken some time to work out.

Here is the blessing in the “printing press quagmire”: in the interim period between now and the official launch date of the material in April, I have been doing more research on places where I would like the book to land.

Some of those are colleges and universities for eager students to learn about the blessings in self-belonging, and will require a hard-bound copy, which we did not create with our first printing. Therefore, I will be producing a hard-bound version of the book in the next publishing endeavor, which I am over-the-moon excited about, and am initiating immediately.

For those of you, who are patiently standing by for the arrival of your paper-back copy to arrive, please know of my sincere gratitude for your tolerance regarding the delay, and feel free to keep us apprised of any issues you continue to have. Also, if you would be so kind as to email me a brief note with your ground mailing address and anything else you’d like to share about yourself and your story, it will be my absolute pleasure to send you a complimentary hard bound copy of Self Belonging once it’s published, which I plan to support happening over the summer months. My gift of the book will be my gesture of gratitude for your support in hanging in there with me.

In the meantime, let’s hold hands and stick together as we approach this glorious summertime and intend that it will be a peaceful, healing, healthy, and prosperous time for us all, together with the rest of humanity.

Believing in you!

With so much love and gratitude,

Luann