Inner Power - SoundSage

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto
Tuesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Eris
Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Pluto, MARS CONJUNCT JUPITER, Mercury retrogrades into Leo
Thursday: Sun trine Chiron, Mercury quincunx Neptune, MARS SQUARE SATURN
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun trine Eris
Sunday: Mercury square Uranus, Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, Venus square Jupiter
Monday, August 19: Venus opposite Saturn, Sun square Uranus, Full Moon 11:25 a.m. PDT, JUPITER SQUARE SATURN

CLATTER: When wind blows through a bamboo forest, the hollow stems of the trees bend and sway. As they collide with each other, they make a clattering noise, similar to the sound of many horses' hooves prancing lightly on a cobblestone street. This is analogous to what we may experience this week as Mars and Jupiter align in airy Gemini.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Venus quincunx Pluto
Tuesday: Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune
Wednesday: Jupiter sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun sextile Jupiter, Mercury (R) conjunct Venus
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Sun quincunx Saturn
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Venus trine Ceres, Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron

THE MARS-JUPITER EFFECT: The exact alignment between Mars and Jupiter won't occur until August 14, but the two planets are separated by only four degrees as this week begins, and they will be within three degrees of each other by this Thursday, August 8. This date is important to watch, since concrete manifestations related to the effects of an aspect often begin when the planets enter this three-degree range (orb).

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Venus trine Chiron
Wednesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Ceres, Sun quincunx Ceres
Thursday: Venus trine Eris, Mars sextile North Node
Friday: Mars semisquare Chiron, Venus square Uranus, Mars quincunx Ceres
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: New Moon 4:12 a.m. PDT, Venus quincunx Neptune, Venus enters Virgo, Mercury stations retrograde, Mars semisquare Eris

AUGUST OVERVIEW: The month of August 2024 promises to be eventful! It also marks the start of two longer-term influences that we'll be working with through the first half of 2025. Here's an overview of the highlights:

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Sun enters Leo 12:44 a.m. PDT, Sun opposite Pluto
Tuesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Mercury quincunx Neptune, Mercury enters Virgo, Sun sextile Mars
Friday: Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn, Chiron stations retrograde, Venus quincunx Saturn, Mercury quincunx Pluto
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

FIRE AND AIR: We are working with very different energies as we head into this fourth week of July, thanks to two planets changing signs: Mars left earthy Taurus on July 20 and is now in airy Gemini, while the Sun will exit watery Cancer and make ingress into fiery Leo on Monday, July 22. One specific symptom we might experience with these shifts is the sense that life is moving exceptionally quickly ~ even more swiftly than the rapid pace we've become used to in recent months!

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury quincunx Saturn, Sun square Chiron, Mars conjunct Uranus
Tuesday: Mars sesquiquadrate Ceres
Wednesday: Sun square Eris, Jupiter quincunx Ceres
Thursday: Sun sextile Uranus, Mercury trine Chiron, Sun semisquare Jupiter
Friday: Uranus sesquiquadrate Ceres
Saturday: Mars sextile Neptune, Mars enters Gemini, Mercury trine Eris
Sunday: Full Moon, Eris stations retrograde, Venus sextile Jupiter, Mercury square Uranus, Sun trine Neptune, Mars trine Pluto

A DYNAMIC WEEK: We are entering a highly impactful week, a time of major transitions. The third week of July is destined to be historical right from the start, with the explosive Mars-Uranus conjunction perfecting on Monday, July 15. Not to be outdone, the closing scenes of the week's dramas are under the direction of a transformational, Pluto-powered Full Moon that perfects on Sunday, July 21.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Venus sextile Uranus, Mercury sextile Jupiter
Tuesday: Jupiter sextile North Node
Wednesday: Sun trine Saturn
Thursday: Venus trine Neptune, Venus enters Leo, Jupiter semisquare Eris, Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune
Friday: Venus opposite Pluto
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn
(Monday July 15: Mars conjunct Uranus 7:04 a.m. PDT 26°19' Taurus)

HEIGHTENED ENERGIES: Excitable Mars and radical Uranus will precisely conjoin next Monday, July 15. Although the influence of this alignment is strongest on that date, the two planets are already within each other's orb; thus, we are starting to feel anticipatory symptoms related to their conjunction. Plus, a review of history reveals that world events related to strong planetary aspects such as this Mars-Uranus alignment often occur in the days leading up to, or even in the week following, the date of precision.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Sun semisquare Uranus
Tuesday: Neptune stations retrograde, Mercury trine Neptune, Mercury enters Leo, Venus trine Saturn
Wednesday: Mercury opposite Pluto
Thursday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn
Friday: Mars sextile Saturn, Venus square Chiron
Saturday: Venus semisquare Jupiter
Sunday: Venus square Eris

SATURN AND NEPTUNE: As July gets underway, our lives and purposes feel even less defined than usual. We may have more questions than answers at this time. A level of uncertainty could be strong and perhaps accompanied by a sense of disillusionment or even foreboding.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Mercury opposite Ceres, Venus semisquare Uranus
Wednesday: Venus square the nodal axis, Mercury trine Saturn
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mercury semisquare Jupiter, Mercury square Chiron, Venus sextile Mars
Saturday: Mars semisquare Neptune, Saturn stations retrograde, Mercury square Eris, Venus opposite Ceres, Mercury sextile Uranus
Sunday: Mars trine Ceres, Jupiter semisquare Chiron

TWO PLANETS AT A STANDSTILL: These next two weeks ~ the final week of June and the first week of July 2024 ~ are dominated by the influences of two planets with very different agendas: realistic, goal-oriented Saturn and idealistic, go-with-the-flow Neptune. Both planets are virtually at a standstill as they prepare to go retrograde; Saturn will reach its station this Saturday, June 29, and Neptune follows suit on Tuesday, July 2.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury square Neptune, Mercury enters Cancer,
Mercury conjunct Venus, Mercury quincunx Pluto
Tuesday: Venus quincunx Pluto
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Sun square Neptune, Sun enters Cancer
Friday: Mercury sextile Mars, Mercury semisquare Uranus,
Full Moon 6:07 p.m. PDT 01°07' Capricorn
Saturday: Sun quincunx Pluto
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

CAPRICORN FULL MOON: The Sun enters empathetic Cancer at 1:50 p.m. PDT this Thursday, June 20. Our Central Star's change of signs marks the day of the Solstice and the start of a new season — summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in lands south of the equator. Planetary influences in effect at the turn of the season indicate themes that will unfold over the next three months; with the Full Moon peaking just a day after the Solstice, its energies are strongly active at the Solstice and therefore will impact our collective experience now through the September Equinox.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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MEDITATION from the InnerSelf.com article entitled:

You Are a Superhero: Help Reinstate Peace and Balance

which was excerpted with permission from the book:

Angel Abundance: Revelations on True Wealth from the 12 Archangels by Belinda J. Womack.

Test of Guided Meditation: Bringing Peace and Balance to Earth

Close your eyes and breathe slowly until you feel centered and secure. Step through the purple door into a coral landscape. Once you enter the coral world, say, “I invite my being to be rebalanced by my Soul.”

Just ahead of you are two huge piles of black sand. The pile on the right is bigger than the pile on the left. When you look around, you notice that there are six palm trees growing in the coral landscape and all of them are on the left. There seems to be nothing growing on the right. The rest of the landscape is barren, like dried-out, red-orange mud.

Place your hands on your abdomen and say, “Fear out, love in.” See your divine inner child, divine feminine, and divine masculine pouring violet-fire water on the black sand pile. They are pouring the energy on the line that has been drawn in the middle of the sand. Keep repeating, “Fear out, love in.”

Soon you will feel and see that the sand is disappearing. Say, “Peace in, conflict out.” Keep your hands relaxed on your abdomen and take deep breaths, pushing your belly into your hands when you inhale. The black sand completely disappears. Watch as the palm trees spread over the coral landscape and now grow on the right side as well as the left.

Say, “Thank you, Creator, for filling my humanity with peace and balance for the greatest good and the highest joy of all!”

The coral landscape is being filled with vegetation and flowers of many colors. A beautiful Angel appears. Say, “Thank you, Archangel Gaia, for rebalancing your planet. Thank you for helping me to rebalance my body and my life. Thank you for transforming the self-hatred of your children into love and respect for one another. I Am so grateful.”

Stand under a violet-fire waterfall and release any selves from your past that still feel conflicted or bitter. Say, “I forgive it all, even if I don’t want to forgive it. I invite peace and balance to fill my being and the One Human Body that I live within.”

Invite the violet-fire waterfall to transform into a rainbow vortex of undiluted love. Stand in the vortex and become the vortex of love. Grow until you are vast. Feel our energy merge with you. From this place of unity and Divine Oneness, we send peace, balance, and respect into the atoms of every particle of Creator’s energy on Earth. As above, so below and as within, so without, obeying the Law of One and the Law of Energy.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury semisquare Mars
Tuesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto, Mars square Pluto
Wednesday: Saturn sextile Ceres, Mercury quincunx Ceres, Mercury square Saturn, Jupiter sesquiquadrate Ceres, Sun sextile Chiron
Thursday: Mercury sextile Chiron
Friday: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mars semisquare Saturn, Mercury sextile Eris
Saturday: Sun sextile Eris
Sunday: Venus square Neptune, Venus enters Cancer

THE MARS EFFECT: As we journey through the rest of 2024, the planet Mars will be a major player in our shared experience, due to making hard aspects to each of the five outer planets. As each of these aspects becomes exact, we can expect to see an increase in tensions, perhaps accompanied by fireworks.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury enters Gemini, Mercury trine Pluto
Tuesday: Mercury conjunct Jupiter, Sun conjunct Venus
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: New Moon 5:37 a.m. PDT 16 Gemini 17, Mercury semisquare Chiron, Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Venus square Saturn, Mercury semisquare Eris, Mars enters Taurus
Sunday: Sun square Saturn

SOLAR FLARES: As the month of June gets underway, solar flare activity is escalating once again. In the past 48 hours (at the time of this writing on Sunday, June 2), the sun has erupted with three X-class solar flares (the strongest magnitude), three moderate M-class flares, and more than 30 minor C-class flares.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury sextile Saturn, Mars square Ceres
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mercury trine Ceres, Venus semisquare Mars, Venus semisquare Chiron, Mars conjunct Chiron
Thursday: Sun semisquare Eris, Mercury conjunct Uranus
Friday: Venus semisquare Eris
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Mars conjunct Eris, Jupiter trine Pluto, Mercury sextile Neptune

JUPITER & PLUTO: Jupiter entered the airy, mental sign of Gemini on May 25. Over the next 12 months, the Great Planet will be magnifying our awareness of those areas of life that fall under the jurisdiction of The Twins. These areas include communications and the news, facts and fictions, travel and transport, trade and treaties, schools and learning, the nervous system and memory, and events that occur in our local environs and neighborhoods.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Sun enters Gemini 5:59 a.m. PDT
Tuesday: Sun semisquare Mars
Wednesday: Sun trine Pluto
Thursday: Venus conjunct Jupiter, Venus sextile Neptune, Full Moon 6:52 a.m. PDT (02 Sagittarius 55), Venus enters Gemini
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Venus trine Pluto, Mercury semisquare Neptune, Jupiter enters Gemini
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

JUPITER RULES: The planet Jupiter plays a major role in our experience of the energies this coming week. The Full Moon on Thursday is in Sagittarius, the sign that Jupiter "rules" (is strongly affiliated with), and the giant planet changes signs on Saturday when it departs Taurus and enters Gemini.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Sun conjunct Uranus, Venus sextile Saturn
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mercury enters Taurus
Thursday: Chiron square Ceres, Venus trine Ceres
Friday: Mercury square Pluto, Mars semisquare Jupiter, Mercury semisquare Saturn
Saturday: Venus conjunct Uranus, Sun conjunct Jupiter
Sunday: Sun sextile Neptune, Mars conjunct North Node

SOLAR MAXIMUM? Even if you don't monitor solar flare activity, you may be familiar with the term "Solar Maximum" or have read about it happening in 2024. To explain: the Sun has cycles of activity that last about 11 years, on average (the shortest on record lasted nine years, the longest more than 13 years). Each cycle begins at Solar Minimum, when there are relatively few sunspots and usually only minor solar flares. Activity then reaches a peak about five or six years later, when the sunspot number is high and solar flares increase in both quantity and intensity.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Saturn semisquare Pluto, Mercury conjunct Chiron, Sun sextile Saturn
Tuesday: New Moon 8:21 p.m. 18 Taurus 02
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mars semisquare Uranus, Venus semisquare Neptune
Saturday: Mercury conjunct Eris
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

NEW MOON: The Sun and Moon align in peace-loving Taurus at 8:21 p.m. PDT on May 7, marking the beginning of a new lunar cycle. Although we usually think of The Bull as being somewhat slower moving and resistant to change, this New Moon could manifest in major changes due to its proximity to Uranus and to Jupiter. And, while Taurus usually prefers comfort and simplicity, it is best not to expect life to feel familiar or to be uncomplicated now.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Venus enters Taurus
Tuesday: Mars enters Aries, Venus semisquare Saturn, Venus square Pluto
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Pluto stations retrograde
Friday: Mars sextile Pluto, Sun semisquare Neptune
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

STATIONARY PLUTO: Passionate Pluto is at peak energy now, being virtually at a standstill as it prepares to go retrograde in Aquarius this Thursday, May 2. Though small in physical terms, the dwarf planet can wield a mighty sword at times, cutting through old paradigms and initiating a process of cleansing and transformation.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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One of the most powerful things you can do is a personal clearing of your own energy field. The following is an energetic clearing that Robin Duda, the soul alchemist I've been working with from Santa Fe, New Mexico, has supplied.

This invocation uses words, voice, and movement to help clear and energize body, soul and personal will, uniting them. In this process you will be calling on your Multidimensional Self to more firmly embody on Earth and more deeply connect with love as your Source, thus supporting freedom and personal intentions.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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After returning from Africa in the early '80s, I was hired as a consultant by the Swiss Foreign Office to undertake a fascinating study of seven Western nations (Belgium, Holland, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and Western Germany) during which I interviewed over two hundred people in more than 100 organizations to see how they were raising public awareness in their countries of the great challenge of international development.

I ended almost every interview with the question: "It's easy to see what's wrong with the world today - anyone can come up with a long list of problems. So, I'd like to ask you to mention what you see as the three positive trends in the world - in any field."

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The phrase “Get ready, get set, GO!” describes a formula for effective living. We screw things up when we leave out the middle step, by getting trapped on what I call the “see-do bypass.” We know we’re stuck on the see-do bypass when we skip the “get set” step to plunge immediately from awareness to action. Or, when we endure situations we don’t enjoy but feel powerless to change them. I’ve challenged my own habits of being impulsive or staying stuck by reversing another well-known phrase to read, “Don’t just do something, stand there!”Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Full Moon 4:48 p.m. PDT (04 Scorpio 17)
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Venus conjunct Eris, Mercury SD
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Mars conjunct Neptune

PINK FULL MOON: The current lunar cycle reaches its crescendo on Tuesday as the Moon shines its brightest in the night sky. Indigenous peoples in eastern North America called the Full Moon of April the "Pink Moon," due to it occurring when the herb Moss Pink (creeping phlox) was in full bloom.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: Mercury conjunct Chiron
Tuesday: Mercury square Ceres, Mars sextile Ceres
Wednesday: Venus conjunct North Node
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mercury conjunct Venus, Sun enters Taurus, Mars sextile Jupiter, Mars sextile Uranus, Sun semisquare Saturn
Saturday: Jupiter conjunct Uranus
Sunday: Venus conjunct Chiron, Sun square Pluto

BREAKTHROUGHS & AWAKENINGS: The long-awaited Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is exact this week! This alignment was one of the reasons I entitled my last webinar "Breakthroughs & Awakenings," based on the potential manifestations of these two planets working together.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.

Monday: New Moon 11:20 a.m. PDT, Sun conjunct Chiron, Mercury (R) conjunct Eris
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mars conjunct Saturn
Thursday: Sun conjunct Mercury (R)
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Mars semisquare Pluto, Sun conjunct Eris
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: The Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 is a powerful one, with potentially major effects on our individual lives and also on our collective evolution. Visually, eclipses such as this are always thrilling, since the Moon completely blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Earth, causing "day to turn to night."

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mercury stations retrograde 3:14 p.m. PDT
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus conjunct Neptune
Thursday: Mars semisquare Eris, Sun conjunct North Node, Venus enters Aries
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Mercury semisquare Mars, Venus sextile Pluto
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

A LAND BETWEEN: At the time of the Lunar Eclipse on March 25, we crossed the threshold into a world that is painted with different colors than we are normally used to. During the two-week period between eclipses, life can seem surreal, events move quickly, and situations may reach a crisis or turning point. We also experience emotions and physical issues more profoundly.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse 12 a.m. PDT, Venus semisquare Pluto, Sun semisquare Uranus
Tuesday: Mercury conjunct Eris
Wednesday: Mars semisquare Chiron
Thursday: Venus sextile Uranus
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

LUNAR ECLIPSE: At precisely 12 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on March 25, the Full Moon perfects and a penumbral Lunar Eclipse is near its peak. Visually, this type of eclipse is somewhat anticlimactic; instead of the Moon turning reddish, as it does during a total Lunar Eclipse, the disk of the Moon will be only slightly darker than normal, for about four hours total. However, all eclipses are powerful, no matter their designation!

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mercury conjunct North Node
Tuesday: Venus semisquare Eris, Sun semisquare Jupiter, Sun enters Aries (Equinox)
Wednesday: Mercury conjunct Chiron
Thursday: Sun sextile Pluto, Venus conjunct Saturn
Friday: Mars enters Pisces
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Venus sextile Jupiter

ARIES EQUINOX: The astrological New Year begins on Tuesday, March 19, when the Sun enters the first sign of the zodiac. This is also the Aries Equinox, the day when the Sun crosses the celestial equator in its journey north and the inhabitants of planet Earth experience the hours of daylight and darkness as approximately equal.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Venus enters Pisces
Tuesday: Mercury semisquare Uranus, Saturn sextile Ceres
Wednesday: Venus semisquare Chiron
Thursday: Mercury semisquare Mars
Friday: Mars sextile Eris
Saturday: Mercury square Ceres
Sunday: Sun conjunct Neptune

ECLIPSE SEASON: With the Pisces New Moon behind us and a Lunar Eclipse Full Moon less than two weeks away, we are now at the entrance to eclipse season. During this six-week portal, events and changes occur that bring our lives into stronger alignment with our soul's path and greater destiny.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mercury sextile Uranus, Mars sextile North Node
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Sun semisquare Pluto, Mars sextile Chiron
Thursday: Venus sextile Eris
Friday: Mercury conjunct Neptune, Mercury semisquare Jupiter
Saturday: Mars square Uranus, Sun sextile Uranus, Mercury enters Aries
Sunday: New Moon 1 p.m. PST, Mercury sextile Pluto

MARCH OVERVIEW: Four of the ten main planets are in Pisces as we begin the month of March, enhancing the creative imagination and intuition, increasing our capacity for compassion and understanding, and drawing our attention to the mystical or metaphysical aspects of this otherwise very "real" physical existence. These Piscean qualities are especially emphasized during the New Moon on March 10, at which time the Sun and Moon are within orb of transcendental Neptune.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mercury sextile Ceres
Tuesday: Mars square Jupiter
Wednesday: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mars semisquare Neptune, Mercury semisquare Eris, Sun semisquare Eris, Mercury conjunct Saturn, Sun conjunct Saturn
Thursday: Mercury sextile Jupiter
Friday: Sun sextile Jupiter, Venus sextile Chiron
Saturday: Mercury semisquare Pluto
Sunday: Venus square Uranus, Jupiter semisquare Neptune

THE ADVENTURES OF JUPITER: Jupiter, the planet of optimism and faith, encounters some obstacles this week, being in hard aspect to both Mars and Neptune. We may find our beliefs challenged by circumstances that are outside of our conscious control in the days ahead, or perhaps feel disillusioned by something that has not lived up to our ideals or expectations.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Chiron conjunct North Node, Mercury sextile Eris
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus conjunct Mars
Thursday: Mercury enters Pisces
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Mercury semisquare Chiron, Full Moon 4:30 a.m. PST, Venus square Jupiter, Saturn semisquare Eris
Sunday: Venus semisquare Neptune

FULL MOON: The current lunar cycle reaches its peak this week when the Moon is exactly opposite the Sun in the sky, at 4:30 a.m. PST (1230 UT) on Saturday, February 24. At that time, Luna will be positioned at 05°23´ Virgo, opposing the Sun at the same degree of Pisces.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mars enters Aquarius
Tuesday: Sun sextile Eris, Venus sextile Neptune, Mars conjunct Pluto
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Mercury sextile Chiron
Friday: Venus enters Aquarius, Mercury square Uranus
Saturday: Venus conjunct Pluto
Sunday: Sun enters Pisces

THE PARADE CONTINUES: Following in Mercury's footsteps, Mars and Venus both enter Aquarius this week and immediately conjoin Pluto. While a Mars-Pluto conjunction happens every two years and a Venus-Pluto conjunction occurs annually, this will be the first time these two planets have aligned with Pluto in Aquarius in more than 200 years. Let's take these events one at a time.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I have the courage to make changes in my life.

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The focus for today is:
I send my love energy out into the world.

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The focus for today is:
I practice kindness which buffers the effects of negative news on mental health.

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The focus for today is:

For grounding and anchoring, I spend extended time outdoors,
in places with strong, supportive, nourishing energy.

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The focus for today is:

“What’s this feeling about and what do I need to do with it?”

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Venus square Chiron, Sun sextile Chiron, Mercury conjunct Pluto, Mars square Eris
Tuesday: Venus square nodal axis, Sun sextile North Node
Wednesday: Venus trine Uranus, Mars sextile Neptune
Thursday: Sun square Uranus
Friday: New Moon 2:58 p.m. PST 20 Aquarius 40
Saturday: Mercury square Jupiter, Venus semisquare Saturn
Sunday: Venus square Eris, Mercury semisquare Neptune

THE FEBRUARY PARADE: With Mercury entering Aquarius at 9:10 p.m. PST on February 5, we begin a parade of planets into Aquarius — first Mercury, then Mars (February 12), and then Venus (February 16). While this is not a terribly rare occurrence, since the three personal planets do sometimes travel closely together, it carries more significance now; as each planet enters the eleventh sign, it will immediately conjoin Pluto in Aquarius, for the first time in more than 200 years.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I use my intentions for my benefit as well as that of humanity.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to reflect on what serves the greater good and what does not.

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The focus for today is:
I find my way to creating a great life and successful career I love.

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The focus for today is:

I take action to design a new future for myself and bring it into being.

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The focus for today is:
I can handle most any situation just by making a step-by-step plan.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mars trine Uranus
Tuesday: Mercury semisquare Saturn, Sun semisquare Neptune
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Mercury square Eris, Mars semisquare Saturn
Friday: Mercury sextile Neptune
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Mercury enters Aquarius

FEBRUARY OVERVIEW: A new calendar month begins this week, initiating a period in which we will see increasing evidence of the transformational and, at times, seemingly deconstructive effects of Pluto's transit of Aquarius. As a powerful catalyst for change, the mighty dwarf planet often takes on the role of The Psychotherapist, revealing the darker side of the human psyche so that it might be transmuted.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
The stories I tell about myself help me figure out who I am.

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The focus for today is:
To increase my strength, I choose joy, love, and acceptance of others.

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The focus for today is:
I stretch to mend the part of the world that is within my reach.

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The focus for today is:
What kind of stories am I telling myself and others about who I am?

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The focus for today is:
I choose to be part of a cause for a purpose larger than myself.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Venus enters Capricorn
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Mars square Chiron, Full Moon 9:53 a.m. PST
Friday: Mercury square Chiron, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus, Neptune square Ceres, Sun square Jupiter, Uranus stations direct
Saturday: Mercury conjunct Mars, Mercury square nodal axis, Venus sextile Saturn
Sunday: Mars square nodal axis, Mercury trine Uranus, Venus trine Jupiter

LEO FULL MOON: With the Aquarius Sun and mighty Pluto traveling side-by-side over the next few days, we expect this week's Full Moon to be especially impactful. The lunation perfects at 9:54 a.m. PST on Thursday, January 25. At that time, the Moon will be at 5°14´ Leo, opposite the Sun and Pluto, and also in tight square aspect to the giant planet Jupiter. This arrangement of the planets creates a configuration called a fixed T-square.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to meditate, exercise, and get to bed early.

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The focus for today is:
The tiniest act of kindness is of great value to the progress of humankind.

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The focus for today is:
I let go of self-sabotaging attitudes and limiting beliefs.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to invest my creative imagination in ways
that enable me to heal, evolve, and wake up.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Sun sextile Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter
Tuesday: Venus conjunct Ceres
Wednesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus
Thursday: Mercury sextile Saturn, Venus trine Eris
Friday: Mercury trine Jupiter, Venus square Neptune
Saturday: Sun conjunct Pluto, Sun enters Aquarius, Pluto enters Aquarius
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

TRANSITION: We enter a powerful transitional phase this week, initiated by the Sun's alignment with Pluto in the final degree of Capricorn, and their side-by-side ingress into the next sign. Thus begins a four-week timeframe in which the remaining personal planets — first Mercury, then Mars, then Venus — all conjoin dynamic Pluto in the first degree of progressive Aquarius.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to remain well-balanced in my mind, relationships, and in my plans and actions.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:

I choose to grow up, to bloom, to fulfill my true creative potential.

Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to see the good in others and situations,
and learn to enjoy what I have right now.Be sure to visit

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The focus for today is:
I am learning to become more authentic.

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The focus for today is:
I re-orient myself to self-acceptance, self-care, and self-actualization.

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The focus for today is:
My inner voice calms me down when I start to go ballistic.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mercury square Neptune
Tuesday: Sun semisquare Saturn, Sun trine Uranus, Mars sextile Saturn, Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus
Wednesday: Venus semisquare Pluto
Thursday: New Moon at 3:57 a.m. PST, Venus trine Chiron, Eris stations direct
Friday: Mars trine Jupiter
Saturday: Mercury enters Capricorn
Sunday: Venus quincunx Uranus, Sun square Eris

CAPRICORN NEW MOON: The first New Moon of 2024 occurs at 3:57 a.m. PST this Thursday, January 11, when the Sun and Moon align at 20°44´ Capricorn. A New Moon in the sign of The Seagoat is usually a fortuitous time for setting goals and aiming our sights on the mountaintop. Capricorn is known to be self-sufficient, disciplined, and hardworking, perfect qualities for making a successful ascent.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I free myself by widening my circle of compassion.

Continue readingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is:
I focus on addressing the problems I can solve.

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The focus for today is:
I make decisions that support my well-being and innate joy.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to spend time connecting with friends.

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The focus for today is:
What will bring me more joy, love, and peace this year?

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Astrological Overview: January 1 - 7, 2024

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Venus square Saturn, Mercury stations direct
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus quincunx Jupiter
Thursday: Mars enters Capricorn
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Sun square Chiron
Sunday: Mercury trine Eris

A NEW YEAR BEGINS: Welcome to 2024! Based on the astrological influences, the coming year is going to provide us with a wide variety of life-changing experiences — ranging from major opportunities to significant challenges.

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The focus for today, and the weekend, is:
High self-esteem will have long-term benefits in my life.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to pause and not instantly react to a situation.

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The focus for today is:
I take the necessary steps to make my dreams come true.

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Ah, the holiday season is when our hearts brim with anticipation, and our spirits soar with expectations. Yet, beneath the surface of joyous festivities, a subtle undercurrent of pressure flows, threatening to engulf us in the tides of stress, burnout, and emotional depletion. We must be reminded of a fundamental truth - the importance of managing these expectations carefully and embracing the stark contrast between the idyllic holiday fantasies and the raw authenticity of real life.

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The focus for today is:
I take time out of my busy schedule for small doses of solitude.

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The focus for today is:
I make getting a good night's sleep a priority.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Venus trine Neptune
Tuesday: Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus, Mercury square Neptune
Wednesday: Sun trine Jupiter, Mars trine Eris, Mercury conjunct Mars, Full Moon 4:32 p.m. PST, Mercury trine Eris
Thursday: Mars square Neptune, Pluto semisquare Ceres, Venus sextile Pluto
Friday: Venus enters Sagittarius
Saturday: Jupiter stations direct
Sunday: No major aspects are exact

CANCER FULL MOON: The final lunation of 2023 occurs at 4:33 p.m. PST this Tuesday, December 26, when the Moon at 04°58´ Cancer is exactly opposite the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn. Emotional sensitivity is always heightened at the time of a Full Moon, especially when Luna is in Cancer, the sign of empathy and nurturing, home and family.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to be the change I wish to see in the world.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to see beyond my "ego self" and find peace of mind.

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The focus for today is:
I develop good habits and reduce 'decision fatigue'

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The focus for today is:
I seek and sustain connection with others daily.

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The focus for today is:
Living with purpose provides a deeper satisfaction than trying to be happy.

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Astrological Overview: December 18-24, 2023

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Mercury trine Jupiter
Tuesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus
Wednesday: Venus opposite Uranus
Thursday: Mercury sextile Saturn, Mars quincunx Uranus, Sun enters Capricorn
Friday: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mars sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mercury retrogrades into Sagittarius
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Sun sextile Saturn, Mars trine North Node

GALACTIC CENTER: At the heart of our Milky Way galaxy lies a supermassive black hole called the Galactic Center. Our solar system revolves around that galactic core, even as our entire galaxy – along with other nearby galaxies in our Local Group – also moves through the vastness of intergalactic space, drawn toward a massive galactic anomaly known as the Great Attractor.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to rediscover the "true spirit" of Christmas.

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The focus for today is:
I am willing to recognize and acknowledge the fears beneath my resistance or negative responses.

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The focus for today is:
My beliefs, energies, and thoughts have a ripple effect.

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The focus for today is:
I seek to see things from as many points of view as I can imagine.

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The focus for today is:

I choose to make the best of whatever life gives me.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.
Monday: Mercury sextile Venus, Sun quincunx Uranus
Tuesday: New Moon 3:31 p.m. PST, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Mercury stations retrograde
Wednesday: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mars semisquare Pluto
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mars trine Chiron
Saturday: Sun trine Eris, Sun square Neptune
Sunday: Venus quincunx Chiron

SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON: A new and exciting lunar cycle begins this Tuesday, December 12, when the Sun and Moon align at 20°40´ Sagittarius. This New Moon is exactly aligned with the fixed star Atria (at 20°54´ Sagittarius). Atria is the brightest star in a constellation called the Triangulum Australis (Southern Triangle). It is about seven times larger than our Sun and emits about 5,000 times the luminosity.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I am learning to shift my focus to the present.

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The focus for today is:

I release my fear of the unknown and seek the ideal outcome.

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The focus for today is:
I am learning to observe myself without judgment.

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The focus for today is:
I release my conditioning and become a powerful carrier of change for the world.

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The focus for today is:

I choose to keep my heart open all the time.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Venus enters Scorpio
Tuesday: Venus trine Saturn, Sun semisquare Pluto
Wednesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Neptune stations direct
Thursday: Mars sesquiquadrate Eris, Sun trine Chiron, Mercury trine Jupiter
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Venus opposite Jupiter
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

NEPTUNE EFFECT: The planet Neptune, named for the God of the Vast Oceans in Roman myth, is a dominant influence in our lives this week. Neptune will come to a standstill on Wednesday, December 6, completing its retrograde phase and preparing to move forward through the zodiac once again.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:

I choose to constantly marvel at existence and at the world.

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The focus for today is:

I seek clarity: in my thinking, feelings, goals, actions, relationships, and results.

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InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration November 29, 2023

The focus for today is:

I choose to reach my potential and fulfill my part in the divine plan.

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The focus for today is:

I choose to show up as the person I was always meant to be.

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The focus for today is:

I choose to be grounded in my body, and move into my heart.

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Astrological Overview: November 27-December 3, 2023

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Full Moon 1:16 a.m. PST, Saturn square Ceres, Mercury square Neptune
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus conjunct South Node, Sun quincunx Jupiter
Thursday: Venus quincunx Neptune
Friday: Mercury enters Capricorn
Saturday: Mercury sextile Saturn
Sunday: Venus square Pluto, Mars quincunx Jupiter

GEMINI FULL MOON: November's Full Moon brightens the night skies this week, reaching perfection at 1:16 a.m. PST on Monday the 27th. At that time, the Moon will be at 04°51´ Gemini, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Sagittarius.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Sun conjunct Ceres, Sun sextile Pluto, Mercury trine Chiron, Pluto sextile Ceres
Tuesday: Mars sextile Pluto
Wednesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn, Sun enters Sagittarius, Venus opposite Chiron, Mars conjunct Ceres
Thursday: Sun square Saturn, Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron
Friday: Mercury quincunx Uranus, Mars enters Sagittarius, Ceres enters Sagittarius
Saturday: Saturn semisquare Chiron, Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron, Mars square Saturn, Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter
Sunday: Venus quincunx Uranus, Mercury trine Eris

SAGITTARIUS RISING: Three planets exit emotionally intense, watery Scorpio and enter optimistic, fiery Sagittarius over the course of the next few days: the Sun makes ingress on Wednesday, and Mars and Ceres follow suit on Friday. As these three join Mercury in the ninth sign of the zodiac, we may find it easier to rise above some of the emotional density we've been feeling lately.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: New Moon 1:27 a.m. PST, Sun opposite Uranus, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mercury sextile Venus, Sun semisquare Venus, Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Venus quincunx Jupiter
Thursday: Mars quincunx Eris, Mercury sesquiquadrate Eris, Sun quincunx Eris
Friday: Mars trine Neptune, Sun trine Neptune, Sun conjunct Mars
Saturday: Mercury semisquare Pluto
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

SCORPIO NEW MOON: A new lunar cycle begins at 1:27 a.m. PST this Monday, November 13, when the Sun and Moon align at 20°43' Scorpio. The eighth sign of the zodiac is ruled by both the Scorpion and the Eagle, symbolizing the lower-frequency and the higher-vibrational qualities of the sign. With every sign, we have a choice of whether to take the high road or the low road, but our options with Scorpio can be especially clear and compelling.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to share my innate gifts with the world.

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The focus for today is:
I make my life into an adventure of discovery.

Rewrite the following in the style of Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Craft the narrative at a 10th-grade reading level, weaving together complex ideas with a matter of fact approach that makes this article accessible to a general audience. Write this where it will pass an al detector:

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The focus for today is:
My attitude sets the tone for my day, and my life.

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The focus for today is:
I choose activities that align with my purpose.

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The focus for today is:
I practice and cultivate peace and freedom of mind.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

Monday: Venus trine Pluto, Mercury quincunx Eris, Mercury trine Neptune
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus enters Libra, Venus quincunx Saturn, Mercury sextile Pluto, Sun quincunx Chiron
Thursday: Mercury enters Sagittarius
Friday: Mercury square Saturn, Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron
Saturday: Mars opposite Uranus
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

LAST QUARTER MOON: We are now winding down from eclipse season, with the waning Moon in the Last Quarter phase of its current cycle. This phase of the Moon brings with it instructions to review the experiences that we have engaged since the Solar Eclipse on October 14, and to sort through the revelations and insights we gained with assist from the Lunar Eclipse on October 28.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to live transparently with an open and honest heart.

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The focus for today is:
Regular routines can help me manage my health and stress.

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The focus for today is:
I nurture healthier and more authentic relationships.

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The focus for today is:
I let the Universe surprise me and I expect to be amazed.

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The focus for today is:
Mindfulness helps me stay present and alert in every moment.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Venus trine Uranus
Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Chiron
Thursday: Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune, Sun opposite Jupiter
Friday: Venus quincunx Eris, Venus opposite Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter
Saturday: Saturn stations direct, Mars quintile Pluto, Mercury conjunct Ceres, Mercury opposite Uranus, Uranus opposite Ceres
Sunday: Mars quincunx Chiron, Jupiter semisquare Neptune

THE VEIL THINS: It is said that the veil between dimensions, especially between those who exist in physical and those who have transitioned into nonphysical, is especially thin at the time of an eclipse. With that same quality also attributed to both Halloween and Samhain, these days between October 28 and November 1 are a time when we may feel unusually aware of other realms, and of the beings that reside therein.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I always have a choice.

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The focus for today is:
What is my next step?

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The focus for today is:
I choose to spend time getting to know my higher self.

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The focus for today is:
The more I meditate, the more my life improves.

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The focus for today is:
Relaxation opens me up to feeling more pleasure.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Sun enters Scorpio
Tuesday: Sun trine Saturn
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Venus quincunx Chiron
Friday: Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune
Saturday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune,
Mars opposite Jupiter,
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse 1:23 p.m. PDT,
Mercury opposite Jupiter
Sunday: Mercury conjunct Mars

LUNAR ECLIPSE: The final eclipse of 2023 will grace our skies next Saturday, October 28. The Full Moon event, which perfects at 1:24 p.m. PDT (2024 UT), occurs when the Moon is at 05°09´ Taurus, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Scorpio, with our planet Earth positioned between the two luminaries.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I am open to discovering the gifts life is offering me.

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The focus for today is:
I am so much more than I know.

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The focus for today is:

I choose to step into the life I was meant to live.

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The focus for today is:

When I tell the truth and I am myself, I set myself free.

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The focus for today is:
I commit to quiet time each morning to "establish my day".

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Mercury quincunx Uranus
Wednesday: Sun opposite Eris, Sun conjunct South Node, Mercury opposite Eris, Sun quincunx Neptune, Mercury conjunct South Node
Thursday: Mercury quincunx Neptune, Sun conjunct Mercury
Friday: Mercury square Pluto
Saturday: Sun square Pluto, Venus trine Jupiter, Mercury enters Scorpio
Sunday: Mercury trine Saturn, Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto

ECLIPSE PASSAGEWAY: We are now in that two-week period between eclipses, when life takes on a surreal quality and we can feel adrift in time and space. It is as if we have one foot in the past and one in the future while we await the arrival of the second eclipse. The closing event of the current eclipse season, a partial but powerful Lunar Eclipse/Full Moon on October 28, will hopefully help reinstate a sense of inner cohesion and stabilize our footing as we continue on our evolutionary path.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is: I am now, and will forever be, Under Construction. Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is: I focus on solutions, rather than problems. Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is:
I nurture the potential for resilience, growth, and a brighter tomorrow.

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The focus for today is:
I raise my consciousness and initiate a positive shift.

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The focus for today is:
To access inner peace, I look into my heart and act on its guidance.

Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus opposite Saturn
Tuesday: Pluto stations direct, Sun opposite Chiron
Wednesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron, Mars enters Scorpio
Thursday: Mercury quincunx Jupiter
Friday: Mars trine Saturn, Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn
Saturday: New Moon/Solar Eclipse, Mercury opposite Chiron
Sunday: Sun quincunx Uranus, Jupiter opposite Ceres

RING OF FIRE ECLIPSE: October's New Moon, which occurs this coming Saturday, will be accompanied by an annular Solar Eclipse. This type of partial eclipse is known as a "ring of fire" eclipse because, although the Moon is passing in front of the Sun, it does not completely cover the Sun's disk. Instead of seeing the darkened circle of a total eclipse, with an annular eclipse we see a band of bright light blazing like a burning magician's hoop in the sky.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose thoughts that honor myself and are accepting of other people.

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The focus for today is:
All my choices move me toward -- or away -- from love.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to restore balance in my body's nervous system.

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The focus for today is:
I hold on to the vision of a better tomorrow.

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The focus for today is:
What is the most loving choice I can make?

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mercury opposite Neptune, Venus trine Eris
Tuesday: Mercury trine Pluto, Venus quincunx Neptune
Wednesday: Mars opposite Eris, Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mars conjunct North Node, Mercury enters Libra
Thursday: Mercury quincunx Saturn, Sun semisquare Venus, Mars quincunx Neptune
Friday: Venus quincunx Pluto
Saturday: Sun quincunx Jupiter
Sunday: Mars square Pluto, Venus enters Virgo, Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus

OCTOBER OVERVIEW: October 2023 promises to be a profoundly transformational and, at times, emotionally intense month. Here are some of the powerful planetary events we'll be working with, week by week:

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to take care of what's in front of me, in the moment.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to notice the little, everyday variety of miracles.

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The focus for today is:
I change my priorities to be geared to the people and the planet.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to bring Nature into my life.

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The focus for today is:
The fork in the road of life is filled with magnificent possibilities.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mercury trine Jupiter
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Chiron
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Full Moon/Supermoon at 2:57 a.m. PDT, Venus square Uranus
Saturday: Mercury trine Uranus, Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus, Mars quincunx Uranus
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

HARVEST MOON: Our Full Moon this Friday, September 29, is notable for several reasons. Most obvious to the eye, it is the last Supermoon of 2023, occurring when the Moon is at the point of its orbit when it is nearest to the Earth (perigee). This proximity makes Luna appear even brighter and larger in the sky and also amplifies its effects on our emotions.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to rest for the sake of my health and quality of life.

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The focus for today is:
I get out of fear and return to gratefulness.

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The focus for today is:
Clarity is mine when I take the time to seek it out.

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The focus for today is:
I bring forth and creatively express, the revelations of my intuition.

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The focus for today is:

"Is how I am thinking and feeling contributing to suffering or to freedom?"

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Sun opposite Neptune, Mars quincunx Jupiter
Wednesday: Saturn trine Ceres, Sun trine Pluto
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn, Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Sun enters Libra (Equinox)
Saturday: Venus trine Chiron, Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto
Sunday: Mars opposite Chiron, Sun quincunx Saturn

LIBRA THRESHOLD: We cross a seasonal threshold this week when the Sun enters Libra on Friday (Saturday in some time zones). This ingress marks the equinox, when the hours of light and dark are relatively equal. Whether we are entering autumn (Northern Hemisphere) or spring (Southern Hemisphere), this day carries special significance in our annual journey around the Sun.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
The lessons I need are presented when I am ready.

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The focus for today is:
I bring balance and harmony to my body, mind, and soul with quiet alone time in Nature.

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The focus for today is:

The path to true happiness is paved in gratitude.

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The focus for today is: I choose to celebrate the success of others.

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The focus for today is:
I let go of any feelings of shame and guilt for procrastinating.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Sun quincunx Chiron Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today Thursday: New Moon 6:39 p.m. PDT 21 Virgo 58 Friday: Mercury stations direct, Sun trine Uranus Saturday: Venus square Jupiter Sunday: Sun quincunx Eris

COMET C/2023 P1: Newly discovered Comet Nishimura will make its closest approach to Earth this Tuesday, coming within 78 million miles of our planet. The comet carries the name of space photographer Hideo Nishimura, who was the first to observe it, and has been growing in brightness as it gets closer to the Sun. It may be visible to the naked eye this week, but most will need binoculars and a location free of light pollution to view it. It can be found on the eastern horizon just before sunrise or near the western horizon just after sunset.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I am learning to see the nuances in Life and that things are rarely all good or all bad.

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The focus for today is:
I am willing and able to listen to eternal wisdom and to accept the mantle of true leadership.

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The focus for today is:
I tell myself everyday, "I love you. You are unique and special."

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The focus for today is: I choose to transform patterns or family karma so that I am no longer repeating them.Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to slow down and consciously remain present.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
Monday: Mercury trine Jupiter, Jupiter stations retrograde
Tuesday: Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto
Wednesday: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Sun trine Jupiter, Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Eris, Pluto square Ceres

JUPITER AT A STANDSTILL: Whenever a planet comes to a standstill, its energies are strongly focused at a specific degree of the zodiac. Any themes associated with that degree — whether through symbolic systems such as the Sabian symbols or by coinciding with the location of a fixed star or a galactic point — are highlighted and energized. Continue Reading

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Iron deficiency is one of the most common forms of nutrient deficiency around the world.
Severe iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, affects nearly 50% of women of reproductive age in regions like South Asia, Central Africa and West Africa (in contrast to 16% of women in high-income countries).
In New Zealand, 10.6% of women aged 15-18 and 12.1% of women aged 31-50 suffer from iron deficiency. The risk increases during the third trimester of pregnancy, and the iron status must be carefully monitored to ensure good health for both the mother and baby.
As more people consider switching to plant-based diets, the risk of iron deficiency will likely increase.Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Something strange is going on in women’s happiness research. ecause despite having more freedom and employment opportunities than ever before, women have higher levels of anxiety and more mental health challenges, such as depression, anger, loneliness and more restless sleep. And these results are seen across many countries and different age groups.

A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association may hold some clues as to why. The results found that most US women are unhappy with how society treats them.

Many women are still the main caregivers for children and elderly relatives. Most also have the double burden of managing the home and family arrangements on top of paid work responsibilities. And within the workplace three in five women have experienced bullying, sexual harassment or verbal abuse.Continue ReadingBe sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and to Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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The focus for today is:
I tell myself the truth about how I feel.

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Many people think cannabis smoke is harmless − a physician explains how that belief can put people at risk. Cannabis smoke shares many of the same toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.

Though tobacco use is declining among adults in the U.S., cannabis use is increasing. Laws and policies regulating the use of tobacco and cannabis are also moving in different directions.

Tobacco policies are becoming more restrictive, with bans on smoking in public places and limits on sales, such as statewide bans on flavored products. In contrast, more states are legalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use, and there are efforts to allow exceptions for cannabis in smoke-free laws.

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The focus for today is:
I keep my energy field clear with daily mindful rituals.

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“You talk about serving my community and designing my future and a lot of other things. I don’t have time for that!”

Time can be one of our most illusory possessions. We all at various moments tend to think we have more or less time than we do. Naturally, therefore, we tend to abuse time, or fail to capitalize on it, without even realizing what we are doing.

The mindset of thinking that we have more time than we actually do, often leads to procrastination and costly delays. The mindset of thinking that we don’t have enough time can cause us to eliminate and/or omit worthwhile and rewarding projects.

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In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, something is soul-soothing about coming home to your dog's wagging tail and eager eyes. More than just cuddly couch buddies, dogs are little heroes in fur coats.

They're not just wagging their tails at home; they're sniffing danger, lending a paw in hospitals, and even helping cops on the beat. Here's why your furry best friend is an everyday superstar in ways you might not have imagined.

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The focus for today is:
I am learning to engage with the world from the perspective of others.

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The focus for today is:
I am learning to assess the role of fear in my decision-making.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to feel respect and love for all that exists.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mars sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Uranus stations retrograde
Tuesday: Uranus quincunx Ceres
Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Chiron, Full Moon 6:35 p.m. PDT
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mars quincunx Saturn
Saturday: Sun sesquiquadrate Eris
Sunday: Venus stations direct

FINDING BALANCE: Three significant planetary events occur this week: sideways-spinning Uranus stations retrograde on Monday, August 28; this month's second Full Moon/Supermoon shines its brightest on Wednesday, August 30; and affectionate Venus completes its six-week retrograde phase as it stations direct next Sunday, September 3.

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The Power of an Apology -- and the Cost of Not

Whether it's your parent, coworker, child, lover, or friend, we all sometimes say and do things we regret. We fret, get defensive, make excuses, and rationalize that what we did wasn't so bad. Or we simply put the blunder out of our mind hoping it went unnoticed. "It's no big deal." "Anybody could make that mistake." "Who would remember?" These are all stall tactics we resort to because we don't want to experience the discomfort associated with an apology.

Why? Pride. Self-righteousness. Embarrassment. It is hard to admit that we're human and fallible. Owning up to the fact that we said or did something we know was hurtful can put a dent in our self-esteem.

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Enlightened Dog Training Principle #1: Silence is Golden

The more we reflect on our dog’s highly sensitive, animalistic, nonverbal consciousness, the better quality relationship we can achieve with them. Ultimately, we’ll be able to connect and communicate with them at a much higher level than we imagine possible, sometimes even telepathically. Silence is praise to the Universe.

In order to illustrate the results we would achieve from doing basic training exercises in silence, let us take a look at Nate and his two-year-old shaggy golden labradoodle Leo. Nate was a grooming client at Woof & Shloof nearly 10 years ago, and he was a masterful Peaceful Alpha.

Be sure to visit InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles where we promote "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30 languages.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to overcome unhealthy biases
and instead emphasize the inner soul of people.

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The focus for today is:
I remember to appreciate and enjoy what I have.

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The focus for today is:
I drop my judgments so I can get past my resistance.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to slow down into a calmer experience of life.

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The focus for today is:
I am the one I have been waiting for.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Sun quincunx Pluto
Tuesday: Venus square Jupiter, Mars opposite Neptune
Wednesday: Sun enters Virgo, Mercury stations retrograde
Thursday: Mars trine Pluto
Friday: Venus semisquare Mars
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Sun opposite Saturn, Mars enters Libra

SUN IN VIRGO:We begin a new astrological month this Wednesday, August 23, when the Sun enters Virgo at 2:01 a.m. PDT. As the transiting Sun moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac, it highlights the qualities of each sign, subtly influencing our human activities.

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The focus for today is:
Would I rather insist on being right, or would I rather be loved?

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The focus for today is:
I become aware of the feelings I wish to experience.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to focus on my passions and creativity.

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This is the giant Banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui. It shades a city block. It’s been burned but not destroyed in the fire that has leveled Lahaina, the cultural capital of Hawaii for over 300 years. There are untold numbers of dead and burn victims, thousands of homes and businesses have been incinerated … this is a tragedy unparalleled since the 1960 tsunami.

This is much more than a local catastrophe. Maui exists as a special place for millions of people all over the world, from those who revere it as one of the world’s sacred sites to tourists who come to reboot their lives. It’s also personally significant. My wife and I met there in 1993. We were married and lived there for seven years, moved back two years ago, enjoy a wonderful community of loving friends there and our rental home is currently sublet to a friend while we’re here in our cabin in the Oregon woods. We will return in October/November, to a very different island than the one we left.

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The focus for today is:
I am willing to ask for help (and give it as well).

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The focus for today is:
I am learning to love my shadow self, and the shadow self of others.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Venus trine Chiron, Saturn semisquare Chiron
Tuesday: Sun square Uranus
Wednesday: New Moon 2:37 a.m. PDT, Mars trine Uranus, Mercury quincunx Chiron
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Sun trine Eris
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Sun quincunx Neptune

LEO NEW MOON: Our second (of three) lunations this month is a dramatic New Moon that occurs this Wednesday, August 16. The Sun and Moon will align at 2:37 a.m. PDT on that day, when the two Lights are at 23°27´ Leo.

This New Moon and the new lunar cycle that begins on Wednesday are likely to bring surprising twists and turns, and many sudden changes that test our adaptability. The excitement is due to a tight square between the New Moon and radical Uranus, at the same time that the sideways-spinning planet is strongly activated by a trine to energizing Mars (also exact on Wednesday).

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You've probably heard of catnip in relationship to cats. Some cats really love it. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. On the other hand, bugs hate catnip. I'm talking of mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies or horse flies, and gnats. When they smell it, they usually leave the premises.

In the enchanting woods of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where I spend my summers, black flies, deer flies, and mosquitoes can be unwelcome visitors. While commercial bug repellents may offer protection, they often come with various chemicals that raise concerns for our well-being and the environment. Fortunately, catnip offers a natural alternative.

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While I am definitely keen on visiting sites when I travel, the dimension that I like most is the human one. I just cannot get enough of meeting people from a different background, country or continent: Seeing their traditions. Seeing how they live. Listening to their language. Listening to their views on life. Their view of the future. Trying to discover things we have in common. In short, connecting with people I meet on the way.

Written by Boris Kester an author, fearless adventurer, senior purser, polyglot, avid sportsman, programmer, and political scientist.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I have what it takes to make my dreams come true.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to live out the best version of who I am.

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The focus for today is:
I regard each moment as though it is a precious jewel.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to rely on my intuition and dreamtime to come up with fabulous solutions.

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In 1977, Barry and I had the great fortune of having Ram Dass counsel and mentor us in person for over two years. He was the Harvard psychology professor who brought the teachings of his Indian guru to the United States. His first book, Be Here Now, became a kind of bible to us, and was a world-wide sensation.

Ram Dass went on to teach many thousands of people directly through his talks and also millions through his books. He was writing a book about his guru and moved to Soquel, a small town ten minutes from our home in Aptos, near Santa Cruz. He decided that, rather than isolate himself completely, he would choose six people who he would counsel and help over the several years that he was writing his book. Barry and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and he chose us. And we needed help to become humble and more grounded.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to consciously dream life into creation.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Sun sextile Ceres
Tuesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto
Wednesday: Venus square Uranus, Mercury trine Jupiter
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Mars quincunx Chiron
Saturday: Sun trine Chiron
Sunday: Sun conjunct retrograde Venus

RETROGRADE VENUS: This week, retrograde Venus aligns with the Sun, transitioning from its role as Evening Star and taking on the mantle of Morning Star. Although we cannot see the planet right now, due to it being so close to the bright Sun, it will become visible in the predawn sky in late August.

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The focus for today, and the weekend, is:
I make my intentions conscious.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to be fully present, and abandon any worries of making mistakes.

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The focus for today is:
I am willing for things to change. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to enjoy life rather than try to control it.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to do the right thing, especially when it's hard to do.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Full Moon 11:31 a.m. PDT, Mars trine Jupiter, Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto, Mercury opposite Saturn
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus trine Eris
Saturday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Eris
Sunday: Sun square Jupiter

SUPER FULL MOON: The first of August's two Full Moons perfects this Tuesday, August 1, when the Moon is at 9°15´ Aquarius and the Sun is at the same degree of Leo. Both this lunation and the one on August 30 are Supermoons, occurring when the Moon is at perigee, its closest point to the Earth in its not-quite-circular orbit. Visually, a Supermoon looks noticeably larger than most Full Moons since Luna is closer to the Earth; we also anticipate that its emotional impact will be stronger.

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I choose to heal my heart and free it from old wounds and sufferings.

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The focus for today is:
The right inner dialogue can help me overcome self-doubt and fear of failure. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to expand my connected mind, and turn off my judgmental one.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to learn about myself and make the unconscious conscious.

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The focus for today is:
I treat myself with compassion as I am a work in progress.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: No major aspects are exact today
Tuesday: Pluto square the nodal axis, Mercury trine Eris
Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Neptune, Mars sesquiquadrate Eris
Thursday: Mercury conjunct retrograde Venus, Mercury quincunx Pluto
Friday: Pluto square the nodal axis, Mercury enters Virgo, Sun quincunx Saturn
Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
Sunday: Retrograde Venus quincunx Neptune

COSMIC THERAPY: Pluto is often called The Psychotherapist Planet, known for bringing what has been repressed or suppressed into our awareness so that it may be understood, dismantled, and transmuted. With the dwarf planet "at the bending" of the Moon's nodal axis now, we may be surprised by the unsolicited feelings and memories that are coming to the surface. Old personality structures that have limited us in some way are being cracked wide open, allowing a wide variety of emotions to be revealed and experienced.

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The focus for today, and the weekend, is:
I am on a journey back to seeing and experiencing Love in everything. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I let go of worry so I can relish the moment and truly enjoy life.

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The focus for today is:
This week, I choose to complete at least one thing that is incomplete. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
In this movie of life, I have the power to choose how I play my role.

Continue Reading:

https://innerself.com/this-that/daily-inspiration/28971-innerself-s-daily-inspiration-july-18-2023.html

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The focus for today is:
I share the light I receive and find my own unique way to be of service. Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mercury square Jupiter, New Moon at 11:31 a.m. PDT, North Node enters Aries/South Node enters Libra, Sun square Eris
Tuesday: Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron
Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
Thursday: Sun trine Neptune, Mars opposite Saturn
Friday: Eris stations retrograde, Sun opposite Pluto, Sun square nodal axis, Mercury trine Chiron
Saturday: Venus stations retrograde, Sun enters Leo, Pluto squares the nodal axis
Sunday: Chiron stations retrograde

"THE QUICKENING" ACCELERATES: We have a powerful and pivotal week ahead of us, with several upward shifts in gear. The action begins on Monday, when the Moon's nodal axis changes signs and we have a New Moon in Cancer. Exact on Thursday but in effect all week, Mars opposes Saturn. On Friday and Saturday, the Sun opposes Pluto and both planets are square the Nodes. Because of how the nodal axis moves through the zodiac, this will be the first of three times Pluto exactly squares the Nodes over the next two weeks.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mars enters Virgo, Mercury opposite Pluto, Mercury enters Leo
Tuesday: Mercury square nodal axis, Mars trine North Node
Wednesday: Sun square Chiron
Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
Friday: Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mercury quincunx Saturn, Sun sextile Uranus
Saturday: Venus quincunx Neptune
Sunday: Uranus sesquiquadrate Ceres

MARS IN VIRGO: As the planet Mars transits through each of the twelve signs of the zodiac, it influences how we take action and how we express Martian qualities such as assertiveness and anger. Mars changes signs this week, entering Virgo on Monday, July 10.

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The focus for today is:

I seek out new experiences, new perceptions, and new adventures.

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Astrological Overview: July 3 - 9, 2023

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Full Moon 4:38 a.m. PDT
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Mercury square Chiron
Thursday: Mars quincunx Neptune, Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mercury sextile Uranus
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Mercury square Eris, Venus trine Eris
Sunday: Mars quincunx Eris, Mercury trine Neptune

SUPER FULL MOON: The first lunation in our new month of July is a Full Moon that occurs on Monday, July 3, at 4:38 a.m. PDT. This will be a Super Full Moon, so called because it occurs when the Moon is at perigee, the point in its orbit when it is closest to the Earth. A Super Full Moon appears larger in the sky and also is considered to have greater impact, both energetically and emotionally.

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It is the confusion over what truth is that creates fear and anxiety for so many. A large majority of people believe that certain individuals and groups are "right" on an issue and have the truth, while others are "wrong."

Of course, each individual believes that they fall into the group that has the truth. Sometimes this is taken further with the belief that those who are "wrong" are "bad people" who should be condemned and vilified. Albert Einstein said, "Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."

https://innerself.com/personal/attitudes-transformed/fear-and-worry/28913-living-in-truth-and-not-in-us-vs-them.html

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You may be interested (or possibly horrified) to discover you ingest and inhale thousands of tiny life forms on a daily basis.

The air and surfaces around you are home to multitudes of bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites, algae and protozoa. Your skin isn’t much better, with a complex ecosystem of organisms called commensals which aren’t necessarily good or bad, but will shift in their composition depending on where you live, the products you use and the pets you have.

Most of these creatures are generally undetectable due to their microscopic size and low concentrations. But when they find a niche they can exploit, you might notice them by their smell, or the appearance of unwanted staining and colour changes. A lot of this fungal growth is what we call mould.

https://innerself.com/living/home-and-garden/28894-what-do-the-different-colors-of-mold-mean-in-my-house.html

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Numerous government agencies, including the FBI, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, Treasury Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, Navy and Coast Guard, have purchased vast amounts of U.S. citizens’ personal information from commercial data brokers. The revelation was published in a partially declassified, internal Office of the Director of National Intelligence report released on June 9, 2023.

The report shows the breathtaking scale and invasive nature of the consumer data market and how that market directly enables wholesale surveillance of people. The data includes not only where you’ve been and who you’re connected to, but the nature of your beliefs and predictions about what you might do in the future. The report underscores the grave risks the purchase of this data poses, and urges the intelligence community to adopt internal guidelines to address these problems.

As a privacy, electronic surveillance and technology law attorney, researcher and law professor, I have spent years researching, writing and advising about the legal issues the report highlights.

https://innerself.com/social/at-the-brink/authoritarianism/28909-the-government-s-data-buying-spree-privacy-threats-in-the-age-of-ai.html

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The focus for today, and for the weekend, is:
I step out of my comfort zone and embrace change. Continue Reading

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Loneliness is a common and pressing issue that many people face in their lives. It can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. However, there is hope in the form of purpose. A sense of purpose can be a powerful antidote to loneliness, providing a meaningful and fulfilling life.

A purposeful life gives you a sense of meaning and belonging. When you clearly understand your values and passions, you are more likely to engage in activities and relationships that align with your purpose. For example, if you value environmental conservation, you can actively participate in eco-friendly initiatives or join environmental organizations, connecting with like-minded individuals with the same interests and purpose.

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When you walk through the personal care aisles of your local store, you likely see dozens of products that promise to soften your skin, make you smell better, extend your lashes, decrease wrinkling, tame your curly hair, or even semi-permanently change the color of your lips, hair or skin.

Remember the old adage “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is”?

What many people don’t realize is that many of these promises are based on chemicals that can also be hazardous to your health, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with fertility and reproduction, fetal growth, and infant development.

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If your eyes have ever been drawn to the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem, the texture of a pineapple or the scales of a pinecone, then you have unknowingly witnessed brilliant examples of mathematical patterns in nature.

What ties all of these botanical features together is their shared characteristic of being arranged in spirals that adhere to a numerical sequence called the Fibonacci sequence. These spirals, referred to as Fibonacci spirals for simplicity, are extremely widespread in plants and have fascinated scientists from Leonardo da Vinci to Charles Darwin.

Such is the prevalence of Fibonacci spirals in plants today that they are believed to represent an ancient and highly conserved feature, dating back to the earliest stages of plant evolution and persisting in their present forms.

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The focus for today is:

By listening to my intuition, I align myself with my Higher Self.

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The focus for today is:
I allow the subtle truths of my intuition into my life more consistently.

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The focus for today is:

I take the time to question my thinking, and consciously change my beliefs.

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The focus for today is:

I choose Love, time and time again,
so I can help tilt the balance towards Love.

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Astrological Overview: June 26 - July 2, 2023

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

Monday: Mars square Uranus, Mercury quincunx Pluto, Mercury enters Cancer
Tuesday: Mercury square Ceres, Mercury sextile North Node
Wednesday: Sun semisquare Uranus, Sun trine Saturn, Mercury semisquare Venus
Thursday: Venus trine Chiron, Mercury semisquare Uranus, Mercury trine Saturn
Friday: Neptune stations retrograde, Sun conjunct Mercury
Saturday: Mercury sextile Jupiter, Mercury semisquare Mars, Sun sextile Jupiter, Sun semisquare Mars
Sunday: Mars trine Eris, Venus square Uranus

TRANSCENDENT NEPTUNE: The other-worldly effects of outer planet Neptune are heightened this week. The mystical planet, whose work involves helping humanity transcend the dramas and limitations of the physical plane, is moving very slowly now and will station retrograde this Friday, June 30.

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Although you may know you’re a good person who has something to offer the world, when your victim pattern runs your life, you inevitably feel stifled and trapped by people you’ve encountered in the past or are dealing with now. A parent who hurt, abused, or neglected you during your childhood. A teacher who made fun of you in front of the class. An ex who betrayed and disappointed you, or your current spouse who’s becoming increasingly critical and angry. Or you may feel held hostage by circumstances—your job, your financial situation, the government, or even by your own mind.

It makes sense that one of the essential steps to self-empowerment is to take your power back from the people and events of your past. But how do you reclaim your power? Isn’t the damage already done?

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There’s a long-held belief that people drink alcohol in excess to drown their sorrows. But recent research into mood and drinking has found the opposite is also true.

Using data from 69 studies (12,394 people in total) in the US, Canada, France and Australia, all of which employed surveys to assess mood and drinking levels, the researchers found no evidence that people drank more on days when they felt down. Rather surprisingly, however, people tended to drink – and drink heavily – on days when they were in a good mood.

The authors found that participants were between 6% and 28% more likely to drink on days they were in a good mood, and 17%-23% more likely to binge drink (having more than four or five drinks within a few hours) on these days.

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Everyone has a friend who gets covered in mosquito bites and a friend who doesn’t get a single one. That’s because mosquitoes use their sense of smell to find people to bite, and some people smell better to them. We can change how we smell using perfume, soaps, our diet and so on, but which changes can stop us from being bitten by mosquitoes?

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The focus for today is: I trust my dreams' ability to guide, warn, inspire, and heal. Continue Reading

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Everyone wishes they had a superpower. Well, you’ve had a secret power since childhood; you don’t know how to use it yet. That’s the power of language. In a fascinating new book, “Magic Words: What To Say To Get Your Way," Prof. Jonah Berger of the Wharton School uses massive data sets and machine learning to tease out the “magic words” that can transform our lives.

As Berger delved into his research, he explored whether a single word or a subtle language change could significantly impact our outcomes. One notable experiment he highlights is the Harvard study in 1977, where researchers tested the persuasive power of the word "because."

The results were fascinating: simply using "because" followed by any reason significantly increased compliance. People were likelier to agree even when the reason was weak or irrelevant. This experiment demonstrated the power of specific words in shaping our decisions and eliciting desired responses.

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I believe my journey with Plant communication began with Mulberry—although it may have started before I could even imagine. Do we ever really know when a journey begins?

I wake with the sun, listening to the birds sing. I quickly grab my basket and sneak outside while the house is quiet. This is my private time of the day, a prized treasure when no one requires my attention. I prefer to spend this time with the Plants. Today, I gather Mulberries for breakfast. While I harvest, I process whatever is weighing on my Heart and any decisions that I need to make.

Sometimes, when I come out here, I am quite weary, exhausted though the day has just begun. Within moments of picking, my inner child comes out to play. I feel lighter and have more energy. Soon, I’m starting to see the solutions for my problems, or maybe that they aren’t problems at all but opportunities. I head back to the house with a full basket and calm Heart, ready to start my day.

https://innerself.com/living/home-and-garden/28875-how-to-connect-with-trees-for-communication-and-healing.html

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The focus for today is:
I remind myself often: "I can do it!"

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By all the usual measurements, I was successful and living the American dream at full speed. I owned companies with revenues in the $30 to $50 million range before I turned thirty. I became highly skilled at buying, building, and selling businesses. I focused on helping people and creating social as well as financial profit. But my success came at a great cost to my health and relationships and accelerated toward one moment and one choice: change or die.

I’ve mused for years on how the miracle that saved me also inspired me to do a total 180, to defy decades of “proven” business practices and discover, develop, and finally write about what I’ve come to call the Success Paradox.

https://innerself.com/living/finance-and-careers/career-and-success/28870-the-three-principles-of-the-success-paradox.html

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Microsoft and Google have recently made big investments in two of the most valuable companies in artificial intelligence (AI). OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, has received a staggering investment of US$10 billion (£7.8 billion) from Microsoft, while Google has invested US$300 million in Anthropic.
The companies’ financial support for AI has pushed an ongoing rivalry in to the public spotlight. Google’s struggle for dominance with Microsoft is increasingly at the forefront of discussions about AI’s future success.
Google has made enormous contributions to the field of AI development, including the invention of transformers – a particular form of machine learning, where an algorithm improves at tasks as it is “trained” on data – the advancement of techniques for automating the translation of languages and the acquisition of AI company DeepMind.

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Hot yoga also known as Bikram yoga (more on that later) has gained significant popularity in recent years as a fairly ferocious form of exercise. It combines yoga poses and breathing exercises and is practised in a heated studio – with room temperatures close to 40°C.

This style of yoga is designed to replicate the environmental conditions of India and is typically practised for around 90 minutes, leaving students (and teachers) dripping in sweat come the end of class.

Practising hot yoga challenges the mind and places additional physiological strain on the body. It makes you very sweaty and increases your heart rate, which can feel pretty intense. Indeed, hot yoga can lead to dehydration and dizziness, especially if it’s your first time and you don’t begin the class hydrated.

https://innerself.com/living/health/fitness-and-exercise/28872-is-hot-yoga-good-for-you-exploring-the-science-behind-the-sweat.html

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When a hurricane hits land, the destruction can be visible for years or even decades. Less obvious, but also powerful, is the effect hurricanes have on the oceans.

In a new study, we show through real-time measurements that hurricanes don’t just churn water at the surface. They can also push heat deep into the ocean in ways that can lock it up for years and ultimately affect regions far from the storm.

Heat is the key component of this story. It has long been known that hurricanes gain their energy from warm sea surface temperatures. This heat helps moist air near the ocean surface rise like a hot air balloon and form clouds taller than Mount Everest. This is why hurricanes generally form in tropical regions.

What we discovered is that hurricanes ultimately help warm the ocean, too, by enhancing its ability to absorb and store heat. And that can have far-reaching consequences.

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The focus for today is:
I leave the past behind, and turn my attention to where I am going.

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The concept of mortality once thought to be solely human, is now understood to permeate the animal kingdom. Animals from chimpanzees to elephants to dogs exhibit reactions to the death of their kin that are eerily familiar to our expressions of grief.

Elephants, known for their profound social bonds, mourn the loss of their herd members in an unmistakably human-like manner. They may touch the deceased's body, trumpet loudly, and walk slowly, often seeking comfort in the presence of other elephants.

Similarly, dogs display grief and change behavior when they lose their owners. They exhibit signs of grief, such as sadness, separation anxiety, and changes in eating and sleeping habits.

Although different in their complexity and manifestation, these reactions underscore the profound impact that the experience of death can have on a sentient being.

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The focus for today is:
I treat my actions in the world as important.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking long reign was exceptional in many ways - not least because England has been ruled by men for most of the last thousand years. Until recently, the crown was passed to the monarch’s eldest son and daughters were married off to royals in other countries.
But in most other social mammals, females commonly remain and breed in their birth groups, inheriting the status and territory of their mothers while sons leave to find unrelated partners elsewhere.
Social relationships between resident females vary but are often supportive. For example in African elephants, females assemble in family groups and older females are usually dominant over younger ones.

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When it comes to money, are you a big spender or a fearful saver? Do you give away all your money or ignore financial demands until they become urgent?
After decades of focus on financial literacy, it has become clear there is more to how we manage our money than access to information. Now new research has identified five distinct money personalities that drive how we spend.

The research findings form the backbone of a new online money personality quiz designed to help people understand their money personality and inform their financial decisions and behaviour.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to let go of trying to control everything.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: Jupiter sextile Saturn, Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune
TUE: Pluto trine Ceres
WED: Sun quincunx Pluto, Sun enters Cancer (Solstice), Mercury sextile Mars, Sun square Ceres, Mercury sextile Chiron
THU: Mars trine Chiron
FRI: Mercury semisquare Jupiter
SAT: Mercury sextile Eris
SUN: Mercury square Neptune

JUNE SOLSTICE: When the Sun enters Cancer this Tuesday, it will momentarily appear to be at a standstill. This is the June solstice, when the Earth's tilt — either toward the Sun (Northern Hemisphere) or away from it (Southern Hemisphere) — is at its maximum. The English word solstice is derived from the Latin word sōlstitium, which translates to "the Sun stands still."

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I feel more alive when I finally come home to who I am.

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The focus for today is:
To get in touch with my Higher Self, I silence my mind and listen with my heart.

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The focus for today is:
I interact with nature anytime I can.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to make a fulfilling contribution to the whole.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to trust the part of me that believes in miracles.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: Venus quincunx Saturn, Sun semisquare Venus, Mercury semisquare Chiron
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Mercury square Saturn
FRI: Sun sextile Eris
SAT: Mercury sextile Venus, Saturn stations retrograde, New Moon in Gemini
SUN: Sun square Neptune

GEMINI NEW MOON: We are now in the Last Quarter phase of the current lunar cycle, which began with the New Moon on May 19. Over the next seven days, in addition to working with other planetary events, we are invited to assess our progress over the past three weeks. Following our intuition is especially important as we move through this completion phase of the lunar cycle, as it will guide us regarding what needs to be done to wrap up projects or issues we've been working on. Inner knowing will also inform us about what needs to be cleared and released, so that we are prepared for the new beginning that lies ahead.

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The focus for today is:
I repeat the word YES and feel a gentle uplifting of my spirit.

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The focus for today is:
By joining together, we manifest our care for the children, our neighbors, the earth, and our democracy.

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The focus for today is:
I seek peace as a way of life.

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The focus for today is:
My intuition is here to help guide me in my earthly journey.

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The focus for today is:
I unwrap the gift that resides within my heart.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: Venus enters Leo, Venus opposite Pluto, Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Venus square nodal axis
FRI: Mercury sextile Neptune
SAT: Sun sextile Chiron, Neptune opposite Ceres
SUN: Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune, Pluto reenters Capricorn, Mercury trine Pluto, Mercury enters Gemini, Venus square Jupiter, Sun semisquare Jupiter

REFLECTION AND REVIEW: After having been in progressive Aquarius for only a couple of months, Pluto is returning to practical Capricorn this week. While the effects of Pluto's retrograde phase are only subtly different than those of its direct phase, the dwarf planet's return to the previous sign is significant.
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The focus for today and the weekend is:
Each path I have taken, or will take, has something to teach me. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I am able to view life’s challenges
through a fresh perspective. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I am willing to trust the river of life to carry me along safely. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to reside within my heart. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose my words with the intention to heal myself, others, and the world. Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Venus square Eris, Sun semisquare Eris
THU: Mars quincunx Saturn, Jupiter conjunct North Node
FRI: Venus trine Neptune
SAT: Full Moon 8:41 p.m. PDT
SUN: Mercury conjunct Uranus

EVOLUTIONARY DIRECTIVES: Giant planet Jupiter aligns with the True North Node in Taurus this week, exact on Thursday, June 1. The North and South Nodes of the Moon are not planets, but points in space that provide insights into humanity's current evolutionary path: the South Node represents old patterns we are called to leave behind and the North Node shows qualities we are being asked to develop and nurture. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to express my truth up front. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I consider what sorts of ideas I have about the world and my place in it. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to create a ripple effect by acting compassionately towards others. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
When I don't know what to do, I simply watch what is going on.

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The focus for today is:
I choose to live for the good of all, the good of the Universe. Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: Mars square Jupiter
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Sun semisquare Chiron, Venus square Chiron
THU: Sun semisquare Venus
FRI: Venus sextile Uranus, Mars square nodal axis
SAT: Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn
SUN: Sun square Saturn, Mercury semisquare Neptune

SOLAR FLARES AND MORE: Over the past four days ‒ since the Jupiter-Pluto square on May 17 ‒ there have been an astounding 25 M-class solar flares, a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm that gifted us with some beautiful auroral displays, and a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the South Pacific. While we cannot claim that the square caused" this dynamic activity, such events qualify as the kind of "cosmic coincidence" that often accompanies major planetary aspects. Continue Reading

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The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
When facing fear and anxiety, I activate my courage and proceed anyway. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I pay attention to the Cosmic Messages in my life. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to be a force for good and connect with the highest potential in everyone and everything. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I find my way back to the simple joy of being. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I stop and make regular pauses of a few minutes during the day. Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: Mars trine Neptune
TUE: Jupiter enters Taurus
WED: Jupiter square Pluto
THU: Sun sextile Neptune, Mercury sextile Saturn
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Mars enters Leo, Mars opposite Pluto
SUN: Sun enters Gemini, Sun trine Pluto, Sun sextile Mars

A PERFECT PLANETARY STORM: Over the next 10 days, we will be working with some powerful and life-changing planetary energies. A trio of planets — giant Jupiter, warrior Mars, and transformative Pluto — will be forming a "fixed T-square." To visualize this configuration, imagine a giant letter "T" in the sky, with Mars at one end of the crossbar, Pluto at the other end, and Jupiter at the base of the stem.Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to immerse myself in the natural world and reconnect with it. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I purposefully and intentionally practice being love. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I choose to live a purposeful life, one ripe with meaning and a deep sense of connection. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
The more pliable I am, the more I am able to change course and roll with life’s punches.Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I trust that all is well, whatever Life brings me. Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: Sun conjunct Uranus
WED: Venus semisquare Uranus
THU: Mars square Eris
FRI: Mercury sextile Saturn, Mercury sextile Venus, Venus trine Saturn
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Mercury stations direct

THE UNEXPECTED: The planet Uranus is the nonconformist of our solar system. It appears to be tipped on its side, with its rings on the vertical instead of the horizontal plane. Uranus also spins opposite to most of the other planets, rotating clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Visually, it looks like it's spinning sideways as it orbits the Sun. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I embody my best self by taking constructive action. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:

I get rid of everything I neither need nor want in my lifeContinue Reading

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The focus for today is:
Whatever I am doing -- eating, walking, standing under a shower -- I am attentive. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I send positive energy and non-judgment to everyone. Continue Reading

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by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.comDo you want to avoid flipping through countless diet books that lead you to feel more confused than ever? Have you just been stuffing yourself with quick and easy processed fast foods? I've been there too, but guess what? It's time to toss those books, skip the drive-in window, and embrace a healthier lifestyle that's easy to follow and maintain.
Let's explore the wonders of healthy eating, understand the need to avoid ultra-processed foods, and dive into balancing your blood sugar.Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I open up my brain to new possibilities. Continue Reading

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The focus for today is:
I give myself the gift of kindness and compassion.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: Retrograde Mercury semisquare Neptune, Pluto stations retrograde, Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury
TUE: Sun semisquare Neptune, Venus sextile Eris
WED: Retrograde Mercury semisquare Venus, Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn
THU: Venus square Neptune, Venus sextile Jupiter
FRI: Full Moon/Penumbral Lunar Eclipse 10:33 a.m. PDT
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Venus enters Cancer, Venus quincunx Pluto

A PIVOTAL WEEK: A very eventful week is opening before us, with catalytic Pluto stationing retrograde on Monday and a high-powered Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on Friday...

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While attending a biology course at the University of Florida in 1969, the professor made a statement I have always remembered. He said, "Remember the word ecology. It will become the most important word in your lifetime." It certainly was an understatement as we have given it less importance than was needed. And now we have little time left.

Earth Day is a day that holds special significance for environmentalists and nature enthusiasts around the world. The celebration of Earth Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts. The day serves as a reminder, today and every day, of the importance of protecting the planet's natural resources for future generations.

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For years, many have feared that artificial intelligence (AI) will take over national security mechanisms, leading to human slavery, domination of human society and perhaps the annihilation of humans. One way of killing humans is medical misdiagnosis, so it seems reasonable to examine the performance of ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that is taking the world by storm. This is timely in light of ChatGPT’s recent remarkable performance in passing the US medical licensing exam.

Computer-aided diagnosis has been attempted many times over the years, particularly for diagnosing appendicitis. But the emergence of AI that draws on the entire internet for answers to questions rather than being confined to fixed databases open new avenues of potential for augmenting medical diagnosis.

https://innerself.com/living/health/healing-disciplines/28554-how-good-is-chatgpt-at-diagnosing-disease.html

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Spending time alone can induce fear in a lot of people, which is understandable. At the same time, the difference between moments of solitude and loneliness is often misunderstood.

As a psychologist, I study solitude – the time we spend alone, not interacting with other people. I started this research more than ten years ago and, up to that point, findings on young people’s time alone had suggested they often experience low moods when alone.

On social media, television or in the music we listen to, we typically picture happiness as excitement, enthusiasm and energisation. From that perspective, solitude is often mistaken for loneliness.

In psychology, researchers define loneliness as a distressed feeling that we experience when we don’t have, or are unable to get, the kind of social connections or relationships we hope for. Solitude is different.

While people’s definitions of solitude might vary, what is interesting is that for many, being solitary doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no one else around. Instead, many people can, and do, find solitude in public spaces, whether this be sitting with a cup of tea in a busy cafe or reading a book in a park. And my research suggests that taking some time for yourself could have a positive impact on your daily mood.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.
The focus for this weekend is:
I make time to relax and nurture my life.

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The focus for today is:
The deeper my joy, the more deeply meaningful my life becomes.

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The focus for today is:
With daily practice, I can improve my level of happiness.

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The focus for today is:
Moment by moment, gesture by gesture,
I give understanding and support.

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The focus for today is:

I aspire to happiness grounded in connection, purpose, and hope.

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The last few years have been truly catastrophic. One might easily argue that, during “The COVID Years”, we have witnessed more dramatic social and political change than at any time since 1939-1945. In terms of its scale and duration, we should call this pandemic a catastrophe rather than merely a disaster in terms of the loss of life and more mundane issues such as the reorganisation of work and city life.

We have also grappled with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the increasing possibility of nuclear catastrophe, the spread of monkey-pox, food shortages in Africa, a drought across much of Europe, a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, North Korean missile tests, rising authoritarianism in eastern Europe, the threat of civil unrest in the United States, and the terrible earthquake in Turkey and associated crisis in Syria. This has been a cascade of catastrophes.

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Written by Robert Jennings.

Once upon a time, a baby elephant was chained to a stake in the ground. The chain was only a few feet long, so the baby elephant could only walk around in a circle around the stake. As the days went by, he tried to pull and tug at the chain, but it was too strong. Eventually, he gave up and accepted its limited range of movement.

Years passed, and the baby elephant grew into a strong adult elephant. Even though the elephant was now strong enough to break free from the chain, it never tried to do so. The elephant had become accustomed to the chain and its limited space to move in. It believed it was still limited today, just as it had been as his younger self.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: Sun conjunct North Node, Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto
TUE:Sun sextile Saturn, Venus sextile Chiron
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Mars square Chiron
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Mars sextile Uranus
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

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The focus for today is:

I surrender to the path of the heart.

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The focus for today is:

I don't let fear and anxiety, or fantasy thinking and unrealistic positivity, stop me from tuning in to my intuition.

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The focus for today's is:
I take the time to listen.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

Sacred speech and silence nourish the soul and open the door to soul encounters.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I choose to stop and do things like meditate.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I use present experiences to awaken future potentials.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

What am I feeling and why am I feeling this way?

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: Venus semisquare Jupiter
WED: No Venus semisquare Eris, New Moon Solar Eclipse 9:12 p.m. PDT
THU: Sun enters Taurus, Sun square Pluto
FRI: Mercury stations retrograde 1:34 a.m. PDT
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Jupiter conjunct Eris, Mercury sextile Mars

RARE HYBRID ECLIPSE: When the Sun and Moon align at 9:12 p.m. PDT this Wednesday, April 19, they will form both a powerful New Moon and a rare "hybrid" solar eclipse. The phenomenon is possible because of the curvature of the Earth's surface.

https://innerself.com/personal/intuition-awareness/astrology/horoscope/28494-astrological-overview-and-horoscope-april-17-23-2023.html

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Whenever you hear that someone else has been successful, rejoice. Always practice rejoicing for others – whether your friend or your enemy. If you cannot practice rejoicing, no matter how long you live, you will not be happy. – Lao Tzu, 6th century BC

In today's society, it can be challenging to be happy for someone else's success. We live in a culture that promotes competition and comparison, which can lead to feelings of inferiority, jealousy, envy, and resentment. If we are feeling "not good enough" we may project that to others and refuse to see that they are successful in their own right. However, the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu recognized the importance of rejoicing for others, whether they are our friends or our enemies. He believed that if we cannot practice being happy for the success of others, we will never truly be happy ourselves, no matter how long we live.

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Children love to spin. Whether it is by whirling around on their feet, whipping around on a tyre swing, or tumbling down a grassy hill, they revel in the drunken affects of dizziness that follow. As humans mature, they might outgrow spinning on the playground, but find other ways to alter their senses - dancing, skating, roller coasters, and for some of them, psychoactive drugs.

It turns out humans are not the only primate with a desire to spin ourselves and stimulate our senses. In a recent study, my co-author Adriano Lameira and I found some other primates like to do this too. The great apes – which include chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, in addition to humans – have a more complex brain than other primates and share a similar neurophysiology. Our findings suggest that they also share our desire to induce altered states of perception. This may even have played a role in the evolution of the human mind.

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by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

When angry and resentful I stop and ask myself: Would I rather be right or be happy?

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I choose to get out into nature and let it soothe me.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I stop, pause, and experience the brilliance of being fully alive.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I can make myself healthy through my thoughts and my emotional reactions to those thoughts

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by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:
I am learning to drop the old programming and trust my "fun index".

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I am willing and able to share what I have learned.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I visualize the clearing of my energy, every day.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: Neptune opposite Ceres, Venus enters Gemini
TUE: Venus trine Pluto, Sun conjunct Jupiter
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: No major aspects are exact today
FRI: Venus square Saturn, Sun conjunct Eris
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

ECLIPSE SEASON: With the Aries Solar Eclipse just nine days away, we are fully in eclipse season now. There is always an other-worldly feeling to these weeks before, between, and after a pair of eclipses, as if we are somehow suspended in time and space. And yet, eclipse season is also a time of accelerated events that can be quite life-changing.

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Humans are an interesting mixture of altruism and competition. We work together well at times and at others we will fight to get our own way. To try to explain these conflicting tendencies, researchers have turned to the chimpanzees and the bonobos for insight.

Among the great apes, the chimpanzees and the bonobos are the most genetically related to us as we share about 98.7% of our DNA with them. We share a common ancestor with them as well as anatomical features, complex social hierarchies and problem-solving skills.

Bonobos may be one of our closest cousins but chimpanzees dominated research after Jane Goodall discovered in the 1960s that chimpanzees make and use tools. This finding paved the way for research on chimpanzees as a lens to understand which human aspects are natural rather than socially conditioned. An array of human characteristics, including empathy, playfulness and respect for elders have since been attributed to our shared ancestry with chimpanzees.

https://innerself.com/personal/attitudes-transformed/behavior/28453-what-our-closest-relatives-tell-us-about-being-human.html

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A lot of Easter traditions – including hot cross buns and lamb on Sunday – stem from medieval Christian or even earlier pagan beliefs. The chocolate Easter egg, however, is a more modern twist on tradition.

Chicken eggs have been eaten at Easter for centuries. Eggs have long symbolised rebirth and renewal, making them perfect to commemorate the story of Jesus’ resurrection as well as the arrival of spring.

Although nowadays eggs can be eaten during the fasting period of Lent, in the middle ages they were prohibited along with meat and dairy. Medieval chefs often found surprising ways around this, even making mock eggs to replace them.

For Easter – a period of celebration – eggs and meat, such as lamb (also a symbol of renewal), were back on the table.

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InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration

April 9, 2023
The focus for today's inspiration is:
I approach my problems with perfect confidence that their solution is already there, waiting to be found.

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http://innerself.com/this-that/daily-inspiration/28456-innerself-s-daily-inspiration-april-9-2023.html

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I choose to make a difference for others by empowering them.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I invite the universe to use me as a tool of revolutionary benefit to the world.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I drop all judgment of myself and others.Continue Reading

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I breathe deeply, and imbibe what life has to offer.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
Stillness is essential to a pleasant existence.Continue Reading

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I am growing up to be a contented, loving, and lovable person.Continue Reading

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

MON: Mercury enters Taurus, Mercury square Pluto
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Mercury sextile Saturn, Sun conjunct Chiron, Full Moon 9:34 p.m. PDT
THU: No major aspects are exact today
FRI: Venus sextile Neptune, Mercury sextile Mars
SAT: Sun semisquare Saturn
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

LIBRA FULL MOON: A Full Moon is on the calendar this week, at 9:34 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, April 5. It occurs when the Moon is at 16°07´ Libra and the Sun is at the same degree of Aries. The Aries-Libra polarity of this lunation requires us to find a balance between self and other, between assertiveness and tact, between independent action and cooperative effort.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:

I am becoming more centered, awake, and peaceful in the midst of daily activity.

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I am learning to be more forgiving and tolerant of myself and others.Continue Readinghttps://innerself.com/this-that/daily-inspiration/28418-innerself-s-daily-inspiration-april-1-2023.html

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I make the shift into joy my greatest priority.Continue Reading

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I choose to think good, speak good, and do goodContinue Readinghttps://innerself.com/this-that/daily-inspiration/28404-innerself-s-daily-inspiration-march-30-2023.html

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InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration

March 29, 2023
The focus for today's inspiration is:
I am learning to flow with change.

It is true that change is the only constant. You cannot stop it or interfere with it. It is ongoing and occurring every minute all the time.
What you can do is learn to deal with it appropriately so that you are not creating anxiety around change. You can learn to flow with it.
CONTINUE READING:

https://innerself.com/this-that/daily-inspiration/28396-innerself-s-daily-inspiration-march-29-2023.html

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I choose to be naturally happy. Right here. Right now.Continue Reading

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The focus for today's inspiration is:
I create more meaning, greater connection, health, and cooperation.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.

MON: Mercury semisquare Saturn, Mercury conjunct Jupiter
TUE: Mars semisquare Uranus
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Mars trine Saturn, Venus conjunct Uranus
FRI: Mercury conjunct Eris, Venus semisquare Mars
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Mars sextile North Node

LIGHT-FILLED SKIES: Incredibly vibrant auroras danced across Earth's skies late last week, courtesy of a severe (G4) geomagnetic storm that occurred on March 23 and 24. Since the storm had not been forecast by the heliophysicists (space weather scientists) and it was the strongest geostorm in almost six years, the event definitely got our attention!

There have been many scientific studies of the impact of geomagnetic storms on our physical, mental, and emotional states. Research shows that the stress of high-level geomagnetic activity affects the human heart, blood pressure, melatonin levels, the nervous system, behaviors, mental state, and more.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

MON: Venus conjunct North Node, Sun sextile Pluto, Sun enters Aries (Equinox)
TUE: Jupiter semisquare Saturn, New Moon 10:22 a.m., Sun semisquare Uranus
WED: Pluto trine Ceres
THU: Pluto enters Aquarius 5:14 a.m.
FRI: Mars square Ceres
SAT: Mars enters Cancer, Mars quincunx Pluto, Venus semisquare Neptune
SUN: Mercury conjunct Chiron

FATE LENDS A HAND: A triad of fateful planetary events occurs this week. On the agenda are the Aries equinox on Monday, March 20; a potent New Moon on Tuesday, March 21; and Pluto's first steps into Aquarius on Thursday, March 23. With the equinox and the New Moon occurring within 20 hours of each other, their energies are linked, creating an even stronger wave of influence in our lives.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: Mars square Neptune
WED: Sun conjunct Neptune
THU: Mercury conjunct Neptune, Sun square Mars, Venus square Pluto, Venus enters Taurus, Mercury square Mars
FRI: Sun conjunct Mercury, Venus sextile Saturn
SAT: Mercury sextile Pluto, Mercury enters Aries
SUN: Mercury semisquare Uranus

COUNTDOWN: We are entering the final week of the astrological year, which begins on the March Equinox and follows the Sun through all twelve signs of the zodiac. This is also the closing week of the current lunar cycle, as well as the last full week before Pluto enters Aquarius.

With this being a time of completion, dreams at night may be especially focused on past issues or relationships right now, as we revisit ways in which we once gave our power away or played a victim role. While it can be disconcerting to experience emotions and remember episodes we'd rather forget, it is good to know that other levels of our consciousness are processing those experiences, so that we can be freed from their weight and move beyond them.

https://innerself.com/personal/intuition-awareness/astrology/horoscope/28327-astrological-overview-and-horoscope-march-13-19-2023.html

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Sun sextile Uranus
TUE: Full Moon 4:40 a.m. PST, Saturn enters Pisces
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: No major aspects are exact today
FRI: Mercury semisquare Pluto
SAT: Venus sextile Mars, Mercury sextile Uranus, Venus conjunct Eris, Jupiter conjunct ChironSUN: Mars sextile Eris

SATURN ENTERS PISCES: A major shift occurs on Tuesday, March 7, when Saturn enters Pisces. This is one of the most significant astrological events of 2023, second only to Pluto's ingress into Aquarius, which occurs on March 23.

As it moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac, Saturn’s goal is to help us become more objective, realistic, and disciplined about the qualities and activities related to each sign. While it is in visionary Pisces, Saturn will require that we invest in our spiritual practice or creative endeavors in concrete ways, rather than merely wishing for dreams to come true.

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Astrological Overview: February 27 - March 5, 2023Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

MON: Mercury sextile Eris, Sun semisquare Eris
TUE: Mercury semisquare Jupiter
WED: Venus conjunct Jupiter, Mercury semisquare Chiron
THU: Mercury conjunct Saturn, Mercury enters Pisces
FRI: Venus conjunct Chiron, Venus semisquare Saturn
SAT: No major aspects are exact todaySUN: Sun semisquare Pluto

VENUS & JUPITER: Venus and Jupiter, known respectively as the Lesser and Greater Benefics, conjoin for their annual rendezvous on Wednesday, March 1. In keeping with the positive perceptions we usually have of these two planets, we expect their conjunction to increase our capacity to express ~ and our desire to experience ~ love, beauty, and creativity. With the alignment occurring in proactive Aries, there can be a sense of having a fresh start in these areas, and it may, indeed, be an opportune time to begin a relationship, take on a new artistic endeavor, or perhaps invest financially.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.SUN, FEB 19: New Moon in Pisces, 11:05 p.m. PST
MON: Venus semisquare Uranus, Mercury sextile Chiron
TUE: Mercury square Uranus
WED: Mercury trine Mars
THU: Saturn semisquare Chiron
FRI: Venus opposite Ceres, Mercury sesquiquadrate Ceres
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Mercury semisquare Venus

PISCES NEW MOON: A new lunar cycle begins late tonight, at 11:05 p.m. PST (Sunday, February 19), when the Moon and the Sun align at 01°22´ Pisces. The sign of the Fishes is noted for being mystical, creative, and spiritual; the lunar month that begins with a Pisces New Moon offers us these qualities, to be consciously incorporated into our everyday lives.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto
WED: Venus conjunct Neptune, Mercury trine Ceres
THU: Sun conjunct Saturn, Sun semisquare Chiron
FRI: Mercury semisquare Neptune, Mercury sextile Jupiter
SAT: Sun enters Pisces
SUN: Venus sextile Pluto, Venus enters Aries

SOLAR ACTIVITY: Solar Cycle 25 is heating up! The Sun has become very active this past week, erupting with more than twenty-six M-class (moderate) solar flares in the past five days alone. It also erupted with a powerful X-class (strong) flare yesterday, and has released four more M-class flares already this morning (February 12).

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Mercury sextile Neptune, Mercury square Eris, Venus semisquare Pluto
TUE: Venus sextile Uranus
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars
FRI: Mercury conjunct Pluto
SAT: Mercury enters Aquarius Mars sextile Chiron, Sun semisquare Jupiter
SUN: Sun sextile Eris

ONWARD & UPWARD: Now that Uranus has stationed direct, all the primary planets used in astrology are currently moving forward. Symbolically, the setting is right for us to likewise be taking steps into new territory, individually and collectively. The only technicalities are that Mars and Mercury are in their "post-retrograde shadow" zones, when they are still retracing steps originally taken before they stationed retrograde. While this places a "Caution: Proceed with Care" sign beside the road, it doesn't mean we need to come to a stop. Astrological wisdom simply advises us to continue to be very observant and to take our time with decisions and actions.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: No major aspects are exact today
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Sun sextile Chiron
THU: Venus semisquare Eris
FRI: Sun square Uranus
SAT: Venus square Mars
SUN: Jupiter opposite Ceres, Leo Full Moon at 10:28 a.m. PST

FULL MOON: The lack of major planetary events this week – and the current easing of solar flare activity – are more than made up for by the power and complexity of the Full Moon that occurs next Sunday. On February 5, at 10:28 a.m. PST, the Moon will be at 16 °40´ Leo, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Aquarius. While all Full Moons represent a climax of energies and a time when emotions and reactions are heightened, this lunation is significant because the Sun and Moon are in hard aspect to Uranus in Taurus. This creates an astrological configuration called a "fixed T-square."

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Mercury semisquare Saturn
TUE: Mars semisquare Eris, Venus semisquare Chiron, Sun sextile Jupiter
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Venus enters Pisces
FRI: Mercury square Chiron
SAT: Sun semisquare Neptune
SUN: Sun trine Mars, Mercuery trine Uranus

COMET ZTF: A "new" comet was discovered in March 2022, nicknamed "Comet ZTF" in honor of the Zwicky Transient Facility at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in California. The comet is unusual in that it has a bright green color, and because of its very large orbit around the Sun. It has been "inbound" toward planet Earth for the past 53,000 years, will be closest to Earth on February 1, and then will head out to continue its great adventure into the unknown.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Retrograde Mercury quincunx Mars
TUE: Venus semisquare Jupiter
WED: Mercury stations direct, Sun conjunct Pluto
THU: No major aspects are exact today
FRI: Sun enters Aquarius, Mercury quincunx Mars
SAT: New Moon 12:53 p.m. PST, Mercury semisquare Venus
SUN: Venus conjunct Saturn, Uranus stations direct

MERCURY AT STATION: The planet Mercury is completing its three weeks of backward motion this week, and will station direct on January 18 at 5:11 a.m. PST. This has been an especially complicated Mercury-retrograde phase since it coincided with Mars being retrograde in Gemini. The nervous energy has been quite high, and memories from the recent and the long-ago past have surfaced on a daily basis, giving us the opportunity to review and reflect. The mind has seemed to turn inward even more than usual, sometimes tumbling over itself in an effort to make sense of life events.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Venus semisquare Neptune, Venus trine Mars
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Mercury square Chiron, Eris stations direct
THU: Venus sextile Chiron, Mars stations direct
FRI: Sun sextile Neptune, Sun sesquiquadrate Mars
SAT: Sun square Eris, Venus square Uranus, Mercury semisquare Saturn
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

MARS AT STATION: The planet Mars reaches the end of its retrograde period this week. Mars first went retrograde on October 30, and since then has been moving backward through the middle degrees of Gemini. During these many weeks, we have been learning a lot about how we use our vital energies, perhaps experiencing an increase in irritations, frustrations, and even anger when things haven't gone exactly according to plan (Gemini). We may also have found ourselves exceptionally impatient when agendas, communications, or travels have been delayed or interrupted. And a blatant manifestation of retrograde Mars in Gemini — verbal disagreements that stymie progress — have certainly been in the news headlines.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Sun square Chiron, Venus enters Aquarius
TUE:No major aspects are exact today
WED: Venus sextile Jupiter
THU: Sun trine Uranus
FRI: Full Moon 3:07 p.m. PST
SAT: Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury
SUN: Retrograde Mercury trine Uranus

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD: Another year has come full circle and we are now crossing the threshold of a new calendar year. Based on the planetary activity that is in store, 2023 promises to be memorable, for each of us individually and for our global community.

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Written and Narrated and by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Nothing is as simple or as complicated as it seems -- including this tidbit. - Robert Jennings

If left to whim, we will mostly be driven by our biases and we have lots of them. One that most of us have is an optimism bias. Some estimates are that roughly 70-80% of people have this bias. There is a pessimism bias as well. While I am convinced that it is much better to be optimistic than pessimistic, we must be aware of the downside to both biases.

A pessimism bias is primarily driven by fear and that was predominant in our early evolution. But gradually, this pessimism bias was replaced by optimism as our lives improved. This idea of progress is perhaps best captured by the concept of "one step forward and two steps back".

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Mercury square Eris
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Venus sextile Neptune, Sun semisquare Saturn, Venus square Eris
THU: Mercury stations retrograde, Mercury conjunct Venus, Venus sesquiquadrate Mars
FRI: Sun quincunx Mars
SAT: Retrograde Mercury square Eris, Venus conjunct Pluto
SUN: Mars semisquare Eris, Mercury sextile Neptune

ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS: The final week of 2022 has begun. These last days of the calendar year always offer up a mix of emotions, based on our experiences of the past 12 months and depending, in most part, on whether expectations were met or dreams were denied.

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Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

We live in a era ripe with political polarization, disagreement and anger towards each other. It is no accident we are here in this moment in time. We are continuously inundated by the distractions of fallacy. Be it social media or main street news, we are being lulled away from the greatest tragedy, or greatest opportunity for rebirth, in the history of humanity.

All we lack is the will of the people. And that will is purposely being taken away from many of us, by those wishing power for power's sake and who have little empathy for others.

Deception, Distraction, and Disruption Is Their GameI firmly believe that most of what we are seeing in society today is merely a diversion by those FDR referred to as economic royalists. It has been ramped up to serve as a distraction away from their goal of bribing the political class.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Venus square Chiron, Venus quincunx Mars, Mars sextile Chiron
TUE: Jupiter enters Aries
WED: Sun enters Capricorn (Solstice), Sun square Jupiter, Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus
THU: Venus trine Uranus
FRI: Chiron stations direct, New Moon 2:16 a.m. PST, Jupiter semisquare Uranus
SAT: Mercury sextile Neptune
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

SOLAR FLARES: This past week, the Sun released an amazing number of moderate solar flares in just three short days. Starting just before midnight PST on December 13, and lasting through early December 16, an astonishing 25 M-class events occurred.

Solar flares affect not only the Earth and its atmosphere, but all life on this planet. A study by the National Institutes of Health states that these events "can act as stressors," affecting sleep patterns, blood pressure, breathing, circulation, the immune system, heart rate, the nervous system, and other physiological processes. There are also connections between solar flares and behaviors, emotional well-being, and mental health.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.MON: Sun sextile Saturn
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Sun square Neptune, Venus semisquare Saturn, Mercury square Chiron
THU: Sun trine Eris, Mercury quincunx Mars
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Mercury trine Uranus, Jupiter opposite Ceres
SUN: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto

REFLECTIONS: As the Moon wanes this week, having been conjunct retrograde Mars at last week's Full Moon, we reflect on the intensity of recent events, how they affected us emotionally and mentally, and how we chose to respond. Perhaps we feel good about our actions; perhaps we have some misgivings. These are the lessons we work with while Mars is retrograde in Gemini, as the planet gives us many opportunities to be in self-observation mode.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)MON: Mercury square Jupiter
TUE: Mercury enters Capricorn
WED: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Sun quincunx Uranus, Full Moon at 8:07 p.m. PST, Sun opposite Mars
THU: Pluto trine Ceres
FRI: Venus square Jupiter, Venus enters Capricorn
SAT: Mercury semisquare Saturn, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

GEMINI FULL MOON: This week's Full Moon is pivotal on several levels. As always, the climax of the lunar cycle is a time when light shines into the darkness and new awareness is possible. It also represents a culmination of the energies that were birthed at the New Moon (on November 23), and therefore can be a time when we realize the fullness of initiatives begun at that time.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)MON: Retrograde Mars trine Saturn, Venus quincunx Uranus
TUE: Mercury opposite retrograde Mars, Mercury sextile Saturn
WED: Venus opposite retrograde Mars
THU: Mercury square Neptune, Venus sextile Saturn
FRI: Mercury trine Eris
SAT: Neptune stations direct, Venus square Neptune, Sun trine Chiron
SUN: No major aspects are exact today

THE MARS RETROGRADE EFFECT: The planet Mars has been retrograde since October 30, and will continue to move backward through Gemini until January 12. During these many weeks of Mars-in-reverse, astrological wisdom cautions us to stop and think before we act, and to spend more time in reflection than in initiation. We may encounter many speedbumps or detours, feel like we're spinning our wheels, or experience unexpected irritation and anger while Mars is retrograde. We may also have physical symptoms such as inflammation, scrapes, burns, or small accidents.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week: All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.) MON: Mercury conjunct Venus

TUE: Sun enters Sagittarius, retrograde Mars square Ceres, Mercury sesquiquadrate Eris

WED: Venus sesquiquadrate Eris, New Moon 2:57 p.m. PST, Jupiter stations direct

THU: Mercury semisquare Pluto, Mercury trine Chiron

FRI: Neptune opposite Ceres, Venus semisquare Pluto, Venus trine Chiron

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Mercury quincunx Uranus

THE SEARCH FOR MEANING: The Sun enters Sagittarius this week, joining Mercury and Venus in the sign of The Archer. The glyph for the ninth sign is an arrow pointing upward, symbolizing the ongoing search for meaning that is one of its themes. The Archer itself is a centaur, half man and half horse, embodying both humanity's instinctive animal nature and our spiritual aspirations.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week: All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.) MON: Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron, Mercury sextile Pluto, Sun trine Neptune

TUE: Venus trine Jupiter, Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron, Sun quincunx Mars, Venus enters Sagittarius, Moon in Leo square Uranus and opposite Saturn

WED: Mercury trine Jupiter

THU: Mercury enters Sagittarius

FRI: Sun sextile Pluto

SAT: Mars square Neptune, Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron

SUN: Sun trine Jupiter

ONWARD AND UPWARD: As the Moon wanes this week, we are both completing the current lunar cycle and wrapping up eclipse season. As such, we may be feeling a sense of urgency as we seek to clarify where we stand and what we understand. The focus is on tying up loose ends, clearing out the debris left by the storm, and more fully integrating the shifts that have occurred; and yet, we may perhaps settle for at least gaining a better perspective on recent changes, so that we feel more ready to begin the next lunar cycle.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter

TUE: Moon Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse at 3:01 a.m. PST, Sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury opposite Uranus

WED: Sun opposite Uranus, Uranus trine Ceres, Mercury square Saturn

THU: Venus trine Neptune

FRI: Sun square Saturn, Venus quincunx Eris, Venus quincunx Mars

SAT: Mercury trine Neptune

SUN: Venus sextile Pluto, Mars sextile Eris, Mercury quincunx Mars, Mercury quincunx Eris

THE UNKNOWN QUANTITY: The universe usually likes to keep us guessing, a fact that most predictive astrologers will quickly acknowledge. There is always an unknown factor involved in any planetary event; this is particularly true of an eclipse, especially a total eclipse, which tends to involve even more of a "surprise factor" than a partial eclipse.

Unpredictability is a quality for which the planet Uranus is also famous. This is why many astrologers suggest that we "expect the unexpected" when Uranus is involved in planetary activity.

Our eclipse this Tuesday can thus be considered VERY Uranian, since it is both a Total Lunar Eclipse and the Moon will be closely aligned with Uranus for the event. In fact, given how the chart for the lunation looks, we'll need to consider it somewhat like playing the game "52-Card Pickup." The only thing we can count on, is that if we throw a deck of cards up into the air, how and where the individual cards land will be haphazard and very hard to predict ahead of time.

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When I am seeking inspiration or answers, I will sometimes let myself be guided to a book and, after taking a deep breath and focusing on what I'm searching for, open the book "randomly" to find a message for me or some inspiration for an article that I am writing..

As I did this, just now, I was led to the book Healing for the Age of Enlightenment by Stanley Burroughs. The page I opened to had this message:

"There is but one body and but one spirit. We are all an extension, or expression, of the Divine. We are all connected together with cords visible only through the spiritual sight. What affects one, affects the whole world and all its people. What we do to ourselves, we do to others. What we do to others, we do to ourselves."

This is why our words and thoughts are so important. What we emit into the world is picked up by others and it affects them as well. So if we go around spewing anger and judgment, that is what we are "feeding" others and their energy is affected. When we emit love, support, compassion, and understanding, this is what others receive and experience in our presence.

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About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Moon in Capricorn conjunct Pluto, Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Mars

TUE: Moon in Aquarius square Uranus and conjunct Saturn

WED: Venus quincunx Chiron, Sun sesquiquadrate Mars, Venus conjunct South Node

THU: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter

FRI: Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars

SAT: Sun quincunx Chiron, Sun conjunct South Node, Venus opposite Uranus

SUN: Mercury quincunx Chiron, Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mercury conjunct South Node, Moon in Aries conjunct Eris and square Pluto

THE ECLIPSE EFFECT: The two weeks between eclipses always feel somewhat surreal. There's often a vague sense of disconnect, as if our feet never fully touch the ground. This eclipse effect will likely increase throughout the coming week.

As we move through this first week of November, every day getting closer to the Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse on November 8, we will also be sensing its specific energies more and more. Full Moons are usually very emotional events, so we will be working with some deep feelings. And lunar eclipses, especially total eclipses, represent significant, life-changing turning points that often seem fated.

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Today's Inspiration by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is: Love is in everything. In the movie Collateral Beauty, Love says to Howard (played by Will Smith) that love is in everything. In the laughter, and in the pain. And that love is the reason for everything. Love is the only why.

It's a powerful scene in which we are reminded that love is not only in the wonderful connected moments, but also in the times when we feel disconnected, alone, sad, in pain, and fearful. Love is the underlying energy that connects us all... whether we know it or not, whether we feel it or not.

Yet so many of us are just skimming its surface. It takes courage to travel the ups and downs of love as it's not always smiles and giggles. It is anger, pain, sorrow. It is grief. And it is part of the journey that connects us all. it is all part of our journey back to experiencing love in everything.

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of rediscovering the love in everything and everyone (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today, we rediscover love in everything.

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Today's Inspiration by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

We are all connected.

Rather than thinking "negative thoughts" about someone who is a challenge in your life, think of them in the way you'd like them to be... supportive, loving, joyful, etc. See it as a "self-fulfilling" prophecy, or I suppose more appropriately, an "other-fulfilling" prophecy.

Since we are all connected, our thoughts, our positive energy, will "feed" that energy, that message, that reality to the other person. Anytime you find yourself falling back on the "negative thoughts" about this person, just say Cancel, and return to thinking of the person in the way you'd like them to be... loving and supportive, which is their true self.

Just as children, when constantly told they are stupid, ugly, clumsy, etc., start to fulfill that expectation, the person that you, mentally and spiritually, are thinking of in a more positive way, will get the message which they can then accept into their being.

Please participate in this "conversation" or group reflection, by using our feedback form at InnerSelf.com *(under the This and That tab at the top of the page) with your comments, questions, reflections. They will serve as a jumping off point for the next and future Inspirations. I may not answer your email personally (or I might), but your sharing will help the creation of future inspirations for you, for me, and for all readers of this column. If you are a subscriber, you can simply reply to the email of today's inspiration.

Looking forward to our ongoing conversations...

...with love and gratitude, Marie T. Russell*

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of being aware of your connection to everything and everyone (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today (and everyday) we are all connected.

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Today's Inspiration with Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

I am who I choose to be.

In my recent article Is Planet Earth A School for Good and Evil?, based on my reflections on the movie, The School for Good and Evil, the question is raised Who do you think you are? The good news is that whoever we think we are, or have thought we were... that is in the past. What matters is who we choose to be in this moment. We have all had weak moments and failings, as well as moments of strength and clarity. Those are the ups and downs of the seesaw of life.

Yet, since we can only live the present moment, in the now, what matters is who we choose to be in this moment, right here and now. Right now, I choose to share my thoughts and my insights with you, with the goal of triggering your own thoughts and insights. We can all choose to be a light to those around us, as well as to ourselves, of course. because as we do for others, we do for ourself, and vice versa, .

So today, who do you choose to be?

Please participate in this "conversation" or group reflection, by using our feedback form at InnerSelf.com *(under the This and That tab at the top of the page) with your comments, questions, reflections. They will serve as a jumping off point for the next and future Inspirations. I may not answer your email personally (or I might), but your sharing will help the creation of future inspirations for you, for me, and for all readers of this column. If you are a subscriber, you can simply reply to the email of today's inspiration.

Looking forward to our ongoing conversations...

...with love and gratitude, Marie T. Russell*

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

Is Planet Earth A School for Good and Evil?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of consciously choosing who you are being (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today (and everyday) we are who we choose to be.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

I just finished watching the movie The School for Good and Evil. As I do in life itself, I look for messages when I watch movies. And because The Universe, All That Is, Spirit, Guidance, Good speaks through everything and everyone that comes our way, messages are found in "real life" as well as in books and movies... yes even in fantasy, romance, and all kinds of movies. Even the songs that play in a movie are, of course, part of the message that is being communicated.

One of the messages that struck me, early on in the movie was about how to measure one's goodness and that it's not about appearances but "it's about what one does". In other words, it's not about what others think you are or who you think you are, but about what you do. We may meditate for hours on end each day, or go to church religiously once a week, but if, when out of meditation or church, we are petty, we gossip, hurt others with our words and actions... then which energy are we living? Good or evil?

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About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

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Astrological Overview:: October 24 - 30, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Moon in Libra opposite Eris and square Pluto

TUE: New Moon/partial solar eclipse 3:28 a.m. PDT, Mercury quincunx Neptune

WED: Mercury opposite Eris, Moon in Scorpio opposite Uranus and square Saturn, Mercury trine Mars

THU: Mercury square Pluto, retrograde Jupiter re-enters Pisces

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Mercury enters Scorpio

SUN: Mars stations retrograde****

SOLAR ECLIPSE: A partial solar eclipse adorns the skies on Tuesday, October 25, synchronized with a Scorpio New Moon. The lunation occurs at 3:48 a.m. PDT, when the Sun and Moon align at 02°00´ Scorpio and are also tightly conjunct Venus, which will be 02°39´ of the sign.

Eclipses come in pairs (or sometimes trios) twice a year, and often correspond with profound changes that may feel karmic or fated in some way. This is due to the fact that an eclipse occurs when a lunation is positioned near the Moon's nodal axis. The Nodes represent our current evolutionary path, with the South Node showing the traits we are releasing and the North Node indicating the qualities we are meant to develop.

This Tuesday's eclipse is a South Node eclipse, which simply means...

Continue reading on InnerSelf.com:

https://innerself.com/personal/intuition-awareness/astrology/horoscope/27747-astrological-overview-and-horoscope-october-24-30-2022.html

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Replacing the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs in the "Pluto, the Sun, and Venus" section:

With the Sun and Venus in the thirtieth degree of Libra, we are being tested on our ability to stay in balance, to cooperate, to be just and equitable, and to bring harmony to situations where there is discord. Meanwhile, with Pluto in Capricorn, we are challenged to act with integrity, to align with our higher purpose, and to be conscientious, self-reliant, humble, and responsible.

This week, as Pluto in Capricorn squares Venus and the Sun in Libra, we could experience significant changes in these areas. The Sun-Venus conjunction, which occurs on Saturday, October 22, occurs when both planets are in the critical "anaretic" degree of Libra, and both are still square Pluto. This increases the impact of the square aspect, since the anaretic degree represents an opportunity to complete issues. This degree is said to bring about experiences that test how well we have learned the lessons of the sign.

Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: October 17 - 23, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sextile Eris, Sun opposite Eris, Venus quincunx Neptune, Sun trine Mars

TUE: Venus opposite Eris, Venus trine Mars

WED: Sun square Pluto, Mercury opposite Chiron, Venus square Pluto, Moon in Leo square Uranus and opposite Saturn

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Mercury quincunx Uranus, Sun conjunct Venus, Mercury trine Saturn, Saturn stations direct

SUN: Venus enters Scorpio, Sun enters Scorpio, Venus quincunx Jupiter, Sun quincunx Jupiter

KARMIC DETOX: If you've ever tried a detox program, perhaps through fasting or taking certain supplements, you're no doubt well aware of the discomfort, mood swings, brain fog, and other physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that usually occur when the body is releasing toxins...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: October 10 - 16, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

**MON: Venus opposite Chiron, Moon in Aries conjunct Eris and square Pluto, Mercury enters Libra

TUE: Sun quincunx Uranus, Sun trine Saturn, Mars square Neptune, Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus and square Saturn

WED: Mercury opposite Jupiter, Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus

THU: Venus quincunx Uranus, Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus trine Saturn

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Sun quincunx Neptune**

ECLIPSE SEASON: The next lunation on the calendar, a New Moon on October 25, is also a partial solar eclipse. In my way of calculating such things (other astrologers may have differing opinions), as of today's Full Moon (on Sunday, October 9), we are now entering eclipse season.

In these next two weeks leading up to the eclipse, it is especially important to clear, cleanse, detox, release ... all those practices we would normally consider helpful during the waning phase of the lunar cycle. However, eclipses carry a much deeper symbolism than "standard issue" lunations, since they invoke larger karmic themes, for each of us individually and for the collective. They also mark the completion of a six-month period that began with the last set of eclipses, back in April and May...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: October 3 - 9, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Moon in Capricorn square Eris and conjunct Pluto

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: Moon in Aquarius square Uranus and conjunct Saturn

THU: Mercury trine Pluto

FRI: Sun opposite Chiron

SAT: Pluto stations direct

SUN: Full Moon 1:54 p.m. PDT 16°32´Aries

SOLAR FLARES: The Sun is once again very active with solar flares! In the last three days alone (as of Sunday, October 2), there have been six M-class flares, with one of these being almost X-class. M-class flares are medium large eruptions and X-class flares are the highest level...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: September 26 - October 2, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury conjunct Venus, Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus, Sun opposite Jupiter, Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn

TUE: Mercury trine Pluto, Moon in Libra opposite Eris and square Pluto, Mars trine Saturn

WED: Jupiter semisquare Uranus

THU: Venus enters Libra, Moon in Scorpio opposite Uranus and square Saturn

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Venus opposite Jupiter, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus

SUN: Mercury stations direct, Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn

THE JUPITER EFFECT: Both the highs and the lows may seem more extreme than usual this week. The giant planet Jupiter is at perigee (closest proximity to the Earth) on Monday, at the same time that it opposes the Libra Sun and is activating the Saturn-Uranus square. This is the closest Jupiter has been to the Earth in fifty-nine years, making this event even more significant...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years...

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Today's Inspiration prepared by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

I choose to do the things that matter to me.

A chair doesn’t change much from year to year or decade to decade, but people do. We are always in process. We can do our best to evolve to meet changing conditions.

What are you doing to make sure that however many months and years you have left, you spend your time doing what matters to you?

If you have trouble saying “no” to activities that you find draining or boring, how much more time are you going to devote to them before you start paying attention to designing a new future for yourself, starting today?

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

Designing a New Future for Yourself

Written by Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD

Read the article here

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of doing the things that matter to you (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today, we do the things that matter to us and design a new future for ourselves.

This inspiration is an excerpt from: The Necktie and The Jaguar: A memoir to help you change your story and find fulfillmentby Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD

Compelling reading for anyone seeking the courage to make more conscious choices and live fully awake, The Necktie and The Jaguar is a memoir with thought-provoking questions that encourage self-exploration. Author Carl Greer—businessman, philanthropist, and retired Jungian analyst and clinical psychologist—offers an illuminating roadmap to individuation and personal transformation.

Writing about his spiritual practices and reflecting on his vulnerabilities, he tells of honoring his longings for purpose and meaning, journeying to transpersonal realms, reinventing his life, and devoting himself to service to others while living with deep respect for Pachamama, Mother Earth. His memoir is an inspirational testament to the power of self-discovery. As Carl Greer learned, you don’t have to feel trapped in a story someone else has written for you.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Today's Inspiration by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

I choose to expect things to get better.

In order to make a new dream come about, we have to be willing to let go of any limitations we have placed on ourselves and on others, and be willing to expect the best from everyone, including ourselves.

Change, by its very nature, means letting go of the past, of the way things were, and perhaps of the way we have expected them to be.

We must be willing to expect our dreams to come true, or as the affirmation goes "this, or something better".

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to ChangeWritten by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of expecting the best (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today, we practice expecting things to get better.

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Today's Inspiration by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

I find a reason to change.

Change may not be a four-letter word, but sometimes it sure feels like it. We can get ingrained in the "same-old same-old" and not feel like there's any reason to change. Or at least we don't see one, and perhaps even more importantly, we don't want to see one.

I think we can all recognize that many things need changing... whether on a large scale, as in planet-wide, or on a more personal level. However, we must be cautious to not make the change process be based on a "not-good-enough" attitude or a lack of respect and love, both for ourselves and for others.

Andy Warhol said "When people are ready to, they change". So maybe the question to ask ourselves is: Am I ready to change? And to help us answer that question, we can look at the consequences of not changing, as well as the end results of the changes we choose to make.

Today, I am ready and willing to make changes in my life.

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

Finding a Reason to ChangeWritten by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of finding reasons to change (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today, we practice finding reasons to change.

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*Today's Inspiration

by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The focus for today's inspiration is:

I practice being flexible in my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

When I think of being inflexible, the image comes to mind of having one's feet stuck in cement, or perhaps in quicksand. A person in that situation is either stuck in place and unable to move, or sinking in the mess they have stepped into - whether it's their own mess or someone else's.

I believe, that flexibility is of primordial importance for us to: 1) change our life and 2) change our world. If we keep doing the same thing, we get the same results (which is also a definition of insanity). If we want different results -- whether we are talking our health, our job, our relationships, our world -- we need to be flexible and try different things in different ways.

Just because we have "always" believed something or done something a certain way does not mean we have to continue doing so. We can choose to be flexible and experiment with different beliefs, attitudes, and actions.

Today, I practice being flexible... in my thoughts, my attitudes, my goals, my actions, and my life.

For more reflections on this topic, read the InnerSelf.com article:

What's The Next Step? Stretching My Body and My WorldWritten by Marie T. Russell

Read the article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of flexibility (today and every day)Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "Today's Inspiration".Today, we practice flexibility by stretching our boundaries.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: September 19 - 25, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Venus trine Uranus

TUE: Moon in Cancer square Eris and opposite Pluto, Venus quincunx Saturn

WED: Jupiter semisquare Saturn

THU: Moon in Leo square Uranus and opposite Saturn, Sun enters Libra/Equinox, Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury

FRI: Mercury enters Virgo

SAT: Venus opposite Neptune

SUN: New Moon in Libra at 2:54 pm PDT, Venus trine Pluto

SOLAR ACTIVITY: The sun has been very active in the last three days, erupting in four major (M-class) solar flares within that short period. Solar activity such as this can have a strong effect on those who are sensitive; scientific studies show that the nervous and circulatory systems can be affected, resulting in both physical and behavioral symptoms.

Because solar flares also affect the pineal gland, known as the Third Eye in esoteric traditions, there are spiritual effects possible when we have major solar events, including an expansion of consciousness...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com *(plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: September 12 - 18, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun quincunx Saturn

TUE: Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto

WED: Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus and square Saturn

THU: Neptune quincunx Ceres

FRI: Venus square Mars, Sun opposite Neptune

SAT: Mars sextile Chiron

SUN: Mercury opposite Jupiter, Sun trine Pluto, Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn

CONVERGENCE ZONE: We are headed into a planetary "convergence zone" as we enter the last half of September. The Saturn-Uranus square, which was exact to the degree three times in 2021, is once again in effect, only one degree shy of being exact this Wednesday, September 14.

The Saturn-Uranus square represents the tension between existing social and governmental laws and structures (Saturn) and the need for progress and individual freedoms (Uranus). This aspect has been a driving force behind much of the political divisiveness, restrictions and rebellions, and social unrest that were very strong throughout 2021. On a personal level, this square represents the inner conflicts we each deal with as we contemplate major life changes (Uranus) but also are aware of a need for stability and consistency (Saturn).

As we work with this influence, we may feel a lot of nervous energy and restlessness, and...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: September 5 - 11, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron

TUE: Saturn opposite Ceres, Moon in Capricorn square Eris and conjunct Pluto

WED: Sun quincunx Chiron

THU: Moon in Aquarius square Uranus and conjunct Saturn

FRI: Mercury stations retrograde, Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto

SAT: Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto, Full Moon 2:58 a.m. PDT, 17 Pisces 41

SUN: Sun trine Uranus

HARVEST MOON: Our Full Moon for September, which occurs this Saturday at 2:58 a.m. PDT, is this year's Harvest Moon. This is the name traditionally given to the Full Moon that occurs nearest to the Libra Equinox. It is a time when farmers, aided by the bright light of the Moon as it rises just after sunset, are able to work late into the night to bring in the crops...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com(plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: August 29 - September 4, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

MON: Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus

TUE: No major aspects are exact today.

WED: Venus quincunx Neptune, Venus trine Eris

THU: Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mars sextile Jupiter, Venus quincunx Pluto

FRI: Mercury opposite Jupiter

SAT: Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto, Uranus square Ceres

SUN: Venus enters Virgo

WAKING UP: The Sun has become very active again in recent days! After several weeks of only minor solar activity, there have been four moderate M-class solar flares and seven C-class events in the past 17 hours (as of this writing, on Sunday morning, August 28). The strongest of these flares was very recent, an M6.73 event that peaked at 9:19 a.m. PDT (1619 UT). This is in addition to the four M-class flares and thirteen C-class flares that occurred in the previous 24 hours.

All of this means that we on Earth are receiving a significant amount of energy from the Sun, which can affect us on many levels....

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: August 22 - 28, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Pluto, Sun enters Virgo

TUE: Moon in Cancer square Eris and opposite Pluto

WED: Uranus stations retrograde, Venus trine Chiron

THU: Mercury enters Libra, Moon in Leo square Uranus and opposite Saturn

FRI: Venus square Uranus, Sun square Mars

SAT: New Moon, 1:17 a.m. PDT

SUN: Venus opposite Saturn

THE TIME OF THE HARVEST: Priorities change this week due to the Sun making ingress into Virgo on Monday. As the new solar month begins, the sunglasses of expressive, drama-seeking, fiery Leo go back into their case and we don the spectacles of discerning, analytical, earthy Virgo. This astrological shift coincides with the end of the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere, when the crops reach the peak of their creative self-expression (Leo) and are ready to be harvested (Virgo).

The new season we are entering is when the wheat is separated from the chaff, both literally and figuratively. For many...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: August 15 - 21, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter

TUE: Mercury trine Uranus

WED: Sun quincunx Neptune, Sun trine Eris; Moon in Aries conjunct Eris and square Pluto

THU: Venus trine Jupiter, Mercury quincunx Saturn; Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus and square Saturn

FRI: Sun quincunx Pluto, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune

SAT: Mars enters Gemini

SUN: Mercury opposite Neptune, Mars semisquare Chiron

THE HEAT OF AUGUST: No matter what season it is where you live, the heat is definitely turned up this month. The challenging energies of the Pluto-Eris square and the Saturn-Uranus square, which I wrote about last week, are building now and will be with us through early November.

On top of that, the planet Uranus is very strong right now, since it is moving very slowly in anticipation of stationing retrograde on August 24. The influence of a planet when it is moving slowly versus when it is moving at normal speed can be likened to the difference between walking in filtered sunlight versus standing still, in direct sun, at high noon. The heat of the sun hasn't suddenly changed, but we feel its effects more profoundly because the energy is more focused in our experience. For the rest of August, we...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: August 8 - 14, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun trine Chiron, Venus opposite Pluto

TUE: Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Mars semisquare Jupiter

WED: Sun square nodal axis

THU: Jupiter trine Ceres, Sun square Uranus, Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto, Venus enters Leo, Mars sextile Neptune

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Sun opposite Saturn, Mercury quincunx Chiron, Mars trine Pluto

FLASHBACK: In addition to the heat of the Uranus-Mars alignment, which continues for another week or so, we may be starting to feel a sense of déjà vu, observing that situations from the not-too-distant past seem to be repeating in some way. This is likely due to the return in August of two aspects that have contributed to major events over the past couple of years: the Pluto-Eris square (2020-2021) and the Saturn-Uranus square (2021). Both of these challenging aspects are again within "orb" (active range), and will be influencing earthly affairs for the next two to three months.

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: August 1 - 7, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Eris, Mars conjunct the North Node

TUE: Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sextile Uranus, Mercury quincunx Pluto, Venus sextile Mars

WED: Mercury enters Virgo

THU: Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron

FRI: Venus quincunx Saturn

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Venus square Eris, Venus trine Neptune, Mars square Saturn

THE URANUS EFFECT: The planet Uranus is named for the c, who had a variety of aliases, including the lord of Earthquakes and Lightning Bolts, the god of Chaos, and the ruler of the Starry Skies. True to these descriptive titles, when the planet Uranus is strongly activated, we tend to experience life as being chaotic, unpredictable, and surprising.

Today and tomorrow, July 31 and August 1, Uranus aligns with both Mars and the karmic North Node. This three-way alignment is highly charged, almost electrical in its effect, both literally and symbolically. While its short-term impact may be unsettling, its higher purpose is to help move us beyond places where we've resisted change because of an attachment to what is familiar and comfortable.

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: July 25-31, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: No major aspects are exact today

TUE: Mercury square Mars

WED: Mercury trine Chiron

THU: Jupiter stations retrograde, Mercury square Uranus, Mercury square nodal axis

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Mercury opposite Saturn

SUN: Venus square Chiron, Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Uranus conjunct North Node, Sun trine Jupiter

PARADIGM SHIFT: We are nearing one of the most important astrological events of 2022: the conjunction of Uranus, Mars, and the North Node in Taurus. While exact on July 31-August 1, this influence has been building since Mars entered the sign of The Bull on July 6. It will be of strongest impact from July 29 to August 5, when the Red Planet is within 2 degrees of being exactly conjunct Uranus.

What can we expect with this event in the sign of Taurus, which rules nature and the environment, finances, values, and morals? ...

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The Journal entry is updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: July 18-24, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury opposite Pluto, Mercury conjunct Ceres

TUE: Mercury enters Leo, Chiron stations retrograde, Sun opposite Pluto, Mars semisquare Neptune

WED: Venus semisquare Uranus

THU: Jupiter semisquare Saturn, Eris stations retrograde, Sun conjunct Ceres

FRI: Sun enters Leo

SAT: Mercury trine Jupiter

SUN: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus square Jupiter

THE MONTH OF LEO: The Sun makes ingress into the sign of Leo the Lion on Friday, July 22. The month of Leo is a time for creativity to blossom and performers to shine. We are invited to be more spontaneous, playful, and generous over the next four weeks. However, dramas may also unfold, due to rampant egos needing to claim the spotlight. Leaders, especially, may experience challenges in the last half of this astrological month, due to the Sun being square Uranus (August 11) and opposite Saturn (August 14).

Before that, on July 31-August 1, the Leo Sun will be trine Jupiter. These are also the days that Uranus, the North Node, and Mars align. The combination of these influences represents an urge to expand, to be more and to know more than we have up to this point. There is also...

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The Journal entry is updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: July 11-17, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: No major aspects are exact today

TUE: Mercury square Chiron, Venus trine Saturn

WED: Full Moon 11:37 a.m. PDT, Venus sextile Eris, Mercury sextile Uranus, Venus square Neptune

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Venus quincunx Pluto

SAT: Sun quincunx Saturn, Mercury quincunx Saturn, Sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury square Eris

SUN: Mercury trine Neptune, Sun square Eris, Pluto opposite Ceres, Sun trine Neptune, Venus enters Cancer

ACCELERATION: As we move through the month of July, each day we draw closer to the conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the North Node in Taurus. This three-way alignment, which perfects on July 31-August 1, is accelerating the timeline even more dramatically than what we had been experiencing up until now. This increased tempo may be perceived through literally feeling like the days are flying by, or that there isn't enough time to do everything we usually try to pack into twenty-four hours.

We may also feel a sense of overwhelm due to the growing amount of data and high-vibrational energy we are receiving from the cosmos...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: July 4 -10, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars enters Taurus, Mercury enters Cancer, Mercury sextile Mars

TUE: Venus semisquare Mars

WED: Venus sextile Chiron, Mercury semisquare Uranus

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Sun square Chiron, Mercury square Jupiter

SAT: Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn

SUN: Sun sextile Uranus, Saturn quincunx Ceres

COSMIC MESSENGER: As the Moon gradually waxes this week. leading up to the Full Moon on July 13, Comet K2 (PanSTARRS) is also nearing its closest pass of the Earth, set to occur on July 14. Comets are messengers from the far reaches of the universe, and when they are close enough to Earth to be visible in the sky, it indicates a time when new information is being integrated into our consciousness.

Here are insights from three different sources about the meanings of comets:

From the Well and Good website: "Comets are made up of ice, dust, and gasses. Symbolically, we might say they represent our frozen emotions and collective fears, surfacing for us to see and heal. Anything we have been ignoring or suppressing can no longer be ignored. To the ancients, a comet represented change, like an eclipse."...

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Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: June 27 - July 3, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury sextile Chiron, Mars sextile Saturn, Mars conjunct Eris

TUE: Neptune stations retrograde, Sun square Jupiter, New Moon 7:52 pm

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mars square Pluto

SAT: Mercury trine Saturn, Mercury sextile Eris, Mercury square Neptune

SUN: Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto, Mercury quincunx Pluto

MARS, PLUTO, AND ERIS: One of the more notable influences we're working with this week is an Argentine tango-like interaction between warrior Mars and two dwarf planets, Pluto and Eris. All three of these celestial figures are known for their intensity, drive, and courage, so we may see fiery outbursts and some drama in the days ahead.

Mars is exactly conjunct maverick Eris in Aries on Monday. These two planets are considered "siblings" in a way, with Mars being the god of war and Eris being the goddess of discontent. When they connect, there is a strong tendency to act on impulse, especially in reaction to feeling ignored or discounted. Individual rights are very important to both Mars and Eris.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: June 20 - 26, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury sextile Jupiter

TUE: Venus trine Pluto, Sun enters Cancer (Solstice)

WED: Venus enters Gemini

THU: Sun semisquare Uranus, Venus semisquare Chiron, Saturn sextile Eris

FRI: Venus semisquare Ceres

SAT: Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto, Uranus sextile Ceres

SUN: No major aspects are exact today

CANCER SOLSTICE: On Tuesday, June 21, at 2:13 a.m. PDT, the Sun makes ingress into the sign of Cancer. The first day of this astrological month marks one of the two solstices in our calendar year; these are the days when the physical sun reaches either the highest or lowest point in the sky, depending on the hemisphere in which you reside. Ancient astronomers and astrologers knew this to be the day when the sun seemed to stand still, and would thereafter gradually reverse its previous trajectory.

The word "solstice" is from two Latin words: "sol," meaning the sun, and "sistere," which means to stand still. For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, Tuesday heralds the first day of summer and the day of the longest light. If you live in lands south of the equator, this is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.

THEMES FOR THE SEASON: The astrological "birth chart" drawn for a solstice or an equinox is said to reflect themes that we will be working with for the next three months. Most significant...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: June 13 - 19, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury enters Gemini

TUE: Full Moon 4:51 a.m. PDT

WED: Mars conjunct Chiron, Sun sextile Eris

THU: Sun trine Saturn, Venus conjunct North Node, Sun square Neptune

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Venus square Saturn, Venus sextile Neptune

SUN: Sun quincunx Pluto

STRAWBERRY SUPER MOON: The current lunar cycle reaches its climax this Tuesday, June 14. The Full Moon that occurs in June is known as the Strawberry Moon in the traditions of many Native American tribes of the Northeastern United States, due to the region's wild strawberries that ripen in the late spring and early summer.

This year's Strawberry Moon will also be a supermoon, which means it will appear larger and brighter than typical Full Moons. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is close to perigee (at its closest proximity to the Earth) at the time it opposes the Sun. It is said that the gravitational pull of the Full Moon is stronger when it is a supermoon. This heightens its effect on our emotional, mental, and physical bodies, and also increases the possibility of tectonic movement (earthquakes) and other natural events...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: June 6-12, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus semisquare Neptune, Mars square Ceres

TUE: Mars semisquare Saturn

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Mercury trine Pluto

SAT: Venus conjunct Uranus

SUN: No major aspects are exact today

STATIONARY SATURN: The influence of Saturn is very strong throughout the first two weeks of June. As seen from our perspective on planet Earth, the Ringed Planet came to a standstill yesterday (June 4), changing gears from forward to reverse in order to begin its five-month retrograde phase.

As a planet nears its "station," the degree at which it changes direction, it slows its pace. This affects how intensely we feel the energies of the planet. I like to use the analogy of standing on a platform at a train depot as a train is coming in. As it gets closer, the train must reduce its speed. And, as it gets near, the engine roar and vibration become stronger in our awareness. Finally, when the train has come to a stop directly in front of us, the noise is very loud and the platform itself is vibrating. The train then reverses direction and starts to pull out of the depot. As it moves off, the noise and the vibration gradually lessen.

While Saturn is strong, we may experience a reality check due to...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: May 30 - June 5, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: New Moon 4:30 a.m. PDT

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Mercury stations direct, Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto

SAT: Saturn stations retrograde

SUN: No major aspects are exact today

GEMINI NEW MOON: This week draws a powerful eclipse season to a close and begins a new lunar cycle. After a very intense several weeks, the Sun and Moon open the windows to let in some fresh air. They will conjoin in Gemini, the sign of The Twins, on Monday, May 30, at 4:30 a.m. PDT.

When the two lights meet at 09°03´ Gemini, they will also be closely aligned with the fixed star Aldebaran. This giant orange star was one of the four Royal Stars, or Guardians of the Sky, in ancient Persia, and is associated with Archangel Michael.

According to astrologer Roderick Kidston, in his book The Magic of the Stars, Aldebaran "is a star of great power and can bestow great gifts." However, it can also bring downfall...

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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Astrological Overview: May 23 - 29, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun sextile Jupiter, Venus conjunct Eris, retrograde Mercury sextile Mars

TUE: Venus sextile Saturn, Mars enters Arie

WED: Retrograde Mercury trine Pluto

THU: Mars semisquare Uranus, Venus square Pluto

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Venus enters Taurus

SUN: Mars conjunct Jupiter

ECLIPSE SEASON: We continue to wend our way through eclipse season, a time when events seem especially profound or fated and we experience major transformations. This season, and the current lunar cycle, will be active until next week's New Moon in Gemini, which occurs on May 30 at 3:32 a.m. PDT. Because this is such a powerful time, we may want to pay special attention to the two remaining lunar phases that occur this week...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Gabriel Kram. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In a world that often seems intent on destroying itself, I find myself curating beauty. Not the skin-deep beauty that graces magazine covers, but the roots of beauty—the kind of beauty that grabs us and shakes us out of the narcotic, dystopian alienation through which modernity slumbers and lumbers these days.

There’s so much beauty around us in forgotten, out-of-the-way places. There’s wild beauty breaking through cracks in the sidewalk if you’d only kneel down to look. It’s in the scatter of raindrops on a windshield catching fire in the afternoon sun, the electric dances of our children, the call to prayer over crackling loudspeakers, and the waft of cinnamon leaking out under the bakery door.

In Pursuit of Wild Beauty There is wild beauty everywhere. Yet we, as modern people, have made it mostly our business not to see it.

We’ve locked ourselves up with actuarial tables, earnings statements, and various forms of insurance. We mitigate against risk by pursuing higher education, working for companies that provide a stable paycheck, and sending our children to established schools. We lock ourselves into routines, mortgages, and predictability. We hedge our bets. We make 5-year plans.

And in so doing, we turn away from the wild beauty within: the originality with which each of us came here.

Many years ago, a study in England revealed that every 2-year-old is a genius. Every single one. And then we school that genius out of them. We extinguish their wild beauty...

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Book by this Author: Restorative Practices of Wellbeing Restorative Practices of Wellbeing
by Natureza Gabriel Kram.

In this pioneering volume, connection phenomenologist Gabriel Kram addresses two fundamental practical questions: how do we address the trauma and disconnection endemic to the modern world, and how do we turn on the Connection System? Marrying cutting-edge neurophysiology with awareness technologies from a wide variety of traditions and lineages, this book maps a novel approach to the creation of wellbeing informed by the most cutting-edge science, and the most ancient of awareness practices. It teaches over 300 restorative practices of wellbeing to connect with Self, Others, and the Living World.

For anyone who has faced a difficult childhood, grown up with a sense that there is something missing in the modern world, or yearns for deeper connection with Self, Others, or the Living World, this book provides a map to a (r)evolutionary approach to wellbeing so ancient it hasn't been invented yet.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author Natureza Gabriel Kram is a connection phenomenologist. Over the p

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espect is profoundly meaningful, but costs nothing to give. Here are ways you can demonstrate (and model) respect for your diverse coworkers, regardless of who they are or what their positions are within your organization

Respect is profoundly meaningful, but costs nothing to give. Here are ways you can demonstrate (and model) respect for your diverse coworkers, regardless of who they are or what their positions are within your organization:

1. Listen without interruption, arguing, or defensiveness. This may be the most important—and easiest—thing you can do. When working with people who are different from you, actively listening to their ideas, feedback, thoughts, or concerns conveys tremendous respect. Give them your full attention and let them finish speaking before you comment or ask a question.

2. Ask questions. Questions are respectful because they encourage someone to share their opinions, ideas, and input. When talking with team members, particularly about difficult subjects such as race or inequity at work, we are often uncomfortable asking questions, because we don’t know where the answer will lead. And we’re uncomfortable with the conversation as a whole, so we sure don’t want to prolong it by asking questions—we just want it over with!

But asking questions such as “Can you tell me more about that idea?” or “What are the obstacles we need to identify to address this?” or “What do you think is the best way to proceed?” are not only viable, they also convey that you’re committed. You’re in this, and you’re not afraid to learn more.

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Article Source: It's Time to Talk about Race at Work: Every Leader's Guide to Making Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusionby Kelly McDonald

In It's Time to Talk about Race at Work, acclaimed speaker and bestselling author Kelly McDonald delivers a much-needed roadmap for business people. This book will help you successfully create a fair and equitable workplace that recognizes diverse talent and fosters productive and constructive conversations in your organization.

This book shows you exactly what to do and how to do it so that you can make real progress on diversity and inclusion, regardless of the size of your organization.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as an Audiobook and a Kindle edition.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: May 16 - 22, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: No major aspects are exact today

TUE: Mars conjunct Neptune

WED: Jupiter square Ceres

THU: Sun trine Pluto, retrograde Mercury sextile Jupiter

FRI: Sun enters Gemini

SAT: Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury

SUN: Mars sextile Pluto, retrograde Mercury re-enters Taurus

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: If weather and location allow, I hope you are able to view the Total Lunar Eclipse tonight! The effects of the event are strongest today and tomorrow, but will continue to play out as eclipse season continues over the next two weeks. This eclipse is also setting themes that will in some way be active in our lives for the next six months.

One theme to be aware of with this event is that it is activating a detox process that may not necessarily be comfortable. With the Moon conjunct the karmic South Node in Scorpio, this eclipse is making us aware of old emotional patterns and attachments that are no longer working and thus are best discarded.

Although we might think that "letting go of what no longer works" should be fairly straightforward, the shadow side of Scorpio is known for holding onto emotions and situations long past their expiration date. We become comfortable with what is and what has been, even if it is not healthy.

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).

The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: May 9 - 15, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: No major aspects are exact today

TUE: Mercury stations retrograde, Jupiter enters Aries, Venus semisquare Saturn

WED: Jupiter semisquare Uranus

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Sun conjunct South Node

SAT: Mars sextile North Node

SUN: Venus conjunct Chiron, Sun square Saturn, Sun sextile Neptune, Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse 9:13 p.m. PDT

This week’s planetary events, are significant!

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: The Full Moon that occurs next Sunday, May 15, is also a powerful Total Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will reach totality at 9:11 p.m. PDT on Sunday night, which means it will occur early on Monday, May 16, for Eastern and other time zones. The eclipse will be visible from North and South America, plus parts of Europe and Africa.

All eclipses provide the opportunity to align with our higher destiny, but total eclipses are especially transformational. Even the fact that a Total Lunar Eclipse is called a "Blood Moon" (due to the reddish hue that it gains at totality) lends a sense of intrigue and even foreboding to the event. And, while all lunar eclipses involve a process of emotional cleansing, with this Full Moon eclipse in cathartic Scorpio, deep feelings that we may have been keeping at bay are likely to come to the surface to be released and healed...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

When people speak of compassion, they mostly are referring to having compassion for others, for those less fortunate than themselves. And this is definitely a wonderful practice, however, in order to be able to practice compassion towards others, we may first have to learn to be compassionate towards ourselves.

Changing Self-Beliefs and Judgments We all have beliefs about ourselves... whether we think we're smart or not, good-looking or not, likeable or not, etc. However, these beliefs are more than just a simple belief, they are usually a severe judgment on ourselves, It's not just that we think we're not "something or other", but really that we believe we are not good enough.

These thoughts keep us from loving and accepting ourselves. So perhaps the place to start is to have compassion for our lack of whatever it is we think we lack.. certainly lack of perfection. Cut yourself some slack. You're not perfect! So what! No one is perfect! Even those who may appear to be perfect have their own inner doubts and demons.

Have compassion for the imperfect person that you are, and give yourself room to grow by changing your beliefs and judgments about yourself. Be compassionate to your human self with its human failings. You are, after all, a work in progress...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus video version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What could I choose to think rather than this upsetting thought? Compassion is a much-needed quality in our world. If someone is rude to you, or unfriendly, or whatever, practice choosing alternative thoughts.

Rather than going on the defensive or even the offensive, focus compassionately on why the person is behaving in that way. Perhaps they had an argument at home or with the boss, and are feeling afraid and frustrated.

Focusing compassionately on alternative reasons for their behavior, other than just saying they're a jerk, will not only help heal the rift or discord between the two of you, it will also, even more importantly, put in you a space of inner peace. You can ask yourself, What could I choose to think rather than this upsetting thought?

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of practicing compassion towards others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: What could I choose to think other than this upsetting thought?

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I let myself be guided by the writings of my compassionate self. Journaling, or writing to and for yourself, is a great way to get in touch with your feelings as well as with your inner guidance. Writing, without restrictions, allows you to vent and release your emotions, and then it also makes room for your compassionate self to step in and provide calm guidance.

Sit down and write out your frustrations, either with yourself or with others. Let the emotions flow, let the words come out on paper. Don't censor yourself. This is for your eyes only.

Then when you've expressed how you feel, allow your compassionate self to express insights, comfort, and guidance. Let the words flow, again without censoring, and write them down. Just let the compassion and insights flow for the situation that you were writing about, and for yourself and the other people involved. Let yourself be guided by what your written words reveal.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of compassion (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we let ourselves be guided by the writings of our compassionate self.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My inner compassionate teacher offers guidance and wisdom with love. We all have inner "critics" and detractors. These are the voices inside our own head that tell us we've messed up, we didn't live up to expectations, whether that of others or of our own self.

We also have the voice of an inner teacher. Some teachers, as you probably know by experience, are harsh and critical, whereas other teachers are kind, loving, and supportive.

What kind of teacher is living in your head? If it's the critical one, it's time to cancel his/her contract, and choose to offer the "job" to a compassionate teacher. This one will help guide your steps kindly and lovingly, even when you fall off track. This inner teacher listens to you compassionately and offers guidance and wisdom with love.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of inner compassion (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our inner compassionate teacher offers guidance and wisdom with love,

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I ask myself questions and speak to myself compassionately. A way to get out of our fear-based thoughts is to ask ourselves questions. For example when your mind comes up with worst case scenarios, ask yourself: "do I really believe that .........." or "does that sound realistic?" Lynne Henderson, in her book The Shyness Workbook, suggests you ask yourself the following questions in a kind, caring, and compassionate voice, perhaps as the voice of your compassionate "ideal self".

""Do I know for certain that ........."

" What is the actual likelihood that .........."

"I've coped in the past. Do I know for certain that I can't cope now?"

"What is the worst that could happen? How bad is that?"These questions can help you change the direction your mind and fears may be taking you. It's important to do go through the process compassionately and lovingly in order to get past the blame, judgment, and shame.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of treating yourself with compassion (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves questions and speak to ourselves compassionately.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I seek positive alternatives to my fear-based thoughts. Our mind is very good at imagining scenarios. For example, you call a friend and they don't answer, and you know very well they are home. So your mind jumps to the conclusion that they don't want to talk to you and are ignoring your call. The negative assumption is a threat to the harmonious relationship you've had, as well as to your peace of mind.

So, one way out of this dilemma is to come up with other possible reasons why your friend did not pick up when you called. Maybe they were in the shower. Or maybe they decided to take a nap and turned their phone off. Or maybe they are in the middle of an argument, or a love session, with their spouse, and didn't want to answer the phone. There are many possibilities.

So the next time your mind comes up with a threat-based thought, such as that person doesn't like me, or I'm going to get fired for this, or whatever, stop and take the time to come up with alternative reasons why the person is behaving in the way they are. And then ask yourself if those are not just as possible as the original fear-based thought. Choose to entertain possibilities and alternatives that are more supportive of you and the other people involved.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of seeking positive alternatives (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we seek positive alternatives to our fear-based thoughts.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I self-monitor and bring my mind back to the present. The thoughts that run randomly in your head can be your worst enemy. And, if we don't know what harmful thoughts are running around in our head, how can we change them? So the first step in developing compassionate thinking is discovering what is going on with our "mental chatter".

We start by observing what we think, say and do. Sounds easy? Not always. As we get involved in our day-to-day activities, we tend to let our thoughts go on "auto-pilot mode", and that allows "monkey mind" to take over. It can lead us to thoughts and emotions that are not only uncompassionate but sometimes downright harmful.

Lynne Henderson, in The Shyness Workbook, suggests setting a timer at random intervals to spot-check where your internal focus is at that time. Remember to use self-compassion and kindness when you do self-monitoring. The goal is to become aware, not to develop feelings of guilt or shame. Just stopping to pay attention to where your mind is at any given time, helps to bring you back to the present moment.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Developing Compassionate Thinking

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of awareness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we self-monitor and bring our minds back to the present.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: BOOK: The Shyness Workbook The Shyness Workbook: Take Control of Social Anxiety Using Your Compassionate Mind

by Lynne Henderson.

Shyness has evolved as an emotion over thousands of years and can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it can become a problem when it interferes with life goals, develops into social anxiety disorder or leads to 'learned pessimism', mild depression and even 'learned helplessness'. In this way, shyness and shame often hold us back from realising our potential and from engaging with others wholeheartedly.

There is nothing wrong with being shy - it is a natural emotion that everyone can experience. But if shyness is negatively impacting your life, The Shyness Workbook can help you grow your confidence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: May 2 - 8, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus semisquare Uranus, Venus enters Aries, Mars semisquare Pluto

TUE: Jupiter sextile Pluto, Sun semisquare Jupiter

WED: Mars sextile Uranus

THU: Sun conjunct Uranus, Mercury sextile Venus

FRI: Saturn sextile Eris

SAT: Sun sextile Mars

SUN: No major aspects are exact today

WE NOW JOURNEY in the land between eclipses, a two-week period that always feels somewhat surreal. During this time, especially as we get closer to the Scorpio Total Lunar Eclipse on May 15, emotions may be intensified, with both highs and lows coming in waves. Like Alice after she goes through the looking glass, we can feel like a traveler in a very strange, moody land.

The Sun celebrated yesterday's partial Solar Eclipse by erupting with several significant solar flares. Over the course of two days, April 29 and 30, there were six moderate M-class flares and one major X-class flare.

Eclipses and solar activity are both agents of transformation, initiating a detox process on many levels of our beings. As we move through these events, we can experience physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that correspond with the energy patterns that these events are helping release and transmute. Be sure to employ good self-care throughout this eclipse season, and be gentle and kind with yourself and others! ..

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Nancy Windheart and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In my many years of teaching animal communication, I have found that there are certain attitudes that support people in reclaiming their natural, inborn ability to communicate with all life.

I often call these Attitudes and HeartSets (as opposed to “MindSets”), and I share them with students in my beginning classes and workshops.

Undoing rather than Doing In our modern, westernized, technology-driven cultures, we are accustomed to doing. Working hard, pushing, multi-tasking, trying hard.

When we want to open to our natural ability to communicate clearly with all life, we often need to “undo” a lot of our prior human conditioning, habits, ways of relating to the world, and tendencies to move quickly.

It is helpful to slow down, open our awareness, and put our focus on being – undoing – rather than doing. This approach will allow us to connect with animals more easily, and make it easier for them to connect with us....

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

This article was reprinted with permission

from Nancy's blog at NancyWindheart.com

About the Author Nancy Windheart is an internationally recognized animal communicator and interspecies communication teacher. She teaches courses and training programs in interspecies communication for both lay people and those who wish to practice professionally. Nancy also provides animal communication consultations, intuitive and energy healing sessions, and professional mentoring for clients worldwide. She is also a Reiki Master-Teacher and a certified Yoga teacher.

Nancy’s work has been featured in television, radio, magazine, and online media, and she has written for many digital and print publications. She is a contributor to the book, The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom From Our Feline Friends.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Harmony

"Walk with inner guidance in harmony with your environment and with others. Obstacles facing you begin to disintegrate. What you have been working toward is now within your reach. You begin to see how you fit into your surroundings and to acknowledge your role within the chord and measure. " -- Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards (Sacred Songs -- Harmony)

Raise your voice in praise and let joy flow through your being. As joy courses through your veins, music and laughter will bubble up through your being. Your whole self will fill with light, and your world will lighten as well.

Lessons The School of Life is not without its ups and downs, its lessons as well as its rewards. Some of the teachings come through joy, such as the birth of a child which brings the teaching and experience of unconditional love, gratitude, and wonder.

However, some lessons come harshly, and it can be difficult to find the joy and the blessing within them. Yet as we allow the process to continue, they will reveal their gifts.

When we open our eyes and take in the teachings coming to us, we awaken to the messages that are being presented. They come in their own perfect timing, even though we may not see it that way at first, if at all. Ask for guidance and help, and let the teachings of each lesson take you into new territory. Trust and know that the lessons you need are always presented when you are ready...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I attend to my life with reverence that comes from the heart. When I think of reverence, I think of respect, honor, and love. When we revere someone, we see the best in them, we see their Divine Self.

The word Namasté comes to mind which in its simple form means "I bow to you" and is further interpreted as:

*I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.

I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace*.

When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.

What a mantra to live by! Seeking to find and recognize the place within all beings that is rooted in love, truth, light and peace. A challenge for sure! Yet the more we recognize and revere that light within others, the more they will be able to find it within themselves. And the more we look for it in others, the more we will bring it to the forefront of our own being.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of practicing reverence for All (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we attend to our life with reverence that comes from the heart.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Through service, I come to know the Beauty of Spirit and the joy of life. To live in true harmony means to live in a state of social consciousness, aware of the highest good of all, not just our own good. This includes our "two-legged" brothers and sisters as well as all animals, plants, and the Planet herself.

The Lakota Sweat Lodge card entitled Social Consciousness has very clear guidance on this topic:

"It is time to shift your attention from your own concerns to what you can do for humanity. Spend time praying for others. Send healing energy into the world. What gifts or traits do you have to offer? What role is appropriate for you to play, given your personal interests and individual circumstances? Find an activity that will give you the opportunity to experience joy while doing something useful. Work at becoming tolerant and understanding, of yourself and others. Allow yourself to forgive, through love and compassion. Create joy by giving without expectation. Rewards will be gained by those who serve."

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of finding joy through service and social consciousness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, through service, we come to know the Beauty of Spirit and the joy of life.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose to live in harmony, both within myself and with others. The word "resolution" has many meanings. There are two definitions that pertain to our topic today: 1) "a promise to yourself to do or to not do something" and 2) "the act of solving or ending a problem or difficulty". (definitions from the Cambridge Dictionary)These two definitions I see not so much as separate, but more like step one and step two. When we seek harmony within ourselves, as well as with others, we start with our hope or intention to attain that goal. That is our resolution, our promise to ourselves. Once we set our intention, things will come up to do or not do, as well as beliefs that need to be changed. This is our step two, where we solve or end a problem, or problems.

In anything we do, it helps when we do it consciously, with awareness, as then we won't get tripped up by old habits or beliefs that would be a deterrent to our goal. If our resolve to live in harmony wavers, we turn back to our guidance and honor the Wisdom that comes to us, both from within and from outside sources.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of harmony (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to live in harmony, both within ourselves and with others.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I give myself time to be separate and silent, allowing deep and guided knowing to emerge. As things occur around us, and to us, we may find ourselves confused as to what direction to take. We all have access to our inner wisdom. But it is usually not found at the surface where all the noise and chatter resides. It is deeper in the quiet, in the calm center of our being.

When animals are ill or wounded, they go off by themselves and seek quiet time. In the same way, when we are wounded or challenged by life, emotionally or physically, that is the time to go off to our quiet space and allow our deep inner knowing and wisdom to come forth.

The Lakota Sweat Lodge card for Wisdom states: "Wisdom links the intuitive feelings with the facts and information known to the mind. When you act from a place of wisdom, you allow guidance, opening yourself to the information provided by the universe... Act upon what you feel as well as what you know."

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting with your inner wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we give ourselves time to be separate and silent, allowing deep and guided knowing to emerge.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I reclaim my lost selves with love and restore my internal harmony. We all have a shadow self, or selves. This is the part of ourselves that we do not acknowledge, that w e deny exists. We pretend it isn't there, yet as with a smoldering fire, you may not see flames, but the heavy smell of the smoke persists. When we add fuel (or light) to a smoldering fire, the flames jump back to life, and the fire becomes vibrant with light and energy.

We can gain some understanding and insights from the Lakota Sweat Lodge card for the Shadow Self:

"I am the one you choose not to see. I am caught, trapped, unnoticed, unable to change because I am without recognition. I am unloved and unnurtured because I am unseen. I am powerless to move on without your help. Bring me into the World of Light with your attention. Guide me on my path. Love me."It is time for us to acknowledge, accept, and love our shadow. It is not "bad". It simply needs acceptance and healing. We can reclaim our lost selves with love and restore our internal harmony.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of reclaiming your lost selves (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we reclaim our lost selves with love and restore our internal harmony.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I trust and know that the lessons I need are always presented when I am ready. The School of Life is not without its ups and downs, its lessons as well as its rewards. Some of the teachings come through joy, such as the birth of a child which brings the teaching and experience of unconditional love.

However, some lessons come harshly, and it can be difficult to find the joy and the blessing within them. Yet as we allow the process to continue, they reveal their gifts.

When we open our eyes and take in the teachings coming to us, we awaken to the messages that are being presented. They come in their own perfect timing, even though we may not see it that way at first. Ask for guidance and help, and let the teachings of each lesson take you into new territory. Trust and know that the lessons you need are always presented when you are ready.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Living in Harmony with Reverence for All

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of lessons and blessings (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we trust and know that the lessons we need are always presented when we are ready.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK & BOOK: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

This book and beautifully illustrated deck draw on the ancient Lakota ritual of healing and purification known as the sacred Inipi, or sweat lodge ceremony, which has existed in the Lakota culture for thousands of years.

The cards and accompanying book comprise a self-contained and highly original system that will help you harness creative energies to deal with issues that are of concern in your life. Used for self-discovery rather than divination, the cards gently guide you toward inner growth and self-knowledge in the time-honored tradition of the Lakota people.

Publisher: Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: April 25 - May 1, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus square Ceres
TUE: Mercury sextile Jupiter
WED: Mars semisquare Eris, Venus conjunct Neptune
THU: Mercury trine Pluto
FRI: Pluto stations retrograde, Sun semisquare Neptune, Mercury enters Gemini
SAT: Taurus New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse, Venus conjunct Jupiter, Saturn trine Ceres
SUN: Venus sextile Pluto, Neptune square Ceres

OUR FIRST ECLIPSE of 2022 occurs this week! The partial Solar Eclipse on Saturday, April 30, will be visible only from southwest South America, the Pacific Ocean, and Antarctica.

An eclipse of the Sun is also a New Moon, but it wields a greater influence than our regular monthly lunation. Instead of indicating themes for just the next month, a Solar Eclipse New Moon sets the stage for the next six months.

AT THE TIME of the New Moon, at 1:27 p.m. PDT on Saturday, the Sun and Moon will be at 10°28´ Taurus, with Uranus nearby (at 14°32´ Taurus). This means that the two "lights" are just four degrees away from being exactly conjunct the sideways-spinning planet, which infuses the eclipse with its highly charged energies. Since Uranus has a penchant for manifesting the unexpected, the day of the lunation — and the next six months! — should be full of breakthroughs and surprises that may upset the status quo but also launch us into a new, more liberated future.

At its highest vibration, Uranus is a transpersonal planet and the representative of Higher Mind. Its influence opens us to new understandings, innovative thinking, and radical insights. Our perceptions and perspectives are shifted, often through sudden events that work like an electric shock to rewire our brains.,,

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article),

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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).

The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal,

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Written by Paul Levy and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Living through a global pandemic can feel surreal, as if we are living in a dreamworld. Though it can feel like we are living through a collective nightmare, there are precious gifts encoded within the experience that should not be overlooked. Of course it is imperative to deal with the physical outbreak of the virus by every means at our disposal. And yet, it would be a tragedy beyond measure if we focused our attention merely on its external manifestation while marginalizing what the pandemic is touching—and revealing—within us about ourselves.

An invisible specter in the field, the coronavirus is creating havoc in our world, disrupting business as usual as it ripples—both in our world and within our psyches—throughout the globe. To quote Jung, “Everything could be left undisturbed did not the new way demand to be discovered, and did it not visit humanity with all the plagues of Egypt until it finally is discovered.”

The coronavirus can be envisioned as a modern-day plague of Egypt. It is a living revelation that is dying to show us something about who we are and our place in the universe. What it is revealing to us about ourselves is crucially important for us to know. Our very survival depends upon receiving its message...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Printed with permission.
Published by Inner Traditions Intl.

Article Source: Book: Wetiko Wetiko: Healing the Mind-Virus That Plagues Our World
by Paul Levy

In its Native American meaning, wetiko is an evil cannibalistic spirit that can take over people’s minds, leading to selfshness, insatiable greed, and consumption as an end in itself, destructively turning our intrinsic creative genius against our own humanity.

Revealing the presence of wetiko in our modern world behind every form of destruction our species is carrying out, both individual and collective, Paul Levy shows how this mind-virus is so embedded in our psyches that it is almost undetectable--and it is our blindness to it that gives wetiko its power.

Yet, as the author reveals in striking detail, by recognizing this highly contagious mind parasite, by seeing wetiko, we can break free from its hold and realize the vast creative powers of the human mind.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author Paul Levy is a pioneer in the field of spiritual emergence and a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner for more than 35 years. He has intimately studied with some of the greatest

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Everyone wants to be loved. And most of us have had difficulty not only loving others unconditionally, but also loving ourselves unconditionally. And those two are tied together very closely.

Understanding Our judgment of others is often a projection of our judgment of ourselves. So the first step in being able to connect to others with an open heart is to connect with our own self with an open heart.

We do this by first becoming aware and understanding why we judge and reject certain parts of others (and of ourselves). Once we gain clarity, we can learn to accept and love our shadow, and thus the shadow of others as well.

Empowerment When we think we stand alone, we are weak. However, when we realize that we are part of a greater plan, and that we are connected not just to others, but to nature and to life as a whole, we then realize that we are as powerful as life itself.

We are powerful through our innate connection with our heart, our intuition, and the greater good. We are powerful as we tune in to our truth, and step past the fears of "not enough"... not good enough, not rich enough, not smart enough, not intuitive enough, not loved enough, not loving enough, etc.

We become our empowered self when we give ourself permission to live our truth, listen to our intuition, and love unconditionally. Our power resides in our fullness, our oneness, and our aliveness. Embrace your full potential and power, and step forth to follow the guidance of your heart and soul...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am aware of my connection to everything and everyone. Consciousness, or higher consciousness, is an awareness of the whole, as well as of this moment itself. To be conscious means to be here now and to be aware, not just of ourselves, but of the life around us. We are not self-centered, or even other-centered, but rather embrace the All and everything and everyone around us.

It is not an easy state of being to reach or to maintain as there are so many distractions, both from the outside world and from inside our own head. Our mind can easily send us off into tangents of past, present or future, of she did this, he said that, I/they should have said/did this or that, etc.

Consciousness requires that we remain in the present and aware of our connection to everything and everyone. It requires that we release outdated personal stories and justifications (ours as well as other peoples') and embrace the present in its fullness, right here and right now.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of conscious connection (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are aware of our connection to everything and everyone.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by William E. Halal.

The COVID pandemic is the latest horror now added to climate change, authoritarian government, conflict everywhere, and other end-of-the-world threats. The Global Health Security Index recently rated nations at an average of 38.9 points on a scale of 100. They concluded that “every country, including the US, remains dangerously unprepared for…future pandemics.” And a PEW Research Center poll finds that only 17 percent of people in democratic nations are confident in the US as a role model of democracy. No wonder we often feel a sense of doom and gloom.

I have studied the direction of the world’s crises for years, and my work suggests that a feasible path through this turmoil is possible. What we’ve learned is that the Knowledge Age is now fading as smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence automate knowledge.

Knowledge is still crucial, but the digital revolution is driving the world beyond knowledge into a new frontier governed by emotions, values, beliefs and higher-order subjective thought. This means we are entering an Age of Consciousness. Henry Kissinger wrote in Time: “… what fascinates me is that we are moving into a new period of human consciousness which we don’t yet fully understand.” ...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author: BOOK: Beyond Knowledge Beyond Knowledge: How Technology Is Driving an Age of Consciousness by William E. Halal.

The Knowledge Age of the past two decades is passing today as the digital revolution and artificial intelligence replace knowledge work. Halal’s study of social evolution explains how this marks the passage to a new frontier beyond knowledge that is poorly understood – an “Age of Consciousness” is here. But more pandemics, climate change, gross inequality, gridlock and other threats form a “Crisis of Maturity” that is blocking this historic transformation.

This book provides a wealth of evidence and leading examples of an emerging “global consciousness” now driving the world to grow up, resolve this global crisis and develop a sustainable world order – or perish. With foresight and hard work, we could see the triumph of human spirit, once again.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author William E. Halal, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at George Washington University. Professor Halal has published seven books and his articles have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Fortune, and other major media. He consults to corporations and governments and is a frequent keynote

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The power of my imagination can fill my world with wonder and connection. As we become aware of our connection with everything and everyone, we also become aware of the effect we have on others (and vice versa). Our actions, as well as our thoughts, send ripples of energy out into the world. Realizing this leads us to acknowledge the power we wield with our thoughts and imagination.

Through this power, we can have a magical effect on our surroundings. Holding thoughts of love, compassion, and collaboration sends that energy to those around us. On the other hand, thoughts of anger, revenge, and general negativity also ripple their energy out into our world.

This is a wonderful thing to be aware of as it frees us from being a victim of our environment, and reveals that we are a powerful co-creator with our thoughts and imagination. As we radiate love, that same energy finds its way back to us. The more we are conscious and aware of what we are emitting, or emoting, the more we can fill our world with wonder and connection.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of wonder and connection (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, the power of our imagination can fill our world with wonder and connection.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by the author, Amy Eliza Wong.

Think about all the activities and pursuits in which you’re involved and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Answers generally revolve around the thing or the accomplishment. “It's because I want a promotion; more money; a relationship…” Have you ever considered why you want these things?

Most of us assume it’s for the thing itself and simply stop there. But guess what? It’s not the thing we want. We want the feeling we think we’ll have as a result of attaining the thing.

This is true of everything we’re up to, everything we want, and everything we think we want. That thing — whether it’s a promotion or a partner — is in our line of sight as a way to achieve a desired feeling state. We don’t want a thing. We want a feeling.

A Liberating "Aha" Moment As simple as this sounds, understanding this distinction tends to be a liberating “aha” for us. Why? Because it forces us to examine and break free from the fruitless formula — the one we’re taught in our youth that follows this rationale: get good grades so that you get into a good college; get into a good college so that you can get a good job; get a good job so that you can make lots of money; make lots of money so that then you can be happy...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author: BOOK: Living on Purpose Living on Purpose: Five Deliberate Choices to Realize Fulfillment and Joyby Amy Eliza Wong

Many people from all walks of life, even after their many accomplishments and experiences, are often plagued by feelings of dissatisfaction and deep questioning. These feelings may lead them to wonder if the life they are living is the life they were meant to lead.

Living On Purpose is the guidebook these people have been waiting for. This book shows readers how to feel more connected to the people around them and how to be truly satisfied by the life they’re leading. Written by transformational leadership coach Amy Wong, this book will help shift readers to a mindset of possibility and freedom.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author Amy Eliza Wong is a certified executive coach who has devoted more than 20 years to the study and practice of helping others live and lead on purpose. She works with some of the biggest names in tech and offers transformational leadership development and internal communication strategies to executives and teams around the world.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I recognize my connection to everything and everyone. Science and quantum physics have shown that everything is energy in motion. Consequently, we are all connected since everything is made of energy and energy has no walls, no boundaries.

The harm and the good that is experienced by one, or is done by another, flows to us and through us as well. If we are willing to be completely and deeply honest with ourselves, we will find a bit of the energy of everything "out there" in our own being. Everything and everyone is our mirror.

It is not always easy to admit, but once we can do so, and once we recognize our connection with everything and everyone, it is easier to understand behaviors (both ours and "theirs") and accept that everyone is on a journey to becoming whole, to returning to being Love.

The way to solve problems on this planet is to start recognizing that we are all connected, and we are all the same. Recognizing our connection and our oneness can help us come into harmony with each other, and also help us connect with our higher selves.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connection (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we recognize our connection to everything and everyone.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am guided by the better angels of my nature. President Lincoln, in his first inaugural address, as the US was reeling from the divisiveness between North and South, said the following which can be applied, even in our modern times, and not just in the US, but across the whole world:

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Thus, we are now, yet again, in a time where people, even members of the same family, see themselves as enemies because of their differing views and beliefs. Yet our evolution needs to be one where we are guided by the better angels of our nature. This is the evolution that is being called for at this time, and that we can all help to manifest.

Rather than resist everything that is taking place, we can evolve by opening our hearts and our minds and become the "better form" of who we are, and thus manifest the better angels of our nature.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of evolving to your "better form" (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are guided by the better angels of our nature.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take a deep breath, and tune in rather than "re-act". To access our own wisdom, we need to take the time to pause before reacting -- which is not always easy to do. And perhaps that is the first piece of wisdom to access... remembering to remind ourselves: Don't fly off the handle, take a deep breath, and do not "re-act".

How do we do this? By looking and interpreting what we see from a neutral perspective, as an observer, rather than a participant. Seeing the situation from the outside, as if you we're watching a movie, will give you the chance to apply your wisdom to the situation.

And yes, sometimes that happens after the 'faux-pas', because after all, wisdom comes from knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insights.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of accessing your inner wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember to take a deep breath, and tune in rather than "re-act".

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I embrace my full potential and power. When we think we stand alone, we are weak. However, when we realize that we are part of a greater plan, and that we are connected not just to others, but to nature and to life as a whole, we also realize that we are as powerful as life itself.

We are powerful through our innate connection with our heart, our intuition, and the greater good. We are powerful as we tune in to our truth, and step past the fears of "not enough"... not good enough, not rich enough, not smart enough, not intuitive enough, not loved enough, etc.

You become your empowered self when you give yourself permission to live your truth, listen to your intuition, and love unconditionally. Your power resides in your fullness, your oneness, and your aliveness. Embrace your full potential and power, and step forth to follow the guidance of your heart and soul.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of empowerment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we embrace our full potential and power.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I understand and love the shadow, unconditionally. Everyone wants to be loved. And most of us have had difficulty not only loving others, but also loving ourselves, unconditionally. And those two are tied together very closely.

Our judgment of others is often a projection of our judgment of ourselves. So the first step in being able to connect to others with an open heart is to connect with our own self with an open heart.

We do this by first becoming aware and understanding why we judge and reject certain parts of others (and of ourselves). Once we gain clarity, we can learn to accept and love our shadow, and thus the shadow of others as well.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Aware and Understanding Our Connection to Everything

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of opening your heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we understand and love the shadow, unconditionally.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: April 18 - 24, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus sextile Uranus, Sun square Pluto

TUE: Sun enters Taurus

WED: No major aspects are exact

THU: No major aspects are exact

FRI: No major aspects are exact

SAT: Mercury conjunct North Node

SUN: Mercury square Saturn, Mercury sextile Neptune

OUR NEW WEEK begins with some intensity, as the independent Aries Sun squares authoritative Pluto on Monday. This aspect means that we may be dealing with discomforting circumstances that evoke deep emotions as we begin the week.

The rest of the aspects that perfect over the next seven days are relatively minor. However, the planetary aspects that occur on a specific day or during a certain week don't always tell the whole story of the energies that we are working with.

NOT REVEALED by this week's calendar is that we are now entering eclipse season. Our next lunation -- the Taurus New Moon on April 30 -- will be a partial Solar Eclipse. Eclipse season is a time when we can expect accelerated evolution and change. From now through the end of May, transformational energies are heightened, even if not indicated by daily planetary aspects...

Also not shown by astrological calculations is...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music by Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Is life complicated? Maybe, maybe not. Do we make it complicated? I think that's a definite yes! We complicate our life when we step away from Love, Truth, Harmony, and Oneness. Those higher essences are what bring our life back to being uncomplicated.

Holy Purpose When we speak of Holy Purpose, it may seem like some lofty and perhaps unattainable goal. But what is "holy"? Perhaps it is simply the word "wholly"( spelled with an "w") as in being whole, complete, and connected to the All. That makes being holy a very attainable goal, and one that we have the opportunity to live each moment of each day.

We are all connected and we are here to help each other along the journey of life. Our purpose is not "each person for him or her self", but rather to recognize that each and every person is our beloved, our soul mate. We are all cells in the body of a Grand Experiment called Life on Planet Earth. We can choose to play war and aggression, or we can choose to live a life of Love, Harmony, and Oneness.

Complicated? Not at all. Just a simple choice that we make at each moment of our life. Easy? Not always, and on some days with some people, not easy at all. Yet, this can be our choice and our purpose: To live a life of Love

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation. .

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Written and Narrated by Ellen Evert Hopman

Have you ever wondered why we have Easter eggs and bunnies? Rabbits don’t lay eggs, and yet we associate both bunnies and colorful eggs with the spring festival of rebirth and goodies in baskets. This tale will explain it all and tell you about the Goddess Eostre, for whom Easter is named.

Henrik and Annemie led a very unusual life. They lived with their oma, or grandmother, in a tiny, thatched cottage deep in the forest. (Henrik’s name is pronounced [HEHN-rihk]. Annemie’s is [ANN-eh-me])*Oma didn’t care if they did their lessons or combed their hair or even if they finished their beans at dinner. She always said there were more important things in life, like knowing where the otters hid their slide into the river, and where the wild swans nested, and which herbs were good for a wound or a cough. Since they didn’t have a calendar in the house, Oma taught Henrik and Annemie to read the signs of nature so that they would know which month of the year they were in...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Printed with permission from Destiny Books,

an imprint of Inner Traditions International*.

Article Source: BOOK: Once Around the Sun Once Around the Sun: Stories, Crafts, and Recipes to Celebrate the Sacred Earth Year

by Ellen Evert Hopman. Illustrated by Lauren Mills.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellen Evert Hopman shares rich stories drawn from traditional folktales, hands-on crafts, and seasonal recipes to help families and classrooms learn about and celebrate traditional holy days and festivals of the sacred earth year. Designed to be read out loud, the stories are complemented with pronunciation guides and translations for foreign words.

For each story, the author includes hands-on projects special to the holiday--from crafting magical wands and brooms to flower crowns and Brighid’s Crosses--as well as seasonal recipes, allowing families to enjoy the tastes, smells, and sounds associated with the feast days and celebrations.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition

About the Author Ellen Evert Hopman has been a Druidic initiate since 1984. She is a founding member of the Order of the White Oak, an Archdruidess of the Tribe of the Oak, and a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages. She is the author of several books, including Walking the World in Wonder.

The book's illustrator, Lauren Mills, has won national acclaim as both an author/illustrator and a sculptor. She is the author and illustrator of the award-winning The Rag Coat.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I handle everything with love, and joy is my reward. We do have a choice as to how we live our life. We can live as a martyr or a grouch suffering through life, or we can live as a playful being, handling everything with love, even the struggles that we encounter.

Love is a great teacher and great guide. It sheds light on the darkness around us, as well as the darkness within us. Joy is a powerful healer, a wonderful guide, and a blessed reward for a life well-lived.

Love and joy fuel happiness and guide us along a higher path. We can choose to make joy and love our life experience and purpose as they will guide us along to whatever else we are meant to be and do.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of love and joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we handle everything with love, and joy is our reward.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I find what makes my heart sing, and go for it! We probably all have had days when life just felt "blah". Days when was no passion, no excitement, no emotional charge, or at least not a positive one. Yet this is part of the cyclical nature of life. We have our ups and downs, our introverted moments, our extroverted moments, our moments of feeling joy or of feeling listless.

Yet when we are not feeling a passion for life it may be time to ask ourselves "why not". Oftentimes, the passion or excitement is missing because we are living the "same old same old" and not following our dreams or intuitive guidance.

Find something you love and do it! Sing, dance, walk, paint, cook, clean, whatever brings you that feeling of wellbeing, do it. The next time you find yourself in the dumps, tune in to what makes your heart sing, and go for it!

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of making your heart sing (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we find what makes our heart sing, and go for it!

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to stay in the energy of trust. We, as part of life on Planet Earth, are constantly in a state of transition, of change. Nothing ever remains the same. And while in some situations that knowledge is comforting, as in cases of conflict, in others it is downright frightening.

The uncertainty is what gets to us. We have gotten comfortable in our own status quo, and fear that everything will fall apart if things change. Not knowing what is coming, or what will be happening, rocks our need for security.

But our security doesn't come from events out in the world, it comes from our own inner knowing that all is for the highest good, even when it doesn't seem to be.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read a longer version of today's Daily Inspirationhere.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to trust life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to stay in the energy of trust.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I feel grateful for everyone who has come into my life to help me grow. "Open your heart to greater love so that you may heal all aspects of your life and relationships. Holding feelings of unforgiveness towards another person only hurts you and holds you back.

"Bring the image of any challenging person or situation into your heart, and allow yourself to feel love towards this person or event.

"You will soon see hidden blessings blossom in your relationships and feel grateful for all the people who have come into your life to help you grow." ~ Card #9, Chamuel, Archangel Fire Oracle Cards

Today's Daily Inspiration is a quote from the Archangel Fire Oracle Cards and excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read a longer version of today's Daily Inspirationhere.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of gratitude for everything (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we feel grateful for everyone who has come into our life to help us grow.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I acknowledge and trust my emotions as they can act as a powerful compass. "You are the best judge of what is right for you... Rather than making choices based on logic, feel into which situation or direction feels right by letting your emotions guide you.

"A playful, uplifting feeling of freedom and calm around your center usually indicates a positive answer. If you feel tightness or constriction in the belly or chest, that is usually a sign that the course of action you are thinking of embarking on may not be in your highest interests.

"You are naturally intuitive and deeply sensitive. Acknowledge and trust your emotions as they can act as a powerful compass. Let your feelings guide the way."

Today's Daily Inspiration is a quote from the Archangel Fire Oracle Cards and excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting your emotions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we acknowledge and trust our emotions as they can act as a powerful compass.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I make room for serenity to come into my being. Some attitudes and energies must be released before we can experience serenity. Pent-up emotions, stress, resentments, judgments, and all those things that block the flow of our vibrant loving energy must be let go. Otherwise they act as a wall that blocks the door to serenity.

How can we let these energies go? One way is to take some deep breaths, and on the out-breath, release any energies that are weighing you down.

Say to yourself, "I breathe in serenity, and I release ..." Fill in the blanks with whatever energy needs releasing, and then let it go, like a balloon, so you can have room for serenity to come into your being.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of serenity (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we make room for serenity to come into our being.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to live a life of Love. We are all connected and we are here to help each other along the journey of life. Our purpose is not "each person for him or her self", but rather to recognize that each and every person is our beloved, our soul mate.

We are all cells in the body of a Grand Experiment called Life on Planet Earth. We can choose to play war and aggression, or we can choose to live a life of Love, Harmony, and Oneness.

Complicated? Not at all. Just a simple choice that we make at each moment of our life. Easy? Not always, and on some days with some people, not easy at all. Yet, this can be our choice and our purpose: To live a life of Love.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

What If Your Life Purpose Is Love and Joy?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living Love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to live a life of Love.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Archangel Fire Oracle Cards Archangel Fire Oracle: 40-card deck and guidebook

by Alexandra Wenman. Illustrated by Aveliya Savina.

Angels are the keepers of our ascension pathway. They assist humanity toward personal and collective enlightenment, bringing us love, guidance, power, healing, and deep transformation. This oracle deck and guidebook allow you to engage directly with the Archangels.

Each of the 40 full-color, high-vibration cards features an Archangel and the healing color ray or sacred flame that that angel embodies. In the accompanying book, gifted angel communicator Alexandra Wenman explores how the Archangels interact with us and how they work with and within us.

For more info and/or to order this card deck with guidebook, click here.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: April 11 - 17, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Saturn square nodal axis

TUE: Mars semisquare Chiron, Jupiter conjunct Neptune, Sun sextile Saturn

WED: Sun semisquare Venus

THU: Sun conjunct Eris, Mars enters Pisces

FRI: Mercury semisquare Neptune, Mercury semisquare Jupiter

SAT: Full Moon 11:55 a.m. PDT

SUN: Mercury sextile Venus, Venus semisquare Pluto, Mercury conjunct Uranus

JUPITER AND NEPTUNE will align in Pisces this week, for the first time in 166 years. These two planets actually conjoin more often than that, in a different zodiac sign every 12.7 years. But their rendezvous in the sign of The Fishes is significant because both Jupiter and Neptune are considered "rulers" of the twelfth sign; this simply means they have a strong affinity for the qualities of Pisces, and naturally strengthen and amplify those traits.

Anticipation and excitement about this alignment have been building for many weeks, clearly demonstrating the energies of the planets themselves. Neptune represents our capacity to idealize and visualize, as well as our potential to use our spiritual senses and creative imagination. Jupiter, as the largest of the known planets in our solar system, magnifies whatever it touches -- and thus is currently augmenting the high ideals of Neptune and the qualities of Pisces.

THE HIGH-VIBRATIONAL expression of Pisces manifests as a wide array of admirable and desirable traits, especially for those who are spiritual seekers or creative visionaries. Pisces is the sign of...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

"Dare to dream & create a vision for your life."

(Chakra Cards for Belief Change)

Things are not always as they seem. Sometimes we misinterpret or misunderstand what we see or hear. And at other times, we may be misled intentionally by others for their own self-interest. However, we do have the capability of discerning truth from falsehood, love from manipulation, and light from dark.

We can access clarity by getting quiet and listening inside our own heart, soul, and intuition. We can also tune in to the feelings in our body. Our body knows when something is "off" or feels "icky". Our mind can also assist us in discerning truth, as long as the ego is not involved and benefiting from the deception.

Clarity is gifted to us from many sources and many directions. This requires us to center ourselves quietly and listen to the messages that come our way. It requires that we go inward in order to listen, reflect, and understand. Clarity is ours when we take the time to seek it out...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I dare to dream of a better world. It is time to transmute our fears, our doubts, our negative expectations and turn toward a bright loving future. We need to first create it in our inner vision, and feed it with our energy, thoughts, and actions.

The future is ours to create even as we walk through the shadows of the present "reality". It is time for us to release the negativity of the past and move through the birthing canal of the new reality.

It is time to spread our wings and dare to create our dream of a better world.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of daring to dream (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we dare to dream of a better world.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written by Barbara Berger. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Never before in human history have we had access to such graphic pictures, photos, images and stories in real time about what is going on with our neighbors just down the road (so to speak) in Europe. Never before have we been able to see, feel and experience up close the utter devastation and horror that is unfolding in the lives of so many of our fellow men and women right now.

But today, thanks to television and social media, we are able to do this. We are able to experience all of this horror in real time. And it's utterly heart-breaking. Utterly heart-breaking...

The Desperation We Are Feeling So therefore, I've come to the conclusion that...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Book by this Author Find and Follow Your Inner Compass Find and Follow Your Inner Compass: Instant Guidance in an Age of Information Overloadby Barbara Berger.

In a time when we are bombarded from morning to evening with information from all sides as to what is best and what we should and shouldn't do to live happy lives, how can we navigate through this massive sea of information and know what's best for us in any given situation?

In this book, Barbara Berger maps out what the Inner Compass is and how we can read its signals. How do we use the Inner Compass in our daily lives, at work and in our relationships? What sabotages our ability to listen to and follow the Inner Compass? What do we do when the Inner Compass points us in a direction we believe other people will disapprove of? Find and follow your Inner Compass and experience more flow and joy in your life.

Click for more info or to order this book. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My mind, body, and spirit work in harmony with each other. When working with our own well-being, we need to consider mind, body, and spirit. Harmony is found in the balance between all three when they work in harmony with each other. When we are dealing with others, the answer also exists somewhere in the middle ground of balance.

We create a life of happiness when we balance pleasure and purpose, as well as giving and receiving. Once we attain this state of balance, we find that our will and Divine Will are perfectly aligned.

We may think of our choices as either/or decisions, but harmony is found in a balance between extremes.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of harmony and balance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our mind, body, and spirit work in harmony with each other.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I allow myself to give and receive support. We can be our own worst enemy by not giving ourselves what we need... whether that is rest, or exercise and fresh air, or time with friends, or quiet time. When we are feeling out of sorts and off balance, then is the most important time to honor ourselves by providing ourselves with the support we need.

Practice compassion and understanding both for yourself and for others. Support yourself, and others, with kind thoughts and words of encouragement.

No matter what experiences we are going through, we can benefit from the support of others and most importantly, self-support. Allow yourself to give and receive support.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of providing support for yourself and others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we allow ourselves to give and receive support.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I pay attention to what my instincts are telling me. Just like other animals, we have instincts. These "gut feelings" usually alert us to fearful situations. Yet, sometimes our instinctual fearful reaction may be based on ancestral fears, and do not have any bearing on our current reality. Thankfully, we also have a brain and a heart, and those come into play as well when making decisions.

Our instinct's messages are always based on something... it is up to us to discern if that something is truly valid in the here and now. Some of our fears are based in our past such as fear of abandonment, or starvation, or being burnt at the stake, chased by a lion, tiger or bear, etc.

When you feel your instinct speaking to you, pause and listen to what it is saying and why. And then check in with your mind and your heart as well. Ask all three to work together to reveal what the proper course of action is for you.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your instincts (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we pay attention to what our instincts are telling us.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I honor my Self and express my divine radiance out into the world. Once we have gotten clear about who we are and have learned the art of communication by both listening and speaking, we can then start to live our truth. We express our Self not only through our words and actions, but through our body language, our eyes, and even our clothes.

Knowing who we are is a wonderful thing, but it lacks form and power unless we express it out in the world through our body, eyes, and voice. Your voice, your perspective, your vision is unique. Unless you express it, others can not join forces with you to help empower your dream.

Some may not agree with you, but it is not about them. It is about you. It is about you finding your voice, your song, your essence, and letting it come forth from your heart and soul. Honor your Self and express your divine radiance out into the world.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of expressing your Self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we honor our Self and express our divine radiance out into the world.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am learning to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate. There are times that we need to communicate our truth with others. But first, we must get clarity on our intention. Do we simply wish to feel better about something we did (or didn't do). Or perhaps, we wish to make the other person feel guilty or let them know we were right? Or is our intention to create a better understanding and communication with the person involved?

Communication is not a one-way street. It is not just about speaking our mind. It is also about listening... listening to the other person, as well as listening to our heart before we speak.

In order to create the world we dream of, we must learn to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate. That takes two-way communication, and it takes being willing to be vulnerable when speaking our truth. It takes being willing to let the other speak their truth, and listening with an open heart without judgment or blame.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of open-hearted communication (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are learning to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Clarity is mine when I take the time to seek it out. Things are not always as they seem. Sometimes we misinterpret or misunderstand what we see or hear. And at other times, we may be misled intentionally by others for their own self-interest. However, we do have the capability of discerning truth from falsehood, love from manipulation, and light from dark.

We can access clarity by getting quiet and listening inside our own heart, soul, and intuition. We can also tune in to the feelings in our body. Our body knows when something is "off" or feels "icky". Our mind can also assist us in discerning truth, as long as the ego is not involved and benefiting from the deception.

Clarity is gifted to us from many sources and many directions. This requires us to center ourselves quietly and listen to the messages that come our way. It requires that we go inward in order to listen, reflect, and understand. Clarity is ours when we take the time to seek it out.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dare To Dream

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of clarity (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, clarity is ours when we take the time to seek it out.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: CARD DECK: Chakra Cards for Belief Change Chakra Cards for Belief Change: The Healing InSight Method

by Nikki Gresham-Record

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change:

• Identifies 28 beliefs per chakra that can be energetically realigned using the Healing InSight Method

• Offers a tool set of therapeutic processes, affirmations, visualization, and bodywork for the practical application of the transformational belief realignment method

• Includes 56 full-color, high-vibration chakra images, one for each main chakra as well as 7 additional empowering images for each chakra

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written and Narrated by astrologer, Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: April 4 - 10, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars conjunct Saturn

TUE: Venus enters Pisces, Mars square nodal axis

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: Mercury sextile Saturn, Mars sextile Eris

FRI: Mercury conjunct Eris, Jupiter sextile North Node, Mercury sextile Mars

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Mercury square Pluto, Mercury enters Taurus

THE SUN has been exceptionally active this past week! Several M-class solar flares occurred, as well as one X-class flare. (Solar flares are ranked as A, B, C, M, or X-class flares, with A being uneventful and X-class flares being the strongest.) All of this solar activity has contributed to some major energy shifts, with corresponding physical, mental, and emotional symptoms for many.

Nervous stomach, digestive system disturbances, and changes in food preferences are on the list of common symptoms right now. Be sure to listen to your body and ask it what it needs in the way of rest and fuel.

SOLAR FLARES are sometimes accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that, if Earth-directed, can then cause geomagnetic storms and beautiful auroras. These events usually manifest about three days after the solar eruptions occur, which is the length of time needed for the solar plasma to travel from the Sun to Earth. Today's photo is just one example of the many amazing photos currently being shared online.

Be gentle with yourself and with others now, and throughout the week ahead. We are still adjusting to...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

The lotus flower grows from muddy soil below the water and is connected to its source with a strong rhizome or root system anchored down into the muddy earth. And so it is with us. We grow from our "muddy" or "murky" life challenges and experiences to become a lovely creation of light. and we too are anchored strongly to our source.

Live As A Dreamer When we look around us, perhaps we see mostly mud or darkness. Yet, in order to create our dream world on this lovely planet, we must have faith in ourselves and our future. We must be willing to dream of better days. We must dream of possibilities. Our dreams hold the possibilities and potential of our future.

We can hold on to our dreams, even though "reality" and people around us may seem as if they are trying to keep us from soaring and dreaming of a wonderful future. Let yourself daydream of wonderful futures... both for yourself and for the entire world.

First we dream it internally, then the energy can radiate out into the world. As within, so without. Go ahead and live in this world as a dreamer and let your dreams guide you toward the potential of a wonderful future.

Cross The Bridge of Happiness Our emotions guide us along the way. They are here to serve us on the path of discovering our true self and our true well-being. They shine a light on the path that leads to our happiness. Our emotions are our messengers and our servants...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

This article was inspired from: CARD DECK: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am the one I have been waiting for. We are not all the things we have accepted in our belief of being lesser than, of being born a sinner, or of being "not good enough". Like the lotus, we have been living in the darkness, yet now we rise out of the muck, reaching for the light and the truth of who we really are.

The truth of our being is being awakened as we approach the age of Aquarius, the age of Love and Light. It is time to let our light and love spread out into the world.

You are much greater than you think you are. You are a being of light and love. You are the light from the future that shines down upon your Self, illuminating and guiding your path. You are the one you have been waiting for. The lotus within you is awakening.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of reconnecting with your true self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we realize that we the ones we have been waiting for.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to live playfully and with a light heart. We tend to take ourselves so seriously. Even a bad hair day can put us in a bad mood. Hair, for goodness sakes has the power to decide how we feel??? When that's the case, we probably need to re-evaluate our "happiness criteria".

Let's lighten up and take ourselves less seriously. Bad hair day? So what! Clothes not up to the "Joneses"? Does it really matter? Will it matter when you're on your deathbed? That's a good question to ask ourselves, especially in situations that are driven by the ego's need to feel "better than" others.

We need to get in touch with our inner child and learn to play again, learn to enjoy the present moment, learn to live and love uninhibited by what others will think. Let's be more concerned about what our inner child thinks and what we feel. It's time for us to learn to live playfully and with a light heart.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a playful day (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to live playfully and with a light heart.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am not alone. Our ancestors live within us. We have their energy in our blood, their experiences and wisdom imbedded in our cells.

We are not the first to walk on this journey, nor are we alone. Our ancestors are with us with their fount of knowledge, wisdom and guidance. We can tap into the power of our ancestors and their love for us. We are them and they are us.

We can access the wisdom of our ancestors from within our cells, and also with our intuitive self. We are connected to them physically and energetically. Call out for their wisdom and their strength. It is part of who you are. You are never alone.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of tapping into your ancestors' wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that we are not alone.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I keep my sight on what is important. Never lose sight of what is truly important. There are many distractions in this world, yet to accomplish great things and fulfill our dreams, we must remain focused on the goal. This requires courage, determination, and steadfastness.

Keep your eyes on your heart's goal -- love and healing for ALL. Remind yourself daily of the ultimate goal. Reflect on the immense possibilities, and open yourself up to guidance and direction to help make that vision a reality in your world and in the world at large.

Keep your sight on what is important and gather the energy needed, both from within and by connecting with like-minded souls, to create the reality that our heart's vision is leading to.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of keeping your focus on Love and Healing (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we keep our sight on what is important.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I find my answers deep within my heart. Each one of us sees things in their own way, and feels things differently, and thus has their own truth. We must value our own truth, and respect and tolerate the truth of others.

Search for and experience your own truth. It lives deep within you. You will find it through listening to your heart.

That is how we will find the answers to all of our questions. Our truth resides within our own heart.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of looking within (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we find our answers deep within our heart.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My true goals are Love, Gratitude, and Divine Order. Our emotions guide us along the way. They are our messengers and our servants. Our emotions are here to serve us on the path of discovering our true self and our true well-being. They shine a light on the path that leads to our happiness.

Pay attention to your emotions. They tell you what is true and hidden deep inside of you, repressed through years of upbringing and trying to fit in, and blurred through striving for the wrong goals.

The goals of riches and material success are empty goals. The true goals are Love, Gratitude, and Divine Order. Once we embody these essences, we will find ourselves on the bridge of happiness and we will cross it to reap the true rewards that Love, Gratitude, and Divine Order will bring.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of experiencing Love, Gratitude, and Divine Order (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our true goals are Love, Gratitude, and Divine Order.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I live in this world as a dreamer of possibilities. When we look around us, perhaps we see mostly fear and darkness. Yet, in order to create our dream world on this lovely planet, we must have faith in ourselves and our future. We must dream of possibilities. We must be willing to dream of better days. Our dreams hold the possibilities and potential of our future.

Though "reality" and people around us may seem as if they are trying to keep us from soaring and dreaming of a wonderful future, we must hold on to our dreams. Let yourself daydream of wonderful futures... both for yourself and for the entire world.

First we dream it internally, then the energy can radiate out into the world. As within, so without. Go ahead and live in this world as a dreamer and let your dreams guide you toward the potential of a wonderful future.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Lotus Within You Awakes

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of dreams (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we live in this world as dreamers of possibilities.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans

Astrological Overview: March 28 - April 3, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus conjunct Saturn, Neptune sextile North Node

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: Venus square nodal axis, Mercury semisquare Saturn, Venus sextile Eris

THU: New Moon 11:24 pm PDT (6:24 am GMT on Friday)

FRI: Mercury semisquare Venus, Sun conjunct Chiron

SAT: Mercury conjunct Chiron, Sun conjunct Mercury, Venus semisquare Chiron

SUN: Mercury sextile Ceres, Sun sextile Ceres

PAST RELATIONSHIPS and old relationship themes are very present now. Regrets and resentments are resurfacing to be released and forgiven, so that we may move forward less entangled in the past. People from this lifetime and other lifetimes may appear in dreams, sudden remembrances, or even in physical form. We notice their significance by dream images that do not fade, by memories that linger and call us to explore them further, by the emotions that arise and do not quickly subside.

Venus, the goddess of Love, and Saturn, the lord of Karma, conjoin at 21°44´ Aquarius on Monday this week, while both are at the "bending" of the karmic nodal axis. Venus will be precisely square the nodes on Wednesday, and the Saturn-node square will be exact on April 11.

THIS ANNUAL CONJUNCTION between Venus and Saturn is also typically a time for serious decisions in the areas of love and finances. The Chandra Symbol for...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Just like nature, we have cycles and seasons. These can manifest as moods, or cycles of life such as teenager, young adult, parent, grandparent, etc., or as different jobs or careers. Everything in life is in flux, even when it seems dormant. There is always something taking place inside, like tea leaves slowly brewing to become a delightful cup of tea.

Stay Present Staying present sounds like it should be an easy thing to do, but it makes sense that we get caught up in the past or the future. After all there are a lot of past moments and future ones, but there in only one present moment. So, the numbers are not in our favor... There's a lot more of the past to dwell on, or the future to dream of, than there is of the present moment.

Yet, the present moment is all that exists. The past is done... gone... dead. The future is... well, it doesn't exist at the moment, so it's not real, at least not yet.

Yet all of our past moments and even our future moments make up the "now" moment. What we do now is based on the past, and the future will be based on what we do now. So it is extremely important for us to stay present and focus on the now moment, and what we will do with it...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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This article was inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I trust and love, no matter what I see in front of me. A hardwood tree in winter appears dead. There is no sign of life... no leaves, no buds, nothing that is vibrant to the eye. Yet inside the tree the process of life continues as it rests and prepares for the next round of Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

It is the same with we humans. You may look at someone and think they are hopeless, they will never change, never grow, yet you don't know what is going on inside of them. All sorts of transformations and changes are continually taking place, sometimes unbeknownst even to the person themselves.

We must not give up on others, or on ourselves. Change is continuous, and we are all, at some point, like trees in winter or as the seed of a greater potential. Transformation is on the way, and actually, already happening, whether we see it or not. Be patient. Trust and love, no matter what you see -- or don't see -- in front of you, or inside of you.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting and loving (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we trust and love, no matter what we see in front of us.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written and Narrated by Marianne Bentzen.

Many skilled Western meditators have noted an uncomfortable gap between their “spiritual” aspect and their everyday personality. For some, it is tempting to use meditation to withdraw from unpleasant feelings or relationship conflicts into a meditative “safe zone.”

One representative example is found the online magazine Aeon. In July 2019, it brought a thoughtful article, “The Problem of Mindfulness,” from a university student, Sahanika Ratnayake.

Sahanika had begun to meditate in her teenage years and then found that the very practice of neutral witnessing interfered with her ability to form judgments about the situations that she was in. She felt as if a membrane had formed between her and the events of her life and the events in the news...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Reprinted with permission. Publisher.

Healing Arts Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.*

Article Source: Neuroaffective Meditation Neuroaffective Meditation: A Practical Guide to Lifelong Brain Development, Emotional Growth, and Healing Trauma

by Marianne Bentzen

Drawing on her 25 years of research into brain development as well as decades of meditation practice, psychotherapist Marianne Bentzen shows how neuroaffective meditation--the holistic integration of meditation, neuroscience, and psychology--can be used for personal growth and conscious maturation. She also explores how the practice can help address embedded traumas and allow access to the best perspectives of growing older while keeping the best psychological attitudes of being young--a hallmark of wisdom.

The author shares 16 guided meditations for neuroaffective brain development (along with links to online recordings), each designed to gently interact with the deep, unconscious layers of the brain and help you reconnect. Each meditation explores a different theme, from breathing in “being in your body”, to feeling love, compassion, and gratitude, to balancing positive and negative experiences. The author also shares a 5-part meditation centered on breathing exercises designed to balance your energy.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author Marianne Bentzen is a psychotherapist and trainer in neuroaffective development psychology. The author and coauthor of many professional articles and books, including The Neuroaffective Picture Book, she has taught in 17 countries and presented at more than 35 international and national conferences.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am downloading love, harmony and peace. We all have stressful moments, angry moments, tense moments. Even the Dalai Lama when asked, "Do you ever get angry?" replied, "Angry..." with a big smile on his face. "Oh yes. I get so angry."

The emotion or emotions themselves are not the problem. The problem is what we do with them, or how long we hang on to them. Someone summed up the message they got from that conversation with the Dalai Lama as "getting angry on the inhale, and letting it go on the exhale". In other words, shorten the amount of time you stay angry, or stressed, or whatever.

One good time to work with this is in quiet moments or meditation where you can practice feeling the emotion and letting it go on one breath cycle, and then downloading love, harmony and peace on the next. Repeat until successful and/or until it becomes second nature. Is it easy? Not always, but you can have some fun trying!

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of downloading positive energies (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we download love, harmony and peace.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to trust and follow my joy. If someone were to ask you if you prefer joy or fear, I'm sure you would say you prefer joy. We all prefer feeling joy over feeling fear, yet, often that's not the choice we make.

When we choose not to do something we would enjoy because we are afraid it would either: 1) cost too much money, 2) take too much time, 3) just not be enough anyway, or whatever other reason or excuse we come up with, then we are choosing fear over joy. Fear would always have us take the path of security, of surety, of safety, rather than the path of trust and joy.

In order to follow our joy, we must trust our intuition and trust ourselves to be at the right place at the right time. When we follow our joy, we will find ourselves on the path of the heart, which is the higher path.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting and choosing joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to trust and follow our joy.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I always have access to insights and inspiration. When we remain open to new ideas, we then can receive insights and inspiration. These come to us more easily when we are relaxed rather than stressed, playful rather than stern, and unhurried rather than rushed.

The best ideas are the ones that come naturally. This could be when we are taking a solitary walk, or taking a shower, or right on the edge of sleep as we relax in bed.

No matter what is going on in our life, we always have access to insights and inspiration. We simply have to stop, or at least slow down, and open our senses to the messages and guidance that are always present.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of insights and inspiration (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, and everyday, we always have access to insights and inspiration.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I remain curious and open to new possibilities. Our guidance can come in many ways. Sometimes it's from the people we know, yet at other times it comes as a whisper in the wind -- a feeling that it might be good to try something new, to explore new avenues, to discover new things.

If we assume that we already know all there is to know, then we aren't open to receiving new inspiration and new blessings. It helps to stay curious about new information and new people that come into our life. We never know what will be developing into a new direction for us.

When new things seem interesting, go ahead and explore them. Remain curious and open to new possibilities. When you're drawn to something, or someone, this could be a signal that this is the right time for you to move in that direction.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being open to new possibilities (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remain curious and open to new possibilities.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written and Narrated by Willliam E. Halal

Here in the digital age, it seems that almost any irrational belief can dominate life. Liberals cancel those not woke, not masked, and not politically correct, while conservatives are convinced of the big lie, anti-vaccination, and climate denial. The Knowledge Age of the past two decades was supposed to bring greater understanding and even enlightenment. So why are people so emotional, misinformed, and unreasonable?

Today’s bifurcated news media, its flood of social media, and its broad application of artificial intelligence is driving the world beyond knowledge into a new frontier governed by emotions, values, beliefs, and higher-order thought. The world is entering an Age of Consciousness, though currently it’s dominated by post-factual nonsense, political gridlock, and other threats that pose an existential crisis. Henry Kissinger recently wrote in Time:

“… what fascinates me is that we are moving into a new period of human consciousness which we don’t yet fully understand.”

The rule of unreason pervades life, and it’s rampant in politics. The US government, for instance, has been locked in stalemate for decades, though Congress has more knowledge than it can handle. Emotional issues like abortion, gun control, and immigration are supported by strong majorities and have been studied to death. Still, gridlock persists because of conflicting values, reluctance to compromise, and hunger for power — issues that lie beyond knowledge. They hinge on stark differences in consciousness...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author: Beyond Knowledge Beyond Knowledge: How Technology Is Driving an Age of Consciousnessby William E. Halal.

The Knowledge Age of the past two decades is passing today as the digital revolution and artificial intelligence replace knowledge work. Halal’s study of social evolution explains how this marks the passage to a new frontier beyond knowledge that is poorly understood – an “Age of Consciousness” is here. But more pandemics, climate change, gross inequality, gridlock and other threats form a “Crisis of Maturity” that is blocking this historic transformation.

This book provides a wealth of evidence and leading examples of an emerging “global consciousness” now driving the world to grow up, resolve this global crisis and develop a sustainable world order – or perish. With foresight and hard work, we could see the triumph of human spirit, once again.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am body, mind, and spirit. When we think of ourselves, we tend to identify with our body. We are of a certain age, weight, build, hair color, skin color, etc. Yet we are so much more than our body.

We, of course, are also mind. Our intelligence, our thinking and reasoning faculty, this is also part of who we are. Though of course when asked about ourselves, we probably give the physical characteristics (I'm a female, brown eyes, aged... etc.). We don't tend to say when asked about ourselves, "Well my IQ is...".

Yet, we must remember that we are also spirit. This is the part of us that is "of higher mind" or of the "higher self". The part of us that is wise, that is insightful, and full of Love, that is our spirit. We must remember, whatever situation we find ourselves in, that we are the trinity of body, mind AND spirit. This will give us more clarity, more strength, and more purpose in our day to day decisions and actions.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of wholeness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that we are body, mind, and spirit.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

View Details

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I live each present moment to the fullest. Staying present sounds like it should be an easy thing to do, but it makes sense that we get caught up in the past or the future. After all there are a lot of past moments and future ones, but there in only one present moment. So, the numbers are not in our favor... There's a lot more of the past to dwell on, or the future to dream of, than there is of the present moment.

Yet, the present moment is really all that exists. The past is done... gone... dead. The future is... well, it doesn't exist at the moment, so it's not real, at least not yet.

Yet all of our past moments and even our future moments make up the "now" moment. What we do now is based on the past, and the future will be based on what we do now. So it is extremely important for us to stay present and focus on the now moment, and what we will do with it. The more fully we live the present moment, the better our future will be. The more we make our attention be in the present moment, the more glorious will be the future that grows out of this moment.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

A Tree in Winter is Still A Tree

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being fully present (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we live each present moment to the fullest.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: The Life Navigator Deck The Life Navigator Deck: Inspirational Messages to Light the Way and Empower Your Journey

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written and Narrated by Astrologer Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: March 21 - 27, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sextile Chiron

TUE: Mars square Uranus

WED: Mercury conjunct Neptune

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Mercury semisquare Uranus

SAT: Mercury sextile Pluto

SUN: Sun semisquare Saturn, Mercury enters Aries, Mercury semisquare Mars

WE ARE WORKING WITH two very different color palettes this week. One is made up of vibrant hues, representing the energies of the dynamic Mars-Uranus square that perfects on Tuesday. The second palette is composed of soft pastels, courtesy of an imaginative and intuitive Mercury-Neptune conjunction, which is exact on Wednesday.

The energies of the Mars-Uranus square have already been building for the past few days, as the two planets have come into range of the aspect. Symptoms related to this square include restlessness, impulsive actions, and sudden anger. Mars represents how we assert ourselves and go after our desires; Uranus brings in the elements of surprise and rebelliousness.

AS THESE TWO PLANETS square off this week, people can...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).

The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Change is something we can't avoid. It is constant and it is everywhere. Our body changes all the time. Cells die and are born every second. Actually a search online just revealed that in one second, 1 million of the cells in our body die. Wow! And in one day, 330 billion cells are created in the human body. So change is definitely part of who we are, each and every moment.

Change Brings New Life and Energy Why are we afraid of change? Why do we resist it? I believe it is due to fear of the unknown. We fear change, because we don't know what change will bring, and because we don't trust either others, ourselves, or the Universe.

However, we can approach change as if it is an unopened and unknown gift (which it is). We don't know what is inside the package, but it is wrapped up in pretty paper and with a beautiful bow, so we trust that it will be something wonderful.

But it's our choice. We can either be excited about the new things and people coming into our life, and see them as a gift or blessing, or we can be worried. We can choose to trust that change will bring us new life and energy, and thus we can look forward to the new experiences headed our way. One choice makes for a joyful experience, the other for a troubled one....

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Article inspired by: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I spread my wings and fly. In order to fulfill our "destiny" or life path, we must have the courage to express our truth and inner being. While society may try to "tame you" or tamp your spirit down by making you meek, submissive, and a copycat of whatever the "in" thing is, we have our own vibrant truth living inside our being, inside our heart.

In order to create a life of fulfillment, and access our full energy potential, we must be true to ourselves. Anytime we lie to ourselves (or to others) by pretending to be other than who we are, or hold back our radiant self (or our dimmed-out self), we squelch our potential.

Your soul seeks to spread its wings and fly with you in a magical, mystical, wonderful world of your creation. To become empowered, we must be authentic, and willing to change as we discover new truths and new insights. Our truth, while always true to us, can evolve and change as we grow and rediscover who we truly are. It is time to be a shining beacon of light and love and spread our wings and fly.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being true to yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we spread our wings and fly.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written by Gabriel Kram. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

For 99.9% of human history, the way we lived was all about connection. What our hunter-gatherer ancestors prioritized above all things was our connection to ourselves, one another, and the Living World.

At a biological level, a connection system is built into every human being. This biological system wires together the neural regulation of the face and voice with the heart and breath. When we feel safe, it brings us into physiological regulation and attuned relationships with others. This connection system is, biologically, the root of health and well-being.

Can you sense it? When this circuit is online, you feel well. But what if it’s offline?

Bringing this system online used to be the job of our culture...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author: Restorative Practices of Wellbeing Restorative Practices of Wellbeingby Natureza Gabriel Kram.

In this pioneering volume, connection phenomenologist Gabriel Kram addresses two fundamental practical questions: how do we address the trauma and disconnection endemic to the modern world, and how do we turn on the Connection System? Marrying cutting-edge neurophysiology with awareness technologies from a wide variety of traditions and lineages, this book maps a novel approach to the creation of wellbeing informed by the most cutting-edge science, and the most ancient of awareness practices. It teaches over 300 restorative practices of wellbeing to connect with Self, Others, and the Living World.

For anyone who has faced a difficult childhood, grown up with a sense that there is something missing in the modern world, or yearns for deeper connection with Self, Others, or the Living World, this book provides a map to a (r)evolutionary approach to wellbeing so ancient it hasn't been invented yet.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author Natureza Gabriel Kram is a connection phenomenologist. Over the past 25 years, he’s undertaken advanced study and research in neurophysiology, applied mindfulness, social justice pedagogy, deep nature connection, cultural linguistics, and Indigenous lifeways with support from over 50 mentors in 25 disciplines of well-being from 20 cultures. He is convener of the Restorative Practices Alliance, founder and CEO of Applied Mindfulness, Inc., and co-founder of the Academy of Applied Social Medicine.

He is the author of several books, including Restorative Practices of Wellbeing, an interactive compendium of over 300 practices that restore wholeness and well-being.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In this period of growing world distress and challenges, it is good to remember that maybe Someone/Something else is pulling the strings.

My dear friend, Sandy Wilder of the Educare Unlearning Institute, sends out daily the most profound and enlightening free messages anyone can receive. He recently sent out this poem:

The Source of AngstThere is an intelligent,

harmonious, Self-sustaining order

to the unfoldment of the entire Universe.

When we are afraid

we are believing a fabrication

that makes us lose awareness

of the way Universal Law

is unfolding in the present moment.

The source of angst is either

the Universe making her first mistake,

or your mind.

-- February 15,2022

Believing in a Bright Future Personally, I find it difficult to believe that the infinitely loving intelligence running this incredible show called « the universe » would suddenly make mistakes. Though I know that my mind has often made such mistakes – and many others.

So, I dare declare...

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Book by this Author 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World: Really Living One’s Spirituality in Everyday Life

by Pierre Pradervand.

Can you imagine what it would feel like to never feel any resentment for any wrong done to you, gossip or lie disseminated about you? To respond with full awareness to all situations and people rather than react from your gut? What freedom that would entail! Well, this is just one of the gifts the practice of blessing from the heart, i.e. sending out focused love energy, will do for you. This book, from the bestselling author of The Gentle Art of Blessing, will help you learn to bless all situations and people as you go through the day and add overwhelming joy and presence to your existence.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

More books by this Author

About The Author Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.

For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to live life to the fullest. There are many things to be sad about in life, and many things that are troublesome. Yet in the midst of all this, we must also remember to laugh, love, and live fully.

There will always be light and dark, day and night, sorrow and joy, yet we must not get stuck in one mode. We must be willing to feel the energy in the moment, and then move on to the next moment and the next experience.

Energy flows unless we hold on to it with our attitudes and emotions. So we can let go of the past, even if the past is just 5 seconds ago, and move on to live life to the fullest... finding joy, love and laughter where it lays waiting for us.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day full of life, love, and laughter (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to live life to the fullest.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I welcome all opportunities to love and be loved. Love is the most important energy in life -- both outgoing (loving) and incoming (being loved). Love is more than just between a couple, or a mother and child. It includes all of humanity, pets, all of nature, and Life itself.

The more we love, the more connected we are to the source of Life itself. Open your heart to everyone and everything. Everyone has something that deserves love. Even those we have a hard time dealing with.

Search for whatever is loveable in every person and thing, and focus on expanding your love in that direction. The more love you "output" the more love you will "input" as well. Love will benefit all it touches as it circles between everything. Welcome all opportunities to love and be loved.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being open to loving and being loved (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we welcome all opportunities to love and be loved.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take the time to take care of myself. As caregivers, healers, parents, etc. we tend to take care of others first. Our own self-care comes later when, and if, we have the time, and/or the energy.

That needs to change! If we drain ourselves of energy, and don't take the time to replenish, not only will we be empty of vitality, but we will have nothing to give to others either. Definitely not a win-win situation.

In order to be able to sustain our energy, we must take the time to rest and to pamper ourselves. Treat yourself the way you would treat the person who is the most important to you. After all, that person is you! Without you, you are nothing! So take some time every day to take care of yourself.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being kind to yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take the time to take care of ourselves.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing and able to see the bigger picture. We may have a tendency to get so focused on the small details of our life that we forget the big picture. After all, when we're busy struggling with day to day problems and challenges, it's not always easy to lift our eyes and see the light on the future's horizon.

The good news is that you are not alone. You are surrounded by helpful energy, and if you don't see it at this time, then ask for help. Ask out loud to the people around you, or ask silently for the Universe to send you the help you need.

We don't need to struggle alone when the Universe is filled with exactly what we need, when we need. Remember to ask for help and be willing to see the bigger picture, the one with the happy ending. The Universe is here, willing and able, to help us create the life we desire. Believe it and go for it.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of seeing the bigger picture (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing and able to see the bigger picture.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I let go of things that are not for my highest good. Surrounding ourselves with things we don't love is a drain on our energy. And the opposite is true -- surrounding ourselves with things that please us, provides us joy. In the same way, eating foods and doing things that support our health increases our energy and wellbeing... All these things bring us joy and inner peace.

Look around you and see which things you might choose to let go of, and then, do so. Your energy will be lighter and you will feel much better.

And the more you let go, the more you will be able to receive blessings. You can't receive when your hands are clenched holding on to the past.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and Energy

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of things that are not for your highest good (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we let go of things that are not for our highest good.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I look forward to the new experiences headed my way. Why are we afraid of change? Why do we resist it? I believe it is due to fear of the unknown. Because we don't know what change will bring, and because we don't trust either others, ourselves, or the Universe, we fear change.

But it's our choice. We can either be excited about the new things and people coming into our life, or we can be worried. One choice makes for a joyful experience, the other for a troubled one.

We can approach change as if it is an unopened and unknown gift (which it is). We don't know what is inside the box, but it is wrapped up in pretty paper and a beautiful bow, so we trust that it will be something wonderful. We can choose to trust that change will bring us new life and energy, and thus we can look forward to the new experiences headed our way.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Can Bring New Life and EnergyWritten by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting that wonderful experiences are coming your way (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we look forward to the new experiences headed our way.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Messages from Heaven Communication Cards Messages from Heaven Communication Cards

by Jacky Newcomb

Messages from Heaven cards fills a gap between the hugely popular ‘Angel Cards’ and the new fascination for ‘Afterlife Communication’. This distinctive 44 color card deck helps people to reach out to the other side of life in a familiar way. The deck can be used in numerous ways to connect with direction from loved-ones in heaven and for continued, positive and uplifting guidance and support.

The deck has been created with a ‘safe’ feel; beautiful images enhance the purposefully easy-to-use format. Simply select a card when you need divine inspiration or pick several to create readings for yourself and your friends. The enclosed booklet will give you the deeper meanings behind each card and enlighten you as to the continued connection between the realms.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: March 14 - 20, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus trine Ceres, Mercury square Ceres, Venus semisquare Neptune

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: Mars semisquare Neptune

THU: Mercury sextile Uranus, Sun semisquare Uranus, Mars trine Ceres, Mercury semisquare Pluto

FRI: Full Moon 12:17 a.m. PDT, Venus sextile Chiron, Sun sextile Pluto

SAT: Venus square Uranus

SUN: Sun enters Aries (Equinox) 8:33 a.m. PDT, Mercury conjunct Jupiter

FINDING BALANCE between polarities is a prominent theme this week. We have a Full Moon on Friday, which means we'll be navigating the opposing energies of the pragmatic Virgo Moon and the visionary Pisces Sun.

And next Sunday, March 20, is the Aries Equinox, when spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn begins south of the equator. The word equinox derives from the Latin words aequus, meaning "equal," and nox, meaning "night." Equinox occurs twice a year, and is the day when the hours of light and the hours of darkness are closest to being in equal balance.

THE MOON reaches fullness at...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

"You really are the architect and builder of your life. Your thoughts are creating your life moment by moment. They are either building what you want or tearing it down." -- Handbook for Perfect Beings

You Are The Architect of Your Life Have you ever had this experience: Something happens, and your immediate comment is "I knew that would happen!" Not only did you know it would happen, you predicted it! Maybe you didn't predict it in the usual sense of the word, but you expected it, you assumed it would happen,

In other words, you basically ended up "seeing it because you believed it". Because of our creative power, our thoughts pull towards us the things we focus upon. Unfortunately, we usually use this creative power - and it is a power - negatively. Generally, we seem to more easily believe that bad things will happen than that good things will happen.

Because we are creating our experience with our thoughts and our words, we get what we expect and believe. The good news in that whole concept is that we simply need to change our expectations, our thoughts, our beliefs, and of course our actions, and we will be able to change what we see in our immediate reality. We are, after all, the architect and builder of our life.

I know this is a hard concept to accept and or believe, but think about it... As you change your attitude and behavior towards the people around you, they will...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am rediscovering the perfect Being of Love I truly am. All paths lead back to Love... inside and out. Some people prefer to take a more challenging route to reach there, others prefer to sit and wait it out for a while, and others just like the smooth sailing route.

None of the choices are better than the others. They are all simply experiences we choose to have.

The end result, for everyone at some point, will be to rediscover the perfect Being of Love we truly are. We get to choose when and how we will get to that point. The type and length of the journey is up to us.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being Love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we rediscover the perfect Being of Love we truly are.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

View Details

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Perfection is a state of mind. There is no universal picture or description of perfection. Perfection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And it is based on each person's perception and judgments. Unfortunately, many people try to live up to an illusive and impossible standard of perfection.

True perfection is found with an open heart and an attitude of gratitude for all that is, right here and now. Our life is filled with perfect moments, yet we may miss them if we are looking for the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

As this quote from the Handbook for Perfect Beings states: "Perfect isn't a place or the end result of being a good person; it's a state of mind."Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of discovering the perfection in your daily life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that perfection is a state of mind.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

View Details

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I recognize that opposites are part of the balance of life. Some days, we might be super active, while other days we may be super relaxed or "lazy". Some days we are cheerful and outgoing, while other days we are quiet and reflective. None of these are good or bad, they are simply part of the balance of life.

If we look at opposites in Nature -- night and day, rain and sunshine, high tide and low tide -- we see that they are not good or bad, they balance each other out. In the same way, if we were constantly "on the go" we would never get the chance to rest, and rest is needed as well as action.

So the next time you find yourself judging yourself, or judging others, for an extreme of some kind, stop and try to see how that behavior is simply the other end of the scale for another behavior. Rather than seeing it as bad or wrong, we can instead see it as part of the cycle of life. Balance is sought after, and sometimes it takes bouncing back and forth between opposites until we discover where harmony resides for us.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of balance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we recognize that opposites are part of the balance of life.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

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Written and Narrated by Stacee L. Reicherzer PhD.It feels good to heal from damaging messages that you are “less than.” As this happens, you strengthen the voice that says, “You are so much better than this mess you were handed.” You become better at recognizing your boundaries and gain the ability to say “No.” You stop ignoring emotional pain and instead ask, “What’s this feeling about and what do I need to do with it?” The rules of fear begin to weaken, little by little, and you recognize that an oppressive world that harms, persecutes, and punishes does not take your self-worth with it.

That’s a tall order, particularly when your Otherness story is stoked by legitimate fear for the safety of yourself and people you love. The stains of hatred will not be erased simply because we’re becoming healthier and more whole. Yet, even as we mourn the dead and seek to advance peace and justice for those who are living, we must continue to work hard so despair does not win the day. Continue soaring freely, in spite of forces in life that can try us, and even break us, if we’re caught without tools for dealing with them. Whether or not these life events are directly related to our Otherness, we can continue rising in spite of their unpredictability...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher,
New Harbinger Publications. NewHarbinger.com

Article Source: The Healing Otherness Handbook The Healing Otherness Handbook: Overcome the Trauma of Identity-Based Bullying and Find Power in Your Difference
by Stacee L. Reicherzer PhD

Were you the victim of childhood bullying based on your identity? Do you carry those scars into adulthood in the form of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dysfunctional relationships, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts? If so, you’re not alone. Our cultural and political climate has reopened old wounds for many people who have felt “othered” at different points in their life, starting with childhood bullying. This breakthrough book will guide you as you learn to identify your deeply rooted fears, and help you heal the invisible wounds of identity-based childhood rejection, bullying, and belittling.

If you’re ready to heal from the past, find power in your difference, and live an authentic life full of confidence—this handbook will help guide you, step by step.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose my actions and words based on a pure motive or intention. Life is actually very simple. There is a cause and then, there is an effect or outcome. Thoughts, words and actions are causes, and they lead to an effect or result, which then comes back to us to start the process over again. It's really that simple.

We do create our reality in that our reality is the result of our actions. So change the cause which is your actions (and thoughts and words) and the result (reality) will change. See, it's not that complicated.

Is it easy to do? Well, that depends. Resistance, and all those energies like blame, judgment, resentment, etc., make it difficult. However, choosing our actions and words based on a pure motive or intention (love) makes it easy.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of cause and effect (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose our actions and words based on a pure motive or intention.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Everything travels in circles. As we can see in nature, things go in circles, or cycles -- whether it is the rotation of the planets, the cycles of the seasons, or rainfall evaporating back into clouds and coming back down as rain. All cycles, all circles.

And we also are subject to this law of circles. Every thought we have is part of a circle. The thought we put out into the world goes out into the energy of the Universe and then returns to us, sometimes magnified or multiplied. Thoughts of joy and gratitude, bring us more of the same, and of course angry thoughts come back to us as anger as well.

We are well served to remember that everything travels in circles, and thus we might choose to pay particular attention to the thoughts and energy we send out into the world...because they will soon be heading back our way. While that may seem like a scary thing, it is actually empowering since once we change our part of the circle, the rest will naturally be changed as well as the circle returns to us.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of what you send out into the circle of life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that everything travels in circles.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

View Details

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to receive an abundance of blessings. Our prayers and requests are not fulfilled by a magical being or cosmic sugar daddy. The energy of fulfilment is constantly present in the Universe, and we are the ones who control the on and off switch.

Our beliefs, attitude, and expectations decide whether our prayer or request will be fulfilled. For example, when we see someone win the lottery or get the "perfect" something or other, our comment might be, "Things like that never happen to me.". Oops, did you hear that door slam when you said that? That's what happens when we negate possibilities. When our beliefs are that someone else will decide if we are "good enough" or deserving enough to get the new job, new car, new house, win the lottery, etc., then we give up our power to that other person or force.

Our job is simply to get clear on what we desire, remove the doubts and limitations that say we can't or won't get what we desire, and then follow our heart as it guides us along the way. When it comes to "the delivery of your request", you are a partner in the manufacturing and distribution center as well as the recipient of the gift.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being able and willing to receive perfection (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to receive an abundance of blessings.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

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Written and Narrated by Annette Simmons.

“Basically, what we do for a living is we slay dragons. And when we are done, there is always another dragon just around the corner.” All heads nodded and a few fists went up in the air. The executive pointed at a PowerPoint image of a knight standing over a slain dragon. He was proud of his use of storytelling to bring clarity to daily struggles.

This habit of framing problems as an imaginary battle between good and evil, distorts our awareness of the importance of balancing conflicting priorities, and of considering both sides of the paradoxes we encounter in the everyday process of doing business. We need both quality and quantity, competition and collaboration, and yes, clarity and ambiguity. War narratives misrepresent paradoxes as battles that can be won decisively.

The habit of framing problems as battles to win or dragons to slay is often a mistake. What we characterize as a dragon almost always represents the shadow side of a couplet. The dragon of fear limits risks, and the dragon of burnout stalks achievement. But these are not simple zero-sum challenges in which one side wins and the other loses.

Fear also focuses attention, and burnout is a result of too much achievement. Deciding to defeat one side or the other only causes more problems. Long term success requires that we learn how to manage both sides of a long list of contrasting priorities instead of vanquishing one side for the sake of the other...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Book by this Author: Drinking from a Different Well Drinking from a Different Well: How Women’s Stories Change What Power Means in Action
by Annette Simmons

Packed with investigations into women’s narratives, the book delves into the role of instincts, perceptions, judgment, and ownership, and looks at the paradox of gendered points of view, the differences in the female and male view of power, and the critical importance of avoiding power struggles. Business and global affairs are filled with modern-day Cassandras — but Drinking from a Different Well provides a powerful strategy for blending perspectives to best solve today’s challenges. The book’s reader's guide and discussion questions make this an invaluable text for leadership study groups.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and as an Audiobook.

About the Author Annette Simmons is a keynote speaker, consultant, and author of four books including The Story Factor, listed in The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. She go

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am the architect and builder of my life. Have you ever had this experience: Something happens, and your immediate comment is "I knew that would happen!" Not only did you know it would happen, you predicted it!

Maybe you didn't predict it in the usual sense of the word, but you expected it, you assumed it would happen, In other words, you basically "saw it because you believed it". Unfortunately, we usually use this creative power - and it is a power - negatively. Generally, we seem to more easily believe that bad things will happen than that good things will happen.

Because we are creating our experience with our thoughts and our words, we get what we expect and believe. The good news in that whole concept is that we simply need to change our expectations, our thoughts, and our beliefs, and we will be able to change what we see in our immediate reality. We are, after all, the architect and builder of our life.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Remembering and Reclaiming the Perfection of Who You Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of creating the life you desire (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that we are the architect and builder of our life.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Handbook for Perfect Beings Handbook for Perfect Beings: The Way Life Really Works

by B. J. Wall

Suppose all life operated according to a few basic laws. Understand these laws, understand life. Live according to the laws, live a productive and successful life.

The Handbook for Perfect Beings is a step-by-step guide to working with the principles that govern creation.

Info/Order this book.

View Details

Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: March 7 - 13, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury semisquare Chiron

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: Mercury enters Pisces

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Sun conjunct Neptune

MARS AND VENUS are finally free of the heavy influence of dominating Pluto in Capricorn. Now in airy Aquarius, the two are feeling much lighter in step, faces turned toward the light. The god of War and the goddess of Harmony travel side-by-side for a few more weeks, gradually separating as Venus picks up her pace. By the end of March, they will be "out of orb" (out of range) of being conjunct.

Their ingress into progressive Aquarius means that we are ready to start working toward manifesting a new future, propelled in part by the shock of recent events. We see the hand of power-hungry Pluto in those events, and find hope in the fact that Mars and Venus are now in the sign of equality, innovation, social awareness, and humanitarianism.

THE PLANETS are very quiet this week, with very few exact aspects to discuss. This respite gives us the opportunity to come to terms with the many changes that have occurred in the past few days and weeks. It is a time to come to center within ourselves, to call back all the fragmented aspects of self, so that we can move forward with greater coherence in body, mind, and spirit.

What we may notice most over the next seven days, and throughout the month of March, is the building energy of...

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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

We may all, occasionally, feel like we are living in dark times. Most of us have never lived through societal upheaval such as we are experiencing now. We may feel discouraged at the "state of the world" or at the behavior of people the world over, and even of those close to us. Or we may be downhearted at the life we are living or the situation in the world in general.

Dark vs. Light One of the problems we encounter when we start thinking in terms of "dark" and "light" is that we create a separation within ourselves. We classify each day, or each experience, and even each person, as "good" or "bad".

Yet, we carry within us seeds for it all. We carry the seeds for joy and sadness, for health and sickness, for love and hate. And we get to choose which seed we will water and nourish, so that it will grow. The weeds will grow but they can be removed, especially if we don't feed them with our energy.

We must not get attached to our times of feeling down thinking they are here to stay. These experiences and moods are not who we are. They are just experiences we are having. And thus we can let them go and move on to another type of experience when we are ready to do so...

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This Article was inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My life purpose is to be myself, 100%. Each one of us is unique. There is only one person like us in the whole Universe. So when we try to be like someone else, not only are we not being true to our Self, we are not being true to our life purpose. We have a purpose... and simply put, that purpose is to be ourselves, 100%.

In a puzzle, each piece must be complete and whole. It cannot have bent corners, or portions of it removed. It must be there in its entirety in order to complete the puzzle.

The world is waiting for our piece of the puzzle to come forth and join the whole. In this way, we will complete the divine plan. Let yourself shine and fly!

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being true to your Self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that our life purpose is to be our Self, 100%.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by Rabbi Daniel Cohen.Many of us are hitting a new stage in response to the pandemic as we enter its third year. Pandemic slog is the feeling that no matter how much progress we seem to make, we feel stuck, anxious and a general malaise. We are less motivated and inspired to transcend inevitable obstacles and disappointments.

In a sociological survey conducted by the University of Chicago, 24 percent of Americans reported they were “not too happy” with their lives in 2021, which is up from 13% in 2018.

Despite COVID waning, fear is giving way to dejection and melancholy. Brief spurts of hope when cases start to wane become dashed by the emergence of a new variant. Many people remain unhappy.

7 Steps To Get Out of Pandemic Slog Everyone possesses the capacity to respond constructively to the unpredictability of life and transform walls into doors and obstacles and into opportunities. We can live with joy regardless of our external circumstances.

To do that, here are 7 steps to extricate yourself from pandemic slog and get back to living...

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Book by this Author What Will They Say About You When You're Gone?: Creating a Life of Legacy by Rabbi Daniel Cohen.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen will help you rise above the distractions to tap into the best version of yourself. Through a unique blend of storytelling, practical exercises, and profound wisdom, he will teach you seven transformative principles to reverse engineer your life so that you are living with purpose and passion, so that the person you are today more closely aligns with the person you aspire to be.

Click here for more info and/or to order this paperback book and/or download the Kindle edition. About the Author Popular motivator, mentor, and inspirational speaker, Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom, and insight helps anyone better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy.

Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years and is the author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I follow the path of my soul. It is, unfortunately, too easy for us to fall off of our path, off our center. Distractions abound, whether in the world of media, entertainment, friends and family, and even health challenges. So many things seem to be present to take us out of our calm inner center where our soul resides.

Negative energies and forces can pull us this way and that. Yet we need to remain centered in love, in harmony, in a hopeful vision of a world to be. We must remember that "we will see it when we believe it". However, when we are bombarded with negative energy and negative predictions, it can be difficult to remain in that peaceful center.

We must constantly draw back our attention to love, to harmony, to the greater good. We must constantly focus on healing, for ourselves and for the world, on love, for ourselves and for the world, for the creation of a harmonious path, for ourselves and for the world. Maintaining that vision can be a challenge when things have the appearance of "going straight to hell". We must maintain the focus on the path of the soul, which is a path that is always for the highest good.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking action for the highest good (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we follow the path of our soul.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I awaken the magic of my inner creative spirit. The voice of our creativity is the voice of our heart, the voice of our feelings. When uncensored by the mind and the inner critic, this voice will help us create the most wonderful experience of life.

For too long we have repressed our inner creativity and forsaken the path of knowing that "miracles" or "magic" are possible. Trust your creative voice. Follow its path. Play along with your life rather than take it so seriously. See what your life becomes when you let yourself dream up your future creatively.

The inner child still has its connection with that voice, the voice of innocence, of playfulness, and of joy. Let it express itself. Let it play. Let it soar. Awaken the magic of your creativity.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being guided by your creative spirit (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we awaken the magic of our inner creative spirit.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I seize the day and make progress on my soul path. What do you really want? What issue is important right now? Listen to what your heart is saying. Focus on it and open yourself up to divine guidance and inner wisdom.

There is no better time than now. This is the moment, the only moment. So whatever your heart is telling you to do right now, do it! Don't wait, don't doubt. If it feels right in your heart, go for it!

Rise up beyond your self-imposed restrictions and limitations. Seize this opportunity to rise past the doubts and fears. As you do so, destiny will smile upon you. Seize the day and make progress on your soul path.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of tuning in to what is important right now (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we seize the day and make progress on our soul path.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The time of guilt and shame is over. Guilt and shame, as well as blame and judgment, just hold us down, and they do the same to the people around us. These dark energies muffle the light of our inner being and dim the love that wants to shine forth.

We have limited our self-expression and our growth by carrying guilt and shame. Those two energies are tied to self-judgment and to the past. They have no place in the now.

We must accept that "what's done is done", forgive ourselves, learn from our mistakes, and let go of the past. We will then be ready to move forward towards a better and brighter future. The time of guilt and shame is over.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of the past (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we accept that the time of guilt and shame is over.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written by Joyce Vissell and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I am quite sure that you, along with millions of humans on the planet now, are heartsick over the invasion of Ukraine. It is horrifying to see the innocent Ukrainian citizens (some of whom are children), being killed in this conflict. We are all wishing that we could do something to help. Yes, we could send money and that is good, but not all people have the means to send money. But there is a powerful way in which each one of us can help on a daily basis, and we need to help.

In 1986, Barry and I attended a ten-day retreat at the White Eagle Lodge outside of London, England. We had been studying the White Eagle teachings for years, and it was a thrill for us to actually be at their center and study under the two women who helped found the White Eagle Lodge along with their mother.

Part way through the week, we were introduced to a group of older members of the lodge. These elders had survived World War 2 while living in London. At that time, the Lodge was located in London. They told us about their experiences during the war. ...

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Book by this Author(s) Heartfullness: 52 Ways to Open to More Love

by Joyce and Barry Vissell.

Heartfulness means so much more than sentimentality or schmaltz. The heart chakra in yoga is the spiritual center of the body, with three chakras above and three below. It is the balance point between lower body and higher body, or between body and spirit. To dwell in your heart is therefore to be in balance, to integrate the lower three chakras with the higher three.

Our goal is to lead you into your heart. Our goal is to give you a feeling experience of the heart in its many dimensions. We could say each piece will make you feel good. And this may be true. But each will also challenge you to grow in spiritual awareness, for there is often a certain risk that must be taken before the heart can open. Sometimes we need to leave our comfort zone to really live from the heart.

Click here for more info and/or to order this book. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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rie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take action to free myself, change my behavior, and let go of drama. The best stories and movies contain some drama and suspense. The human race loves excitement and drama, and the adrenaline rush it provides -- so much so, that we attract it and create it in our lives and relationships.

Some of the drama comes from not accepting the way something or someone is. When we judge and criticize someone, we are creating upset, both in ourselves and in the other. We are not centered in peace and in our soul, because we are focused on separation. We are "out there" tilting at windmills trying to change people by telling them how we think they should be -- which is other than what they are.

The only change we can truly effect is inside our own self and our own life. Once we have done that, the energy of that change will spread and reverberate all around us. We need to drop the drama, and instead look to creating the life our soul craves... one full of love and harmony. We do this by taking action to free ourselves, change our behavior, and let go of drama.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Rise Above the Dark Days of Life

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of drama (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take action to free ourselves, change our behavior, and let go of drama.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soul Helper Oracle: Messages from Your Higher Self

by Christine Arana Fader (Author), Elena Dudina (Illustrator)

With evocative and inspiring images and profound spiritual messages, the 43 dreamlike cards of the Soul Helper Oracle help you to hear and understand messages from your higher self, the whispers of your soul’s wisdom. Each card features four companions to guide and support you on your soul’s path: a power animal, a healing stone, a plant essence, and a number with a corresponding rune. In the guidebook, Christine Arana Fader details the message of each card and the supportive qualities of each card’s companions.

By immersing yourself in the guidance of these cards, the soul helpers will bring you clarity, divine light, and wisdom. They will immediately change something for the better, open gates for you, and lead you to happiness. Through these cards you will encounter your true feelings, be able to accept what is, find your heart’s goals, and experience wisdom, truth, peace, and bliss.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by Astrologer, Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: February 28 - March 6, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mars trine North Node, Venus trine North Node

TUE: Sun semisquare Venus, Sun sextile Uranus

WED: Mercury conjunct Saturn

THU: Mars conjunct Pluto, Sun semisquare Pluto, Venus conjunct PlutoFRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Sun conjunct Jupiter, Mercury sextile Eris, Mars enters Aquarius, Venus enters Aquarius, Venus conjunct Mars

SUN: Pluto conjunct Vesta, Venus semisquare Jupiter, Mars semisquare Jupiter, Mercury square Nodes

WE NOW WALK through a terrain of profound contrasts and great complexity. At one end of the spectrum, we are working with a powerfully transformative alignment that combines the energies of Pluto, Mars, Venus, and the asteroid Vesta. Here we have the god of the Underworld, the god of War, the goddess of Harmony, and the goddess of Sacred Devotion, all joining forces.

Of this group, Pluto is the strongest member, which means that we tend to hear its voice above the others'. This "dwarf planet" is known for wielding a mighty hand in human affairs. Much like a psychotherapist, it shines light into the darkness, revealing that which has been hidden, suppressed, or repressed.

THIS FOURSOME is now traversing the late degrees of Capricorn, which rules governments and authority figures. One of Pluto's tasks at this time is....

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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I started to write the title for this article as "The Road to Transformation and Rebirth", then I realized that it is not the road "to" but the road "of". Transformation and rebirth are not a destination but a process that we live through, every day and every moment. Just like happiness, transformation and rebirth are an inside job. They are not "out there somewhere" but inside our very being.

Our road of transformation and rebirth is constructed as we go along day by day. It is not a road that lies waiting for us to travel upon... rather it is a road that is waiting for us to create it with our hopes, dreams, and actions. ...

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Article inspired by:

Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

More Inspirational Card Decks

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Written and Narrated by Will Wilkinson.

Barbara Marx Hubbard was an inspiration and a friend. We met thirty years ago at a conference, then she hired me for a year and my wife and I lived in her communal home in Santa Barbara. For those who don’t know, Barbara was a futurist and her theme was “conscious evolution.” She once ran for Vice President and toured/spoke/wrote tirelessly on this theme.

I’ve always wanted to explore this theme – conscious evolution – and experience the deeper meaning of it. Since Barbara recently passed and I can’t consult with her, this is my take. I’ll start here, with my belief that all evolving humans want three things: happiness, fulfilment, and meaning.

Happiness is doing what we love and getting fairly rewarded for it. Fulfillment is being who we truly are by actualizing our full potential. Meaning is doing what we love, being who we truly are, and manifesting our destiny.

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author:

The Noon Club: Creating The Future in One Minute Every Day

by Will Wilkinson

The Noon Club is a free member alliance that focuses intentional power every day at noon to create an impact in human consciousness. Members set their smart phones for noon and pause in silence or to offer a brief declaration, transmitting love into the quantum world of mass consciousness. Meditators lowered the crime rate in Washington DC in the 89's. What can we do in The Noon Club? Participation is simple. Just set your smart phone and pause at noon every day at noon to transmit. For updates on the program and more information, and to connect with other members, visit www.noonclub.org .

Click here to order this book.

More books by this Author About the Author Will Wilkinson is an author/presenter/mentor living in Maui with his wife of 28 years. He’s currently developing a global Love Casting network to provide a daily transmission of loving energy to heal and uplift all those open to receive and amplify the gift.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I allow myself to explore each new moment with vulnerability, curiosity and fresh eyes. Perhaps one of our greatest hindrances on the road of transformation and rebirth, is the expectation of "same-old, same old". In other words, we don't really expect things to change. We expect things to remain the same - whether we consider those things good or bad. However, transformation and rebirth, as well as life itself, by necessity require change, and at times, major changes.

Rebirth and transformation will become our way of life when we let go of old hurts, grudges and resentments, and other old stories that we may have become attached to... such as being a victim, powerless in certain circumstances, or feeling self-pity, etc. We must be open and vulnerable in order for the old to fall away and the new reality to come to fruition.

We must not only be open to change, but welcome it with open arms, even when it may not appear to be a welcome change. Let us welcome each day with the curiosity and new eyes of a child, always expecting wondrous experiences and blessings to come our way. This is how we are reborn to a new life, a new experience, and a new reality -- one where love, joy, acceptance and harmony are the prime movers. We then are born again, each day and each moment, to a new attitude of love for life and for all of humanity.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of transformation and rebirth (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we allow ourselves to explore each new moment with vulnerability, curiosity and fresh eyes.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I transform my thoughts, actions, and perspective to align with my true Self. We may be so entwined with our routines and habits that we don't see what needs transformation. To discover what needs changing, we must look honestly at where we are, how we are, and who we are.

Are we satisfied with our life or simply going through the motions of day-to-day life? Do we feel a sense of purpose and vision, or are we just waiting for the next exciting event to temporarily stir us out of slumber.

In order to transform our life, we need to have courage and trust in ourselves as well as in the highest good. By being willing to walk out of mediocrity and step into being 100% true to our visions and dreams, we open the door to transformation. We can then transform our thoughts, actions, and perspective to align with our true self.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of transformation (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we transform our thoughts, actions, and perspective to align with our true Self.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Meditation and Trauma.

Written and Narrated by the author, Marianne Bentzen.

Although a traumatic event or life experience often leaves us with a painful or even devastating personal aftermath, it can also be a hidden gift, a doorway into deeper and wider levels of consciousness that are only now beginning to be explored by science. Some people who have survived severe and ongoing trauma report that in their darkest hours they found the deepest resource—an unshakable feeling of great meaning, or a sense of spirit, or of God.

This feeling often stays with them, as a sense of faith or gratitude, or as a constant reminder of the preciousness of life. For this reason, trauma can sometimes be experienced as a gateway to spirit, or to the discovery of an indestructible part of our being.

Despite their differences, spiritual openings and traumatic responses seem to have a great deal in common at the level of brain function. At the deepest level of brain organization, the autonomic nervous system, trauma often activates the highest arousal levels and the deepest immobility at the same time. In formal spiritual training systems, the same spontaneous emergence of arousal and immobility in the organism instead heralds deep experiences of spiritual opening...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Reprinted with permission. Publisher.

Healing Arts Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.*

Article Source: Neuroaffective Meditation Neuroaffective Meditation: A Practical Guide to Lifelong Brain Development, Emotional Growth, and Healing Trauma

by Marianne Bentzen

Drawing on her 25 years of research into brain development as well as decades of meditation practice, psychotherapist Marianne Bentzen shows how neuroaffective meditation--the holistic integration of meditation, neuroscience, and psychology--can be used for personal growth and conscious maturation. She also explores how the practice can help address embedded traumas and allow access to the best perspectives of growing older while keeping the best psychological attitudes of being young--a hallmark of wisdom.

The author shares 16 guided meditations for neuroaffective brain development (along with links to online recordings), each designed to gently interact with the deep, unconscious layers of the brain and help you reconnect. Each meditation explores a different theme, from breathing in “being in your body”, to feeling love, compassion, and gratitude, to balancing positive and negative experiences. The author also shares a 5-part meditation centered on breathing exercises designed to balance your energy.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: All the choices I make are based on the intertwining of my past, present, and future. We oftentimes have judgments about our past while, hopefully, we have visions and dreams about our future. Yet Einstein told us that past, present, and future all exist simultaneously. Consequently, the now moment we are experiencing includes everything else.

Everything in our life, and in our experience, is intertwined in this moment. Everything we have ever lived, everything we have ever learned, and even our dreams of the future, are all included in this present moment. Thus, there is no need to judge or blame ourselves for events in our past, or bemoan that we feel we may not attain the future we desire.

All the choices we make are based on the intertwining of our past, present, and future. We must honor our past, knowing that it has brought us to exactly where we need to be right now. All those past occurrences and future dreams are part and parcel of our present. When we are fully present to this moment, our inner knowledge of the past and our intuitive insights into the future include all that we need to know at the moment.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being fully present in each moment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, all the choices we make are based on the intertwining of our past, present, and future.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I move through life with an open heart and open mind. We must be open to discover the magic, miracles, love, abundance, beauty, and all wonderful experiences that are present all around us. If our inner "radio station" is tuned to doom and gloom, to fear, to anger, to suspicion, and to doubt, then this is what we will be experiencing on our wavelength.

In order for us to discover love and miracles on our path of transformation and rebirth, we must be open to it. If our heart and mind are closed, we will not see the fork in the road that is filled with magnificent possibilities.

Let's be open expectantly for magic, miracles, synchronicities, coincidences, good timing, great connections, wonderful blessings, etc. Let's trust in the fact that love and magic surround us always. Let's open ourselves up to the gifts that the Universe has for us. Let's move through life with an open heart and open mind, and with gratitude - for the past, present, and future - in our life.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having an open heart and open mind (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we move through life with an open heart and open mind.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My perceptions color my whole experience. As I had just finished writing these paragraphs, I hit save and nothing was saved -- it disappeared. My first reaction was, oh no, I lost all my work. But then, I realized that I could perceive this differently and see it as a new possibility... that perhaps my first draft was not the one that needed to be shared.

And so it is with life, we sometimes "fail" at something, or a dream doesn't come true, or someone we care for leaves our life... And we may perceive that as a loss or failure, rather than an open door to new possibilities. There have been times in my life when I felt like my whole world was falling apart... and later I discovered, that actually one door had closed to an existence that needed to be left behind, and a whole new world of possibilities had arrived.

As we journey on the road of life, let us remember that our perceptions will color our whole experience. If we see something as difficult, or as a failure, or as a dead end, then this is what we will experience. If instead we search for the gift in the experience and the possibilities it now makes available to us, we will get a whole new experience that will bring us joy and a growing love and appreciation for all that is.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your perceptions and possibilities (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are aware that our perceptions color our whole experience.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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This Feb. 22, the world hits an unprecedented milestone. It’s the date itself: 2/22/22. And this so-called “Twosday” falls on a Tuesday, no less.

It’s true the number pattern stands out, impossible to miss. But does it mean anything? Judging by the thousands of commemorative products available for purchase online, it may appear to.

“Twosday” carries absolutely no historical significance or any cosmic message. Yet it does speak volumes about our brains and cultures.

I’m a social psychologist who studies how paranormal claims and pseudoscience take hold as popular beliefs. They’re nearly always absurd from a scientific perspective, but they’re great for illustrating how brains, people, groups and cultures work together to create shared meaning.

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It seems like almost every plant-based food is being turned into “milk” these days, the latest being potato milk.

It’s not surprising that potatoes have been chosen to be the latest plant-based milk. After all, potatoes have many health benefits because they’re full of important vitamins and nutrients. But how do they measure up to other popular plant-based milks?

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During the pandemic, many of us have felt our stress levels rise every time we hear the word “virus”. But few people realise that just the sound of the word virus alone is likely to raise the blood pressure — and would have done so even before COVID-19 figured large in the headlines.

We’ve all experienced how certain sounds can grate on our nerves, such as the noise made by dragging your fingernails across a blackboard or the cry of a baby, but it turns out that the sounds of some words (like “virus”) can also affect how we feel and even give us a clue to what they mean (something to avoid). This phenomenon, where the sound of a word triggers an emotion or a meaning, is referred to as “sound symbolism”. Yet the idea that there might be a link between the sound of words and their meaning flies against accepted linguistic thinking going back more than a century.

In our book, The Language Game: How Improvisations Created Language and Changed the World, we outline a radically new perspective on how we, as humans, got language in the first place, how children can learn and use it so effortlessly, and how sound symbolism figures into this.

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The legal requirement to self-isolate when infected with the coronavirus will end in England on February 24, the UK prime minister has announced. It’s been two long years since the start of the pandemic, and during that time, our everyday behaviours have been subject to a number of rules and regulations. Removing self-isolation is one of the final steps in reversing these rules and moving towards “living with COVID”.

Like many, I feel it’s too early for this move. It is also a bad idea to stop providing free lateral flow tests, which from April 1 people will need to pay for. But perhaps more important is what the public thinks. How might people behave once free testing and mandatory self-isolation are scrapped?

Just as it’s hard to predict what the virus will do in the future, so too is it hard to predict people’s behaviour. Very few of us in Britain have emerged from a pandemic before. That said, we can look to the past – and to behavioural science – to make an informed guess about what people will do.

We know that adherence to COVID measures in the UK has been, on balance, very high throughout the pandemic. That said, research has suggested that some form of “pandemic fatigue” did eventually set in, causing adherence to measures to fall, particularly for “high-cost” behaviours such as lockdowns or restrictions on visiting others.

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Houses are getting smarter: smart thermostats manage our heating, while smart fridges can monitor our food consumption and help us order groceries. Some houses even have smart doorbells that tell us who is on our doorstep. And of course, smart TVs allow us to stream the content we want to watch, when we want to watch it.

If that all sounds very futuristic, a recent survey tells us that 23% of people in western Europe and 42% of people in the US use smart devices at home.

While these smart devices are certainly convenient, they can also present security risks. Any device with an internet connection can be compromised and taken over by attackers.

If a compromised smart device has a camera or microphone, an attacker may access these and any data on the device can be read, viewed, copied, edited or erased. The compromised smart device may start to look at your network traffic, trying to find your usernames, passwords and financial data. It may look to take over other smart devices that you own.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take action on the path with heart. The first thing we must do to get ahead on our path is to take action. Simply making plans, and discussing what could be, is not moving forward. Taking steps, even small ones, one at a time, is what the journey of life and of transformation is about.

Procrastination stems from doubts, fear, or just simply not wanting to do something. And rather than admit that we are refusing to take action, we avoid confrontation (with ourselves and/or others) by pretending that we are just delaying. A Chinese fortune cookie shares a bit of wisdom: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Delaying is simply wasting time and energy when we could be making progress towards our dreams. To get out of that dilemma, we need to tune in for guidance as to the best steps to take. We check our heart for clarity and then either take the action we've been resisting if that is the path for us, or we go in another direction. By taking steps, one by one, on the path with heart, we will experience success and fulfillment.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

On The Road of Transformation and Rebirth

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking guided action (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take action on the path with heart.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: February 21 - 27, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury semisquare Neptune

TUE: No major aspects are exact

WED: Mars sextile Neptune, Jupiter semisquare Pluto, Mercury sextile Chiron

THU: Venus sextile Neptune, Mercury square Uranus

FRI: Mars square Eris

SAT: Venus square Eris

SUN: Sun semisquare Eris, Moon in Capricorn conjunct Venus, Mars, and Pluto

VENUS AND MARS ARE LINKED ARM IN ARM now, traveling side by side through the zodiac. Over the next two weeks, they will move together through the final degrees of Capricorn, cross paths with powerful Pluto on March 3, and enter Aquarius together on March 5. They will be within one degree of each other until March 13, and then will gradually separate. This "traveling conjunction" symbolizes the very complex set of circumstances that we are currently navigating.

When two planets conjoin, their energies blend together. If the two planets are compatible, they support each other and enhance each one's strengths. However, Venus is the goddess of harmony and Mars is the god of war. They represent the opposites of what we call "feminine" and "masculine" qualities. As such, the merging of their energies is something like trying to blend oil and water.

VENUS AND MARS CROSS PATHS with each other every year, so their rendezvous is not a novel event. What is significant about 2022 is that...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Written by Paul Levy and Narrated by AI.

Some of us understandably feel despair and pessimism because of the dark agenda that is undeniably being implemented not just behind the scenes, but on the main stage of the world for all who have eyes to see. There is very convincing real-world evidence to justify the pessimistic point of view of their narrative bias.

Others of us can hold out the possibility that a deeper good might be emerging out of the collective nightmare that we are living through. This is a viewpoint that seems naïve and ridiculous from the perspective of the people whose narrative bias is pessimistic.

If someone has fallen prey to pessimism, thinking that they are helpless to change the trajectory of our species’ suicidal behavior, they will see the world through a lens that draws evidence to confirm their pessimistic viewpoint. This results in them being even more convinced of the validity of their viewpoint and the objective nature of what they are seeing in an infinitely regressing, self-generating samsaric cycle that is of the nature of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

They wouldn’t be so pessimistic if our world wasn’t manifesting so darkly, and our world wouldn’t be manifesting so darkly if they weren’t so pessimistic. It is important to note that wetiko both inspires and feeds off of an overly pessimistic attitude.

The question naturally arises: In their pessimistic viewpoint, are they just being sober-minded “realists,” having a justified response to the reality of our situation? Or have they become entranced by the creative genius of their own mind to call forth reality in an image confirming their pessimistic viewpoint?

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Printed with permission.

Published by Inner Traditions Intl*.

Article Source Wetiko Wetiko: Healing the Mind-Virus That Plagues Our World

by Paul Levy

In its Native American meaning, wetiko is an evil cannibalistic spirit that can take over people’s minds, leading to selfshness, insatiable greed, and consumption as an end in itself, destructively turning our intrinsic creative genius against our own humanity.

Revealing the presence of wetiko in our modern world behind every form of destruction our species is carrying out, both individual and collective, Paul Levy shows how this mind-virus is so embedded in our psyches that it is almost undetectable--and it is our blindness to it that gives wetiko its power.

Yet, as the author reveals in striking detail, by recognizing this highly contagious mind parasite, by seeing wetiko, we can break free from its hold and realize the vast creative powers of the human mind.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

We all contain a blend of energies -- masculine/feminine, physical/spiritual, lighthearted/serious, childlike/adultlike, etc. Our task is not to transcend one and embrace the other. Our task is to learn to balance all polarities by learning to dance with them. We must experience the totality of the energies... the light and the dark, the masculine and the feminine, the child-like playfulness and the adult-like discipline, relaxation and action. etc.

It's not a case of either/or. It is a case of tuning in to the rhythm of all the energies that flow to us and through us to create our own tapestry of life. Each thread is a different color, a different warp, a different strength. Yet together they create a magnificent work of art. Our masterpiece needs a multitude of energies from joy to sorrow, laughter to tears, and from doubt to trust. All of these blend and integrate into the one magnificent being, physical and spiritual, that we truly are.

A performer who walks the high-wire does not do it by being rigid. She does it by being flexible, by dancing with the wire, by flowing with the energy. And so it is on the high-wire of life. We must bend, flow, and be flexible, feel the rhythm and attain a moment to moment balance...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Article inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: Every day is a day worth celebrating. Once we acknowledge and accept who we are, we must let our true Self shine. We must let go of our inhibitions, be passionate about our life, and let our creative spirit soar.

Our inner child is yearning to express its innate joy, its innate love. It is time to give ourselves permission to sing and dance at the top of our voice, letting our innate joy bound forth into a life guided by inspiration and love.

Every day is a gift worth celebrating. We must show up, express our Self, and make manifest the potential of our own life. Let's awaken our inner creativity and childlike wonder, and live a life that is a shining beacon of Love and Truth.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of celebrating Life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that every day is a day worth celebrating.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Relationships wax and wane, stretch and grow, shift and evolve. We are always changing and any relationships we have, are always changing too. Sometimes there are bumps in the road on the journey.

Giving the cold shoulder, and continually criticizing, are clear signs that issues haven’t been resolved. Unfinished business causes us to focus on what’s not working. The other person becomes the enemy rather than an ally. You can no longer see what drew you together. You stop doing the very things that once fanned your love.

Rather than risking long, draining battles, we choose to clam up and withdraw, put energy into other activities, such as work, exercise, television, and hobbies, or resort to digs, judgments, and blaming. In all these cases, intimacy dwindles and differences become obstacles to closeness.

After living together for a period of time, we can increasingly feel less open with our partner and start walling ourselves off. Slowly, slowly, we realize that we either have to give up and leave or step forward and speak about some specific things that have been bothering us...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Book by this Author: Attitude Reconstruction Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Lifeby Jude Bijou, M.A., M.F.T.

With practical tools and real-life examples, this book can help you stop settling for sadness, anger, and fear, and infuse your life with joy, love, and peace. Jude Bijou's comprehensive blueprint will teach you to: cope with family members' unsolicited advice, cure indecision with your intuition, deal with fear by expressing it physically, create closeness by truly talking and listening, improve your social life, increase staff morale in just five minutes a day, handle sarcasm by visualizing it flying by, carve out more time for yourself by clarifying your priorities, ask for a raise and get it, stop fighting via two easy steps, cure kids' tantrums constructively. You can integrate Attitude Reconstruction into your daily routine, regardless of your spiritual path, cultural background, age, or education.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I am independent of the influence and desires of others. To follow our heart and our dreams, we must be independent of others. This does not mean abandoning others, but rather, not being influenced by their beliefs, attitudes, prejudices, and desires. We must be true to our own heart, no matter what others think or say.

Following our heart is not always the "accepted" way of being as it does not stem from "life as usual". The "norm" often means competition, the need to be admired, the craving for love, making choices based on pride, arrogance, anger, and jealousy, etc.

We can only find our way home and our own path by being independent of the influence and desires of others. The acceptance and unconditional love we need will not come from others, but from our own self. Our strength and power come not from others, but from within our own true self.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of independence (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are independent of the influence and desires of others.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Written by Kelly McDonald and Narrated by Pam Atherton.

Over the course of your career, you’ve probably heard people at work say something that was racist, sexist, demeaning, or offensive, even if it wasn’t directed at you. You may not have said anything or done anything about it, because, when it comes to work, it can be hard to speak up.

Every company has its own culture and, in many organizations, the easiest thing to do is to let it go. After all, we’re talking about your job. You have to work with these people, day in and day out. You think to yourself, “It’s not smart to rock the boat. Just let it go.” But it gnaws at you.

Here’s why “letting it go” is not the answer and why it makes you feel even worse:

Those who make offensive, rude, and demeaning comments will continue to do so unless they are called out on it. They may not even know that what they’re saying is wrong—or why it’s wrong— but they sure won’t understand that it’s unacceptable if no one tells them.
Offensive comments hurt and cause damage. For the target or recipient of the comment, they can be devastating. But others are also hurt by such comments. It’s hard to hear a demeaning comment directed at someone you work with. And it’s excruciatingly painful and awkward to witness someone being bullied or victimized by offensive comments. Even if you’re just a bystander, not participating in the conversation at all, you can feel how awful and wrong it is, and it will affect you.
If no one speaks up to confront a racist, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic comment, onlookers will feel guilt. They know the offensive comment is wrong. They know someone should say something and stop it. If no one does, they will feel both personal and collective guilt. While these two kinds of guilt are different, the combination of them is highly destructive. Here is an explanation of each kind of guilt...

Continue Reading this article at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Excerpted with permission.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.*

Article Source: It's Time to Talk about Race at Work It's Time to Talk about Race at Work: Every Leader's Guide to Making Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

by Kelly McDonald

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as an Audiobook and a Kindle edition.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I stride confidently toward my dream of a better life and a better world. When we are pulled this way and that way by the world, by the promises of advertising, by the distractions of life, it is difficult to connect with our true self. When we strive for the unattainable goals of societal norms and social media, we can doubt our very self.

However, once we fully accept who we are, the yin and the yang, the light and the dark, the masculine and the feminine, we can then step forth with confidence to express the best of who we are. We then have the confidence to be true to our inner wisdom and follow our heart. To do so requires bravery and the courage to go against the norm, to go against the prescribed behaviors of a world based on competition and separation.

Yet, once we attune to all of who we are, we then can live confidently from our heart, rather than letting the fear of our ego run the show. And the more we listen to our higher self, the more we learn to trust in ourselves and in our truth, and the more we can stride confidently forward toward our dream of a better life and a better world.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having confidence in your higher self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we stride confidently toward our dream of a better life and a better world.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I listen to my heart before I speak. Good communication includes both speaking and listening. This includes not only communication with others, but communication with our own self, with our body, with our inner self, with our emotions, with our ego.

Once we have connected with our own truth, then we are able to communicate it to others. However, we need to be able to communicate with love and without the ego stepping in to say that "my way is the only way".

Everyone has their own truth, their own inner wisdom. And what is true for you is not necessarily true for others, and vice versa. When we speak from the heart, we do not judge, criticize, or hurt others. The key is to listen to our heart before we speak.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of communicating from your heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we listen to our heart before we speak.

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

by Lisa Estabrook

In this high-vibration, full-color deck, artist and plant whisperer Lisa Estabrook presents 44 beautiful and vivid Soulflower oracle cards, along with empowering and insightful messages from each card’s plant spirit, to help you tend the garden of your soul. The cards are designed to help you remember the simple truth that all of Nature is sharing--that we are cyclical beings intimately entwined with the Earth and all of life.

Working with the cards will help you connect directly to your own inner wisdom, your intuition, like a mirror reflecting back at you the truth of what’s in your heart.

For more info and/or to order this card deck and guidebook click here.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I learn to identify what is best for me and act accordingly. Once we have identified what makes our heart sing, and what doesn't -- or worse, what is for us like nails on a chalkboard -- it is time to learn to set boundaries We say yes and say no, appropriately.

We say yes to those things that increase our well-being, our inner peace, and our inner and outer health. We say no to those those things who drain our vitality and do not help us live up to our true loving self.

Boundaries are important for our self-care. As we open our heart to what is best for us, we will also know what, and who, supports us and what, and who, does not. We then act accordingly.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of awareness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we learn to identify what is best for us and act accordingly.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today: When in doubt I ask myself: "What resonates with my heart?" Everything has its own vibration, its own energy, its own rhythm. Some things and people are in harmony with us, and some are in dissonance. Part of being true to ourselves is recognizing what is in harmony with us, and what isn't.

This does not imply judgment or criticism or even blame. It is simply a recognition of what feels best for us, what is in tune with our inner being, with our heart, or as the saying goes, "what makes our heart sing".

Every day and every moment, we need to tune in to our heart and to our joy. Being in resonance with our heart and our joy is what creates a life that is fulfilling and in harmony with our greater good. When in doubt ask yourself: "What resonates with my heart?"

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being in harmony with your heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, when in doubt we ask ourselves: "What resonates with my heart?"

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I blend and integrate all the energies of my life. We all contain a blend of energies -- masculine/feminine, physical/spiritual, lighthearted/serious, childlike/adultlike, etc. Our task is not to transcend one and embrace the other. Our task is to learn to balance all polarities by learning to dance with them. We must experience the totality of the energies... the light and the dark, the masculine and the feminine, the child-like playfulness and the adult wisdom, relaxation and action. etc.

It's not a case of either/or. It is a case of tuning in to the rhythm of all the energies that flow to us and through us to create our own tapestry of life. Each thread is a different color, a different warp, a different strength. Yet together they create a magnificent work of art. Our masterpiece needs a multitude of energies from joy to sorrow, laughter to tears, and from doubt to trust. All of these blend and integrate into the one magnificent being, physical and spiritual, that we truly are.

A performer who walks the high-wire does not do it by being rigid. She does it by being flexible, by dancing with the wire, by flowing with the energy. And so it is on the high-wire of life. We must bend, flow, and be flexible, feel the rhythm and attain a moment to moment balance.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Accepting and Integrating All of Who and What We Are

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of integrating all energies (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we blend and integrate all the energies of our life.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: February 14 - 20, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury enters Aquarius

TUE: Sun square nodal axis

WED: Venus conjunct Mars, Full Moon 8:56 a.m. PST

THU: Jupiter sextile Uranus

FRI: Sun enters Pisces

SAT: No major aspects are exact

SUN: Sun square Ceres

ACCORDING TO the Farmers' Almanac, indigenous peoples of the north and northeast Americas called the Full Moon in February the "Snow Moon." Although January is usually the coldest month of the year in the northern hemisphere, the heaviest snows tend to fall in February, giving rise to the name.

In addition to our Leo Snow Moon, which occurs on Wednesday, February 16, at 8:57 a.m. PST*, we have two other significant astrological events this week: an exact Venus-Mars conjunction on Wednesday and a Jupiter-Uranus sextile on Thursday. Lots to talk about today!

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

We are all in need of healing in one form or another. Whether that healing is emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual depends on each one of us, and probably even on what day or time it is, or even on how we look at it. We are a work in progress, and we continue to build and refine what is already there.

You Are The Boss Contrary to what we've been told, or been taught, no one can "make us" do anything. We make the decision whether to go along with someone else's request or order. Our refusal to cooperate or obey will have consequences, but we still have the final say... even if the consequence is the death of a friendship or job, or even our own death. Ultimately, we are each the boss of ourselves.

In the realm of healing, that also holds true. Your health is in your hands. An example of this is if your doctor tells you to quit smoking, or to eat healthier foods, or to exercise, or recommends a medical treatment or surgery... you are the one who makes the decision to follow the doctor's advice, or not. You are the boss of you.

So based on that, we see that all healing starts with us. No matter the advice we receive, the knowledge we have, the research we do, we must take action ourselves for any of that to have any beneficial effect. We choose the path to walk, the attitude to take, the direction we are going in. The path may not lead us directly to the solution we seek, but we still choose the path ourselves taking all angles in consideration...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I pay attention and honor my needs and emotions. Each one of us is different, so the solution to the same problem can be very different for different individuals. An introvert or extrovert, a healthy or unhealthy, a mother or a single adult... each one will have different lifestyles and needs, thus different solutions. The key is for us to find what the unique solution is for us.

When I was younger, I used to flip a coin when I didn't know which choice to make. However, my purpose was not to have the coin "make the decision", but to help me discover what I wanted. If the coin flipped to "yes" and I felt disappointed, I then knew that the other side of the coin was the "right answer", for me.

We always know, from the inside, what is best for us. We are the only ones that truly know that. Sometimes, we just need assistance to help clear the cobwebs of our vision (inside and out) to see what the "best next step" is for us. We are the answer. We are our own medicine. We are our own advisor and counselor. Once we take charge of our life, by paying attention and honoring our needs and emotions, the insights and guidance will follow.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of honoring your needs and emotions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we pay attention and honor our needs and emotions.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take charge of my life by reimagining my future. It's easy to get stuck in a routine or an attitude of "that's just the way it is". But just because something has "always" been a certain way, or because it is that way right now, does not mean it has to be that way tomorrow, or in the future.

We can take charge of our life by reimagining our future. Stop for a minute and imagine what you would like your life to be like... at work, at home, health-wise, community-wise, etc. etc. Open yourself up to wonderful possibilities.

Each morning and evening, and more often if you can, take a few moments to reimagine your life the way you would like it to be, for your highest good and the highest good of those you love. Let's reimagine the world we want to live in, and then help make it come true.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of reimagining your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take charge of our life by reimagining our future.

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Written and Narrated by the author, Judith Johnson.

My mother’s given name was Grace, but we called her Cake. She and I shared a home during the last nine years of her life from age 80-89. On the balmy and beautiful Sunday of her final Memorial Day weekend, Cake fell backwards down a flight of stairs. I was a mere five yards away and out of sight when I heard her cry out a millisecond before her head hit the cabinet at the bottom of the stairs, and she landed in a thumping heap on the floor.

In that instant, every cell of my body screamed with terror as I ran to find out if she had survived and, if so, how broken she was. Blood was spouting from her head and elbow to the rhythm of her heartbeat. Calm, as she had always been in a crisis, the RN in her directed me to elevate her head, compress the wounds, and call 911.

I didn’t have enough arms and for twelve long minutes until the EMTs arrived, the rest of the world disappeared as I held Cake and felt more helpless than ever before. And my love for her was magnified more deeply than I had ever loved anyone before. My life as I had known it was disappearing from view as I became consumed by fear, shock, and my new responsibilities as a 24/7 caregiver and patient advocate in territory I had never seen before.

Yes, it was horrible. But there was also tenderness and a deepening intimacy that opened up between us that...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to consider different possibilities. Sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd like them to. Yet, even when we face a roadblock, or a health crisis, we must look at the possibilities. Perhaps the detour is a scenic route that will allow for some pleasure and relaxation. Or perhaps the illness will open us to a whole different perspective that we didn't even know existed.

At times, you may be faced with the complete destruction of a project or a dream. Or you may be missing key elements to make your dream come true. This is the time to be creative, and to use what you have to the best advantage.

We never know why something or someone is placed on our path. We must be open to all the possibilities... even those that we had never considered before.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of thinking creatively (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to consider different possibilities.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I practice breathing fully and regain the power of the breath. Breathing is the source of life, so to take charge of our life we must also take charge of our breath. Once we retrain ourselves as to how to breathe fully, we will be able to let it be natural. But for now, at least for me, I am learning to focus on my breathing and remember to take slow regular breaths. In... out. In... out.

I find that when I'm stressed, or focused on something, or sometime even just thinking hard about something, I tend to hold my breath, or breathe very shallowly. The body then doesn't get the oxygen it needs to function at its best. Even as I write this, I find that I tend to hold my breath as I concentrate on what I'm going to say.

Just as we exercise our body, we must exercise our breath and thus retrain ourselves to breathe fully throughout the day... whether we are relaxed or stressed. So whenever you are waiting -- on the phone, or in line, or for an appointment -- focus on your breathing... in, out, in out.. filling in the belly with the inbreath, and flattening it with the outbreath. As with anything, the more we practice, the more it will come naturally and we will have regained the power of the breath.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of focusing on your breath (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we practice breathing fully and regain the power of the breath.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I step away from struggle and embrace living in the moment. We were mostly taught that to achieve our dreams we have to work hard, to struggle, to take the hard road. But what if that isn't true?

What if the road to success, in all areas of our life, is based on trusting our heart to guide us in the right direction? If we are floating down a river, we may get there sooner if we swim, but we will also get there exhausted and may not enjoy the ride.

Let's ask ourselves... is it more important to attain the goal sooner, or is it more important to enjoy the journey as we head in that direction. Each person must make their own choice, but maybe we can step away from struggle, and embrace living in the moment. We can be true to our self while still heading in the direction of our goals.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being true to your self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we step away from struggle and embrace living in the moment.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I empower myself to create the life I truly desire. It's easy to blame others, or circumstances, for anything that isn't flowing in our life. But since we are the ones in charge of ourselves and of our life, we disempower ourselves when we blame others.

The way to get out of that is to acknowledge that we made, and are making, the decisions that led to the life we are experiencing. It can be difficult to own up to the fact that we are responsible for whatever is going on with our life. It's so much easier to blame others -- whether that is a husband or wife, kids, our boss, our co-workers, our government, etc...

But if we want to make changes in our life, if we want things to improve, we must recognize what we need to stop doing, as well as what we need to do. By taking charge, we remove the blockages created by blame, judgment, and lack of responsibility. We get out of our head with its doubts, fears, judgments, etc., and we empower ourselves to create the life we truly desire.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking charge of your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we empower ourselves to create the life we truly desire.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose my path, attitude, and direction. Contrary to what we've been told, or been taught, no one can "make us" do anything. We make the decision whether to go along with someone else's requests or orders. Our refusal to cooperate or obey will have consequences, but we still have the final say... even if the consequence is the death of a friendship or job, or even our own death. Ultimately, we are each the boss of ourselves.

In the realm of healing, that also holds true. Your health is in your hands. An example of this is if your doctor tells you to quit smoking, or to eat healthier foods, or to exercise, or recommends a medical treatment or surgery... you are the one who makes the decision to follow the doctor's advice, or not. You are the boss of you.

So based on that, we see that all healing starts with us. No matter the advice we receive, the knowledge we have, the research we do, we must take action ourselves for any of that to have any beneficial effect. We choose the path to walk, the attitude to take, the direction we are going in. The path may not lead us directly to the solution we seek, but we still choose the path ourselves.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking Charge of Our Life: Healing from the Inside Out

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of making your own choices (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose our own path, attitude, and direction.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: February 7 - 13, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Jupiter semisquare Eris

TUE: Mars trine Uranus

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Mercury conjunct Pluto

SAT: Sun sextile Eris

SUN: Sun semisquare Chiron

CONTROVERSIAL ERIS is in the spotlight this week. Like Pluto, another "dwarf planet," Eris usually far out-performs its classification, making a strong impact on our shared experience. The Pluto-Eris square that dominated 2020 and 2021 – and is still at work in 2022 – is one of the astrological influences we can point to for the ongoing battles between those in power and those who have been ignored or feel unjustly treated.

Giant planet Jupiter is exactly semisquare discontented Eris this Monday, but the energy of this aspect has been with us for a week or two and will continue in effect for at least another ten days. Jupiter is the Great Magnifier, acting to enhance or exaggerate whatever it touches. As Jupiter and Eris interact, we expect (and have seen) grand expressions of dissatisfaction. A huge caravan of semitrucks rolling through city streets, gathering worldwide attention, is a dramatic representation of this semisquare aspect.

Perhaps you, too, have reached a limit in some area of your life and are ready to take a stand. You may be protesting unfair conditions, be willing to speak your truth, or be reclaiming your power in some other way. With...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Life comes with its own set of challenges. Some are minor hurdles to cross, others can call up a lot of fears from the depth of our being. Fear of failure, fear of sickness (and/or death), fear of poverty, fear of being unloved, fear of losing your job, etc... You can add to the list from your own personal life experiences and fears. Sometimes it seems as if we are trapped in this maze of fears. But we are not trapped. There are ways out of the maze once we learn the ropes, and them we can attain the results we desire.

Believe In order to conquer our fears or doubts about our future, we must first believe that health, happiness, and success will be ours. Unfortunately our society has taught us to focus on the negative. A simple example of this is when we say "I'm catching a cold". My response to that is: Don't catch it, let it go. In other words, if we believe we are catching (or will catch) a cold, we are "instructing" our body to do so. We are programming that result into our future.

So rather than believe you are catching a cold, or failing, or whatever fear is the current one, choose to believe the opposite. Choose to program into your belief system that you are getting healthier and healthier every day. Choose to believe that you are safe. Choose to believe that success is inevitable. Choose to believe that your dreams are coming true.

Before anything can take place in our life, we must believe that it can. As Wayne Dyer wrote: You'll see it when you believe it. If we don't believe in the possibility, we won't recognize it when it shows up. We must believe the door is there before we can see the door opening...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to trust the process of life. One of the greatest hindrances to attaining our goals, whether our goal is an attitude or an aptitude, is our lack of trust and our attempt to control the outcome. We may think we know what and when is best for us, but since we only see a small part of the picture, we don't really know what is best for us in the long run. The solution is to trust in the process (Believe, Visualize, Relax, Be Grateful, Observe, Take Action) and allow the end result to come to us at the right time and the right place.

As mentioned in the book The Fearless Path by Curtis Rivers, the process can be compared to baking a cake. You follow the recipe, put the cake in the oven at the right temperature, and then you allow the process to take place. You have to trust and allow the cake to rise and bake in its own time. You don't keep opening the oven to check how it's doing.

So it is with our goals and dreams. Once we get all the ingredients together, set the right temperature (which includes our beliefs, attitudes, and actions), we must allow divine timing to take place. When the time is right, the end result will come to be. Once we have a goal set in our mind and heart, we must trust and allow it -- or something better -- to arrive in our lives.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting the process of life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to trust the process of life.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Whatever we want to attain or realize, after we've had the inspiration or vision, we must at some point move on to action.

Taking action means more than just starting, it requires sustained action, day after day, moment after moment. It can't be like those New Year's resolutions that sometimes fall away after a few weeks. To reach our goal, to break through the stagnation and inertia, we must take sustained action.

Every day, we must focus on our dream, our vision, our goal. We start by believing and visualizing, and we observe ourselves and our surroundings so we know what the next step needs to be, and then, we take action. As Lao-Tzu stated over two-thousand years ago, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking action towards your goals (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take the time to be an observer of my life and of myself. So many things take place in our life that we may not even be aware of. There are many things going on in the background of our life that all contribute to its richness. And there are many things going on within our self and our mind that we would be well served to observe as well.

Of course there are all the miracles of life taking place constantly in our body, but there are also miracles all around us... sometimes we refer to these as coincidences or synchronicities, or perhaps just a lucky break. And many times these take place without our even noticing them because we are not observing our life as someone "on the outside" would see it.

But as we start observing our life and the events and insights that take come to us, we start to see how it all fits into a larger puzzle. Pay attention to all the coincidences, happy synchronicities, and luck that come your way, or that you see in other people's lives. The more you observe, the more of these happy events you will notice. Open your eyes, both physically and intuitively, and see all the magic that constantly takes place in your life.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of observing yourself, your thoughts and your actions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take the time to be an observer of our life and of ourselves.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:Gratitude is a wonderful medicine, just like laughter, joy and love.

Focusing on the things we have to be grateful for helps improve our situation which then helps raise our energy, not just emotionally but physically as well.

To help conquer your fears and doubts, start spending some time contemplating the things you have to be grateful for. You will feel better for it, and your life will also feel better.

Gratitude is wonderful medicine, just like laughter, joy and love.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being in gratitude (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we practice gratitude as a wonderful medicine, just like laughter, joy and love.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I visualize what I want, then I begin to build it. The reverse of Wayne Dyer statement (You'll see it when you believe it), is also true. We must first see it within our imagination, within our heart, within our inner thoughts, in order to assist it in becoming reality. It's a bit of a circle. First you must see it on the inside, then believe in it, and then you will see it on the outside. Whatever we are desiring, it first has to be visualized internally before it can take form on the outside. This quote by Robert Collier says it very well: "Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blueprint, and begin to build."

If you're building a house, you "see it internally" as you imagine what you'd like, then you write it down on paper in the form of a blueprint, and then it takes form in reality as it gets built. That works for everything. Any invention, any project, any goal. First you think of it, imagine it, then you believe in it and next turn it into reality.

So whatever it is you wish to attain -- a new job, a different living space, better health, more self-confidence, anything -- start by seeing it internally in your imagination. Imagine and visualize the end result, feel yourself experiencing it with joy, love, and gratitude. And then let your inner guidance and intuition lead you to how to make that dream a reality. See it (internally), believe it, and then you will see it come true (externally).

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of visualizing and believing (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we visualize what we want, then we begin to build it.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I practice slow and full breathing to help me relax. When someone is trying to hand you a gift, if your hands are clenched in a fist, you won't be able to receive it. In the same way, if our energy is all clamped up tight in stress and fear, we can't receive the blessings the Universe is sending our way.

When we are in fear or stressed-out, we tend to hold our breath. And thus life's flow is put on hold, or at least hindered, since we are not breathing fully. Our breath allows energy to flow through us.

In order to get to the other side of fear, we must focus on relaxing, and we can do that through the breath. Whatever fear we are facing... of illness, job loss, relationship problems, etc... slow and relaxed breathing will get us to a mental and emotional state where we can receive intuitive guidance as to what we need to do in order to resolve the problem.

Today's Daily Inspiration is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Walk The Fearless Path

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your breath (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we practice slow and full breathing to help us relax.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week's astrological overview

Astrological Overview: January 31 - February 6, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: New Moon 9:46 pm PST

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: Mercury stations direct 8:13 pm PST

FRI: Mars sextile Jupiter, Sun conjunct Saturn

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Mars square Chiron

OUR SUN has been exceptionally active over the past two days. Solar flares on Friday (January 28) included seventeen B-class and nine C-class flares. On Saturday (January 29), there were eight B-class, twenty-two C-class, and one M-class flare. These are significant numbers! In my Facebook posts yesterday, I called it a "solar Woodstock"; the energy was so amplified, it seemed that there were new bursts of activity on the solar stage every few minutes.

Yesterday's M1.14-class flare was especially spectacular, since it was a long-duration event, lasting 99 minutes! If you felt an increase in nervous energy, or felt more anxious or emotional than usual, this might have been part of the cause. You may also have had particularly notable dreams last night.

IN ADDITION to affecting Earth's magnetic field, solar flares impact our central nervous system and other biological systems. They activate cellular memories, sometimes bringing forth unprocessed emotions that are stored in our physical bodies. This is why solar activity can correspond with sudden waves of memories or emotions that appear "out of the blue," so to speak. If these arise, it is best to...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

While nothing in the world really belongs to us, our lives are one thing that do belong to us. We are in charge of them completely. We get to make choices, set goals, and choose the direction in which we desire our lives to progress.

Complexity As we all know, life isn't simple. It's not just a question of setting a goal and then knowing that we will reach it, no matter what. There are so many variables... not only what we do, but what others do as well.

Even our physical body, though it is also unquestionably ours, is complex and influenced by many external, as well as internal, factors. Our body is ours, but it also has its own mode of operation.

Yet, even with all the complexity of life, there is always a simple thread underlying it all. We get to choose our attitude. No one can impose an attitude on us. And our attitude sets the tone for our life. So which attitudes are you choosing?

Honor Your Feelings Whenever we feel out of sync with our life, we can find the clue to the reason why by...

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Learning ToWritten by Phyllida Anam-Áire and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.John Muir in Gentle Wilderness: The Sierra Nevada remarked,

“One is constantly reminded of the infinite lavishness of nature; no particle of her material is wasted or worn out. It is eternally flowering from use to use and beauty to yet higher beauty.”

The miracle of what transpires from the fusion of egg and sperm captures the sacred imagination of both scientist and mystic alike. But what happens before cells multiply and evolve is of the highest importance, and we must rely on ancient wisdom to delve into the mystery of such phenomena.

Plato and Ultimate Reality Plato, in his book The Republic taught that the physical world that we live in is but a shadow of the real world or ultimate reality and that pure reality exists beyond all physicality. His belief was that the physical world is...

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Written and Narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."

-- Aristotle

It seems fairly obvious, but in order to move to a new story and not live in fear, we have to want to release our conditioning and the old story. Unfortunately, there is resistance to this because our conditioning is what we are accustomed to even though it has been detrimental. At some level, we feel that our beliefs keep us safe, especially if they were something that truly did keep us safe in childhood.

Most of us have the same virus, and I am not referring to the coronavirus. It's like a computer virus that runs underneath the surface, one that we don't know is there but that greatly affects the operation of us. Like a computer virus, it is in control and it shapes who we are and what we do.

It is a message of self-judgment. The message can be “I am not worthy” or “I am not lovable.” Or it might be “I have sinned and I should be punished.” It can take many forms...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose to live deliberately. The Affirmation for Today is reprinted from the book This Life is Yours:

I will choose inspiration as my guide for anything I choose to do today.

I know that whatever I let in -- by viewing it, reading it, hearing it, or participating in it -- affects me. I want my mind and heart engaged in life-enhancing, meaning-making moments.

i choose to live deliberately today.

This week's Daily Inspirations were excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living deliberately (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to live deliberately.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Everything I give life to, lives. Our life is what we make of it. Whatever we give energy to, is what will live in us and come from us.

If we give life to fear, anger, resentment, envy... that is what will live within us and come from us. If instead we give life to love, generosity, authenticity, joy, exuberance that is what will live within us and come from us.

So, the choice is ours. What kind of life do we desire. A loving one? joyful? fulfilled? Then, as so we desire, so must we be. If we want love in our life, we must be loving. If we want joy, we must exude joy. If we want peace and vitality, that is what we must nurture within our heart so it can be expressed externally. Our life is what we make of it.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, everything we give life to, lives.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: With faith in my future, I take action. We all long for something. When we are sick, we long for health. When we feel tired, we desire more energy. If we are broke, we want more money. When we are sad, we look forward to feeling better.

We long for the opposite of what we're experiencing, or at least for an improvement on it. We long for and seek the solution to our problems. But longing and seeking do not make anything happen.

We need to have faith in the future, and we also need to take action. Both of these will help fulfill what we are longing for. We must have faith that we will reach the other side of our situation. And we need to take all the actions that we need to take, to make these things happen.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of having faith and taking action (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.Today, with faith in our future, we take action.

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Understanding 5th Dimension Consciousness and the Divine Feminine Within Us

Written by Kimberly Meredith and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As we move from the 3rd Dimension, it can feel heavy and difficult, especially during this time in history. When you experience a transformation, you may feel sad, depressed, as if your life situations are worsening. We are undergoing a mass movement into the 5th Dimension, and that is where the magic and miracles happen.

There is an unknown aspect of this transition that you know you cannot control. It can feel like mourning as you let go and surrender. Personal empowerment amid this uncomfortable change is in knowing a higher power will flow through you. One way it will demonstrate itself is through your gifts that you feel compelled to share with the world. You begin to feel confident, strengthened, with an interest in self-care and a feeling of personal possibility.

There may still be moments of brief sadness as you let go of the 3rd Dimension, but it will be less intense. In this zone, you’ll begin to feel as if you’re on a mission, there is something that you must do, that must pass through you as a Divine vessel.

Discovering Self-Acceptance If you’re on a serious mission for spiritual and personal growth, there is no self-judgment to be made. To be awakened in this human form, you cannot judge yourself or others, because we are...

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Reprinted with permission of the publisher*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to heal my past and evolve along with life. Our life is never static. It is ongoing and evolving continually. And as we progress along our path of life, we can also be evolving by choosing to heal from past events and traumas.

When we remain fixed in grudges and resentments, we do not evolve... we do not heal. Life will try to help us reach a state of harmony by sending messages, challenges, and tasks to further us along on the path of growth and healing.

And, of course, we always have the choice to evolve along with life, or remain stuck in our old patterns and attitudes. But, choosing to grow is the natural path of life and the easiest. Going against the current of life is a struggle. Letting go of the energetic burdens of the past, even if the past was just yesterday, creates a smoother journey with better results, physically and mentally.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of healing and evolving (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to heal our past and evolve along with life.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I transform my pain into a blessing rather than a curse. Pain is a feeling that is very personal. When asked by a doctor to give a number for my pain, from 1 to 10, I'm always at a loss. How do you rate your pain? Unless of course it is excruciating, then you want to pick a number that is much higher than 10. But otherwise... is it a 3, a 5, a 7? It's such a personal experience that it seems hard to catalog it on a 1 to 10 scale.

But what about pain that isn't physical... like a broken heart, or the pain you feel from the betrayal of a friend, or the anger directed your way. How can you categorize that kind of pain by assigning it a number? All we know is that we are in pain, and that some days it hurts more than others.

Pain, like feelings, needs to be acknowledged and honored. Yes, honored! The pain comes with a message and a life lesson. The quicker we can get in touch with what we need to learn from it, the quicker we will be able to move on and be freed of its greedy tentacles. Pain will feed on your energy until you understand its gift and transform it into a blessing, rather than a curse.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of transformation and empowerment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we transform our pain into a blessing rather than a curse.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I honor myself by honoring my feelings. Whenever we feel out of sync with our life, we can find the clue to the reason why by accessing our feelings. Any disharmony within your being will be expressed through your feelings.

When we don't pay attention to our feelings, the energy blockage remains and builds -- and can erupt in harmful ways. It is best to learn to tune in to our feelings rather than ignore and repress them. They are there for a reason. They have a message to share.

What are you feeling right now? Are you happy? Sad? Angry? Depressed? Joyful? Confused? What are your feelings telling your about what is going on, or not going on, in your life. Honor yourself by honoring your feelings and listening to the messages and insights they are leading you to.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

This Life Is Ours

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of paying attention to your feelings (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we honor ourselves by honoring our feelings.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: January 24 - 30, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

*All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)*

MON: Mars enters Capricorn

TUE: Mercury re-enters Capricorn, Sun semisquare Neptune

WED: Mercury trine North Node

THU: No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Sun sextile Chiron, Mercury conjunct Pluto

SAT: Venus stations direct

SUN: Sun square Uranus

IN CONTRAST to the seemingly relentless cosmic and solar activity we've experienced of late, the last full week of January begins with an apparently quiet Sun and a deceptively short list of astrological aspects on the agenda. It may be that we are in a period of integration right now. Our psyches and our physical, mental, and emotional bodies certainly need time to adjust to the recent influx of cosmic information and downloads.

And yet we are learning to "read between the lines" of lists and standard scientific measurements, turning inward to discern what is going on. When we do this, we realize that energy is never at a standstill, even when there seems to be a pause in the action.

In most years, this week's planetary activity might be considered fairly minor. However, three events are quite important, due to being directly tied to longer-term influences...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

We are so blessed to live on Planet Earth, yet we tend to take so much of what is here for granted. This applies not just to our fellow humans, but also to animals, minerals, vegetation, and the whole planet itself. We need to be grateful also for air, water, etc. These things are essential, not just for our survival, but for us to thrive.

Honor and Respect As humans, we tend to think we are superior or more advanced than animals. We may think we are higher on the evolutionary scale than insects. But, are we? Bees have a whole social and communication system that we might learn from. So do ants. And what about the unconditional love we receive from our pets? They are much more advanced than us on the "love scale".

We may think that animals are here to serve us, but perhaps we are the ones who are here to serve them by providing them love, food, and shelter. By learning to honor and respect animals, big and small, we can also learn how to honor and respect ourselves and other human beings.

Animals can be our teachers if we will just open our eyes and our heart to them. When we encounter any animals, including insects, we can honor and respect them by asking ourselves: What can I learn from this creature? What can it teach me? We may be surprised and in awe of the answer...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I thank, bless, and love the entire nature kingdom. Nature heals us and purifies our energies and thoughts. Researchers have found that people who are exposed to beautiful nature scenes are more generous, trusting, and helpful towards others.

The whole natural kingdom feeds us, not just physically, but energetically and spiritually. A walk in the woods, or on a nature path or in a park, replenishes our energy and boosts our feel-good endorphin hormones. When we are upset and go for a long walk or run, we usually end up feeling calmer and more at peace. Nature recharges, balances, and heals us.

Feelings of love and respect for nature set our vibration to a higher level... one of love, gratitude, and harmony. The more we take the time to go out in nature and commune with all the natural energies, the more we fill ourselves with healing energy, and the more in tune we become, not just with nature, but with ourselves and our fellow humans.

Let us remember, each day, to thank, bless, and love the entire nature kingdom, and to partake of its beauty and presence.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of appreciating the entire nature kingdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we thank, bless, and love the entire nature kingdom.

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Almost everyone procrastinates. We usually do it to avoid a task that's unpleasant or daunting. Some things are broad and require lots of time and effort, and may involve changing long-held behaviors or beliefs. Others are very specific one-time jobs. When procrastinating starts to interfere with our quality of life by causing us to feel worried, guilty, lazy, panicky, or irresponsible, then it's time to get on with it.

Think taxes, a difficult phone call, or following through on a promise you made in haste or through obligation.

I've laid out some steps to get out of the quicksand of procrastination and reap numerous benefits, which include improved productivity, enhanced mood, less stress, better relationships, a sense of accomplishment, and feeling more successful in life....

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Written by Carl Greer and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

When your story isn’t working for you, when it seems to be influencing what you’re experiencing and causing you unhappiness, you can change it. And playing with metaphors can help you to do that.

Maybe your current story is zapping you of energy, enthusiasm, and optimism because it’s a story like one of these:

I’m getting nowhere fast. People like me can’t expect too much out of life. If I take a risk, I’ll fail miserably, so I’d better stick with my life as it is even though I feel unfulfilled.

With a story like that, it’s hard to be hopeful about transformation. However, you can regain your optimism about your power to change your life for the better by playing with metaphors, exploring their meanings, which can yield insights that you might not have been aware of otherwise. Then, you can take what you’ve learned and consciously craft a new story....

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am one with everything. We live on this planet as if we are the masters of it all and as if we are separate from "others" -- whether human, animal, vegetable, mineral. or spiritual. That is the greatest illusion.

All is connected. Everything is composed of energy and energy has no boundaries. Our energy flows from us to and through everything around us, and the energy of everything around us flows to and through us.

It is time to drop the illusions of separation between "us" and "them" -- whatever form we give to "them". Everything (and everyone) is our reflection and our teacher. And we are one with everything!

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing your Oneness with everything (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, and always, we are one with everything.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I thank Mother Earth for the love and sustenance she provides all of us. While water, fire, and air are indeed essential, without Earth we would literally have nothing to stand on. Mother Earth is our base, our foundation, our support. She feeds and nurtures us.

As humans, we are well aware that we are birthed from our mother. Yet how aware are we of Mother Earth who nurtures and supports all forms of life on Earth, including us.

Let's take the time to recognize the bounty, beauty, and importance of Mother Earth in our existence. Let's start to honor her by treating her with respect and love. Let honor her by treating all of her children and charges with respect and love. Planet Earth is our home, Let's treat it with love and keep it vibrantly healthy and clean.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being loving and respectful to Mother Earth (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we thank Mother Earth for the love and sustenance she provides all of us.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I acknowledge and give thanks for the air I breathe. While we can survive for 3 days without water, without air we cannot survive more than 3 minutes -- the exception being deep sea divers who train to extend their range. And, how often do we stop and give thanks for the air that we breathe? I would chance to say "not often".

For all of its importance for our survival, we tend to take air for granted. Unless the air is tainted with pollutants, or loaded with heavy odors or smoke, we tend to ignore it. Even when the air movement is powerful as in a storm or hurricane, we do not think of it as air but as wind.

Air is essential. Clean air is a blessing. Let's take the time to be thankful for the air we breathe, and also take measures to ensure that the air on the planet remains (or in some cases becomes) clean for generations to come. And, as we breathe out, we can charge our exhale with love and blessings as it goes out into the world.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of the air you breathe (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we acknowledge and give thanks for the air we breathe.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I bless water with love and gratitude. Water is an integral part of nature and it is essential to life. Over 50% of the human body is composed of water. But water is more than just a liquid that supports life in our cells.

Dr. Masaru Emoto is a Japanese scientist who studied the consciousness of water. He discovered that water would change its structure in the presence of a specific energy. In other words, water that had hate directed to it had a much different structure than water that had love projected into it. (If you're not familiar with his studies, read The Hidden Messages in Water.)

70% of the earth's surface is covered with water. Consequently, we can bless people everywhere by sending love and gratitude to all the water on the planet. This loving energy will then permeate the world and affect the people who drink the water, bathe in it, and even are simply in its presence. We can make it a daily practice to tell water that we love it, bless it, thank it, and ask it to spread love around the planet.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of blessing water with your love and gratitude (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we bless water with love and gratitude.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to honor and respect all animals. As humans, we tend to think we are superior or more advanced than animals. We may think we are higher on the evolutionary scale than insects. But, are we? Bees have a whole social and communication system that we might learn from. So do ants. And what about the unconditional love we receive from our pets? They are much more advanced than us on the "love scale".

We may think that animals are here to serve us, but perhaps we are the ones who are here to serve them by providing them love, food, and shelter. By learning to honor and respect animals, big and small, we can also learn how to honor and respect ourselves and other human beings.

Animals can be our teachers if we will just open our eyes and our heart to them. When we encounter any animals, including insects, we can honor and respect them by asking ourselves: What can I learn from this creature? What can it teach me? We may be surprised and in awe of the answer.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Blessings of the Entire Nature Kingdom

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of respecting the animal kingdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to honor and respect all animals.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The word harmony has various meanings. It is used in music, in relationships, referring to inner peace, and as well as "working well together". In all of these definitions, the commonality is a blending of energies so that the whole is more pleasing, or more powerful, than the part.

Harmony in Life and Health When our life and health are in perfect harmony, we are in perfect flow. There are no excesses of either too much work or not enough relaxation, too much exercise, or not enough exercise. Too much indulgence or not enough.. Our life is in balance.

And how do we attain that sought-after state? Is it unattainable? Is it elusive?

While harmony may appear to be difficult to achieve, that is mostly because we haven't been taught how to do so and what to prioritize in life. We've been told that...

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week's astrological overview

Astrological Overview: January 17 - 23, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Neptune conjunct Pallas Athene, Full Moon 3:48 pm PST

TUE: Mercury sextile Chiron, Uranus stations direct, Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus, North Node enters Taurus

WED: Sun enters Aquarius

THU: Mercury semisquare Neptune

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: No major aspects are exact today

SUN: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mars semisquare Saturn

THE INCOMING ENERGIES have been intense this past week. Just in the last two days, we've had an M2-class solar flare, a minor geomagnetic storm, and solar wind speeds consistently above 600 km/sec, which is in the "Moderately Elevated" range. All of these factors contribute to consciousness expansion, but they can also cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other unexplained physical, emotional, and mental symptoms.

While we can't predict solar flares or solar wind with accuracy, we can rely on the rhythms and cycles of the planets in our solar system. For instance, we know that the...

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Written by Evelyn C. Rysdyk and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

You can program your subconscious before you go to sleep, asking it to provide creative solutions through dreams. The subconscious can be creative when you are sleeping. The prolific inventor Thomas Edison never even napped without programming his sleep time. He is famously quoted as saying, “Never go to sleep without a request to your subconscious.”

Your brain naturally flows through a series of brain states when falling asleep, from active beta, to relaxed alpha, and into theta before entering into the delta sleep wave. Once asleep, your subconscious mind is able to solve problems and be creative, especially when you are deeply in the delta wave state. It can accomplish this because the linear mind is completely off-line during that period.

In this way, your subconscious becomes what professor and neurobiologist Stuart Thompson describes as “your tireless co-conspirator.” It is also why I suggest clearing it of unbeneficial beliefs: that old clutter just takes up space that you want for your creative energy to flow.

Before Going to Bed Take time before going to bed to think about what you want to accomplish or what problem you want to solve. Look at it from as many angles as you can and...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I am one with everyone and everything.

We live in perfect harmony when we treat all sentient beings as if they are a beloved part of us.

We live in perfect harmony when we live in total harmlessness with all things and when we view the world from a higher perspective.

It is our choice. We can choose to live in a state of peace, compassion, and enlightenment. When we remember that we are all one, that is how, and when, we live in perfect harmony.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of oneness and harmony (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are one with everyone and everything.

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Written and Narrated by Sarah Varcas.

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

18th January 2022 – 17th July 2023: North Node in Taurus Astrologically, the moon’s north node acts as a progress-marker and reveals the secret ingredient to obtaining fulfillment and satisfaction. It shows us how to more deeply occupy our humanity and manifest a future more fully aligned with the evolutionary arc of awakening. But it also demands we sacrifice the security of familiarity for a challenging but ultimately more effective and satisfying way.

The north node has been in Gemini since May 2020, during which time the Geminian realm of information, communication, thought, ideas and relationality has been very much in the forefront. Our world has changed beyond measure in this time, and much has been revealed for those with eyes to see and hearts bold enough to know. It has been a time of cerebral debate, of ideas and theories, beliefs, facts and deceptions, all swirling around us demanding attention. It has been overwhelming and enlightening, confusing and clarifying.

Many have awoken to bitter truths about our world, those with whom we share it and others who have shaped it for many a long year. But in the bitterness has been found great hope, immense potential, visions of a different way and countless new possibilities.

Indeed, many have entered an entirely new paradigm while the north node journeyed through Gemini. So what now, as it shifts from the airy, mind-oriented world of the twins, into the earthy, pragmatic and sensual world of Taurus, the bull?...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I face my challenges with calm and strength. Challenges are a part of life, whether we like it or not. Some challenges seem insurmountable, and others are more like speed bumps in the road of life. Many people thrive on the adrenaline of challenges, and some of us see them, as Wyatt Webb describes them, as "Another Frigging Growth Experience".

But no matter the size or magnitude of the challenges, we have the choice of how we face them. We can do so with panic, anxiety, and fear, or we can face them with calm, faith, strength, and even with a sense of humor.

There are no insurmountable challenges -- they only may appear to be so until we're on the other side of them. Challenges are just a way for us to stretch the muscles of our mind, our faith, our talents, our imagination and creativity. When faced with challenges, we must breathe deeply and fill ourselves with inspiration and then proceed intuitively, with calm and strength, to discover the solution.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of resolute calm and strength (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we face our challenges with calm and strength.

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Written by Ray Arata and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

All it takes is turning on the news, reading the newspaper, or talking to people these days to be reminded that men’s behavior is getting a lot of attention — and not necessarily for good reason. The #times up, #metoo and Black Lives Matter movements provided the requisite spark to raise awareness about toxic, masculine behavior. The list of “fallen men” in high profile public and private sector industries and companies continues to grow. This group of men are the minority of men.

Yet they are not the only culprits. In fact, the majority of men — who stand by unaware, silent, idle, afraid and reluctant — are contributing to men’s behavior remaining in the spotlight.

In my work with men, both at the individual and organizational level, when I bring attention to the unwritten rules of what it means to be a man and how they do not work for anyone, men included, I rarely get any pushback. Rather, most men are interested in not adhering to the old “playbook” of what it means to be a man. They just haven't given it much thought. Because there hasn't been a new playbook created yet, many men end up asking, “What do I do?” This is their early-stage empathy growing roots, and it's a good thing...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I send love and wisdom to all sentient beings. We all have a choice as to what energy we radiate out into the world. And of course, that energy can change from day to day, even from minute to minute.

Rather than focus on fear and hatred, or its smaller cousins, anxiety and dislike, we can focus on acceptance and non-judgment which leads us to inner peace. The highest choice is to send love and wisdom to all sentient beings.

The energy we emit into the world is creative. It has an effect on the people and things around us. When the energy you emit is anger, doors slam, hearts close, and distance is created. When we emit love, windows open into possibilities and hearts open to creating happiness for all.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of sending love to everyone and everything (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we send love and wisdom to all sentient beings.

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Written by Joyce Vissell and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Do you ever find yourself looking at certain people and thinking to yourself, "Surely that person's life is totally incredible and they are not hurting like I am." This is something most people do; they look at others, compare themselves to them, and conclude that the other person's life is better. Whereas you are so aware of the hurt and problems in your life.

My news for you, coming from 47 years of counseling people, is that everyone hurts sometimes. People can look totally together and happy on the outside, and on the inside, there is a hurt that they are feeling, but just not showing.

Everybody Hurts Sometimes Sometimes I watch small clips on YouTube of the winners of "Britain's Got Talent." I think the best one I ever saw was a sixty-four-year-old priest by the name of Father Ray Kelly from a small city in Ireland. He sang a song called, "Everybody Hurts." I believe it was the first time that a priest was on the show, and he got a standing ovation. Before he sang, he told the judges that he wanted to sing this song for all of his parishioners to comfort them as he knows they all hurt sometimes...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I live my truth with courage and integrity. To be in harmony with one's self, we must have the courage to stand up for our truth with integrity. Cowering to other people's dogma and opinions creates a feeling of imbalance within our own being.

Harmony comes when all parts of us -- mind, body, emotions, and spirit -- are in tune with each other and support each other. Living in accordance with our inner truth and higher vision of life, helps smooth the way for us as we go along.

There will always be some who disagree with you, who think your way is wrong or stupid. But what counts is what your inner self tells you about your words and actions. Are you in harmony with your true self, or are you playing a role expected by those around you? Playing a role will not give you true satisfaction in life. What will do so is living your truth with courage and integrity.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of courage and integrity (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we live our truth with courage and integrity.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to ask for help, and accept it. At times we may think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But what if it is actually a sign of wisdom? The wisdom lies in recognizing that we need help and being willing to ask for it.

We are part of a whole, and because of this, each part touches and is influenced by the other parts. So when we feel we are having difficulty, someone close to us may be the one that can help us go through our conundrum. Sometimes the help may come in the form of words of wisdom. At other times it may be a simple expression of love. And the help can also be in the form of tough love, or a "no" that leads us back to searching within our own heart for the answer.

While we don't know how the help will come or where it will come from, we must be willing to admit that we need help and ask the Universe (or whatever higher power you attune with) to provide the help you need. It will come at the right time, and the right place, in the perfect way that you need it. That is the wondrous workings of a life lived in harmony with the All. But first you must ask so that doors will open up for you.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to ask for help (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to ask for help, and accept it.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am fair-minded, open-hearted, generous, and nonjudgmental. Our actions and our energy draw people to us that hold the same energies. Thus if we always find ourselves surrounded by angry people, there is anger within our own being acting as a magnet - whether we express or repress the anger. If we find ourselves surrounded by judgmental people, judgment also resides in our mind, and acceptance is absent from our heart.

Thus in order to create harmony in our life and our surroundings, we start with cleaning up our own house... our own thoughts, energies, actions, and our heart... When we say that "what goes around comes around" this also means that what goes around inside your head, your heart, your being, comes around reflected back to you by the people you meet.

To create a harmonious life, we must be fair-minded, open-hearted, generous, and nonjudgmental. As we live and share those energies, our world will reflect those same attributes from the people around us. "What goes around comes around."

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of harmony (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are fair-minded, open-hearted, generous, and nonjudgmental.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My life and my health are in perfect harmony. When our life and health are in perfect harmony, we are in perfect flow. There are no excesses of either too much work or not enough health, too much exercise, or not enough exercise. Too much indulgence or not enough.. Our life is in balance.

And how do we attain that sought-after state? Is it unattainable? Is it elusive? While it may appear to be difficult to achieve, that is mostly because we haven't been taught how to do so and what to prioritize in life.

Perhaps you always wanted to be a musician or an artist, but were told that you couldn't make a living at that. And that may have been true for the person giving you the advice... they wouldn't be able to make a living at that, since that is not their passion. But, we must all listen to the guidance of our own heart, of our own passion. Doing so will lead us to a life, not only of health, but of joy, happiness, and even bliss.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Live In Perfect Harmony

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living in perfect harmony (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our life and health are in perfect harmony.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week's astrological overview

Astrological Overview: January 10 - 16, 2022 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Venus semisquare Jupiter, Sun sextile Neptune, Eris stations direct

TUE: Mars square Neptune

WED: No major aspects are exact today

THU: Sun square Eris

FRI: Mercury stations retrograde

SAT: Mars trine Eris

SUN: Sun conjunct Pluto, Mercury semisquare Mars

THE "TRAVELING CONJUNCTIONS" of Venus-Pluto and Mercury-Pluto are affecting us in profound ways right now. Any time we work with Pluto's influence, we can feel somewhat upended, overwhelmed at times, and more emotional than usual. We tend to experience circumstances that feel outside of our control, which of course brings up many reactions.

As the "psychotherapist planet," one of Pluto's jobs is to bring issues that have been hidden or ignored into our awareness, so that they may be transmuted. Because of this, we may be dealing with a lot of negative thought patterns and information (Mercury) and unresolved relationship or financial issues (Venus) right now. The challenge is not to give our power away to darker emotions that arise, but to claim back our sovereignty (Capricorn) through a calm knowing that we have the strength to handle whatever situations we might encounter.

OUR AWARENESS of Pluto's catalytic effects will grow stronger over the course of this coming week, due to the Sun moving closer and closer to the dwarf planet. This means we may feel more reactive than usual, as emotions we've been repressing or suppressing are triggered and come to the surface. People may be especially reactionary on Thursday, when the Sun is square discordant Eris.

Emotional responses may be quite powerful by next weekend, since the Sun and Pluto exactly align very early on Sunday. This is a time when we will want to be very aware of any ways in which we let fears and other shadow emotions control our actions, which is a form of giving our power away.

THERE IS USUALLY a sense of urgency that accompanies Pluto aspects, a feeling that convinces us that we "have to" respond in some way. If this happens, it is valuable to ...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

We are constantly in the process of renewing ourselves and transforming. Physically, we are continually growing new cells, and old cells are continually dying.

Shedding Old Beliefs In some cultures, snakes are seen as messengers of transformation. They transform themselves by shedding their old skin.

We human do the same physically as we shed skin cells, but more importantly, we also do so, on an energy level, by shedding old attitudes and behaviors. Some attitudes no longer serve us, thus we can let them go. Some behaviors were tied to childhood, or other situations, and no longer apply to our current life.

It is now time to shed self-sabotaging attitudes and limiting beliefs to reveal a new layer of renewed attitudes and transformational possibilities. Like an onion, we can peel off the outer dried-out layers, to reveal the vibrant interior...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am proud of who I am and let the world see the true me. Even if we haven't attained all our goals or become the "evolved" person we want to be, we still need to be proud of ourselves.

We can be proud of our goals, of our efforts, and even of our failures. Our failures show that we were striving to reach a goal -- even if we didn't succeed -- and also that we can get up and try again.

If you're not feeling proud of yourself, change your perception of yourself. And perhaps change your look... a new haircut, or different colors for clothing or even different styles than what you usually wear. Go for a new image if the old one doesn't make you feel proud of yourself. Strut your stuff like the peacock with its beautiful plumage. Be proud of who you are and let the world see the true you.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being proud of yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are proud of who we are and let the world see our true self.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

“Spiritual activism is a practice that brings together the otherworldly and inward-focused work of spirituality and the outwardly-focused work of activism (which focuses on the conditions of the material or physical world).” Wikipedia

This essay is inspired by the latest message from the citizen movement AVAAZ, certainly the most remarkable movement of its kind ever to have emerged. Avaaz has over 65 million members worldwide, and it is this sheer mass that gives it the clout it has. Personally, I think anyone committed to creating a win-win world that works for all (nature included) should consider joining. Avaaz is at work all over the world and its messages (newsletters) are always very powerful.

The latest one is no exception. According to scientists, we only have 8 years left to cut carbon emissions by more than half to avoid a global environmental collapse. But there's a way to do it. A team at Harvard University has calculated that any nonviolent cause that mobilizes 3.5% of a population can reach a tipping point that guarantees social transformation. Now, the Avaaz movement alone has over 67 million members - not far from 1% of the world's population, which is simply staggering for a recently created citizen movement.

But time is running out, and the business community seems almost immune to changing their sacred moto, "Buy, buy, buy .... anything, but buy" and governments are for the most part, as we saw at the Glasgow conference, very soft on the issue. IT'S WE, THE MOBILIZED CITIZENS, WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

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Written by Laura Aversano and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

“Come a little closer,” the darkness said, “I want to see your light.”

“What is there to see?” I quivered.

The darkness looked bemused and took a step back as to not frighten me so.

“Your perceptions of me are unfounded, rooted amidst desperation in trying to understand who you are.

You are as much afraid of me as you are of your light. Those heavy emotions that permeate your soul when left to despair, powerlessness, and hatred make me out to be something that I am not. I don’t fuel those emotions within you. You do. You give those emotions power over you and then project blame onto me. And all I want to do is simply help you understand the balance between your light and myself. And in order to do that, I need to get closer to you. Sometimes that may not be so comfortable, for both of us. As afraid of me as you are, I find myself a little frightened of your light too.”

Seeing how vulnerable darkness was becoming, I walked closer to it, more curious of its nature. “How could you be afraid of my light? Look at all the harm you have perpetuated throughout humanity?”

“I didn’t cause humanity to suffer. Humans and their interpretations of me, their ability to choose—that is what caused their suffering.

I have been and always will be a silent partner in the midst of...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to be gentle and kind to myself. What kind of friend are we to ourselves? We judge ourselves, criticize ourselves, put ourselves down, and often times, think we're just not good enough... We can be our own worst enemy.

Would we talk to a child, or to a friend, the way we talk to ourselves? I hope not. We tend to be more accepting and loving towards a child, and to our friends, than we are to ourselves.

Be your own best friend. Give yourself encouragement and a pat on the back for the small successes of life. Be gentle for any failures or foibles -- they are simply part of the learning process. Be your own cheerleader and life coach. Love yourself and be gentle and kind to yourself.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being kind to yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to be gentle and kind to ourselves.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I focus on discovering and celebrating joy. Joy is a fuel for the human soul. Joy recharges us, both physically and emotionally.

You may have heard of Dr. Norman Cousins who discovered, through the process of healing himself from a life-threatening illness, that merely ten minutes of induced hearty laughter would produce about two hours of painless sleep.

Laughter, joy, love... all of these are beneficial for us -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So, let's focus on discovering things to love and be joyful about. Let's learn to be like children and jump for joy -- even if we are just jumping on the inside.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of expressing joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we focus on discovering and celebrating joy.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to love and respect every living thing. Every thing, and every one, needs respect and love. While it may, at times, be a difficult "gift" to give ourselves or others, it is essential. Love is as essential as air and water. Without love, just like plants starved for food and water, we wither and will not bloom.

In order to bloom into our fullness, and to help others bloom into theirs, we must provide love and respect... if not for who people are right now, for the potential that is within each and everyone of us. And in the same way, we must love and respect Nature and our abundant Mother Earth.

As we give, so shall we receive. So the more love and respect we can express to the Planet, to plants and animals, to humans, and to ourselves, the more that energy will circulate and return to us ten-fold... and it will keep growing out in the world. Respect and love, and everything those two energies entail, are the cure for what ails humanity and our beautiful planet.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of emanating love and respect (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to love and respect every living thing.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I let go of guilt and learn to love myself, and others, unconditionally. We probably all have things we feel guilty about. Whether those are small things or major ones, they still engender a feeling of guilt, and thus negative energy which resides in our being. This negative energy keeps us locked up from moving forward in life.

You can't undo what you did. What's done is done. There is no value in blaming yourself continuously. However, there is value in freeing yourself by having an intention to avoid repeating said behavior, and of course to make amends when needed.

The solution for past aberrations is to let go of guilt and love yourself, and others, unconditionally. Unconditional love creates a sort of "insurance policy" that insures that you won't repeat the behavior that engendered the guilt in the first place.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of guilt and embracing unconditional love(today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we let go of guilt and learn to love ourselves, and others, unconditionally.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose what I need, and release what I don't.

For anything we do, we need to breathe. Life itself needs us to breathe to sustain itself. Yet more than sustaining life, breathing can provide us with calm, clarity, and help us attain higher consciousness.

When breathing consciously, we can breathe love in and breathe fear out; breathe in relaxation and breathe out stress; breathe in wellness and breathe out limitations. Whatever we need, we can breathe in. And whatever we no longer need, we can breathe out.

Choose what you need, and release what you don't.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of breathing deeply and consciously (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose what we need, and release what we don't.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I let go of self-sabotaging attitudes and limiting beliefs. In some cultures, snakes are seen as messengers of transformation. They transform themselves by shedding their old skin.

We human do the same physically as we shed skin cells, but more importantly, we also do so, on an emotional level, by shedding old attitudes and behaviors.

It is time to shed self-sabotaging attitudes and limiting beliefs to reveal a new layer of renewed attitudes and transformational possibilities.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Renewal and Transformation

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of all self-sabotage and limitations (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we let go of self-sabotaging attitudes and limiting beliefs.

Today's Daily Inspiration was inspired from: Animal Whispers Empowerment Cards: Animal Wisdom to Empower and Inspireby Madeleine Walker

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

At the dawning of a new year, we are aware that there is still much to accomplish, both on the personal level and the planetary level. And at times, this can feel overwhelming. Where do we start? What needs to be done? What is our role?

I Am Not A Victim There are a multitude of stories and woven webs around us. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in our own stories, or in the webs woven by others, then we can become confused and consequently, stuck without any clear direction. Yet, if we raise our sights and our awareness to see the big picture, we can see the path through the web of life, and see which way our "salvation" lies.

Our "salvation" or our solution lies in taking back our power and not allowing others to direct our thoughts, emotions and actions. We need to claim our power and affirm that we are not victims, but are instead creators of the life we choose to experience...

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Written by Susan Ann Darley. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

***With your feet firmly planted on earth

go to higher ground.***

Do you recall the massive, underwater earthquake that took place in 2004 in Indonesia? It triggered a 20-foot high tsunami leaving a trail of destruction in its path. Fortunately, many of the aboriginal tribes, that lived by the water, survived by fleeing to higher ground.

That is what we must do. Go to higher ground, not only to survive the calamities of this century, but to thrive. Words that describe “thrive” are: strong, healthy, flourish, successful. However, it’s not always easy to see the path to those desired characteristics – especially when we’re dealing with multiple crises.

For the sake of clarity in this post, higher ground is synonymous with higher consciousness. We must go higher in thought to bring about positive solutions.

As Einstein, said...

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: January 3 - 9, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Jupiter square nodal axis

TUE: No major aspects are exact today

WED: Venus sextile Neptune

THU: Mercury semisquare Neptune, Sun semisquare Jupiter

FRI: No major aspects are exact today

SAT: Mars square Pallas Athene, Sun sextile Pallas Athene, Sun conjunct Venus, Venus sextile Pallas Athene

SUN: Mercury sextile Chiron

THE BEGINNING of a new calendar year is usually a time when we expect to feel excitement and anticipation about what lies ahead. This year, however, we may feel a bit cautious, unsure what to expect, perhaps based on how the past two years have unfolded. While it is true that every day is a new day, and that the first day of January symbolizes an opportunity to begin anew, life itself is a continuous thread.

As 2022 begins, we are still navigating the lingering effects of recent planetary events. In particular, the influence of...

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Written and Narrated by Will Wilkinson.

The turning of the year provides an opportunity to set a clear intention for 2022. Uncertainty and fear will surely persist, but that can’t stop us from enjoying a meaningful year, if we create a reliable compass to navigate with. That’s what the following is for.

“Something wonderful is happening”. I first heard those words during a solitary writing retreat in Mount Shasta. The cascade of insights that have developed since then will appear in my new book but are concentrated here into a brief New Year’s Eve 2022 activation, intended to help us make this our best year ever.

We’ll begin with this activation:

Place your hand on your chest.

Something is beating your heart...

and steering the stars.

**Feel that miracle!

Be grateful**

Something wonderful is always happening, obviously, because our hearts keep beating and the stars aren’t colliding! Something is in control and I call it Love. But...

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Written by Linda Star Wolf and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The Great Work now... is to carry out the transition from a period of human devastation of the Earth to a period when humans would be present to the planet in a mutually beneficial manner. -- Thomas Berry, The Great Work

Spiritual messengers visit us through dreams, visions, or apparitions, offering guidance and encouragement as we remember the bigger story of Creation and our interconnection with each other in the universe. They serve to awaken us from our sleep and give hope to and for humanity.

When the call comes, we have to be ready to listen and heed the message to take action. This is not always an easy process. It requires a lot of courage to take a leap of faith and trust that one’s true purpose is presenting itself and everything will work out just fine.

As I did the inner work of healing my core wounds, the messages from the universe were easier to hear. My path began to clear so that I could fulfill my soul’s destiny. These resources are available to us all along; we just sometimes are not able to see them due to the blocks in our perception that keep us separated from our wholeness...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Through reflection and intention, my energy becomes focused and effective. There is an endless supply of energy available to us, but if we scatter our attention in too many directions, our energy is also scattered. Our goals and intentions are then diluted by distractions, to-do-lists, wanting to please others, etc. etc., and it is difficult to accomplish great things.

But, we always have choices as to how we use our energy. Our intuition and inner guidance can assist us in making sure we use our talents (and energy) in a way that will help us fulfill our true purpose and highest vision.

Our focused intention becomes like a telescope allowing us to see the details of where we are headed and the pathway to get there. Through reflection and intention, our path becomes clear and our energy focused and effective.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

There Is Much to Accomplish

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being focused and effective (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, through reflection and intention, our energy becomes focused and effective.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I search for the love present in all circumstances.

"As turbulence appears in my life, I search for the love present in all circumstances. From this perspective, I view the way of positive resolution."

The above quote from "The Goddess of Water" card (in the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards), reminds us that there are always two ways to look at any challenges that are transpiring in our life and in the world around us. We can see it as a "horror show", or we can see it as an educational drama -- a story which presents challenges as well as life lessons and rewards.

So, let's remind ourselves to look for the love present in any situation. Whether it is a joyful event or not, love is always the underlying building block and message. Sometimes it is just harder to detect the pony hidden behind the pile of manure... but it doesn't mean it isn't there. Keep looking for the gift of love... and remember that you may be that gift yourself.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

There Is Much to Accomplish

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of finding the love in every situation (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we search for the love present in all circumstances.

Today's Daily Inspiration was inspired by the "The Goddess of Water" card from:

The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards

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Written by Peter G. Ruppert and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Consider the difference between limitless living—living boldly, loving what we do and achieving our dreams—and limited living—being frustrated, marginally happy and unfulfilled. Why is it that some people are able to achieve huge successes while others drift from day to day?

How do some, despite extremely challenging circumstances, rise up to make a big impact or achieve great things and others, given the benefit of significant talent or opportunity, end up settling for so much less? What makes the difference?

Facing Challenges Throughout the course of our lives, we will all face a multitude of challenges. We will struggle with self-doubt. We will experience career and even personal failures. During these times, it’s important to know that we’re not alone and that others have been in similar situations and have still found their way to create a great life and successful career they love.

How do I know this? Because my own life has followed a similar path. I’ve experienced my share of failures along with successes, and I’m excited to share the lessons and principles I’ve learned along the way...

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Reprinted with permission of the author.

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The focus for today is: I stop, look, and listen for guidance and assistance. At times, we may feel overwhelmed "by it all". However, we must remember that we always have help available, on many levels. We must not be like the drowning man who refuses help from others because he is waiting for God to come and save him. Our task is to learn to recognize who, and what, is there to assist us.

Help is everywhere, in many forms -- and it may not always look like we expect it to look. Help can come from another person, or from a "coincidence", or from our dreams and inner guidance. When we pay attention to our dreams and to all "signs" and synchronicities in our life, we discover the help that is always present - sometimes in a soft whisper, and at other times like a 2x4 hitting us over the head.

The more we can pick up on the quiet messages, the less we need the "hard knocks" of life to redirect our path. Dreams can often bring guidance, yet at other times they simply may be a restatement of things going on in our lives -- which in itself can be a form of help as well. Stop, look, and listen for the guidance and assistance that is always available.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

There Is Much to Accomplish

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing the support that is there for you (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we stop, look, and listen for guidance and assistance.

Today's Daily Inspiration was inspired by the "Old Woman Sorceress" card from: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards: Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux

by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am not a victim; I am a creator. There are a multitude of stories and woven webs around us. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in our own stories, or in the webs woven by others, then we can become stuck.

Yet, if we raise our sights and our awareness to see the big picture, we can see the path through the web of life, and see which way our "salvation" lies.

Our "salvation" or our solution lies in taking back our power and not allowing others to direct our thoughts, emotions and actions. We need to claim our power and affirm that we are not victims, but are instead creators of the life we choose to experience.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

There Is Much to Accomplish

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here (also access video version).

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of consciously creating your own life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves that we are not victims; we are creators.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I live from the heart, one day and one step at a time. The greatest change we need to envision, which will then lead to all others, is to start living from the heart. Let's drop all the reasons why we can't do this. Let's drop all the excuses why we can't get along with others and create a better world.

Let's start living from the heart, and all else will necessarily fall into place. When you love someone or something, you want the best for them, and you act accordingly.

So let's make our New Year's resolution, and our daily resolution, be that we live from the heart... even if it is sometimes difficult and hard on the ego. Let's choose to let our heart guide us to do and say the right thing, no matter the hesitation we may have for whatever reason. Let's decide to create in our own personal life, and then extend outwards, a reality where we live from the heart, one day at a time, one step at a time.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

There Is Much to Accomplish

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here. (And watch video version.)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living from the heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we live from the heart, one day and one step at a time.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: December 27, 2021 - January 2, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Venus semisquare Mars

TUE: Mars semisquare Pluto, Mercury square Eris, Jupiter enters Pisces

WED: Mercury conjunct Venus, Sun square Chiron, Mars sextile Saturn

THU: Mercury conjunct Pluto, Venus square Eris

FRI: Mercury semisquare Mars

SAT: Sun trine Uranus, Mercury enters Aquarius

SUN: New Moon 10:34 a.m. PST

WHAT A YEAR – and what a month – this has been! In the past four weeks alone, we've had a Total Solar Eclipse, two Venus-Pluto conjunctions, a Galactic Center activation, and the third Saturn-Uranus square. With these high-impact events behind us, our eyes now turn toward Comet Leonard, looking quite angelic as it flies through our night sky.

Comets are interpreted in various ways by spiritual seekers. Some view them as cosmic messengers. Patricia Cota-Robles writes that "Comets are celestial bodies that pass through the Universe and literally shake the Ethers, breaking down the obsolete, crystallized patterns and thoughtforms that no longer serve the highest good. In their wake, comets leave a fluid field of unmanifest Divine Potential, upon which new patterns and archetypes for the evolution of all Lifeforms can be encoded."

In Hinduism, comets signify a disruption in the order and regularity of the world...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

We often think our strength comes from physical things like exercise, food, vitamins, and maybe even coffee. Yet is that really the case? Does our strength perhaps also come from the inside... from our attitudes, our beliefs, our moods. Those may have more effect on our strength than the things we do and ingest.

Our strength can also be diminished from the same sources... from the inside. There are cases of people eating poison, or being exposed to life-threatening diseases and devastation, and they are not affected. So, clearly the externals are not what kept them safe, but perhaps their internals... their attitude and beliefs.

So ask yourself... What is affecting my strength? And am I feeding or draining my strength right now? When we reside in a balanced state of joy, love, and acceptance of others, we are much stronger than when we come from an unbalanced place of misery, hatred, and of criticizing everything and everyone.

Where is my joy? Our strength is fed by various things... One of these is joy. When we are filled with joy, we have more strength to face whatever comes our way. On the other hand, when we are sad or depressed, we are weak. Our energy is drained by the downward spiral of our attitude and emotions.

Joy is an upward energy...

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

My training taught me that it's necessary to give up all hope so you can accept reality. This means give up all hope that your partner will ever change, or come back, or see you like they once did.

Then once you truly give up hope, from a state of acceptance -- "People and things are the way are, not the way I think they should be" -- then you are in a position to figure out what you need to do in order to experience more joy, love and peace. That means, based on this new reality, what action(s) do I know I need to take? Clearly, this giving up hope extends well beyond our personal relationships.

A Different Take on Hope Jane Goodall, a heroine of mine and author of the 2021 book, The Book of HOPE, A Survival Guide for Trying Times, has a slightly different take on the word hope. She gets hope from seeing the courage, bravery, and forward thinking that people experience in dire circumstances and situations. She writes:

"...each time I become depressed [about all of the atrocities and conflicts currently and in the past], I think of all the amazing stories of the courage, steadfastness, and determination of those who are fighting the "forces of evil." For, yes, I do believe there is evil amongst us. But how much more powerful and inspirational are the voices of those who stand up against it. And even when they lose their lives, their voices still resonate long after they are gone, giving us inspiration and hope--hope in the ultimate goodness of this strange, conflicted..."

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What am I expecting? Our expectations can weaken us and drain us, or they can empower us. The choice lies in what we focus on. It is easy to focus on the negative, on all the doom and gloom we hear about in the world. I'm not saying we need to ignore these things, but rather that we need to expect things to get better.

We also need to look for the silver linings in all the challenges. The best way to keep ourselves centered and strong is to keep our focus on gratitude for the good that is present, and gratitude that things can and will get better.

Each situation has a seed of good in it. It is up to us to find it and to help it grow. So, we need to be aware throughout the day of what we are expecting... and if it does not match up with the reality we would like to see manifest, we then can change our expectations to better ones.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Is Your Strength?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of great expectations (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remain used on "What are we expecting?"

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Written by Robbie Holz and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Before we get started, I want to emphasize one pivotal point: communicating with the celestial realm is a process. Contacting angels is not a matter of raising your face toward heaven and asking--even earnestly pleading--for assistance. All your problems will not be magically solved with the stroke of an angelic wand.

However, if you take the process of “reaching out” seriously and learn to view it as a series of steps, I promise you it will yield exponentially increasing results that will impact your life in many positive ways.

First, you must open up to the most powerful being in your celestial team, your guardian angel, because it all begins with awareness of your chief protector in the angelic kingdom.

Reaching Out to Your Guardian Angel You have your own personal guardian angel, a being that has watched over you since the minute you were born. It should be an enormously comforting thought that you’re never without access to this angelic being. Never. Your thoughts will always bring its presence front and center, but first you must ask...

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from the publisher Inner Traditions International.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What is the opportunity? There is always a way to enhance our experience of life. If we keep our eyes and ears (and all of our senses) open, we will always be guided to new opportunities.

Feeling down and a thought of a friend crosses your mind? Go ahead and take the opportunity to contact them, or even just to pause and think about them and remember how you love them and how they make your life better just by being in it. Or maybe you notice someone who looks tired and sad... Take the opportunity to do something for them, even if it is just wishing them a good day with love and compassion in your heart.

All these opportunities we take help to increase our own strength and well-being. The more we follow the guidance of our heart, the more joyful and blessed will our experience of life be. Do not let opportunities pass you by. They are there for a purpose... both for you and for the other people your actions will touch.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Is Your Strength?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing your opportunities (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: What is the opportunity?

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What am I feeling? At times, we may feel lethargic and our energy is low because of our feelings or moods. And if we don't address what's going on with our feelings, we just end up low on energy and tired all the time.

But if we tune in to the feelings that are churning around inside of us and that are causing us to feel lethargic or tired or down in the dumps, then we can remedy the situation.

So the next time you feel like your strength is non-existent and you just don't feel like doing anything, ask yourself "What am I feeling?" Pay attention to what you're feeling and think back to when it started. And then you'll have the necessary information to stop the drain on your energy. This will allow you to change your mind about what's going on (and thus your mood) and your batteries will recharge automatically.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Is Your Strength?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being in touch with your feelings (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: "What am I feeling?"

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I focus on finding and creating moments of joy. Our strength is fed by various things... Some are physical, but others are more etheric. One of these is joy. When we are filled with joy, we have more strength to face whatever comes our way. On the other hand, when we are sad or depressed, we are weak. Our strength is drained by the downward energy.

Joy is an upward energy... It raises us up, it makes us feel light, it makes us feel invincible. And in those feelings lay our strength. Sadness, depression, boredom, all of these sap our energy. Joy refills the bucket.

Find those things that bring you joy... whether it is a child laughing, a favorite pet or person, a walk in nature, or maybe even a favorite song or movie. Bring back to your awareness those times when you felt joy and bring that joyful feeling back into your present moment. Throughout the day, remember to look for moments of joy... and if you don't find any, then create them.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Is Your Strength?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of finding and creating joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we focus on finding and creating moments of joy.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Am I feeding or draining my strength right now? We often think our strength comes from physical things like exercise, food, vitamins, and maybe even coffee. Yet is that really the case? Does our strength perhaps also come from the inside... from our attitudes, our beliefs, our moods. Those may have more effect on our strength than the things we do and ingest.

And our strength can also be diminished from the same sources... from the inside. There are cases of people eating poison, or being exposed to illness and devastation, and they are not affected. So, clearly the externals are not what kept them safe, but perhaps their internals... their attitude and beliefs.

When we reside in a balanced state of joy, of love, of acceptance of others, we are much stronger than when we come from an unbalanced place of misery, hatred, and of criticizing everything and everyone. So ask yourself... Am I feeding or draining my strength right now?

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Is Your Strength?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the complete article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of focusing on your true strengths (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: Am I feeding or draining my strength right now?

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: December 20 - 26, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Uranus

TUE: Sun enters Capricorn (Solstice) 7:59 a.m. PST

WED: Mercury semisquare Jupiter

THU: Saturn square Uranus, Jupiter quintile Uranus

FRI: No major aspects today

SAT: Mars trine Chiron, Venus conjunct Pluto, Jupiter square Ceres, Mars sesquiquadrate Eris

SUN: Mercury sextile Neptune

WE NOW ENTER yet another pivotal week in this last month of 2021, another steep section in our final ascent of this transformational year. The main events on this week's calendar are the solstice on Tuesday (when the Sun enters Capricorn), the third Saturn-Uranus square on Thursday, and the second Venus-Pluto alignment on Saturday.

The Capricorn solstice occurs at 7:59 a.m. PST on December 21. The word solstice is derived from two Latin words: "sol," meaning sun, and "sistere," which means to stand still. On this day, when the Sun appears to stand still in the sky, it is either the darkest night or the longest day of the year, depending on whether you live north or south of the equator.

The dictionary defines solstice as "a furthest or culminating point; a turning point." Whether this is the first day of winter or the beginning of summer in your part of the world, the solstice represents a time of climax and transition, an ending of one phase and the beginning of a new.

Like the Sun, we will benefit from taking a pause on the solstice. It is a time to cease action momentarily, to surrender to the stillness that resides within, to understand the cyclical nature of our earthly existence, and to reinforce our trust that all is in divine order.

THROUGHOUT 2021, we have been working with...

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Written by Will Wilkinson and Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

George P. Shears was a retired American chiropractor who became something of a minor wellness celebrity in the 70’s with his invention of Love Casting. George could heal people in one-on-one real time sessions, but as he aged and his own health deteriorated, limiting travel, he developed an effective technique for reaching beyond the physical level to offer what is known today as remote healing. He called it Love Casting.

Being in George's presence was transformative. I only knew him during one magical summer in Colorado where I was engaged in an energy healing apprenticeship. Our visits and conversations always left me in awe. How could he do so much by doing so little?

George had a home base, an inner state that I would describe as "Love first." Without speaking a word, George communicated that Love was his prevailing priority. He used the word God sometimes but he wasn’t into any kind of religion. Clearly, he was experiencing what I feel is the truth of God, beyond beliefs and beyond romance: Love. This was tangible in his presence, the powerful impression of a genuinely loving energy.

Decades later, I've come to understand that this is natural and normal for every human being and that all of us have the same potential healing ability that George optimized. So, how do we build our own home base? How can we heal, in person and over a distance? It starts with learning how to live in gratitude...

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Reprinted with permission of the author.*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

While some people believe that only "special people" are psychic, we all have psychic capabilities and we all can access higher wisdom. It is like anything else -- anyone can draw a painting... it's just that some people may have practiced more, or have a stronger connection with their creativity, and thus their paintings seem to "speak" to more people.

We all have access to intuition, to psychic awareness. We all can access higher wisdom which we connect to via our heart as well as our third eye. It doesn't take any special talent, or magic power. It takes desire, it takes faith, it takes persistence.

Higher wisdom is inside each and every one of us. We simply have to quiet ourselves, inside and out, and pay attention to everything and everyone. The wisdom can come through a child, through something you see or read or hear, or through an intuitive thought or feeling...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The highest good is the true way to inner peace. Connecting with our inner wisdom connects us with our own truth. What is true for us may be different than what is true for others. For example, I know that starting my day slowly, even if it means getting up an hour earlier to do my morning stretches and exercises, sets a balanced tone for my day. That is true for me. Others may resonate differently, and that is OK.

I am only in charge of myself. My truth only applies to me. It may also apply to others, but that is for them to decide, not me. I can share my beliefs, my experiences, my conclusions (which I do with my readers), and some things may resonate with you but some will not. The only way to know what is true for you, what is "right" for you, is to access your own inner wisdom.

This is what is true for all of us: the highest good is the true way to inner peace. And our inner wisdom will guide us to that realization and practice.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting with inner peace (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves that the highest good is the true way to inner peace.

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Written by Lara M. Sabanosh and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

***One of the greatest regrets in life is being

what others would want you to be,

rather than being yourself.*** ―Shannon L. Alder, author, inspirational therapist

Jan 9, 2015, Christopher Tur, a civilian worker at Guantanamo Bay’s Naval Base, went missing. Two days later, his body was found. As his wife, I was left to deal with the aftermath of what took place at the time, and the events leading up to that moment, forcing me to examine more than twenty years of abuse -- and the denial and deceits that occur in all households subjected to domestic violence.As with nearly all trauma, there is a measure of healing to be gained in the sharing of my story — healing for myself, my daughters, and hopefully others who live in the shadow of domestic violence.

Here is some insight into how I was finally able to rebuild my sense of self...

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Printed with permission of the author/publisher.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I release anything preventing me from connecting with my inner wisdom. When we flitter about from one thought to the other, or from one action to the other, we have difficulty tuning in to our inner wisdom. Doing so requires a more present state of mind. In other words, we have to stop and pay attention to the now, to the present moment.

One way to do that is to get grounded by connecting with the earth below our feet. We can connect to the energy of the earth and let its life-giving and healing energies rise up into our body.

We can also release to Gaia, for healing and transformation, any fears, doubts, or lower vibrations. In this way, we can release anything and everything preventing us from connecting with our inner wisdom.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting with your inner wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we release anything preventing us from connecting with our inner wisdom.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I remember that I am always guided and safe! Another impediment to accessing our higher wisdom is fear. This fear takes many forms: the fear of others, the fear of being wrong, the fear of failure, the fear of "otherworldly" forces, of evil, of powerlessness, of extinction (the ego fears its demise).

We may fear, for a number of reasons, that we can't trust the source of our inner wisdom. We may fear that the information we access is wrong, or that we didn't get it right.

Love is the guiding force in this Universe, and the only thing to fear (if any) if that we do not remain firmly planted in Love. The thing to remember is that we are always guided and safe... no matter what it looks like, or no matter what we think. So, daily, remind yourself... "I am always guided and safe." This mantra will carry us through thick and thin, through ups and downs, and through all challenges we encounter, imagined or real.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of remembering that you are guided and safe (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that we are always guided and safe!

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Written by Carl Greer and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Sometimes, one short pause holds potential for a big transformation. By not instantly reacting to a situation and instead, taking your time to be fully present with your feelings, you free yourself to shift perspective. That shift might be a profound one.

If something doesn’t feel right, a short pause can help you recognize why. Then, you can make a conscious decision instead of responding automatically as you normally would. You might have a pattern of walking away from a relationship when it becomes boring to you, or you might leave a therapist or a doctor because you’re not comfortable with them and you don’t quite know why.

By taking a pause to reflect, you can avoid leaving one situation only to find you end up in a similar one, feeling just as uncomfortable as you were the last time and about to fall into the old habit of leaving with fingers crossed that these circumstances won’t show up again. Too often, you’ll find that they will—which is why it’s important to recognize the potential for change in one short pause...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am getting in touch with my own innate rhythm and wisdom. The natural world is our ally, our friend, our partner. In nature, we can get in tune with ourselves as well as with nature... and this connection guides us to live in harmony with life itself.

The animals are naturally in touch with their inner wisdom. The squirrels know when to gather nuts, the birds know when to build a nest, the bear knows when it is time to hibernate. But we humans have lost touch with our natural rhythms because we have enslaved ourselves to schedules and to-do lists, and to clocks.

To access our own higher wisdom, as well as the higher wisdom that surrounds us, we need to stop, breathe deeply, and listen to and observe nature, ourselves, and our surroundings. We can learn to get back into the natural rhythm of nature and of life, and this in turn leads us to get in touch with our own innate rhythm and wisdom.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of reconnecting with your innate wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are getting in touch with our own innate rhythm and wisdom.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I recognize and honor my uniqueness. A murky and troubled lake, or a dirty mirror, do not reflect an image very well. In the same way, a murky and troubled mind may have problems getting in touch with inner wisdom. The image in the reflecting glass is unfocused and unclear.

One of the first things to do to get your mind and your mirror clean is to love and appreciate yourself as you are... a work in progress. Yes, we all have things that we feel could be different or better, yet, we are perfectly who we are at this moment. And the more we love and accept ourselves, in this moment, the more we allow our energy to flow freely.

We are all unique, and when we recognize and honor our uniqueness, this helps us to be in touch with our inner self, our inner truth, our inner wisdom.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing and honoring your uniqueness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we recognize and honor our uniqueness.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I remind myself often: "I can do it!" The biggest block to accessing our intuition and inner wisdom is thinking we can't. As soon as we doubt our capability to be psychically aware, we close the door to that ability. Our words or thoughts of "I can't" are like a command or request to the Universe who, lovingly, will agree with you... "you can't".

Henry Ford is quoted as saying: "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Or as written in the children's story book, The Little Engine That Could, "I think I can. I think I can."

We are all capable of intuition and psychic awareness. It's in our DNA, in our nature. So first be willing to believe you can, and then open yourself up to any tidbits of intuition that come your way. Trust them. Trust yourself. And like muscle strength, the capability will grow stronger the more you use it. And remind yourself often: "I can do it!"

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting that you are capable (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves often: "I can do it!".

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am able to access higher wisdom. We all have access to intuition, to psychic awareness. We all can access higher wisdom which we connect to via our heart as well as our third eye. It doesn't take any special talent, or magic power. It takes desire, it takes faith, it takes persistence.

Higher wisdom is inside each and every one of us. We simply have to quiet ourselves down, inside and out, and pay attention to everything and everyone. The wisdom can come through a child, through something you see or read or hear, or through an intuitive thought or feeling.

Psychic awareness is sacred and aligned with the highest good, for each and everyone of us, as well as for the Planet.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Access Higher Wisdomby Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting with higher wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are able to access higher wisdom.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: December 13 - 19, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mars enters Sagittarius, Mercury enters Capricorn

TUE: Mars opposite Ceres

WED: Sun trine Eris, Mars conjunct South Node

THU: Sun semisquare Saturn

FRI: Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus

SAT: Mercury square Chiron, Full Moon 8:35 p.m. PST

SUN: Venus stations retrograde, Chiron stations direct, Sun sextile Jupiter

AT THE HEART of the Milky Way galaxy, about 27,000 light years from Earth, is a supermassive black hole called the Galactic Center (GC). Our entire solar system revolves around this point in space, which is located at about 27°04´ Sagittarius when viewed from Earth.

This Friday's Full Moon occurs when the Moon is at 27°28´ Gemini, exactly opposite the Sun in Sagittarius. This means the Sun will be tightly aligned with the GC at the time of the Full Moon, drawing its vast energies into our experience of the current timeline.

ASTROLOGER Philip Sedgwick is noted for his research into galactic anomalies. He writes that the GC initiates a process that is similar to when we "defrag" our computers...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

If we strictly listen to the media and news channels, we would think there is never any reason to celebrate life. From those sources, we hear about murders, corruption, and all kinds of frightening and hurtful events. Where in those stories is there anything to celebrate?

Celebration When we look at life and its multitude of small (and big) miracles, we realize there is a lot to celebrate. And, what we focus on expands... in other words, if we keep looking at the cliff wall, all we will see is the cliff wall. On the other hand, if we look at the flowers and beauty of nature, we see the beauty that is often hidden in plain sight.

This reminds me of a Buddhist parable about a monk who is faced by a fierce tiger. The monk backs away, knowing that just behind him is a cliff and just below that cliff is the sea. He chooses to lower himself over the cliff on a thick vine. As he does, he is filled with gratitude that the vine can hold him.

After his prayer, the monk looks over and sees, growing through the rock on the cliff, a vine with one bright, red strawberry. He looks up to see the tiger snarling at him and looks down to see the waves leaping and lurching below him. And then the monk plucks the strawberry from its vine and puts it into his mouth, savoring the sweetness. He chose to focus on the good that was present in that moment, rather than on the possibility of "bad" that was in the future.

Let's shift our focus to what we have to celebrate. This does not mean we ignore...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I release my inner child, my inner self, my inner light, to shine on the world around me. To release something is to set it free. We may think of this in terms of animals that were captured and then set free. But we may also think of it as releasing ourselves from limitations, old patterns, beliefs, etc., and freeing our inner child to express its true nature.

Rather than restrain our spontaneity, hide our originality, and repress our intuition, let's release our inner child, our inner self, our inner light, to shine on the world around us.

We are the change that is needed... and the change starts within, and once we release and express our higher selves, we give others the permission to do the same.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of freeing yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we release our inner child, our inner self, our inner light, to shine on the world around us.

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Written by Erica M. Elliott, M.D. and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The last manmade structure shrank to a black dot in my rear-view mirror as I drove down the cracked, potholed highway without a car in sight. The unmarked turnoff to the left was barely visible between juniper trees and sagebrush, the place where the pavement turned to dirt. I had already explored this region of southern Utah once before during my time off from teaching, but this particular turnoff had escaped my attention.

Although I spent most of my weekends taking the students in my class to their remote homes in and around Canyon de Chelly, this weekend I had decided to return to Utah to explore the back-country.

After I left the paved highway behind, the next forty miles of deeply rutted tract led me into vast stretches of high desert wilderness. Red rock slabs, towers, pinnacles, and cliffs soared into the cobalt blue sky. The crisp air smelled pungent with the essence of piñon pine and cedar.

Coyote: Mythology or Warning? I could tell from the faintness of the ruts that this stretch of road had not been traveled for a long time. As I meandered along, daydreaming about my new life among the Navajo people, I saw something tan out of the corner of my eye. A coyote with a long bushy tail darted in front of my slow-moving Bronco.

Farther down the road, I suddenly remembered what one of the kids in my classroom had told me during our informal discussion about Navajo mythology. He said, "If Coyote crosses your path, turn back and do not continue your trip. If you keep traveling, something terrible will happen to you. You will get in an accident and get hurt or killed."

I wondered if I should turn around and go home. But I decided that the Navajo cultural beliefs didn't apply to me...

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Printed with permission of the publisher, Bear & Co.,*an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to change the things that can be changed. There may be some confusion between these two attitudes: "acceptance" or "not accepting the way things are" and thus choosing to change them. I find that the best way for me to understand and practice these concepts is presented in the introductory lines of the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

I often say that "I won't take no for an answer". What this means for me is that I believe and trust that everything is possible, that things can and will change. In other words, if I have a goal, I believe I will attain it. When I meet someone, I believe they are good. When I have an experience, I believe it is for my highest good.

But, once I persist, insist, and resist failure, I may come to the point where I have to accept that I am in a situation that cannot be changed -- at least not by me. So, for me, the order of the actions in the Serenity Prayer is a bit different: before acceptance comes having the courage to change things or "not taking no for an answer"... and then, if things don't go the way I envisioned them, the wisdom to discern if it is time to let go and and accept what is.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of courage and persistance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have the courage to change things that can be changed.

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Written by Nancy Windheart and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: Some of the following suggestions can also be applied to loss of our human beloveds.

We are ending the second year of the pandemic; the second year of this particular kind of grief, loss, and uncertainty that we are in collectively as a human species. The last two years have been exceptionally challenging in so many ways. Many of us have experienced the deaths of our animal friends, and the Covid-19 situation has made it all harder.

In addition to all of the disruption, loss, and changes in our human world, dealing with the deaths of our animal companions has been even more heartbreaking. Our animal family members may have been our primary support, companionship, and connection during this time, making the loss of these beloveds even more difficult...

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This article was reprinted with permission

from Nancy's blog. www.nancywindheart.com

About the Author Nancy Windheart is an internationally recognized animal communicator and interspecies communication teacher. She teaches courses and training programs in interspecies communication for both lay people and those who wish to practice professionally. Nancy also provides animal communication consultations, intuitive and energy healing sessions, and professional mentoring for clients worldwide. She is also a Reiki Master-Teacher and a certified Yoga teacher.

Nancy’s work has been featured in television, radio, magazine, and online media, and she has written for many digital and print publications. She is a contributor to the book, The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom From Our Feline Friends.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The positive energy and thoughts I send out into the world are returned to me ten-fold. We all have energy. It's like the hours in a day -- we all have 24 hours. However, the secret of happiness is how we use those hours, just as in how we use our energy. You can use energy (as well as time) wisely and joyfully, or you can squander it and let it slip through your fingers.

A reserve of energy lives within each one of us, but we may be draining it through living up to someone else's expectations and not honoring our true self. We can also zap our energy due to the environment we live in, the foods and drinks we put in our body, and of course, the thoughts we allow in our mind.

Energy can be replenished by wise actions such as harmonious thoughts, healthy diet, and adequate sleep. Doing things that we love, and doing things for the people we love, is also a method of refilling our energy tank. The positive energy and thoughts we send out into the world are returned to us ten-fold.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of sending positive energy and thoughts into the world (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we send positive energy and thoughts out into the world.

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Today's Daily Inspiration is inspired from the card entitled "Harmony" in the Touched By a Horse Inspirational Deck.

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to walk on the path of harmony. Attaining harmony with ourselves and with those around us is truly something to celebrate. Harmony includes many aspects: unconditional love, inner peace, and acceptance of what is. When we are in harmony with all, we experience bliss. There is no conflict, no power struggle, no resentment.

Harmony is the perfect combination of voices, of visions, and of actions. When we remain in tune with our inner guidance, we are walking on the path of harmony as our inner guidance always has the greatest good as its essence.

Harmony is attainable when we let go of the ego and of own petty demands and behaviors. Harmony in life is like harmony in song... it is uplifting and regenerating.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being in harmony with life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to walk on the path of harmony.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Both dark and light have their purpose. It may not seem appropriate to celebrate the darkness of life. Yet, the dark is a needed part of the light. In nature, night is an essential part of the growth process, and so it is with humans. Sometimes the dark serves to remind us of the alternate, and sometimes it is a needed balance point.

The "dark side" of us may have been part of our survival mechanism, a way of protecting ourselves from what we perceived was "against" us. However, it behooves us to periodically reexamine our "underbelly" and decide if our "dark" manifestations still serve us: the automatically-triggered anger, the feelings of low self-worth, the chatter of the inner critic, etc.

Both dark and light have served a purpose. And at this time, the darker sides of our expression need to be brought out to the light and accepted for what they have contributed. Then we get to decide if they still have a role to play in our lives.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of acknowledging and accepting all parts of yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we acknowledge that both dark and light have their purpose.

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Today's Daily Inspiration is inspired from the card entitled "Determination" in the Touched By a Horse Inspirational Deck.

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am motivated, grateful, and determined. Whether it has to do with a new health routine, a new attitude, or a new goal, determination is what will keep you going when the going gets tough.

There will be challenges along the way, times when you may doubt yourself and want to quit. This is when you need to have determination in order to continue in the direction of your dreams, and to hold on to whatever decision you've made for yourself.

In order to "feed" your determination, remind yourself of the "why" of your choices, of your goals, of your visions -- and be grateful for the opportunities that surround you. Your "why" is your motivation and it will assist you in staying on the path you have chosen. Gratitude helps you recognize each small success along the way. In order to persist in whatever path we have chosen, whatever new attitude or behavior we are adopting, we need motivation, gratitude, and determination.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of moving closer to attaining your dreams (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are motivated, grateful, and determined.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I recognize the love-filled and encouraging events in my life.

Let's shift our focus to what we have to celebrate. This does not mean we ignore the things that need fixing, but it does mean we don't make negativity the only thing we think of and talk about.

Let's start looking for the good news, the happy circumstances, the love-filled and encouraging events.

The more we look for those moments, the more of them we will see and the more of them we will create.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Celebration and Release

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of celebration (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we recognize the love-filled and encouraging events in our life.

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Astrological Overview: December 6 - 12, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mars sextile Pluto

TUE: Venus square Eris, Mercury square Neptune, Mars square Jupiter

WED: No major aspects today

THU: Mercury trine Eris

FRI: Mercury semisquare Saturn

SAT: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Venus conjunct Pluto, Mercury sextile Jupiter, Sun square Neptune

SUN: No major aspects today

TIME IS A BLUR in this last month of 2021. We are moving through yet another powerfully transformational stage in our "final ascent" journey.

Each week of December provides yet another significant impulse of energy, each working in its own way to move us forward:

Last week, we entered a portal created by the Total Solar Eclipse, which represented the opportunity for a major shift.
This week, Venus and Pluto begin a lengthy tango, which I'll talk more about today.
Next week's Full Moon occurs as the Sun exactly aligns with the Galactic Center, activating a "defrag and download" process.
The following week, the third Saturn-Uranus square perfects, reinforcing the core lessons of this life-changing year.
And, on the last two days of 2021, Mars crosses the degree of the Total Solar Eclipse, reactivating its evolutionary influence.

VENUS AND PLUTO usually rendezvous just once a year, with the effects of their conjunction lasting perhaps two or three days. This year, however, Venus will be going retrograde (backward) while moving through Capricorn, and so will cross paths with Pluto three times between now and early March 2022. Here are the dates...

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Written by Ora Nadrich and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Evelyn Underhill, a poet and writer of Christian mysticism, describes mysticism as the “Art of union with reality,” and that reality can be filled with spiritual truths, which can create feelings of bliss and euphoria. Each of us can experience a mystical state of consciousness by being fully present and aware.

If we think of ourselves as divine beings, which we are, and regard our body as a vessel to imbibe the mystical experience, we can experience a feeling of oneness created or enhanced by the chemicals in our brain, and consider the mystical realm as a normal reality in which to be. But instead, mysticism has been defined as “a belief without sound basis” or a “belief characterized by self-delusion or dreamy confusion of thought.”

So, What’s Delusional About That? What is delusional is believing that the only way we can experience bliss and euphoria is through drugs, alcohol, or even the overuse of our smart phones, which stimulates chemicals in the brain like dopamine. There’s no wonder we can’t stay off our devices when we are so used to the instant reward we get from successful social interactions. But the flip side of that is increased levels of anxiety and depression, caused by the very thing we seek pleasure from, when we can’t disconnect from our devices in a healthy way.

Whatever it is we seek pleasure from, relying on external things to give us the high or a feeling of euphoria, we run the risk of deluding ourselves that...

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Excerpted from Mindfulness and Mysticism**,

published by IFTT Press.*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In order for things, or people, to change they need to be flexible. A willow tree bends in the wind while the branches of a more rigid tree like an oak can be broken by a strong wind. The river flows around obstacles that stand in its way. If you are the river, you seek the easiest way. If you are the object in the way of the river, you either stand your ground and get worn down by the water, also known as erosion, or you let go of and let the water move you along to your next destination.

Rigidity Many people are not willing or feel capable of letting go and going with life's flow. For some, that means denying what they see right in front of them. It may mean sticking to a job they hate, an unloving relationship, or living in a location they do not enjoy.

We sometimes stick to our preconceived plans and ideas, no matter what is going on around us. Even though our intuition and inner guidance may be sending us hints as to which way to go, we may refuse to budge. Not being willing to see possible alternatives to what is currently in front of us keeps us from evolving.

Rigidity also gets manifested in the body... through stiff and achy bones, through a spine that is not flexible, a neck that is rigid, shoulders that are tight, a hip that hurts, a knee that refuses to bend, etc. In order to be in tune with life and what is best for us, we need to be fluid, to be willing to bend and change, and willing to do things differently perhaps than we have ever done them...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am able, and willing, to change. If we want things to get better, we have to be willing for them to change... which means we have to be willing to change ourselves. In other words, we must step beyond the rigidity of our preconceived notions, our old beliefs, and any barriers we have erected between "us" and "them" -- whether the "them" is other people, or parts of ourselves that we don't like or haven't yet accepted.

There is no "them"! It is all "we"! We are all part of the same puzzle, the same play, the same world. Some pieces of the puzzle are a different shape, a different hue, and are situated in a different location. But everything is of equal importance in the completion of the puzzle of life on earth.

In order to make a new dream come about, we have to be willing to let go of any limitations we have placed on ourselves and on others, and be willing to expect the best from everyone, including ourselves. Change, by its very nature, means letting go of the past, of the way things were, and perhaps of the way we expect them to be. We must be willing to expect our dreams to come true, or as the affirmation goes "this, or something better".

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to change (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are able, and willing, to change.

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Written by by Paola Knecht and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

You might be familiar with this situation: On a regular workday, you wake up, and before you even get out of bed, you reach to grab your smartphone from the bedside table. A subtle feeling of discomfort crosses your mind as you think, “I should wait until after breakfast to check my emails.” But then you take a quick look at your notifications and see something interesting. Twenty minutes later, you’re still in bed scrolling through new Facebook pictures from your friends, replying to likes and comments, and getting the latest news and videos from TikTok.

When the awareness of time comes back to you, you realize you’re feeling anxious, and countless to-do lists pile up in your head. What happened to the good old morning routine of waking up and giving yourself “me time” so you’re refreshed and ready for the day ahead? In modern days, it feels like those times belonged to the Stone Age.

The perception of having such a busy life makes us believe that we have endless lists of things to do but no time to do them all. Are you one of those people constantly fighting your own schedule? Are you struggling to make priorities? Do you have a hard time focusing on what really matters to you?

I have good news: There’s a way to recalibrate your focus and take control of your busy life. It all comes down to paying attention to the three things you do have control over...

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Printed with permission of the author.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose my actions according to what is for the highest good. Should usually refers to rules or preferences set out by others, whether by parents, authority figures, or society. Some "shoulds" are beneficial, as in you should not yell "Fire" in a crowded theater. However, shoulds tend to relate to controlling personal behavior to fit an established norm. Our heart needs to be free to choose its own path -- not to follow the path prescribed for us by others.

Anything that is instilled in us, either by repeated suggestions or indoctrination, is a should. Shoulds - and shouldn'ts - are burdens. They are heavy chains that keep us from being ourselves. And not only do :"shoulds" come from others, but we also use "should" on ourselves.

You may have heard the expression, "don't should on yourself". This refers to all the times we tell ourselves we "should" do a particular thing, or act in a particular way. It is definitely another form of rigidity as it restricts our natural way of being. In order to allow miracles to take place in our lives, we must let go of "should" and instead choose our actions and live according to what is for the highest good, in each moment.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of "should" (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose our actions according to what is for the highest good.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am responsible for my own choices. A stance that keeps us stuck in the past is playing the victim. The traits that we embrace when we choose to play victim are not only rigid, they are disempowering.

After all, a victim is one who has handed over or relinquished the power over their lives to someone else. A victim remains stuck in past events and current powerlessness. Whether it is done consciously or not, choosing to be a victim is choosing to be weak and to relinquish any control over our lives.

The path to flexibility and freedom lies in self-empowerment, and one cannot be a victim and empowered at the same time. Victims are powerless, or at least they think they are. But our power resides in our deciding to no longer be a victim of others, or of circumstances, or even of our own thoughts and beliefs. Choosing to claim our power and acknowledge that we are responsible for our own choices and our life is the way out of victimhood and into being our true empowered self.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of acknowledging your power (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we acknowledge that we are responsible for our own choices.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I hitch my star to joy and love, in the here and now. Two things that act like cement in our lives are guilt and shame. They keep us stuck in the past, and unable to step forth into a wonderful future. Guilt and shame are both constructs of the ego, of the mind. They have nothing to do with the heart. The heart loves! End of story!

The mind, on the other hand, analyses, find things to criticize, to blame, to feel guilty about or to guilt others about. Love does none of the above. It loves! End of story! Sometimes it might be tough love, but it is love nonetheless. Not judgment, not blame, not guilting or shaming.

To step out of the rigidity of our lives, and allow change to flourish, we must let go of guilt and shame ,whether it is addressed towards ourselves or towards others. Freedom comes when we release all ties to these two jail-keepers and instead hitch our star to joy and love, in the here and now.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing joy and love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we hitch our star to joy and love, in the here and now.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am fluid, flexible, and free. One form of rigidity is when we conform to the "norm" and do not express our true nature. In many ways, society expects us to conform and fit a rigid mold: get a good job or career, get married and have children, buy a house and a car, and live your life without making waves. Waves are fluid, flexible, and free. Fitting someone else's mold for our lives is rigid, and the most pronounced form of rigidity is death.

Conforming is simply living according to someone else's idea of what is right for you. However, living according to the song in your heart and the guidance and wisdom in your heart, is the way to avoid conforming to someone else's definition of who you are and who you "should" be.

When we listen to our own heart, sing our own song, follow our dreams, then we are being true to ourselves and stepping away from a rigid path of conformity that is devoid of life, creativity, and joy.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being fluid, flexible, and free (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.Today, we are fluid, flexible, and free.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to be aware of my thoughts and habitual actions. Habits can be another form of rigidity and resistance to change. Some habits are helpful, as in brushing your teeth after a meal, or taking a walk at a certain time, or automatically securing your seat belt in the car. But some habits, as we all know, are not healthy or helpful. Habits like smoking, eating junk food, and not exercising -- yes, not doing something can also be a habit -- rhese are not a helpful.

Habits are often a case of getting in a rut and taking the path of least resistance...whatever we are used to doing, saying, and thinking. It takes determination and willpower to resist a habit and make a change. A habit is a subconscious pattern, so the way to move out of it is to start being conscious of our every moment -- being present in the moment, rather than running on autopilot.

Make your conscious focus be: I choose to be aware of my thoughts and habitual actions. It might help to turn off all exterior noises so that you can hear yourself think... This will allow you to hear the mental chatter that will precede the habit taking form. and then that will help you stop the rote behavior. You will be aware of the choice you are making, before you unconsciously or consciously make it.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your choices (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to be aware of our thoughts and habitual actions.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to bend and change. Many people are not willing or feel capable of going with life's flow. For some, that means denying what they see right in front of them. It may mean sticking to a job they hate, an unloving relationship, or living in a location they do not enjoy.

We sometimes stick to our preconceived plans and ideas, no matter what is going on around us. Even though our intuition and inner guidance may be sending us hints as to which way to go, we may refuse to budge. Not being willing to see possible alternatives to what is currently in front of us keeps us from evolving.

A rigid attitude also gets manifested in the body... through stiff and achy bones, through a spine that is not flexible, a neck that is rigid, shoulders that are tight, etc. In order to be in tune with life and what is best for us, we need to be fluid, to be willing to bend and change, and to do things differently perhaps than we have always done them.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being flexible (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to bend and change.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.'

Astrological Overview: November 29 - December 5, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mars trine Neptune, Mercury trine Chiron, Mercury sextile Saturn

TUE: Sun trine Chiron, Venus sextile Neptune, Sun sextile Saturn, Mercury semisquare Pluto

WED: Neptune stations direct, Sun semisquare Pluto, Mercury quincunx Uranus

THU: No major aspects today

FRI: Sun quincunx Uranus, Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron, New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse 11:43 p.m. PST

SAT: Mars quincunx Eris

SUN: No major aspects today

OUR MILKY WAY GALAXY is hurtling through space at the incredible speed of 600 kilometers (373 miles) per second. Along with other galaxies in our sector of the universe, we are being inexorably drawn in the direction of a mysterious galactic anomaly called the Great Attractor (GA).

Scientists cannot tell us exactly what the GA is, partly because it is behind the "Zone of Avoidance," an area of space where is so much gas and dust that we cannot see through it. But they do know that the GA has an enormous gravitational field, which apparently is able to bend light and warp time and space.

As perceived from Earth, the GA is located at about 14° Sagittarius. This Friday's Total Solar Eclipse, which occurs at 12°21´ Sagittarius, will in some ways channel the GA's enigmatic energies.

AS WE ENTER the portal opened by this week's Total Solar Eclipse, the unfolding of events greatly accelerates, reflecting the incredible speed at which we are being drawn toward the Great Attractor. This quickening will continue at least through the rest of eclipse season, which culminates at the New Moon on January 2, 2022.

Since the GA also seems to be able to warp time and space, we can think of this Solar Eclipse as being a catalyst for significant shifts that seem to catapult us to a new point that is much farther down the timeline. By the time we complete this eclipse season, we may feel like we are in a much different reality than the one we're currently moving through...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Each one of us is a unique individual, and thus it seems to follow that each one of us has a specific role to play. Just like in the Human Body, each part of the whole has a different role to play and is part of the big picture. The whole is incomplete without all the parts.

The human body without a heart, or a digestive system, or a circulatory system, is incomplete, and is not able to survive. And so it is for the Planetary Body -- without each one of us, it is also incomplete and may not be able to survive.

Free Will We each have a role to play in this grand experiment of life. Is our role written out for us? Do we have a script we have to adhere to? Or do we have free will to act as we choose?

Perhaps the answer to those questions is "all of the above". We might have entered this life with a script, but we have been modifying the script and improvising as we go along, and so have the other "actors" in our play.

This brings to mind numerous actors who were known to improvise lines in a movie as it was being filmed. And many times, those lines turned out to be iconic lines that caught on and remained in people's memory and vocabulary. Some of the most famous ones are Humphrey Bogart's "Here's looking at you kid" in the movie Casablanca; Jack Nicholson's "You can't handle the truth" in A Few Good Men'\; as well as "Are you talking to me?" as said by Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver.

So in the same way, we improvise as we go along and that can make the whole difference in our "movie". If we find that a particular dialogue or behavior or attitude is not beneficial for our well-being, we are free to change it. There is no fixed way we must behave, or dress, or talk, or anything. It is completely up to us.

For us to create happiness, we must remember that we always have a choice as to how to behave, what to say, and what to do. Our thoughts may be harder to choose as they can come up faster than our decision-making process, but we do have a choice as to which ones we will choose to act out in our encounters with others, and which thoughts will become part of our regular "programming".

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Written by Pierre Pradervand and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.

One of the greatest secrets of life is to know how to constantly marvel at existence and at the world. And one of the greatest avatars of history told us 2000 years ago that if we did not become like little children, we would not be able to enter the realm of inner fulfillment or know happiness.

One of the countless wonders of life is that it is constantly full of opportunities for amazement at every turn, and one of the tragedies of our consumer society is that it devalues those opportunities through relentless media hype.

Enthusiasm and Wonder I have a friend in his 85th year who is a Vesuvius of enthusiasm. The smallest flower on a cliff, a particular bird song, a special sunset, an act of kindness that is out of the ordinary…. absolutely everything is an opportunity for him to get inspired.

I am aware that I am writing this for the privileged, and it was not my language when I would meet the women of the village of Semari in the Sahel who walked 40km. a day in 120°F temperatures in the sun to fetch water. But this is not our case. So let us dare to assume our privileges.

In every field, you will find opportunities to marvel, whether it is in sports as in the case of...

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and taken from the author's blog and from his book.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am free to express myself. It takes courage to express ourselves openly, truthfully, yet lovingly. It takes courage to express who we are even when others do not understand or accept us. It takes courage to respectfully stand up for who we are and what we believe in.

Giving ourselves permission to express ourselves even in the face of ridicule or judgment is very liberating. Rather than suppress our true self, we allow our inner child and inner self to come out in the open for all to see.

In this way we discover true freedom... the freedom to be true to ourselves and to our heart's yearning for self-expression. True freedom is following our inner guidance, expressing our inner voice, and letting Love guide us in every step we take.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of remembering that you are free to be yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves: i am free to express myself.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I reclaim my greatness, my wonderfulness, my innate power. It takes courage to express our greatness, our wonderfulness, our divine being. We are so used to demeaning ourselves, deflecting compliments, and living as if we are inconsequential.

Marianne Williamson said it best in her book Return to Love:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frightens us.We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.Your playing small

Does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.We are all meant to shine,

As children do.

We were born to make manifest

The glory of God that is within us.It's not just in some of us;

It's in everyone.And as we let our own light shine,

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

It is time for us to reclaim our greatness, our wonderfulness, our innate power.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of expressing your greatness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we reclaim our greatness, our wonderfulness, our innate power

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to let go and trust in life itself. Sometimes. the courage we need is the courage to let go, to stop the forward momentum of whatever we are doing and let go of our attachment to how we think things should be.

Letting go can require as much courage as keeping on. When we let go of our plans, our goals, and our belief in how things are "supposed" to be, we have to trust in things working out for the highest good... and that takes courage.

Rather than fight the current, we have to let go and float with it... not knowing where it will lead us. And that takes faith in life itself and trusting that no matter what, we are always safe, we are always protected, we are always exactly where we need to be when we need to be.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to let go and trust in life itself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have the courage to let go and trust in life itself.

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

What if I told you a new diet called the "It's Not About the Food" is gaining popularity and causing significant numbers of people to shed pounds along with old habits and excess baggage? I bet you’d at least give it a second glance, and perhaps even investigate further.

Getting control over your eating is not rocket science. It’s not about counting carbs, reducing calories, eating celery, or drinking a gallon of water. Regular overeating, and therefore weight gain, is all about not dealing with your emotions, most especially fear. We’re looking for comfort and to fill what I call our “black hole of unworthiness.”

Usually underneath being overweight is a food addiction. Our addictive behavior started when we needed a way to comfort ourselves because we were feeling a ton of emotions and didn’t know how to handle what was going on.

Unexpressed sadness, anger, and fear keep us stuck in destructive habits and keep waistlines expanding. We want to fill our emptiness or loneliness, mask our anger, or appease our fear. We're not present, and we're not relaxed. So instead of speaking up, we head to the candy stash. If a partner says something hurtful, we default to greasy potato chips. If we’re stressed at school or work, those second helpings help us feel relaxed...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take the necessary steps to fulfill my potential. No matter what we've done and what we haven't done, we are full of potential. We are a work in progress, still on the road to becoming all that we are meant to be.

We may be filled with doubts of what we can attain and become. We may be filled with fears that we aren't good enough or smart enough, or something enough, to fulfill our potential. We may have a history of being "not good enough" either in our own eyes or in the eyes of people in our lives.

However, choosing to have faith in ourselves, in our possibilities, and in our future, gives us the courage to take the steps we need to become whole, to become completely fulfilled in our being. Right now we are only a portion of what we can be. But step by step, day by day, with courage and persistence, we will attain the fullness of who we truly are.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having confidence in yourself and your potential (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take the necessary steps to fulfill our potential.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am safe! One of the greatest impediments to be true to ourselves, to live up to our potential, is fear... fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of failure, fear of being unloved, unwanted, unappreciated, etc...

However, fear is not the opposite of courage. Fear is a normal reaction to life's situations... it originates in the physical world where fears come up in life-threatening events... fear of being attacked by a tiger, an alligator, a cobra... in other words, fear of death in some form or another. And this fear also resides in our ego which is afraid of its own death, or loss of control.

The good news is that courage does not require the absence of fear. Courage is taking action despite the fear, or perhaps, due to the fear. Rather than freeze and remain stuck in our old ruts, we face our fear (and the people and things that incite our fear) and refuse to be cowed into submission, into inactivity. We take a deep breath, choose to trust in the support of Life itself, and affirm: I am safe! Then we take another deep breath, and do what we must do to get past the fear and into the wonderful future that awaits our presence.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of remembering that no matter what, you are safe (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves: I am safe!

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to be true to myself. While being true to ourselves should be the easiest thing to do, because of our early programming, upbringing, and shaming experiences, it often seems like the most difficult thing to do. It takes courage to be ourselves, to stand up for ourselves, to speak our truth.

It takes strength, courage and will-power to face our fears, as well as to see our desires, dreams, and goals through to their completion. It takes courage and persistence to not give up. It takes courage and strength to remain true to ourselves in the face of challenges, put-downs, failures, and lack of support from others (and possibly from ourselves).

However, the greatest gift we can give ourselves and the world, is to be 100% true to ourselves. This is who we are meant to be, this is our role in the play of life, this is our piece of the puzzle. When you doubt yourself, take a deep breath and remember that you are unique, you are the star of your own show, and you are the hero/heroine of your life drama. You were born to be YOU! Go for it!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have the courage to be true to ourself.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I always have a choice. We each have a role to play in this grand experiment of life. Is our role written out for us? Do we have a script we have to adhere to? Or do we have free will to act as we choose?

Perhaps the answer to those questions is "all of the above". We might have entered this life with a script, but we have been modifying the script and improvising as we go along, and so have the other "actors" in our play.

For us to create happiness, we must remember that we always have a choice as to how to behave, what to say, and what to do. Our thoughts may be harder to choose as they can come up faster than our decision-making process, but we do have a choice as to which ones we will act on in our encounters with others and which ones will become part of our regular "programming".

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Having the Courage to Be True to Ourselves

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of remembering that you always have a choice (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that we always have a choice.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I recall many years ago when I did my first fire walk (walking barefoot on hot coals), that when I woke up the next morning, my mind promptly dismissed my experience telling me it couldn't have happened as it wasn't possible to walk on burning coals and not get burned. "Luckily" for me, I had gotten a tiny burn when a small piece of coal had gotten lodged between two of my toes, so I had a tiny burn that proved that I had walked on coals. Thus I was able to refute my brain's claim that I hadn't walked on hot coals.

In much the same way, we refute many events in life. Some things we do not even see because they are outside the range of our expectations or beliefs. For example, why do some people see auras, and others don't? Why do some people see spirit guides and ghosts, and other don't? Is it because the "believers" are delusional, or is it because the "unbelievers" are blocking their senses and do not see things outside their "accepted reality"?

Your Perception Comes from your Perspective Our perspective alters what we see, how we interpret what we see, and what we conclude from it. When I was doing a live radio show in South Florida in the 90s, people would come up to me and tell me how they loved what I said on a specific show. And then, they would proceed to describe what I had said, or at least what they had heard and interpreted. It would amaze me how three different people would have three different ideas as to what the show had been about and what I had said. And even more amazing, most of the time I didn't share any of their perspectives on it. I had a whole different idea of what the show had been about, and what I had said.

This led me to realize that everything we hear and see is colored by our interpretation of it, by our own filters. Consequently, when we speak to others, they often don't hear what we said (or what we think we said), but they hear what they think we said, or perhaps what they expected or projected we would say. It can get confusing!

We each have our individual experiences, frame of reference, and opinions. This creates our own unique perspective on our surroundings and on life in general. We see life "through a glass darkly" via our limitations, judgments, fears, beliefs, etc. We are not a clear lens seeing "all that is" with clarity. We are a clouded lens seeing life as a distortion...

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: November 22 - 28, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: No significant aspects exact today

TUE: Sun conjunct South Node

WED: Mercury enters Sagittarius

THU: Mercury conjunct South Node, Mercury semisquare Venus

FRI: Saturn sextile Chiron, Sun opposite Ceres

SAT: Jupiter semisextile Pluto, Mercury opposite Ceres

SUN: Sun conjunct Vesta, Mercury conjunct Vesta, Sun conjunct Mercury

EVEN AS we ride the extended wave of last Friday's powerful Lunar Eclipse, we can sense the next wave that is building. That incoming wave is the influence of the Total Solar Eclipse that will occur on December 3 or 4, depending on your time zone.

The fortnight between two eclipses always feels otherworldly, even surreal. Time and space don't seem to exist in the same way that we usually perceive them, as if we ourselves are not quite anchored in this physical reality. This untethered feeling assists us in doing the work we are called to do over the next two weeks as the Moon's light slowly dwindles.

THE WANING PHASE of the Moon is a time of completion, when the tide begins to recede, literally and symbolically. It is an opportunity to contemplate the cycle of time that is ending, to appreciate the gains and the losses, the joy and the tears, the choices made and the lessons learned. It is a time to release and...

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Written by Nicolya Christi and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Indigenous elders have been sending out a specific message to the world—a warning to humanity to change the way we live and how we treat the planet or prepare for the worst. For every 2012 prophecy that spoke of transition and transformation, there was also one that talked of destruction and apocalypse. We are in the window of crisis still, and we can rise or fall. It remains imperative that we unite to support the Earth in order to avert global catastrophe.

Will we experience a new era of peace and harmony or continue to break down and destroy? Both potential outcomes are a possibility. We have a responsibility as human beings to contribute to the former if we are ever to manifest the ancient prophecies that foretell of a thousand years of peace.

As communities and as individuals we simply cannot continue in the way that we are. To believe there is nothing to be done will result in the worst-case scenario, so it is upon us now to act as empowered and compassionate forces for good and take immediate action if we are to avoid apocalyptic predictions such as those of Nostradamus.

Complacency is our greatest hurdle; we cannot afford to remain indifferent to or ignorant of what we are facing, for our attitude and actions will determine a positive or negative outcome. Prophecies that foretell of a “golden millennium” speak of a potential outcome and of raising our consciousness and initiating a positive shift within the collective vibration...

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*Reprinted with permission of the publisher,

Bear & Company, an imprint of Inner Traditions Inc.

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Written by Elliott Noble-Holt and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Falling into a rut doesn’t mean we have to stay there. Even when it can seem like an insurmountable challenge to climb back out, finding a way is possible. My life is a testament that it can be done.

As a young adult, I faced a succession of setbacks. The first was my parents’ divorce. I hadn’t recovered emotionally from that setback when my Dad unexpectedly died, leaving me rudderless. As I continued to flounder, I squandered several thousand dollars of inheritance and ended up homeless.

Out of The Rut to The Top I was eventually able to turn my life around, and, from a medical records business that I started with a single copy machine on my kitchen table, created a multimillion-dollar, top-rated company called MediCopy.

Let me share my secret to rising from life’s lowest point to the pinnacle of personal and professional success...

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Published with permission of the author.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to have healthy uncertainty about my perceptions and beliefs. Perhaps our best friend, when dealing with ingrained perspectives, is uncertainty. In the past, we were so sure that we knew what was "true" and that things were as they appeared to be. We have learned, in the past few years, that we've been misled and that things are not always as they appear to be.

In these new times, uncertainty can serve us well. Rather than be certain about everything that we learned or believed in the past, it is time to question everything. Even, or especially, our entrenched beliefs... the ones we have held devotedly since childhood and early adulthood. Just because we've always perceived something in a certain way, or believed that something was a certain way, does not make it so. Our beliefs and our perceptions are just that... beliefs and perceptions.

Let's be willing to have some healthy uncertainty and doubt about the so-called "truths" that surround us. Let's get centered and focused, and start seeing things the way they truly are, not the way that the mirrors of illusion lead us to believe they are. Let's go within and see what surfaces as real when we look at life from the heart and from a higher perspective.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Befriending Uncertainty

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to be uncertain of your beliefs and perceptions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to have healthy uncertainty about our perceptions and beliefs.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I approach all people with compassion, generosity of spirit, and empathy. Our perception of others is often tainted by judgments and preconceived opinions. This means that we do not see the person themselves. Rather, we see what we think they are, or what we've been told they are, and possibly even what they think they are.

In order to bypass our erroneous perceptions and assumptions, we must approach all people with compassion, generosity of spirit, and empathy. Everyone has challenges they are going through, and it is impossible for us to see their experience through their eyes.

When we look at all people with compassion, especially those who are trying our patience, we then start seeing them through the eyes of Love and Acceptance. This is how we move beyond our current biased perspective.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Compassion for All

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of seeing through the eyes of compassion (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we approach all people with compassion, generosity of spirit, and empathy.

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Written and Narrated by Sarah Varcas.

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

19th November: Partial Lunar Eclipse in the 28th degree of Taurus

4th December: Total Solar Eclipse in the 13th degree Sagittarius

This second and final eclipse season of 2021 began on 5th November and features a lunar eclipse in the 28th degree of Taurus on 19th November followed by a solar eclipse in the 13th degree of Sagittarius on 4th December (which is also a supermoon), before ending on 10th December 2021. Two weeks later we encounter the final exact square between Saturn and Uranus on 24th December, bringing yet another extraordinary year to a close.

But right now, before you do anything else, take a deep breath. Draw your spine straight. Look directly ahead with an unwavering gaze. Feel yourself rooted deep within the earth, plugged into a circuit that receives energy from all directions: above and below, from every side. Feel this energy flowing into you, through you, all around you. Embrace the part you play in that energy circuit. Feel how crucial you are to that energetic flow. Feel it recharging you as you weave it into your own unique vibration shared, in return, with the wider energetic field.

Remember this feeling – the strength and vibrancy. Return to it often, throughout your day. Whenever you can just stop, take a deep breath, hold a steady gaze and feel who and what you really are. This is the truth of you and of me. Energy: flowing, revitalising, resilient, renewing, recalibrating. This is the Self that nothing and no one can diminish, enslave or destroy. This is who we are....

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to be grateful for everything! Gratitude is a great leveler of experiences. When we can get to the point where we are grateful for all our experiences, "good" and "bad", we've come to the point where we have moved beyond our personal perspective.

Our personal perspective colors everything according to whether it is good for us, or bad for us, or fits what we think is "right". But actually, everything, ultimately, is good for us, even the "negative" or difficult situations. Many times, difficult situations, like a job or relationship ending, are actually blessings in disguise. Challenging experiences usually bring essential life lessons.

When we learn to be grateful for all the ups and downs, we get a whole new picture of reality. We no longer are subject to judging our life as successful or not, happy or not, because we realize that every experience brings us closer to our ultimate goal: creating a more loving world for all.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Gratitude for Everything

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing gratitude (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to be grateful for everything!

This week's Daily Inspirations are inspired from: Touched By a Horse Inspirational Deck (Whispers from a Horse's Heart) Cards

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Today's Daily Inspirations is inspired from the Touched By a Horse Inspirational Card Deck (Whispers from a Horse's Heart)

Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to clear the way for higher energy and for a joyful and loving existence. It is time to break out of all negativity and restraints and clear the way for a new way of being... first in our mind and heart, then in our thoughts and attitudes, and then in our actions.

Be willing to go against the energies that surround you if they are not supportive of your highest good. Your power has been held back as behind a dam, and it is ready to burst forth with power and purpose.

Clear the way for higher energy and for a joyful and loving existence.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Clearing the Past, Present, and Future

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of clarity and empowerment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to clear the way for higher energy and for a joyful and loving existence.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take the time to stop and breathe deeply. Have you ever noticed that when you are tense, stressed, or in fear, you tend to hold your breath? Unfortunately, this makes the situation worse as our brain needs oxygen to function at its best.

Our breath is the source of life. When we stop breathing, we die. To life fully and at our best, we need to breathe consciously and completely, filling our lungs with fresh oxygenated air. As much as possible, go outside, or open a window, and breathe, breathe deeply.

One way to change our perspective on events taking place in our life, is to breathe slowly and deeply. When in a tense or stressful situation, stop and take a deep breath, then let it out slowly and completely. And repeat the process until your energy and your perspective have shifted.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Breathe, Breathe Deeply

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking the time to breathe consciously and deeply (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take the time to stop and breathe deeply.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to look beyond my immediate reality. Oftentimes, we are a bit like a horse wearing blinders. We only see what is directly in front of us. Yet to attain a dream or a goal, we have to look beyond the immediate or the obvious.

Sometimes, our goal or vision cannot be seen with the naked eye, it takes the inner eye to see where we are going and what we are seeking. And while it is important to remain in the now, it is also important to keep faith in what is coming beyond the now...knowing that something wonderful is working itself out in the background.

We are in the process of changing the set on the stage of life... we are transforming the stage from a horror/action film to a rom-com where life is full of light, love and joy. Remember to look beyond your immediate experiences and have faith in what is heading our way.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective: Looking Beyond the Obvious

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of seeing beyond the obvious (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to look beyond our immediate reality.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As spiritual beings, which we all are, we seek to attain perfection, to attain our fullness of being. And as with many things, the process is not always smooth and/or flawless. Gardeners know that rich soil is created out of decomposed leaves and rotted plant material, otherwise known as compost. So what looks like chaos, or utter ruination, may simply be the rotting away of the old material in order to grow the new in our life.

Thomas Edison famously said: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” In the same way, all our foibles are steps on the path to perfection or completion, the path to a more loving reality.

Edison also said: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” So when things look like they're falling apart, like everything is in chaos, that's the time to hold on to the vision we have for a better tomorrow, and continue to create it.

Dark Night of the Soul The dark night of the soul is an experience that may appear to be negative and unnecessary. Yet, is it?

As with everything in life, the experience has a purpose. Just as the night is darkest before the dawn, our life may feel empty and meaningless, or dark and depressing, just before a breakthrough.

As we discover and experience the dark recesses of our mind, we...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I shift my perspective and get a truer perception of reality. We each have our individual experiences, frame of reference, and opinions. This creates our own unique perspective on our surroundings and on life in general. We see life "through a glass darkly" via our limitations, judgments, fears, etc. We are not a clear lens seeing "all that is" with clarity. We are a clouded lens seeing life as a distortion.

So how do we start seeing past the veil of illusion? First, we realize that everything we see is only a portion of what is truly there. The brain filters out many things it sees, either because it doesn't fit its preconceived notions, or what it sees is completely out of the range of what it accepts as "reality".

Secondly, anytime we can place ourselves, as much as we can, in the other person's perspective, we will get a clearer picture of what they are expressing and who they are. This makes "walking a mile in someone's shoes" a useful tool to really see "what is".

And of course, anytime we can step out of our own judgments, beliefs, perspectives, etc. we get to see a bigger picture of what really exists. Perhaps we can endeavor to see things through the eyes of an enlightened master (Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, etc.) and thus get a truer perception of reality.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Beyond Our Perspective

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of shifting your perspective (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we shift our perspective and get a truer perception of reality.

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Astrological Overview: November 15 - 21, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Venus square Chiron, Sun square Jupiter, Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron

TUE: Sun sextile Pluto

WED: Mars opposite Uranus, Jupiter semisquare Chiron

THU: Mercury trine Neptune, Venus trine Uranus

FRI: Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse 12:57 am, Sun semisquare Venus

SAT: Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron, Mercury square Jupiter

SUN: Mercury sextile Pluto, Sun enters Sagittarius 6:33 p.m.

THE FIRST of our two eclipses occurs this week: a partial Lunar Eclipse perfects this Friday when the Taurus Moon opposes the Sun in Scorpio. Eclipses occur in cycles, activating a specific pair of zodiac signs for about two years and then moving on to another pair of signs. With this Friday's event, eclipses start a gradual shift from Gemini/Sagittarius to Taurus/Scorpio, which means we are moving out of a two-year thinking/acting phase and into a new two-year feeling/sensing phase.

With the Taurus/Scorpio axis activated at this Lunar Eclipse, we are specifically working with issues of security and stability, loyalty and trust, finances and possessions, profound change and uncertainty, and deep emotional responses to feeling a lack of control. Our capacity to stay grounded and centered amidst transitional times will be tested.

A FULL MOON always amplifies emotions, and a Lunar Eclipse — which is like a mega Full Moon — tends to bring many deep feelings to the surface. This effect is heightened with this particular Lunar Eclipse, since the Sun is in psychotherapeutic Scorpio and magnifier Jupiter is in square aspect to the eclipse.

With Jupiter square both the Sun and Moon, a configuration called a "T-square" is formed at the time of the eclipse. Jupiter is at the apex position of this T-square (at the base of the stem of the letter "T"), while the two lights hold the ends of the crossbar at the top of the letter. With Jupiter at the apex of a T-square in fixed signs, beliefs can be too rigid, manifesting as intolerance, self-righteousness, and dogmatism. This T-square requires that we learn to be more open-minded and flexible in our thinking, allowing for diverse perspectives to exist without judgment.

We will be working with the energies of this eclipse throughout the coming week, but most powerfully on...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have faith in the vision of a better tomorrow. As spiritual beings, which we all are, we seek to attain perfection, to attain our fullness of being. And as with many things, the process is not always smooth and/or flawless. Gardeners know that rich soil is created out of decomposed leaves and rotted plant material, otherwise known as compost. So what looks like chaos, or utter ruination, may simply be the rotting away of the old material in order to grow the new in our life.

Thomas Edison famously said: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” In the same way, all our foibles are steps on the path to perfection or completion, the path to a more loving reality.

Edison also said: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” So when things look like they're falling apart, like everything is in chaos, that's the time to hold on to the vision we have for a better tomorrow, and continue to create it.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Seeking Spiritual Perfection:

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article here.

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having faith in a better tomorrow (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have faith in the vision of a better tomorrow.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: November 8 - 14, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

TUE: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune

WED: Mercury conjunct Mars, Mercury square Saturn, Mars square Saturn

THU: First Quarter Moon 4:46 a.m. PST, Mercury quincunx Chiron

FRI: Sun trine Neptune, Mars quincunx Chiron, Mars trine Pallas Athene

SAT: Mercury opposite Uranus

SUN: Venus semisquare Jupiter, Saturn trine Ceres

THE SUN has been exceptionally busy this past week, with multiple solar flares recorded. Two of these were in the medium-intensity M-class and many others occurred in the lower-intensity C and B classes. As these flares erupted, several of them sent coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the direction of Earth. Due to the variation in speeds, the CMEs ended up combining their forces, resulting in a mid-level geomagnetic storm that lasted almost twenty hours.

Corresponding with the "surprises" that we anticipated with last week's New Moon, that storm occurred on the same day as the lunation. With all that energy on the move, no wonder it felt like such a rollercoaster week!

CMEs have impact on Earth's magnetic field, as evidenced by the aurora borealis and aurora australis that occur. But these waves of energy from the Sun also affect each of us, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Our sensitivity to these energies seems to be increasing, with more and more people reporting symptoms. The most common symptoms experienced this past week, with both the solar flares and the CMEs, have been a loud ringing in the ears, digestive and nervous system upsets, and sleep disturbances.

What I find most interesting is that the symptoms reported during heightened solar activity are very similar to...

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Written by Joyce Vissell and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

There is a magnet on our refrigerator that reads,

"Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

-- Anatole France.

Pets awaken our hearts in a way that nothing else can. Yes, human relationships are very important, but our pets can open our hearts in a quiet very sweet way that nothing else can. If you cannot have a pet of your own, perhaps you could bond with someone else's pet.

Barry and I have had many pets, mostly golden retriever dogs starting when we were twenty-five years old. We have also had cats, and at one time had five cats all from the local shelter. Currently we have one feral rescued cat named Gertie, who lets us pet her and loves our company as long as we do not bring her inside. And we have two golden retrievers, Honey and Gracie.

Our pets bring so much joy and peace to our lives. We always know that they will love us. Our dogs' greatest desire is just to be near us and walk with us and love us.

Whenever I feel sad about something or need to feel peaceful, I go to our older dog Gracie who is very motherly and I bend down and hug her in a very big full hug. She stands there very patiently knowing that what is happening is very important. After I am done hugging her, I always feel better and then she looks up at me with her soft brown eyes and wags her tail in love and devotion...

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Written by Mark Anthony and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The Other Side is a dimension that exists parallel to our material world dimension. This is not hocus-pocus or fantasy. Once you accept the reality of spirit communication and let the spirits (as well as yourself) know that it’s okay, they will begin transmitting guidance and information to you.

Spirits are part of the collective consciousness, and they can and do communicate with us. They don’t speak a human language — they speak “frequency.” They will transmit signs, images, sounds, and scents and direct our attention to particular things via frequency beacons.

The RAFT technique Everyone is capable of perceiving spirits and intuitive messages. The key is learning to recognize the presence of spirits and the signs they present, accepting the reality of the contact, feeling the importance and emotional significance of the message, and trusting your feelings as well as the truth and guidance provided by the message. This is the RAFT technique.

Let’s examine each step...

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Printed with permission from New World Librarywww.newworldlibrary.com.*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Just like everything in nature, we are growing. While our growth and changes may not be as obvious as the lawn that we have to mow regularly, or the weeds we pull from our garden, we nevertheless are continuing to grow.

Seeking Knowledge Our growth may be more internal, and less obvious to people walking by, than the grass or weeds in our front yards. However, by continually seeking new experiences, new knowledge, and gaining new wisdom, we continue to grow towards the true fulfilment of our being and our purpose.

We may look at the people around us and think they are not growing, but since many changes occur internally, we are not privy to what growth is taking place inside of them. It's just like the seeds we plant in the spring. It can take weeks for the seeds to sprout and burst through the surface. There is a bromeliad in Bolivia that takes from 80 to 150 years to flower.

Let us remember that we all are seeds of light and love, and we are growing, whether visibly or not. We grow every time we have a new experience and a new ah-ha moment! We grow every time we experience a loss or a sorrow. We grow every time we feel joy and love for ourselves and for others. We grow with every breath we take...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I give myself permission to be proud of who I am, and of what I have accomplished. Being proud of yourself - of your accomplishments and of who you are - is an act of self-love, of self-appreciation, and of gratitude for life itself. Part of our growth process is acknowledging our successes, not just our failures.

Focusing on what went right is a powerful tool because what we focus on expands. As humans, we may have a tendency to focus on our failures or lack of accomplishments. Yes, it is necessary to acknowledge our errors or failures so we can improve, but we must keep our focus on what went right and what we need to expand upon.

It is important, as well as empowering, to acknowledge all our successes, big or small. Giving thanks for what went right is a powerful step forward on our life's journey.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Being Proud of Yourself

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being proud of yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we give ourselves permission to be proud of who we are, and of what we have accomplished.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I deserve to succeed at whatever I set my heart on. Many times we block our own good by feeling we don't deserve it for some reason. Whether we believe we are unlucky, or not smart enough, or not something enough, we consequently expect and believe that things won't work out for us.

Life is an ongoing process. Just like the plants in our environment, we grow through the blessings and the challenges of life. Luck and deservability have nothing to do with it.

We are who we are, where we are, and we choose how to handle the scenarios we find ourselves in throughout this game of life. We all deserve to succeed at whatever we set our hearts on. Deservability just means playing your cards right -- with knowledge, intuition, trust, love, and gratitude.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Luck or Deservability

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting in yourself and your deservability (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, and every day, we deserve to succeed at whatever we set our hearts on.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My intuition is my very best friend. Our intuition is our constant companion in this journey of life. It is our very best friend and is there to help us along the way.

When something doesn't feel right, or when we feel confused... we are led to watch a particular movie, or read a book or poem, or call a friend, or go somewhere where we bump into exactly what or who we need. All of this is our intuition, or higher self, holding our hand in the tough moments of life.

Learning to work with and play with our intuition is a major part in continuing to grow on our journey. Treat your intuition as your "right-hand man", as your guide, as your buddy, as your play-mate. Befriend it, and make it your constant companion. Your life will be much the better for it.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Your Intuition Is Serving You

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of befriending your intuition (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we keep in mind that our Intuition is our very best friend.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to focus on the many positives in my life. When nighttime comes, if we didn't know any better, we'd think we were doomed. Yet because we know that day always follows night, we don't worry about the sun disappearing off the edge of the earth.

In the same way, we need to trust that whenever discouraging or challenging events occur in our lives, that "this too shall pass". The joy may disappear for a time, but it will return after the period of sorrow is over.

Rather than focusing on the one thing that is going wrong, we can remember all the positive things that are taking place and have taken place. By focusing on the positives in our life, we will discover and attract more of them.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Focus on the Positives

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing the positives in your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to focus on the many positives in life.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I tune in to the rhythms of nature and of life. Everything in life has its timing, its flow, its rhythm. Nature's is more obvious of course due to its predictability - day and night (24 hours), lunar cycle (28 days), year (365 days except for leap year), the four seasons, etc.

But we also have our rhythms, though not always so predictable -- at least not to our human brain. I remember years ago following my biorhythmic cycles, and it was very interesting to see the patterns. The same goes for astrological cycles in our lives.

The more we can tune in to the rhythms of nature and to our own cyclical nature, the more in harmony we are with life. Rather than force ourselves to unnatural rhythms based on schedules and "shoulds", our joy and wellbeing are best served when we follow our own natural rhythms. This leads us to be present in the moment and express our true loving self.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: The Rhythm of Life

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of tuning in to nature's rhythms (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we tune in to the rhythms of nature and of life.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I ask my inner wisdom, "Is this the right thing to do?" Much of our wisdom comes from our own inner voice. This is the voice that speaks before the "buts", "ifs", and doubts of any kind. It is usually kind, loving, and looking for a win-win resolution.

This is the voice that guides us to be kind to someone who is down and out, leads us to help someone in need, and to offer a kind comment to someone who is having a bad day.

Our intuition speaks to us through our inner voice and guides us day by day, moment by moment. Be willing to trust it even when it feels risky or even scary. If you're not sure, ask your inner wisdom: "Is this the right thing to do?"

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Listening to Inner Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of listening to your inner wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask our inner wisdom, "Is this the right thing to do?"

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I seek new experiences, new knowledge, and continue to gain wisdom.

By continually seeking new experiences, new knowledge and gaining new wisdom, we continue to grow towards the true fulfilment of our being and our purpose.

Let us remember that we all are seeds of light and love, and we are growing, whether visibly or not. We grow every time we have a new experience and a new ah-ha moment! We grow every time we experience a loss or a sorrow. We grow every time we feel joy and love for ourselves and for others.

We grow with every breath we take.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Continuing to Grow: Seeking New Knowledge and Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of growing into wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we seek new experiences, new knowledge, and continue to gain wisdom.

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Written and Narrated by Carmen Viktoria Gamper.

Editor's Note: While this article is written with children in mind, its precepts may be applied to "non-children" (a.k.a. adults) in "grown-up" situations as well.

Tension release is a significant part of self-healing in children and adults, and it is unavoidable when we become more present with ourselves in flow experiences. Children who go to a less than ideal school are in a daily reality that doesn’t respect their most pressing genuine developmental needs for movement, exploration, spontaneous play, and connection. Of course, this creates inner tension.

During the many school mornings of sitting, listening, and trying to focus, children increasingly lose touch with their genuine needs and curiosity. Their parents or significant caregivers are often the only ones they can turn to when they need support.

Having True Allies Most of all, children need adults who are true allies, whom they can trust to love them exactly as they are. If they have this deep bond with at least one significant adult, parent, teacher, grandparent, or friend, children will develop a strong inner core and the skills to face all challenges.

Younger children naturally release tension during spontaneous play, self-talk, and time in nature. If your child still plays and talks during play—no matter how old they are—that’s a very good sign that their tension release mechanisms still work well.

Older children often stop playing and need different forms of tension release to express their frustration. Allow them to vent and complain, while you listen with patience and understanding. Computer games and other screen time aren’t ideal forms of tension release. Due to the screen’s addictive potential, and the passivity of the body during screen time, it may create more tension.

Stay with a child until they feel better. You can offer ways of tension release as described below.

Nine Ways To Help Your Child Release Tension...Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Written by Laura Aversano and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

The philosophies born eons ago are as true today as they were then. Our interpretations are shifting, as well as our understanding of the world, synchronistically on many levels. To the spirit world, we have been in this intense time of purification.

For those of us trying to navigate in this world, the past year (2020) has been chaotic to say the least. What I have witnessed most is a great paradigm shift when it comes to relationship as a whole. Familial dynamics have borne the brunt of these changes, as has how we relate to ourselves. Expand that out into the world and many of us don’t seem to recognize ourselves anymore.

I listen often; to family, friends, clients, the earth, and myself. A state of confusion has permeated our thought field because what we are experiencing is such a rapid disintegration of an old existence and comprehension of life into a new one that we can hardly make sense of.

Our spiritual, psychological, and physical structures don’t carry the same weight as they used to in carrying us through to the next moment. It is creating as much fear as it is confusion. The confusion renders many people helpless and overwhelmed...

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Inner Traditions Intl. www.innertraditions.com*

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Written by Phyllida Anam-Áire and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

When I look at the trees in my garden, I see how they fully express life in their changing seasons. The wind blows and they surrender. The sun pours down on them and they are not disturbed. The snow covers their nakedness and they mould themselves to its cold covering.

Autumn sings her lament and the coloured leaves drop down, down into the dark waiting clay. This is done in silent wonder as the tree bows to the sacred laws of nature hidden in her DNA. And all the while the tree is sure of her standing; sure of her place in the family of nature.

I ask myself how sure am I of my standing in the earth? How difficult is it for me to welcome and then surrender my tears, my years, my insecurities and my fears? How difficult is it also to welcome and surrender my joys, my delights, my choices, preferences, my loves and my talents. In other words how sure am I of the what of me? The divine I am?

I imagine whether I could live my life as a bird lives, just singing my song, living my divine purpose and whether that could be enough? Maybe that is how I would live this divine life if I lived the divine me. Then there would be an end to all struggle and suffering for I would see life and death experiences through the eyes of Love with nature as my spiritual healer and guide...

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Findhorn Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.*.

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Written by Paul Pearsall and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

"Fight or flight! That's the only way we cope with stress," said my professor years ago. For more than sixty years, our competitive nature has been assumed to be related to our built-in sympatho-adreno-medulary (SAM) response system. This is our automatic alarm state that pushes our body to the max so we can do something very aggressive to win over a predator or perceived source of severe stress, or to hightail it away as quickly as possible.

When we feel challenged, our sympathetic nervous system becomes activated and we become agitated. Hormones are released that signal the middle (medulla) area of the adrenal glands, which, in turn, secretes large amounts of stress hormones to help us confront or run away.

This SAM system can have a devastating effect on our body by lowering our immune system and overextending our heart and circulatory system. It is a full assault- or retreat-system, and it is at the root of our chronic competitiveness.

Other than Fight-or-Flight Mode? Psychologist Walter Cannon conducted the classic research on the SAM-mediated fight-or-flight response. With laboratory research conducted primarily on male rats, he showed that our body reacts to stress through a sympathetic nervous system surge and associated stress-hormone release sequence. It was assumed that the fight-or-flight response was our only natural intense reaction to perceived stress, but new research by psychologist Shelly Taylor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and her colleagues suggests that learning from male rats has its serious limitations.

Taylor's research indicates that we do not always have to think of ourselves as in competition against others and the world. No matter how normal the fight-or-flight response has become, we have a choice of another, less toxic way of dealing with stress. She calls it the "tend-and-befriend response," and it is related to McClelland's RAS (relaxed affiliation syndrome).

Taylor's conclusions are based on the discovery that females...

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: November 1 - 7, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun quincunx Chiron, Mercury opposite Eris

TUE: Mercury square Pluto, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus

THU: New Moon 2:14 p.m. PDT, Sun opposite Uranus

FRI: Venus enters Capricorn, Mercury enters Scorpio

SAT: Pluto sesquiquadrate Ceres, Mercury sextile Venus

SUN: Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune

WE NOW BEGIN another stage of our "final ascent" through these last months of 2021. The new leg of our journey is christened this week by an especially enlightening New Moon, which leads us to a partial Lunar Eclipse on November 19 and then to an auspicious Total Solar Eclipse on December 3.

This next phase of our trek will take us into higher elevations, so we'll need to take special care of our physical, mental, and emotional states. It will be vital to be aware of when we need to rest along the way. In anticipation of the trail ahead, we may also want to lighten the load we are carrying, so that we are as unencumbered as possible. That means attending to any unfinished business now, anything that could distract us or unnecessarily tax our energy.

DO YOU REMEMBER the beginning of October? Can you recall what issues you were grappling with at that time? On the first day of that month, retrograde Mercury was square Pluto and opposite Eris, forming a cardinal T-square. It's likely that we were dealing with stressful situations and perhaps conflicts or confrontations as October got underway.

This week, there's a sense of déjà vu, since the exact same aspects are in effect on Monday and Tuesday as were in effect on October 1. We may face challenges that are similar to those we were dealing with a month ago, or perhaps we will be working to finally wrap up the issues we were dealing with then.

The good news is that...

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Written by Steve Taylor and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

In the midst of intense suffering, an amazing transformation can occur. It sometimes happens to soldiers on a battlefield, to the inmates of prison camps who are on the verge of starvation, to people who have been through periods of severe addiction, depression, bereavement, and so on.

I call this phenomenon “transformation through turmoil” (or TTT, for short). I have been researching the phenomenon for 15 years and have investigated many remarkable cases. In my book Extraordinary Awakenings, I share some of these cases, and explore what we can learn from TTT and apply to our own personal development.

The awakenings are extraordinary in two ways: first, because they occur in such unexpected circumstances, and second, because they have such an incredible effect. People feel completely reborn, as if they are completely different people.

In psychology, there is a concept called ‘post-traumatic growth,’ which describes how trauma can have long term positive effects. In the long run, it can lead to an enhanced sense of appreciation and meaning, more authentic relationships, a wider sense of perspective, and so on.

TTT (Transformation Through Turmoil) is an extreme and dramatic form of post-traumatic growth...

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Based on the book Extraordinary Awakenings*.

from New World Library. NewWorldLibrary.com

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

One of my favorite dishes at Chinese restaurants used to be Sweet and Sour anything... I loved the tangy "sour" flavor combined with the sweetness in the sauce.

I think that "sweet and sour" is an apt description for life... some sweetness mixed in with some sour, or in a non-food comparison, light mixed with dark. Many of us would probably prefer to only have the sweet experiences of life. However, at this time, on this planet, that is not our reality. We have a bit of a smorgasbord of events and experiences -- some sweet, some sour.

The key may be to discover the sweetness that is embedded even in the sour moments. A hurricane brings out the helpfulness in neighbors, an injury encourages people to empathize, a crying child brings out the desire to comfort and help, etc.

So, rather than focusing on the sour aspects of life, we can choose to notice the sweet experiences that can be hidden in the sour moments. And more than that, we can choose to add some love, caring and compassion to life's recipe, and thus increase the total amount of sweetness in the world.

The Power of Intent If we start off with the thought that we "won't succeed" at something, since the Universe responds to what we say and think, it interprets that as a request... that we not succeed. After all, didn't we just state, or project, that we wouldn't?

This is why our intention is such a powerful tool in everyday life. We must...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I lovingly and openly share my dreams with others. We all have a role to play in the lives of the people around us. Because we are all connected, our highest dreams and visions are also connected. Sometimes we are the missing link and needed connection between two people. And sometimes we are the missing piece in someone else's puzzle, or vice versa.

We mustn't let fear of ridicule or being misunderstood keep us from sharing our dreams. When we share our dreams and visions with others, we allow them to see how they fit into our puzzle.

The more we lovingly and openly do our part in this global experience called Life on Planet Earth, the more we can help make a greater vision come true.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: Share Your Dreams

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of sharing your dreams and visions with others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we lovingly and openly share our dreams with others.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to daydream with the intention of imagining a better future. Our hopes and dreams are the foundation of our future. The life we create, day by day, is based on them. However, our dreams also include the nightmarish stories we tell ourselves about the future.

Our dreams have two settings: daydream-mode and nightmare-projection mode. Rather than let our mind roam freely from one to the other, we can choose the mode that brings us more joy, more love, and more inner peace.

We can change our settings from fear-mode to daydream mode. We can daydream with the intention of imagining a better future. This guides us to discover what our heart truly desires, and helps us create the future that we wish for ourselves... and for all.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: Dream Intently

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of daydreaming a wonderful future (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to daydream with the intention of imagining a better future.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: My loving words, attitude and actions can make a difference.

Turning on a light in a dark room makes the darkness disappear. In much the same way, lighting up our heart with love can make the darkness disappear in our life and the lives of those around us.

When we see someone who is sad or upset, our loving words, attitude and actions can make a difference in their experience.

While darkness is part of life, just as night and day, the light of a loving heart can lighten up the darkness. Our attitude and our actions can light up the world.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: Lighting the Darkness

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of lighting up the world (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our loving words, attitude and actions can make a difference.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I experiment with changing the thoughts I repeat to myself. What we listen to, and what we pay attention to, shapes our experience of life. And this includes the chatter going on in our head. We've got certain tracks on repeat, such as "nobody loves me" or "everybody is picking on me" or "I'm..." whatever your pet peeve is.

When we repeat these "sound bites" over and over, they have a tendency to become all we focus on, and thus they become all we see. We don't hear or see the joy, the love, the pleasure of life, because our channel is tuned in to the negative blah, blah, blah channel.

Fortunately, you are the one who decides which inner, and outer, channel you tune in to and listen to. Experiment with changing the thoughts you repeat to yourself, thus radically changing the soundtrack of your life.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: The Soundtrack of Your Life

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of the inner soundtrack you have on repeat (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we experiment with changing the thoughts we repeat to ourselves.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose to trust my instincts and act upon them.

Animals (humans included) all have instincts... Our instincts alert us to danger, and they also inspire us to go where there is something wonderful awaiting us. Our instinct leads us to the sweetness of life and assists us in manifesting our intentions.

All we need to do is keep our senses open and remain aware for messages and hints from the world-at-large (a.k.a. The Universe) and from our own inner self.

And then, of course, it is up to us to choose to trust our instincts and act upon them.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: Trust Your Instincts

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting your instincts (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to trust our instincts and act upon them.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I align my thoughts and beliefs with my stated intentions. If we start off with the thought that we won't succeed at something, the Universe responds to what we say and think, and interprets that as a request... that we don't want to succeed. After all, didn't we just state that we wouldn't?

This is why our intention is such a powerful tool in everyday life. We must have the intention (which includes our expectations, beliefs, etc.) that we will attain our goal. Whatever our goal is, whether short-term or long-term, our belief translates into intention.

If we want to attain a goal, we must first believe that we will attain it, or at the least that we can attain it. If we start off with the thought (again which becomes translated into an intent) that we won't reach our goal, we just closed the door in our own face. Just be sure to examine your thoughts and beliefs and make sure they align with your stated intentions.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life: The Power of Intent

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of believing in the possibility of your intentions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we align our thoughts and beliefs with our stated intentions.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Until Gutenberg invented the printing press, it was difficult to challenge authority, hence the stability of the systems in place for centuries, even millennia. The printing press allowed an increase in the circulation of ideas in all fields, which accelerated even more with the modern media: radio, telephone, television, etc.

But with the invention of the Internet, we can really talk about an explosion of information. Anyone, even those living on the smallest island in the Pacific or floating on an iceberg in Antarctica, if they have a good Wi-Fi connection, can have access to a library of almost all the human knowledge of all times, in all fields, updated continuously.

The Doctor's Word Was Gospel When I was a child, what the family doctor said was gospel, and no one would even have thought of disputing it.

A few years ago, having to consult a urologist for a serious problem, he strongly recommended an extremely heavy therapy with the worst predictions for my survival if I did not follow his recommendations. Having access to the Internet led me to go see another specialist who recommended an infinitely lighter treatment which, after a few months of a simple course of injections, quickly reversed the problem.

Today, concerning Covid, the internet is inundated with the most varied and often contradictory recommendations of leading medical experts. And between the anti and pro...

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ck of Knowledge?

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Written by Areva Martin and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As the world navigates the complexities of gender inequity and the systems that hold it in place, individual women are trying to navigate their own industries. Hard work alone will not earn recognition from the system. Often, you need connections, clout, or a mentor to open doors for you. Those "doors"—including jobs, projects, or speaking opportunities—have been shut to women for decades.

Just as they hold the power, men hold the keys. Women often find themselves searching for a male mentor who can (metaphorically) open doors for them. You can't open a door simply by "leaning in" to it.

Although men see the benefits of mentorship, they are not likely to offer these opportunities to women. For decades, this was due to the lie that women were inferior, or that our value only came from our beauty or ability to care for the home. In the post-#MeToo era, men find themselves withholding mentorship opportunities for other reasons. They don't want to get "canceled" or "#MeToo-d," or they simply refuse to believe that gender inequity exists!

This creates a cycle of women fruitlessly leaning into closed doors. Worse, it enforces the lies we have been told about our inferiority to men and our "place" in the home or on the lower rungs of corporate America. In order to discuss solutions to problems of discrimination, we must think bigger than legislation. We must dismantle the system that has encouraged this discrimination and create...

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Written by Alliison Carmen and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: While this article is written "for women", it can also be read and adapted to the male gender, as "beauty" is not restricted only to the female gender -- and self-empowerment applies to all.

*“The best and most beautiful things in the world

cannot be seen, nor even touched,

but just felt in the heart.”*

— Helen Keller

Definition of beauty: *"that which gives

the highest degree of pleasure

to the senses or the mind..."

-- Merriam-Webster dictionary*

I felt so ugly when my husband left me. I felt so rejected that there was no blush, no cover-up, and no Botox that would give me a lift. I needed to redefine what beauty meant to me to see if beauty could become "that which gives pleasure to my senses or my mind." as Merriam-Webster suggested. How could I feel whole as I walk out my door, go to work, and interact with the world without finding a way to embrace my true beauty?

I had nowhere else to turn. So, one day in October, I decided to explore beauty as that which was pleasurable to me and nobody else, just to see what would happen. I sat for a while, thinking about what gave me pleasure and what gave me pain. I was fully aware of the fact that the socially constructed idea of beauty was creating a lot of pain for me and not much pleasure. I started to question what my true beauty was. If I experienced my true beauty, how would I feel inside? I truly believed that I would feel pleasure and peace. I would feel whole. I would feel more freedom.

As I was playing with this idea, I decided to take a walk outside. It was a beautiful day, and it felt more like summer than fall. During my walk, I saw a young woman coming toward me. She was the picture of what I believed the media and mainstream culture would tell me is beauty...

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Written by Vanessa Vieites and Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

The distance from home that kids are allowed to roam and play has shrunk significantly over the last 50 years. That’s largely due to parents’ concerns over safety, especially in cities. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has further restricted children’s independent activity.

As a Ph.D. student in psychology, I studied factors that affect people’s spatial navigation skills – or how they understand their location and the features within their surroundings. I was also curious about the possible childhood origins of gender differences in how men and women navigate, and why women feel more anxious when trying to find their way around unfamiliar areas.

My findings suggest that children who are allowed to roam by themselves farther away from their homes are likely to become better, more confident navigators as adults than children who are more restricted.

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About the Author Vanessa Vieites, Postdoctoral Associate, Rutgers University. Vanessa Vieites is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow at The Conversation US sponsored by AAAS.

This article originally appeared on The Conversation

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Written by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Narrated by AI

If death from disease is the the ultimate judgement of a society's quality of healthcare then US healthcare is an abject failure. The US is the home of 20% of the world's deaths from Covid-19 while only having 4% of the world's population. And as disturbing, the US has spent more and endured more economic loss than any other society. I have no economic statistic to back this up but like Bill Maher says "I just know it's true".

In more ways than the pandemic, the US has fallen behind the rest of the world when it comes to the health of its citizens. Yet, the US spends, on average, nearly twice above average for healthcare than its wealthy competitors in the OECD.

Those seeking to justify the cost of the US system will often claim that it is the best healthcare in the world. And when challenged with the fact that it isn't true they will fall back on "if one can afford it". Sadly even that that seems factually incorrect. It's just the most expensive. Why?

US Society Gets Little For The Extra Buck The country that spends the most on healthcare, other than the US, of the OECD countries is Switzerland. They, like the US have a private system but it is heavily regulated and supervised much like the system used to be in the US when there were many non-profit solutions prior to the neoliberalism era.

In 2018, the US spent $3.6 Trillion, $11,172 per person, or 17.7% of GDP according to the CDC. If the US could spend just as much per capita as the second most expensive system in the world, which is Switzerland, the US would save 30% or $1 Trillion a year. All of that 30% extra is wasted by US healthcare as the overall health outcome of the US is inferior to Switzerland's...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I notice the sweetness of life in every moment. One of my favorite dishes at Chinese restaurants used to be Sweet and Sour anything... I loved the tangy "sour" flavor combined with the sweetness in the sauce. I think that "sweet and sour" is also an apt description for life... some sweetness mixed in with some sour.

Many of us would probably prefer to only have the sweet experiences of life. However, at this time, on this planet, that is not our reality. We have a bit of a smorgasbord of events and experiences -- some sweet, some sour.

The key may be to discover the sweetness that is embedded even in the sour moments. A hurricane brings out the helpfulness in neighbors, an injury encourages people to empathize, a crying child brings out the desire to comfort and help, etc.

So, rather than focusing on the sour aspects of life, we can choose to notice the sweet moments and experiences that can be hidden in the sour moments. And more than that, we can choose to add some love, caring and compassion to life's recipe, and thus increase the total amount of sweetness in the world.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Sweetness of Life

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of noticing the sweetness in life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we notice the sweetness of life in every moment.

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Astrological Overview: October 25 - 31, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

TUE: Venus square Neptune

THU: Venus semisquare Saturn, Venus sextile Jupiter, Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune

SAT: Venus trine Eris, Sun square Saturn, Mars enters Scorpio, Mercury quincunx Neptune

SUN: Mercury trine Jupiter

STILL BREATHLESS and a bit wobbly-legged from the steep climb that has been the month of October, we now pause to assess our current position and also observe what lies ahead. We are still engaged in "the final ascent" for the next two months, but to offset the challenges of the continued climb, we will be seeing some incredible vistas.

For the most part, planetary events in the rest of 2021 will propel us forward, as compared to tangling our feet in the web of what is falling away. The main exception to this is a stumbling block in the form of the final Saturn-Uranus square that occurs on December 23.

MOST WOULD AGREE that perceived time is moving very quickly these days. Our sense of that variability in the time-space continuum will grow even stronger from now through the end of 2021, driven by some very mind-expanding cosmic events.

Starting with next week's New Moon, we enter eclipse season, a two-month period that usually corresponds with rapid changes, karmic resolution, and an acceleration in spiritual evolution. This upcoming...

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As much as we like to think of ourselves as unique individuals, we all have so much in common. One of those things is a need or yearning for love. Even the most hardened criminal needs to be loved. And actually, maybe one reason they are as they are was the lack of love in their childhood... but that's conjecture on my part as I don't think I know any hardened criminal personally. And maybe there is no such thing as a hardened criminal... only a person "temporarily hardened" by life experiences. But I digress.

All of us, even animals, need to love and be loved. We need it for basic survival, we need it for growth, both physical and emotional, and we need it for happiness.

Loving Relationships While most of us think of our parents as the first people we were in relationship with, actually we are the first person we were in relationship with. And we will be the last. Thus that makes our relationship with ourselves the most important one.

That being said, in order to be at peace with ourselves, we need to be at peace with those around us. An angry and agitated person cannot be at peace with themselves, whatever the cause of their stress. So our goal needs to be to establish a loving relationship with the people around us so we can have a peaceful relationship with ourselves... and vice versa.

The card "Loving Relationships" in the Manifesting Your Mastery deck, starts with this statement: "The relationships I have are loving, open, honest, and filled with mutual respect and trust." This is a worthy and worthwhile goal for us to have, each and every day of our life. And we must remember to include ourselves in that... being loving and respectful of ourselves is also part of the loving relationship goal...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am calm, relaxed, and blissfully peaceful. Life can feel chaotic with its many stresses and challenges. However, when we maintain a peaceful perspective, things flow much more smoothly. We always have the choice to react from tension, or from peace. The difference can be as simple as taking a deep breath and looking for the good, rather than the bad.

Every coin, and every experience, has two sides or two perspectives. We can view any experience from the perspective of "what can I learn from this" rather than see it as an atrocious experience. Seeking to learn will bring us to the center of our peaceful soul, which generates joy and well-being. Feeling frustration and anger will take us away from our calm inner center.

A good affirmation or thought to focus on is "I am calm, relaxed, and blissfully peaceful." Repeat that sentence, even when you don't feel it...or especially when you don't feel it. It might feel a bit like a case of "fake it 'til you make it", but it's actually more a case of focusing on the end-result you desire... inner calm, outer relaxation, and feeling blissfully peaceful.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships and a Peaceful Soul

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of inner calm and outer relaxation (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are calm, relaxed, and blissfully peaceful.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: If I had the wisdom of an Old Soul, what would I do? One of our assets is previous knowledge and experience. That experience of previous relationships is all part of the tools we have to use in our day-to-day encounters. We learn from previous successes and failures.

We also have the benefit of the experience of the whole world when we tune in to our inner guidance and intuition. In this way, we have access to all the experience and knowledge of all the souls on earth - past, present, and future.

So anytime we are confused and need direction, we can access our memory banks for reference points that will connect to our current situation. We can also go within and tap into the wisdom of All That Is. One way to do that is by asking, If I had the wisdom of an Old Soul, what would I do? Or if you're more comfortable with specific images, What would Jesus (or Buddha) do?

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships: Old Soul Wisdom

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting to old soul wisdom (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: If I had the wisdom of an Old Soul, what would I do?

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to connect within to my source of guidance, creativity, and well-being. When our only connection is to the outside world, we are subject to its fantasies, to its fads, to its fears. When, instead, we choose to connect with the better angels of our nature, our inner self, we can tap in to a source of bliss and creativity.

When we connect within, we discover that we always have access to a well of peace, of acceptance of what is, and of guidance to create what we desire... love, joy, health, well-being, etc.

The outside world will always do its thing. It will present challenges, moments of exhilaration and despair, and times of neutrality or R&R. However, regardless of external circumstances, we can choose to be in a bad mood, or a good mood. We can choose to look for solutions rather than remain in a mindset of confusion and fear. We can choose to connect to our inner source of guidance, creativity, and well-being. In this way, we establish a solid foundation of inner peace which then transmits throughout all our relationships.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships: Connected Within

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being connected to your inner source of guidance, creativity, and well-being (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to connect within to our source of guidance, creativity, and well-being.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I am filled with Love

Once we start living from a center of Love and Peace, we connect with the essence of Divinity that resides within us. We become filled with Love.

The spark of light and love that resides inside of our being, inside of our heart, is the essence of Divinity. It is us, and we are it. We are One with Love.

The more we remember who we truly are -- Love -- the better and happier our life will be.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships: Filled with Love

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of your heart being filled with Love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our hearts are filled with Love.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to feel peace and radiate peace. At times, we can be our worst enemy. We do this mostly through the thoughts we harbor in our mind. We often project our doubts and fears on others, assuming that they are thinking what our worst fears assume they are thinking.

Since we can never be certain what someone else is thinking, we can choose instead to imagine the good things they may be thinking. When we fear being ridiculed, or think someone is insulting or rejecting us, we can choose to imagine being loved and accepted instead.

In this way, we choose to feel peace, rather than fear, anger, frustration, impatience, etc. Rather than wrap ourselves up in doubts and fears, we can choose to wrap ourselves (and others) in a bubble of Love, and radiate peace.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships: I Radiate Peace

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of radiating peace both inside and outside of yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to feel peace and radiate peace.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I remind myself: I love you and I am loved.

As we develop friendships and loving relationships, we discover that others do love us for who we are... quirks and all. They are not as judgmental towards us as we, perhaps, are to ourselves.

So once we recognize that others see that we are worthy of being loved, we can accept that we can love ourselves, even if we don't live up to our own expectations for our own self.

We remind ourselves that we are loved just the way we are. Every day, we tell ourselves: I love you and I am loved.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships: I Am Loved

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of knowing that you are loved (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remind ourselves: I love you and I am loved.

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Written by Robert B. Jennings and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Once there was the Library of Alexandria, then the Gutenberg Press, and now the Internet. This is not to diminish the importance of other libraries throughout history or in any culture. Nor is it to diminish other publishing innovations. But suffice it to say these events were important turning points in the history of humanity.

I once wrote and was quoted, in the early days of the world wide web, that the internet was the equivalent of, or surpassed, the importance of the Gutenberg Press which democratized the written word by ushering in the spread of knowledge to the common man.

It is one thing to have access to a library or bookstore or TV. It is quite another to have much of the world's news, thoughts, musings, and academic works at the snap of my fingers or few touches on a keyboard.

The internet still works for me -- mostly because I learned in college many years ago to gather multiple books on a subject in order to look for truths and inaccuracies. And in life, I learned to be willing to change a "fact" when confronted with new information, and always question current beliefs.

What is increasingly obvious is the dark side that is engulfing the internet and is spreading inaccuracies, falsehoods and propaganda to an unsuspecting, busy, or lazy audience. Sometimes it's just human error. However, more often than not, it is nefarious motives by countries, groups, or individuals attempting to distort perceptions.

I firmly believe in the doctrine of good overcoming evil but have learned that...

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Written by Alan Cohen and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

As I was checking out of a grocery store, I asked the clerk if she was looking forward to removing her mask when our state releases its mask requirement. “I’ve kind of gotten used to it,” she replied. “I might keep wearing it even after I don’t have to.”

Her response reminded me of a poignant scene in the movie The Princess Bride. Inigo Montoya is a swashbuckling swordsman who has spent his entire adult life seeking to find the man who assassinated his father. Many times each day he practices cornering the killer, pressing his sword against the man’s chest, and telling him, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”Inigo eventually catches up with the assassin and does him in. As Inigo is exiting the castle, his sidekick asks him, “Now that you have avenged your father’s death, what will you do with your life?”Inigo stops in his tracks, a blank look washes over his face, and he confesses, “I have been in the revenge business so long, I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Steeped In Fear, Protection, and Defense It is possible to become so steeped in fear, protection, and defense, that when we no longer need to protect ourselves, we may continue to do so out of habit and a sense of safety behind elaborate barricades. This dynamic goes far beyond Inigo Montoya and Covid masks. It applies to much of our life.

We have all adapted to a threatening world with masks we lay over our natural self. Such guises often take the form of a victim identity...

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Written by Julia Paulette Hollenbery and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

There is an abundance of pleasure possible for us all, a great deal more than we currently live. It is freely available to everyone without discrimination or expense. It is constantly accessible in each moment and with every interaction...

The Universe of Deliciousness is a reality hidden in plain sight. It is an essential state of pleasure, satisfaction and connection that has been experienced and described by many throughout history. Ancient Indian poet-saints referred to “this body of bliss”.

The Journey to Bliss I am inviting you to make a journey without moving, from the surface of life to the depths, where delicious, satisfying pleasure awaits. We will travel by way of paying attention to ourselves and to others, and by choosing awareness of our perception and experiences, exploring our physical body with all of its sensations, feelings, imaginations and knowings, and opening ourselves up to the multi-dimensional richness...

This is an adventure that may change your life, allowing you to enter into a dynamic stillness of full-bodied being. It is about sexuality and healing, sustainability and the Earth, love, creativity and mystery. It shows how pleasure is nourishment, transforming us from an existence as competing individuals to collaboration as a cooperative community...

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Reprinted with permission of the publisher,

Findhorn Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Life. It's something we all have in common, no matter our religion, our race, our gender, our whatever. We are alive! Which means we have choices we make, constantly, whether we are aware of it or not. We get to choose from a wide palette of emotions, attitudes, and actions. Some may be adopted from our heritage, our environment, our siblings, our friends, and some may be unique to us.

Choose Life's Colors While we may sometimes get caught up in "poor me" attitudes and think we have no control over anything that happens to us, the truth is quite a different matter. We always have a choice. And we always do choose -- even when our choice is "no choice", which of course is a choice in itself.

The "Choose Life's Colours" card in The Life Navigator Deck reads:

"You can either paint a dark picture of life -- or choose a brighter, happier palette. The brilliant hues of joy, gratitude and love will turn your life into a glowing work of art."

If your day is dreary, sing a happy song, or watch some funny videos, or play with a child, to help you change the lens you are seeing through. Once we realize that our energy is dependent on the choices we make, it makes it easier to make those decisions that support our well-being and our innate joy.

Life Is About Balance While life may seem to be about extremes - night and day, winter and summer, love and hate -- it is actually about the balance between all of those. While all extremes exist, we learn to...

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

With the advent of electronic devices, privacy isn't what it was just a couple of decades ago. That of course has pros and cons, and that's another topic for another day.

It's lovely that there is still one area that remains private: what we are thinking at any moment. You never really know what kind of commentary another person is running, but you always know what you're thinking.

Regardless of what's going on in our outer world, we all are free to think what we want. We can go to prison for our spoken and written words and actions, but not for our thoughts. This applies to the way we view ourselves, other people, and situations.

When I'm walking down the street, I can think judgmental thoughts or kind thoughts about both myself and others. And since I'm not a mind reader, sometimes it is a fun exercise to guess what someone might be thinking at any given moment...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My relationships are loving, open, honest, and filled with mutual respect and trust. In order to be at peace with ourselves, we need to be at peace with those around us. An angry and agitated person cannot be at peace with themselves, whatever the cause of their stress.

The card "Loving Relationships" in the Manifesting Your Mastery deck, starts with this statement: "The relationships I have are loving, open, honest, and filled with mutual respect and trust." This is a worthy and worthwhile goal for us to have, each and every day of our life.

And we must remember to include ourselves in that... being loving and respectful of ourselves is also part of the loving relationship goal. So our goal needs to be to establish a loving relationship with the people around us so we can have a peaceful relationship with ourselves... and vice versa.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Loving Relationships and a Peaceful Soul

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of loving, open, and honest relationships (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our relationships are loving, open, honest, and filled with mutual respect and trust.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: October 18 - 24, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury stations direct 8:16 a.m. PDT, Mars trine Jupiter

TUE: Venus quincunx Uranus

WED: Full Moon 7:56 a.m. PDT

THU: Mars opposite Eris, Mars square Pluto

FRI: Sun enters Scorpio

SUN: Mercury quincunx Uranus

THE EGG MUST CRACK for new life to emerge. This week, the planets provide the energy that will both drive new growth and accelerate the breaking away of old encasements.

From Mercury going direct, to a highly energizing Mars-Jupiter trine, to a pivotal Aries Full Moon, to Mars activating the Pluto-Eris square, to the Sun making ingress into truth-seeking Scorpio, there's a lot going on in the next few days!

WITH SO MANY powerful events occurring in the heavens this week, it will feel somewhat like we're caught up in a whirlwind. Remember to breathe, spend as much time as you can communing with nature, move through your days with integrity, and view yourself and others through the eyes of compassion.

Our point of focus, while always important, is especially key this week. On our "final ascent" through these last months of 2021, we are now traversing a section of the trail that is not only steep, but also rocky and slippery. At such times, we must be patient, carefully watch where we place our feet, move with intention, and be willing to stop and reconsider our best trajectory instead of simply continuing in the direction we've been headed.

LIFE IS, of course, a continuous process, which means...

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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I make plans and then allow something even better to manifest. If we try to meticulously plan for everything in the future, we are often wasting our time. Life has a way of magically heading in a direction other than the one we had chosen. Sometimes that is difficult, and sometimes it is a wonderful surprise.

The best way to enjoy life is to loosely make plans, then allow for those plans, or something better, to manifest. I read about someone who was looking for a job and who said: "I prayed for something - God laughed and gave me better".

When we are willing to have dreams, and trust that they will manifest in perhaps a different way that we envision, we allow ourselves to experience the mystery of life, with its numerous blessings.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Always Something Better

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting that life is getting better (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we make plans and then allow something even better to manifest.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to let the flow of Life guide me to new experiences and new solutions. We've been taught to try to control life, others, and ourselves. But what if we chose instead to honor the uniqueness and the oneness in everything... and allow others to be who they are, allow ourselves to live our truth, and flow with the "coincidences" and synchronicities of life.

When we resist what is, we dig in our heels and end up stagnant, stuck in place. However, when we pay attention to the direction Life is flowing, we often discover pathways that we had not seen while we were busy focusing on the one path that we thought was "the one" we were "supposed" to be on.

The solution? Relax. Be attentive to what "shows up" in your life, and then be willing to let the flow of Life and Love guide you to new experiences and new solutions.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Life Flows

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of flowing with Life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to let the flow of Life guide us to new experiences and new solutions.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I create space and time for stillness and connect to inner peace.

Stillness comes when we disconnect from the chatter, both internal and external. When we breathe deeply and remain focused on the present moment, rather than reminisce about the past or worry about the future, peace finds its way into our being.

Inner peace is not an end game. It is a daily necessity in order to discover our true path, tap into our source of joy. and connect with our source of inspiration.

Creating space and time for stillness in our life allows our soul to connect to the essence of inner peace.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Stillness is of the Essence

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of connecting to stillness and inner peace (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we create space and time for stillness and connect to inner peace.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I look for my blessings and name them... one by one. Even on the darkest day when the clouds seem to be everywhere, the sun is always present, up behind the clouds. The sun is always there, even when we don't see it.

And so it is with the blessings in our life. They are always there, whether we are conscious of them or not. Sometimes they are hidden behind the dark clouds of our thoughts and attitudes, but the blessings are nevertheless always present.

The best way to discover our blessings is to start looking for them and naming them... one by one. And once you start looking for them, it will become easier to recognize them - big and small - all around you. The more we recognize them and are thankful for them, the more they will appear to our awareness.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Blessings are Everywhere

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of recognizing your blessings (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we look for our blessings and name them... one by one.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I trust that I will find my way, one step at a time. Life can be confusing. At times, we are not sure where we are headed, or if we are headed in the right direction, or even how to get to where we desire to be.

At those times, we need to stay focused on where we want to be -- not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. Keep the end point in your mind and heart, and let the Universe, in all its forms, guide you each step of the way via information, synchronicities or "coincidences", and guidance in its many formats.

Even if we are not sure which way is the "right" way, we proceed by listening to our heart and our intuition, and trusting that the path will be revealed as we need it, and we will find our way one step at a time.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Finding Your Way

by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting that you will find your way (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we trust that we will find our way, one step at a time.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I remember that, in time, everything passes.

We learn to live life in balance, accepting that there are ups and downs, moments of extreme joy and extreme pain, moments of love and times where love seems absent.

And when we learn to accept the ups and downs, we learn to enjoy the middle ground, without needing the extreme highs and lows to feel alive. We learn to feel alive in the middle, in the balance, between the extremes.

We realize that everything exists in flux. And we remember that, in time, everything passes.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Life Is About Balance

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living in balance between the extremes (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that, in time, everything passes.

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Written by Robert Jennings and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Having grown up "near literally" in the backyard of the University of Florida, I was very passionate about education for the masses. It was my go-to answer for nearly all the ills that afflicted society. If only they understood.While finishing my business degree, I was influenced by my father-in-law who was completing his doctorate of education also at the University of Florida and had embraced an Open Classroom approach he helped introduce into the school system where he was a principal.

Ten years later, in the late 70s, while studying at the University of Central Florida in elementary education, I was introduced to the two conflicting ideas proposed by B.F. Skinner and Carl Rogers -- both giants in behavioral psychology.

Skinner considered free will to be an illusion and saw human action as dependent on consequences of previous actions, a theory he would articulate as reinforcement.Rogers on the other hand promoted a person-centered approach which was his unique approach to understanding personality and human relationships that is now found in wide application in psychotherapy, counseling, and education.

Perhaps Skinners' conditioning approach was suitable for some...

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Written ty Connie Zweig and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Each day, as sunlight dims and dusk falls, I stop. For more than fifty years, I’ve watched the light turn to darkness, then closed my eyes to make the transition from doing to being, from fast to slow, from outward to inward.

For me, dusk, the time when the glare of the day diminishes but the blackness of night has not yet blanketed the sky, is a sacred time. So, I have paid attention to dusk, the time between the world of light and the world of darkness, and I noticed a feeling of loss as another day wanes and a feeling of eagerness as another evening embraces me.

Eager For What? I’m eager to immerse myself in the expansive ocean of silence that is simply there as I close my eyes and enter meditation, breathing in, breathing out, releasing the day’s stimulation, emptying the internal noise that goes with it, and sinking into the vastness.

After some years of feeling precious intimacy with my breath, I realized that each meditation is like practicing dying, going deeper within, letting go of it all, and breathing out one last time. Then I realized, while writing this paragraph, that this ritualized practice has helped me to prepare for the greater Dusk—for aging consciously into the twilight of my time here.

Before we cultivate pure awareness, our inner world is splashed with the colors of intense emotions. We believe our fleeting thoughts, and we unconsciously identify with the shadow character that is emerging in the moment. In the context of aging, the result is grief, paralysis, shame: “I’m too old or weak for that,” rather than “I’m feeling weak today.” Or “I am useless,” rather than “I’m not feeling like doing much today.” We become lost in the shadow character—and have no portal to silence...

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Written by Carl Greer and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In the physical world, things have a past and a future, a beginning, and an end. For example, I’m sitting on a chair in my office at my desk that I’ve had for more than fifty years. At some point, this chair was just an idea in someone’s head. They designed it and then, it was engineered and constructed from materials like wood, fabric, and metal.

I don’t know how long its natural life will be. It squeaks when I lean back, which I could probably fix. At some point, whatever repairs I make to the chair won’t be enough to make it comfortable, and it will reach the end of its natural life. Then what? Will it be tossed in a landfill? Recycled or repurposed? I don’t know, but I do know this…

All things have a beginning and end, a useable life span that varies, including people. Our design is influenced by our parents’ DNA, our upbringing, our life choices, and our environment. You have a certain number of years you will live. Knowing that, and given your design, engineering, and construction, have you reflected on how long you will last and what you can do to extend your life?

What Does Your Future Look Like? A chair doesn’t change much from year to year or decade to decade, but people do. We are always in process. We can do our best to evolve to meet changing conditions and attempt to halt or reverse deteriorating conditions such as aging joints that are beginning to ache. What are you doing to make sure that however many months and years you have left, you spend your time doing what matters to you?

I could get a new chair, but at 81 years old, I have bigger priorities than trying to fix my chair and it...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose joy, gratitude, and love as my life's colors. While we may sometimes get caught up in "poor me" attitudes and think we have no control over anything that happens to us, the truth is quite a different matter. We always have a choice. And we always do choose -- even when our choice is "no choice", which of course is a choice in itself.

The "Choose Life's Colours" card in The Life Navigator Deck reads:

"You can either paint a dark picture of life -- or choose a brighter, happier palette. The brilliant hues of joy, gratitude and love will turn your life into a glowing work of art."

Once we realize that our energy is dependent on the choices we make, it makes it easier to make those decisions that support our well-being and our innate joy. If your day is dreary, sing a happy song, or watch some funny videos, or play with a child, to help you change the lens you are seeing through.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Mystery of Life: Choose Life's Colors

written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing joy, gratitude and love as your life's colors (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose joy, gratitude, and love as our life's colors

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

We go through life with so many questions. Some are simple. What day is it? What will I have for lunch? Should I have another cup of coffee?

Yet even the simplest questions aren't necessarily that simple. If we look at the questions I just brought up, the first one - what day is it - is rather straightforward... though it depends. If you're in New York and you're talking to someone in Australia, then it's not so straightforward because it could be a different day down-under.

But regardless... the other questions like what will I have for lunch may seem simple, but your body has needs, your body has requirements, your emotions have needs and requirements, and also your budget has needs and requirements. So what will I have for lunch is maybe not that simple. Same thing goes for should I have another cup of coffee. Maybe that's not as simple as it could be due to health reasons, stress levels, being rushed for time, or whatever...

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans

Astrological Overview: October 11 - 17, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury quincunx Uranus

WED: Venus sextile Saturn, Sun quincunx Neptune

FRI: Sun trine Jupiter, Venus semisquare Pluto

SAT: Venus trine Chiron, Mars quincunx Neptune, Mercury sextile Venus

SUN: Sun opposite Eris, Sun square Pluto, Jupiter stations direct 10:30 p.m. PDTTHERE IS A GRADUAL but certain shift underway. Within the space of two short weeks, four planets that have been retrograde are ending their backward phase and beginning to move forward once again.Pluto began moving direct last Wednesday (October 6), Saturn stations direct tonight (October 10, at 7:17 p.m. PDT), Jupiter stations direct next Sunday (October 17), and Mercury follows suit on Monday, October 18. As these planets complete their retrograde phase and begin to move forward, we are likewise supported in making progress in various ways, especially in areas that may have seemed delayed or blocked for a while.OUR SUCCESS going forward from here will be built on the insights that we gained during the retrograde phase of each of these planets. This is not about "picking up where we left off"; instead, it is about honoring the deeper awareness we now have, and allowing it to guide our next steps.

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Current week's astrological overview

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What's the most loving choice? Of all the questions, this one is the most important: What's the most loving choice? Whatever we are doing, whatever we are planning. whatever we are thinking, our final decision should always be based on the most loving choice.

Just think about what the state of the world would be if all decisions were based on that question. Would there be starvation, would there be wars, would there be inequality? The obvious answer is that the most loving choice would never lead to any of those.

So while there are many questions. there is really only one answer. And that answer of course is: Love. That includes choosing love for ourselves and towards everyone else. So, whenever we find ourselves seeking an answer, searching for a solution, or looking for a way to proceed, the best question to ask is: What's the most loving choice?

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions... So Many Answers?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of making the most loving choice (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: What's the most loving choice?

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What if I wasn't afraid? One of the things that stops us from following our guidance,or living our dream, is fear. Whether it's fear of being ridiculed, or fear of rejection, or fear of failure, that fear is stopping us from being our true self... Which also means it's stopping us from being happy, from being playful, from being the unique being that we are.

There may be fears running our life that we are not even aware of. Make a list. Write at the top: I am afraid of and then just write a list. No matter how silly the item seems, write it down. And then go through the list one by one and ask yourself what if I wasn't afraid of... Think of how your actions your attitude, your thoughts would be different. Think of the freedom this would give you if you weren't afraid of the items on your list.

So the next time fear stops you from doing or saying something, ask yourself, if I wasn't afraid, what would I do? And then if it feels right in your heart, go for it! Live the life you were meant to live. Be the person you are meant to be and that you truly are.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions...

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of facing and surpassing your fears (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves, "What if I wasn't afraid?"

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What is my heart saying? The greatest guide we have is our heart. It can help get us out of whatever messes we have created, and guide us to be a "best version" of ourselves.

So whenever we find ourselves in a situation where we are uncertain, or caught up in old attitudes, we can ask ourselves: "What is my heart saying?" This is similar to WWJD (What would Jesus do?) or What would Buddha do?. We all have within ourselves that master teacher, that voice of wisdom, that inner guidance, regardless of what tradition we may identify with.

The inner guidance is not connected to any religion or belief. We know in our heart the "right" or "loving" way to be. The challenge is to choose that way even when we are headed in another direction.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions...

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of listening to your heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves often: What is my heart saying?

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What am I deeply grateful for? We have so many things to be grateful for. Yet, perhaps the one thing that is the greatest is that every day we get a chance to start over.

Whatever took place the day before, whatever we said or did, or didn't say or didn't do, the next morning brings us a chance to start anew. A bit like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day who gets to repeat the same day over and over again until he learns the power of Love.

So while, for us, the next day may not be exactly the same as the previous day, it still has, probably, the same location, and the same cast of characters. So, if at first we didn't succeed, we can wipe the slate clean, and try and try again... and for this we can be deeply grateful!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions...

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being grateful for the new day (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask and answer the question: What am I deeply grateful for?

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: What do I really want?

Sometimes we go on automatic pilot. We do things and make choices without really being aware of the choice we are making or the consequence of that choice.

I've found, and I'm sure you've experienced the same thing, that when I do things that I don't really want to do, I end up grumpy, tired, irritable -- and generally not very happy.

Perhaps a good way to start the day is to ask ourselves: What do I really want? And periodically, throughout the day, ask ourselves that question again. This will help us to be true to ourselves and live the life that we are really meant to live.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions...

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of what you really want (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we ask and answer the question: What do I really want?*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I focus on what needs attention in the present moment.

The meaning of living in the moment is basically this: we do what comes to our awareness at the time it comes to our awareness.

If we are tired at 6 p.m., we go to bed. If we're tired at 2 p.m., we go to bed. If we are not hungry, even if it's noon or 6 p.m., we don't eat.

We are best served by focusing on what needs attention in the present moment, not necessarily on what's next on our to-do list.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions... What needs attention?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of focusing on what needs attention in the present moment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we focus on what needs attention in the present moment.*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T Russell

A lot of the "success lore", at least in the USA, leans towards "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps". We hear of "self-made men" (and women). It's as if each person is a completely independent being and all their successes are due to only their own strivings and they are beholden to no one for their attainments.

Of course, we are all unique and we are in charge of our actions, at least to the extent that we haven't been brainwashed or influenced by all the programming around us. Yet, even the most independent person does not stand alone. First of all, every human has a mother and a father without whom they would not even exist. So, "self-made" is an erroneous term right from the beginning.

Accepting the help that comes our way Throughout our life, we have had people in our lives who have assisted us, either through positive or negative role modeling, in becoming who we are now. And then, there are the unseen helpers that come through a book we read, or something we heard or saw, or even a dream that we had.

We are never alone on this journey of life. There is help available at every turn. And it is our task, and our honor, to accept the help that comes to us, in whatever form - human, animal, or nature and spirit. Love is shown to us by life itself in its many aspects. And for this blessing, we can be grateful.

Focus on what you really desire Humans have a tendency to focus on what they don't desire. We say things like: I can't find my keys. In this example, we're not asking for a solution, we're making a statement. Since there is power in words, the end result if that we continue to "not find our keys"

The solution is to...

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*Written by Lis Ku, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, De Montfort University.

Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com.*

Finding the right work-life balance is by no means a new issue in our society. But the tension between the two has been heightened by the pandemic, with workers increasingly dwelling over the nature of their work, its meaning and purpose, and how these affect their quality of life.

Studies suggest people are leaving or planning to leave their employers in record numbers in 2021 – a “great resignation” that appears to have been precipitated by these reflections. But if we’re all reconsidering where and how work slots into our lives, what should we be aiming at?

It’s easy to believe that if only we didn’t need to work, or we could work far fewer hours, we’d be happier, living a life of hedonic experiences in all their healthy and unhealthy forms. But this fails to explain why some retirees pick up freelance jobs and some lottery winners go straight back to work.

Striking the perfect work-life balance, if there is such a thing, isn’t necessarily about tinkering with when, where and how we work – it’s a question of...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About The Author Lis Ku, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, De Montfort University, is an experimental social psychologist who is interested in the impact of socially-grounded values such as materialism on various types of behaviour that have important implications for both individual and societal well-being.

Using laboratory and field methods, her work focuses primarily on testing the application of values and motivational processes to domains such as education, work, health, and prosociality.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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Written by Claire Madigan and Henrietta Graham.

Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Between the ages of 20 and 55, most adults gain between 0.5 and 1kg a year, which could see some people become overweight or obese over time. This weight gain isn’t usually the result of overeating large amounts of food. Instead, it’s usually caused by eating a small amount – around 100-200 extra calories – more than is needed each day.

The good news is that we may be able to prevent ourselves from gaining weight by making small changes to our diet or physical activity. Our recent review found that eating 100-200 calories less, or burning an extra 100-200 calories each day, may be enough to stop ourselves from gaining weight in the long run. This is known as a “small-changes approach”, which was first proposed in 2004 by James Hill, an American expert on obesity, to help people manage their weight.

Many small studies have investigated the use of the small-changes approach for weight management. We combined the results of these smaller studies into a larger review to get an average (and more statistically reliable) result of the effect of this approach on weight management. We looked at 19 trials – 15 of which tested a small-changes approach to prevent weight gain, and four that test this approach for weight loss.

We analysed the data of nearly 3,000 people in weight-gain prevention trials, and 372 people in weight-loss trials. Participants were aged between 18 and 60, 65% of whom were female. In those who used the small-changes approach to prevent weight gain, we found that...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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Written by Rabbi Wayne Dosick. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Sometimes a pandemic—no matter how devastating—is just a pandemic. But sometimes— most times—it is an opening to a whole new way of being.

We stand at the crux of what was and what can and must be. In order for the new world to birth, the old world and its established institutions have to crumble. Nothing is or ever can be the same again—not government, politics, economics, business, work, education, medicine, science and technology, the environment, communication, religion, the arts, leisure, recreation, travel, personal care, intimate relationships, family, community. Everything—everything—will be different.

This breaking precedes a massive breakthrough. Uncertain and painful though it may be, this enormous axial change is the beacon and the gateway to the unfolding redemption, evolution, and transformation of our universe...

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Monkfish Book Publishing. MonkfishPublishing.com/*

Article Source Radical Loving: One God, One World, One People

by Wayne Dosick.

For many of us, it feels as if our world is breaking apart. Long-held, comfortable beliefs are being shattered, and we face unprecedented questions and challenges. How do we heal the harsh divisions of class, race, religion, and cultures that plague us? How do we vanquish sexism, rigid fundamentalism, unabashed nationalism, senseless hatred, and violent terrorism? How do we save our precious planet from the threats to its very existence?

In this book is a bold, visionary, Spirit-filled blueprint for the redemption, transformation, and evolution of our emerging new world through radical loving and a day-to-day sense of the sacred. With age-old wisdom wrapped in contemporary garb, sweet, inspiring stories, keen insights, and gentle guidance, Radical Loving is a call to renewal and to Oneness―a promise that Earth can be Eden once again.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author RABBI WAYNE DOSICK, Ph.D., D.D., is an educator, writer, and spiritual guide who teaches and counsels about faith, ethical values, life transformations, and evolving human consciousness. Well-known for his quality scholarship and sacred spirit, he is the rabbi of The Elijah Minyan, a retired visiting professor at the University of San Diego, and the host of the monthly Internet radio program, SpiritTalk Live! heard on HealthyLife.net. He is the award-winning author of nine critically acclaimed books, including the now-classic Living Judaism, Golden Rules, The Business Bible, When Life Hurts, 20 Minute Kabbalah, Soul Judaism, The Best is Yet To Be, Empowering Your Indigo Child, and, most recently, The Real Name of God: Embracing the Full Essence of the Divine.

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Written by Kimberly Meredith. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Looking at life in this modern world today, there’s no question that a lot of people are dealing with many challenges, both physically and emotionally.

As a medical medium and healer, my Spirit Guides have given me the privilege of helping many thousands of people and animals improve their medical conditions and the quality of their lives. I’ve also had the opportunity to witness the many causes and exacerbating factors that contribute to physical and emotional illness in so many wonderful people.

In my practice, I've seen many lives that have been uprooted and turned upside down by serious diagnoses such as cancer. This is why my life’s mission is to bring help, hope and healing to so many who suffer so much.

The great news is that we can improve our health and wellness, through a number of modalities and approaches, beginning above all with knowledge. When armed with good information, good instruction, and resilience and persistence, we can win the fight for good health.

Healing Is Possible My most important message to you is this: Healing is possible.

Sometimes, when battling a seemingly intractable illness, it can be easy to become discouraged, lose hope, and be tempted to give up.

This is why it’s so important to find...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell.*

Reprinted with permission of the publisher.*

About the Author Kimberly Meredith is a world-renowned medical medium and healer who has helped thousands of people from around the world. Following an accident which resulted in two Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), she received miraculous healing gifts. Kimberly’s abilities have been scientifically validated by numerous research institutes. In addition to hosting the syndicated radio hit, The Medical Intuitive Miracle Show, Kimberly is also a frequent guest on numerous nationally syndicated radio shows and podcasts.

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Written by Barry Vissell and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Albert Einstein famously said,

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

I slightly disagree. I have seen that, for many of us, there is a third way, that only some things are miracles. A lot of us believe in miracles, but only the big, obvious, staring-in-your-face kind, like the birth of your child, finding true love, or even a spectacular sunset or rainbow. But the little, everyday variety of miracle is often overlooked, like the fresh ozone smell in the woods after a rain, the smile on the face of a baby, the lovely house you find to live in, or the prompting you get to call someone, and then find out they are in crisis and need your help.

Don't Believe In Miracles? Sadly, many people simply don't believe in miracles. They believe there is a scientific explanation for all phenomena. Even if they don't know what it is, they believe that, someday, it will be explained scientifically.

The mind simply cannot believe in miracles, while the heart doesn't have to believe. It knows! The mind craves explanations, while the heart transcends explanation. The mind seeks smallness, while the heart is open to vastness. To be open to miracles is to be open to a spiritual dimension of life...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What is my body trying to tell me? One way we can use to answer our questions is to check with our body: what is my body trying to tell me? I've noticed that when I'm paying attention, I can get the answer to a lot of questions...

We get a headache. Why? What caused it? Rather than running to the medicine cabinet and popping a pill to dull the pain, maybe we can first take the time to ask and listen: What is the cause of my headache?

Listening to our body, to our aches and pains, to our discomforts, to our illnesses, to our fears, will tell us what the problem is -- and can help guide us as to how to resolve it. So the next time you don't feel good, ask yourself: What is my body trying to tell me?Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

So Many Questions...

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of listening for what your body is telling you (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us.*

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Astrological Overview: October 4 - 10, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun trine Ceres

TUE: Mercury quincunx Neptune

WED: Mars quincunx Uranus, New Moon 4:05 a.m. PDT, Venus semisquare Mars, Pluto stations direct 11:28 a.m. PDT, Sun quincunx Uranus

THU: Venus enters Sagittarius, Sun conjunct Mars

FRI: Pluto square Eris

SAT: Mercury semisquare Venus, Sun conjunct Mercury, Venus conjunct South Node, Mercury conjunct Mars

SUN: Saturn stations direct 7:17 p.m. PDT

WE HAVE REACHED a major shift point. There is an incredible lineup of powerful planetary events on the agenda this week. Highlights include an invigorating and impetuous New Moon, two planets – transformational Pluto and serious Saturn – at heightened effect due to turning direct, and the fifth and final Pluto-Eris square.

At first, it may be difficult to see how we are going to navigate this very challenging section of the "final ascent" of 2021. The sides of the canyon are steep and the trail appears perilous. And yet throughout, if we shift our gaze, we notice that a light shines from above, illuminating the shadows and our path forward.

OUR NEW LUNAR CYCLE begins on Wednesday, October 6, at 4:05 a.m. PDT, when the Sun and Moon align at 13°24´ Libra. This New Moon is very tightly conjunct Mars (at 13°58´ Libra) and widely conjunct retrograde Mercury (at 20°17´ Libra). This proximity of other planets – and Mars, especially – affects how we interpret the effects of this lunation, and how we understand the unfolding of the next few weeks.

By nature, Libra is diplomatic, eager to build relationship, and motivated by a need for harmony. But as the sign of The Scales, it is also strongly invested in relationship equality and in all parties being treated fairly. Some of the areas within Libra's domain are the law and litigation, as ideally these forms are meant to ensure fairness and order.

WITH WARRIOR MARS conjunct this week's New Moon, the more assertive side of Libra is engaged, the part that fights for a just cause and for equal rights under the law. This means we are likely to see...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I give myself time to heal myself, and my life, in my own way.

When you find yourself struggling in some form or an other, take a few minutes and ask yourself if there's another way, a gentler way, a more balanced way.

Give yourself time to discover the harmonious solution. Be kind to yourself and others by practicing patience.

Let life guide you to heal yourself, and your life, in your own way.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Give Yourself Time, Be Kind, and Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting life guide you to heal yourself, and your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we give ourselves time to heal ourselves, and our life, in our own way*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to make the loving choice.

In the midst of anger, frustration, and impatience, it can be difficult to choose love. But it is not impossible.

Once we set our intention to be a loving person and live a loving life, we may be challenged on our decision,

As long as we are willing to continue making the loving choice, both for ourselves and for others, things will come together to support our decision.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Using Love to Help: Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to make loving choices (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to make the loving choice.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I stay aware and receptive to new possibilities. You're probably familiar with the expression "when one door closes, another door opens". This holds the essence of the beauty of life. There is always another way. another path, another gift. There is no such thing as a dead end -- sometimes you just have to backtrack a bit.

I'm sure like most people, some doors have closed along the scope of your life. However, if you look back upon it, you'll see that following a closed door, another avenue always opened up. And a lot of times, the new pathway was something that we had no idea was there -- until the moment that we needed it.

The trick is to stay aware, to keep our eyes and ears open, our mind and heart receptive, so that we discover -- at the right time and at the right place -- the new possibilities for our future.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

New Possibilities: Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of staying aware and receptive to new possibilities (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we stay aware and receptive to new possibilities.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I am learning to love and respect myself.

Anything that we do, we must first make sure that it starts within us and for us, as well as for others.

And while some may see that as selfish, you can't give water to others if your bucket is empty, and you can't provide food to others if you're starved and dying.

So first, we learn to love and respect ourselves, and then we can turn that around and love and respect others.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Love and Respect Yourself and Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of loving and respecting yourself *(today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we love and respect ourselves.*

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arie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to take charge of the situation. In an ironic twist of life, as my article this week is entitled "Heal In Your Own Way", I fell and broke my wrist yesterday. So I'm discovering the challenges of typing with one hand as my left arm is in a rigid splint and my fingers can't reach the keyboard.

The subject which had been chosen for today's section of my article, and for the Daily Inspiration, is take charge of the situation -- which led me to the discovery of a program of dictation which I'm using to write this update.

My conclusion? When we refuse to be stopped or stymied by the events in our life, and when we are open to looking for alternative solutions, they are there. The first step is to refuse to be blocked by the events around you, and then take charge of the situation.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Take Charge of the Situation and Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking charge of situations (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to take charge of the situation.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to focus on the result I really desire.

Humans have a tendency to focus on what they don't desire. We say things like: I can't find my keys. In this example, we're not asking for a solution, we're making a statement. Since there is power in words, the end result if that we continue to "not find our keys".

The solution is to focus on what we desire, and say instead: Where are my keys?

Once we ask a question or focus on the desired end result, then the Universe can supply the answer or the solution.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Focus and Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of focusing on the end result you desire (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to focus on the results we really desire.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I accept the help that comes to me as a blessing.

We are never alone on this journey of life. There is help available at every turn.

And it is our task, and our honor, to accept the help that comes to us, in whatever form - human, animal, or nature and spirit.

Love is shown to us by life itself in its many aspects. And for this blessing, we can be grateful.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Heal in Your Own Way

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of accepting the help that comes your way (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we accept the help that comes, as a blessing.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

There's an expression that is used by French-Canadians: "Être né pour un petit pain". This expression loosely translates into English as "born for a small loaf of bread". In other words, the sentiment is that one doesn't deserve better than just a small loaf of bread or bread crumbs.

This attitude is the first block to creating a life of bliss for ourselves... .the belief that we don't deserve it. You might think you're not good enough, or that you did something for which you deserve to be punished, or you're not smart enough, or good looking enough, or whatever "enough" you feel you are lacking. Whatever the reason, the end result is that we've then closed the door to a life of abundant joy and blessings.

Aiming High In order to receive the best life has to offer, whether emotionally or physically, we have to believe we deserve it. We have to be willing to aim high for what we desire, whether that is in the realm of relationships, work, money, living situation, etc. If you aim for bread crumbs, chances are that is what you will get. While aiming high may not guarantee you will reach the top of the mountain, it at least pretty much guarantees you won't be stuck at the bottom where the crumbs are.

In order to achieve a goal or a dream, we have to...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio show, Inner Power, in the 1990s which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity. Marie currently is editor and publisher of InnerSelf.com

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*Written by Sam Carr and Chao Fang.

Narrated by Marie T. Russell.*

The pandemic brought the longstanding issue of loneliness and isolation in the lives of older people back into the public consciousness. When COVID-19 hit, we had only just completed the 80 in-depth interviews which formed the dataset for what we called The Loneliness Project – a large-scale, in-depth exploration of how older people experience loneliness and what it means for them.

Paula* had not been living in her retirement apartment for very long when I arrived for our interview. She welcomed me into a modern, comfortable home. We sat in the living room, taking in the impressive view from her balcony and our conversation unfolded.

Paula, 72, told me how four years ago she’d lost her husband. She had been his carer for over ten years, as he slowly declined from a degenerative condition.

She was his nurse, driver, carer, cook and “bottle-washer”. Paula said she got used to people always asking after her husband and forgetting about her. She told me: “You are almost invisible … you kind of go in the shadows as the carer.”

While she had obviously been finding life challenging, it was also abundantly clear that she loved her husband dearly and had struggled profoundly to cope with his death...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sesquiquadrate Jupiter

TUE: Last Quarter Moon 6:57 p.m. PDT

WED: Venus trine Neptune, Sun trine Saturn

THU: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Venus square Jupiter

FRI: Mercury opposite Eris, Mars opposite Chiron, Mercury square Pluto

SAT: Venus sextile Pluto, Venus quincunx Eris, Sun semisquare Venus

SUN: Mars trine Ceres, Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron, Sun opposite Chiron, Mercury trine Jupiter

WE ARE EMBARKING on one of the steepest sections of this "final ascent" that is the last four months of 2021. This is a highly volcanic period, both literally and symbolically. The next six to eight weeks will be profoundly pivotal and life-changing, for individuals and for the global community.

The primary influence we're working with throughout this time is the disruptive and eruptive Pluto-Eris square. This aspect was exact on August 27 and will perfect for the fifth and final time on October 8. We can imagine the August event as one peak in the mountain range, with next week's square being an even higher summit.

Although the aspect isn't exact to the degree until next week, this is one of those astrological influences that has effect for many months (and sometimes years) since it involves two planets that move very slowly through the zodiac. The first Pluto-Eris square occurred in early 2020, which means its lifeline has basically corresponded with the timeline of the pandemic. In fact, the dates of the exact square have correlated to times when the pandemic was at its greatest effect: January 2020 (when it first came into our awareness), June 2020, December 2020, August 2021, and now October 2021.

Pluto is said to "rule" viruses, which strengthens our belief that the Pluto-Eris square is closely involved in our pandemic experience. But it is in exploring the personal and social effects of this hard aspect that we gain a better understanding of its higher purposes.

TRANSITING PLUTO acts somewhat like a psychotherapist when it works with us. It digs deep into our psyches, revealing emotions and behaviors that have been running us from behind the scenes. The purpose of this often-uncomfortable process is to bring disempowering patterns into our awareness so that they no longer control us.

Meanwhile, transiting Eris draws our attention to...

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Written by Jan Phillips and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

*We don't have faith because we understand.

We have faith because we hear

the echo from the Depths.

-- Oshida Shigeto*

I first heard about Father Oshida from the Sisters of St. Joseph in Tsu-shi. They told me about his visit with the Dalai Lama, where both men sat together in silence for an hour. At the end of the hour, the Dalai Lama asked if Father Oshida would return again one day and honor him with another meeting.

After hearing the story, I wanted to meet the man. He lived far away in the Japanese Alps, the sisters said, on a small retreat that he built with a few others. Legend had it that as a Dominican priest in Tokyo, he was a social activist, always advocating for the poor, insisting that the church dedicate more funds on their behalf. In general, a thorn in the side of the hierarchy.

So they missioned him in the mountains on a small patch of land and sent him a few seminarians. He was to be their Novice Director. Together they built Takamori, a ragtag monastery of crooked thatched huts that was designed for simplicity, communal living, contemplation, and hard work in the rice fields.

The sisters of Tsu-shi were enthusiastic about me visiting Takamori. They tracked down the phone number. They brought out a map of Japan so we could see...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Pleasure: The Medicine of Sensing and Being Here Now Written by Julia Paulette Hollenbery and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Ancient Vedic texts describe the universe and everything in it, including us, as being made of bliss. Bliss is our underlying nature, discoverable through a focus on this moment of experience.

Pleasure is often encoded within organized monotheistic religion where it can be turned into underground practices. The name of the Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical tradition, literally means ‘receiving’ and Kabbalistic texts discuss seven levels of pleasure.

It is said that Jesus and Mary (who were of course Jewish) learnt sex magic in Egypt. Other cultures had different ways of expressing the wisdom of sexual pleasure: in India, it manifested as tantra, while the shamanic nations had Quodoshka.

Real pleasure is not selfish - it is wise. We need to reawaken our body and remove obstructions to our innate sensual intelligence. When we attend to our own inner experience in our intimate lives, rather than being distracted by fantasy, to-do lists or resentments, our capacity for sexual pleasure here and now increases...

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Written by Eileen Day McKusick and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

I think the edict that Americans are entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” creates a problem that goes largely unexamined in our culture. There is a significant difference between pursuing happiness and simply being happy, and many people get caught up in the pursuit without ever really “catching” happiness. The staggering number of people who are on antidepressants is evidence alone that something is not working.

Often, if people suffer from depression, they feel a lot of pressure to be happy, but the distance between the low of depression and the high of happiness can seem like such a long way to go. Unable to get to happiness or to hold it once they may fleetingly experience it, they slip back down into depression.

People try to think positively, only to find themselves completely overrun with negative feelings and self-reproach. They are gripped by the fear that something is going to come along to take away their happiness, and so they have a hard time even letting themselves feel it for fear of losing it....

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I expect silver linings and rainbows and I am on the look-out for them.

When we set our sights on a goal, the path to reach it may or may not be smooth. Life may throw a few hurdles our way.

We may at times not know which way to turn, but there is always a blessing in every experience.

Be open to discovering the gifts life is offering you -- expect silver linings and rainbows, be on the look-out for them, and be grateful when they show up.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being on the look-out for silver linings and rainbows (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we expect silver linings and rainbows and are on the look-out for them.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am connected to the Source of Life, to all wisdom and inspiration. Inspiration is like "the flow" -- it is everywhere, everywhen, and everyhow. Inspiration is not available only for the "special ones" and the mystics. It is always present for all of us through all our senses.

Inspiration can be fun. It doesn't have to be serious and only gained in moments of deep meditation or silence. Inspiration can come from anywhere... from a song on the radio that "just happens" to play when you get in the car, it can come from a book that you open "randomly", it can come from a message you get from a movie or TV show.

The origin of the word inspiration, in Latin and French and Old English, is connected to breathing in and to taking in life or spirit. Inspiration comes to us on every breath we take. Each and every moment, we are connected to the Source of Life, and thus are connected to all wisdom and inspiration.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of feeling your connection to the Source of Life, to all wisdom and inspiration (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are connected to the Source of Life, to all wisdom and inspiration.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am open to the flow of intuition, synchronicity, and love. Sometimes the hardest thing for us to do is to be open to the flow of life. That's rather counter-intuitive, and counter-productive, because being in the flow is the absolutely easiest thing for us to do. It requires no struggle on our part.

Why is it so difficult to let go and let life carry us along? One of the reasons is lack of trust, or another way of stathing that is fear of the future or fear of change. Another reason is our egoic mind thinking it knows best and trying to control the outcome to match what it foresees or thinks is possible.

However, life is always ready to send blessings our way when we are willing to be a channel for good. Trusting that things will work out if we do what feels right, will open the floodgates to the flow of intuition, synchronicity, and love.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Open to the Flow: Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being open to the flow of intuition, synchronicity, and love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we open ourselves to the flow of intuition, synchronicity, and love.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to actualize my potential.

We're born as a 100-watt light-bulb. Then our radiance was dimmed down to 60 or 40 or 10 watts by life's experiences and the people we encountered.

So to access our full potential, we need to clean out our light bulb of old thoughts and old programming so that we are operating at full 100-watt capacity. Once we do that, we will be lighting up not only our own life, but the lives of the people around us.

Believe in your 100-watt potential! Your greatness is waiting for you to actualize your potential in the here and now.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Potential, Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to actualize your potential (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we actualize our potential.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I let the winds of change inspire me.

Our approach to life is based on our attitude about the past, present and future.

Stress and pain are created by our fear of change, our need to hang on to things as they were, or our insistence on not letting go of old hurt. In other words, by our resistance to the flow of life in the here and now.

However, when we are willing to let go and let the winds of change inspire us, then the ride of life becomes more joyful and leads to the fulfilment of our hopes and dreams, on a day by day basis.

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Winds of Change: Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to flow with the winds of change (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to let the winds of change inspire us.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to be happy.

The US Declaration of Independence says we have the right to pursue happiness. However, I don't think we should pursue happiness. We have to choose it. In order to do that, we may have to not take ourselves so seriously and not take everything as a personal affront.

Once we are willing to let go of grudges, resentments, and judgments, we may find that happiness is right there waiting for us to claim it.

Abraham Lincoln said: "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." So rather than choosing to be upset and angry, we can choose to be at peace and happy.

Today's Focus was taken from the InnerSelf.com article:

Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to be happy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to be happy.

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Written by Lana Ruvolo Grasser. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

A few years ago, framed by the skyline of Detroit, a group of about 15 children resettled as refugees from the Middle East and Africa leapt and twirled around, waving blue, pink and white streamers through the air.

The captivating scene was powerfully symbolic. Each streamer held a negative thought, feeling or memory that the children had written down on the streamers. On cue and in unison, the children released their streamers into the air, then sat down nearby. Then they gathered up the fallen streamers, which carried their collective struggles and hardships, threw them in a trash can and waved goodbye.

The children were participating in a dance therapy activity as part of our team’s research program exploring body-based approaches to mental health treatment in people resettled as refugees.

In 2017, our lab – the Stress, Trauma and Anxiety Research Clinic – began piloting movement therapies to help address trauma in refugee families. We are learning that movement may not only provide a way to express oneself, but also offer a path toward healing and lifelong strategies for managing stress...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About The Author Lana Ruvolo Grasser is a 5th year doctoral candidate (2021) at Wayne State University. She is a member of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic as well as the Jovanovic Lab, and she is co-mentored by Drs. Arash Javanbakht and Tanja Jovanovic. Her NIMH-funded dissertation project, “Biomarkers of Risk and Resilience to Trauma in Syrian Refugee Youth”, seeks to identify possible biological indicators of trauma-related psychopathology in youth exposed to civilian war trauma and forced migration.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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Written by Areva Martin and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: While the article focuses on the current situation for black women, many of the conclusions can be applied to women in general.

Miami attorney Loreal Arscott was getting ready for work one morning when she hesitated. Scheduled to appear in court that day, she debated whether to put her hair into a bun to make her colleagues feel more comfortable. She was reminded of the comments she'd heard many times before as people compared her curly and straightened hairstyles. In addition, as a Black woman, she needed to worry constantly about her performance in court. Would she be seen as "too aggressive?" Would she do a disservice to her client because of her passion for her work?

Ms. Arscott's experience offers the smallest glimpse into what professional Black women endure every day.

As an attorney who graduated at the top of my class from Harvard Law, I can tell you that a Black woman with Harvard credentials is still a Black woman. I think back to serving as a summer associate in one of New York's most storied law firms. My peers and I were excelling in school, standing out from our talented classmates at law schools across the country. Many of us were offered positions at the firm upon graduating. But despite it being a somewhat diverse class of associates, the people running that firm today, two decades later, are still white men.

Successful women are seen as a threat? Michelle Obama graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law. As first lady of the United States, she faced constant criticism, from cruel comments about outfits that bared her shoulders to hateful questions about her femininity. In an episode of her podcast, she talks about being both targeted for abuse and invisible to white people, even after she'd reached the highest levels of government: "You know, we don't exist. And when we do exist, we exist as a threat. And that—that's exhausting."Black women reaching the highest levels of success, like our former first lady, are not immune to the microaggressions prevalent in our workplaces, from "compliments" about how articulate we are to "advice" about striving too aggressively to succeed to assumptions that we're in court as an interpreter or defendant. I spent years being...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Written by Alan Cohen and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

I saw a video about a high school student named Jed who was failing his classes and getting into trouble. His parents, teachers, and counselors tried hard to motivate him to stay in school and succeed, but their efforts were to no avail. Nothing they did could get Jed out of his rut.

Then Jed discovered a bird sanctuary that rehabilitated injured hawks and birds of prey and released them back into the wild. Something about this work stirred Jed, and he began to visit the sanctuary every day after school. Before long he became a volunteer and he learned a great deal about the winged creatures.

The final scene of the video showed Jed giving a lecture at the sanctuary, skillfully explaining the behavior of these birds and the methods the sanctuary used to rehabilitate them. As the camera panned the audience, it was composed of several classes from the school at which Jed had been having such a hard time succeeding. The students in the audience were enthralled with Jed’s presentation ― he had become a local expert in the field, and he was shining.

Dr. Wayne Dyer noted,

***“Motivation is when you take hold of an idea.

Inspiration is when an idea takes hold of you.”***

You have had the experience of someone trying to get you to do something you would rather not do, or you trying to get someone to do something they do not want to do. This is no fun for anyone, and usually does not work. You have also had the experience of finding something that is so stimulating that you plunge into it enthusiastically. You...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Life can be confusing. There are so many things going on, so many choices presented to us. Even a trip to the grocery store involves choosing between a multitude of options... low-sugar, sugar-free, no added sugar, and of course sugar-laden (though of course not labeled that way). Low-fat, unsaturated fat, saturated fat, cold-pressed oil, organic, etc.

What needs to change? There are so many energies pulling us one way or the other. Many distractions. A visit to Facebook can eat up two hours of your time before you know it. And then shopping online and comparing items and prices, reading reviews, can also make a huge chunk of time disappear. And there's binge-watching a new TV series.

Our time seems in short supply, even though we still have the same amount of time we've always had each and every day -- 24 hours. 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. What has changed is our use of that time. In a society where we were promised a shorter work-week, not only have the work-weeks become longer, but many try to get overtime or additional jobs to increase their income.

So what needs to change? First and foremost, while there are many things "out there" that need to change, the only thing we have ultimate control over is ourselves. So the first thing we need to change is the use of our time.

Here is some food for thought taken from the book The Unleashed Entrepreneur:

"By far, the most valuable asset that you and I possess is time, and the biggest decision we have on a daily basis is how we choose to spend it."

What do I need? We all have various wants and needs. And the things we need are not necessarily the same as the things we want. We may want a bigger house, fancier car, newer phone, or whatever, but we may not really need them.

However there are certain basics that we do need, such as air, water, food, and love. Yes love. Research has shown that babies who grow up without love end up with major emotional and behavioral problems... as well as physical problems.

So what do we need the most?...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Written by Nancy Windheart and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

What a time this is. Like many of you, I am affected emotionally, physically, and energetically by all that is happening in my country and in our world.

Sometimes, it's just plain exhausting. Overwhelming. Worrying. Frightening. Upsetting. Angering. Heartbreaking.

We know that we're in a great time of transition, of birthing a new way of being, living, and loving in our world that is long overdue. And, it's grueling. Let's just be honest about that.

Losing My Center? When I feel myself losing my center, my "hawk's eye vision," my grounding and anchoring, I know I need to spend some extended time outdoors, in places with strong, supportive, nourishing energy. One of my favorite places is...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Nancy Windheart is an internationally recognized animal communicator and interspecies communication teacher. She teaches courses and training programs in interspecies communication for both lay people and those who wish to practice professionally. Nancy also provides animal communication consultations, intuitive and energy healing sessions, and professional mentoring for clients worldwide. She is also a Reiki Master-Teacher and a certified Yoga teacher.

Nancy’s work has been featured in television, radio, magazine, and online media, and she has written for many digital and print publications. She is a contributor to the book, The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom From Our Feline Friends.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I aim for the pinnacle of joy and love in all areas of my life. We have to be willing to aim high for what we desire, whether that is in the realm of relationships, work, money, living situation, etc. While aiming high may not guarantee you will reach the top of the mountain, it at least pretty much guarantees you won't be stuck at the bottom.

In order to achieve a goal or a dream, you have to: 1) have a goal or dream, and, 2) believe that you deserve it coming true.

It stems from what you believe about yourself, and also what you are willing to accept for yourself. So which is it going to be? The crumbs or dregs of life, or the pinnacle of joy and love in all areas of your life? You get to choose your goal and you get to aim for it!

Today's Focus was from the InnerSelf.com article:

Silver Linings and Rainbows

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of aiming for joy and love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we aim for the pinnacle of joy and love in all areas of life.

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Horoscope and Astrological Overview: September 20 - 26, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Jupiter, Full Moon 4:54 p.m. PDT, Mars trine North Node

TUE: Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus

WED: Mercury opposite Eris, Sun enters Libra (Equinox) 12:21 p.m. PDT

THU: Venus opposite Uranus

SAT: Mars trine Saturn

SUN: Sun trine North Node, Mercury stations retrograde 10:10 p.m. PDT

A FULL MOON in visionary Pisces nourishes our idealism and inspires our imaginations this week. The lunation reaches fullness on Monday, September 20, at 4:54 p.m. PDT. At that time, the Moon will be at 28°14´ Pisces, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Virgo. Adding to the already strong mystical qualities of this Full Moon, it occurs when the Moon is conjunct psychically-sensitive Neptune.

Our response to this event may depend on how comfortable we are with the Pisces themes of forgiveness, surrender, trust, and faith. The Virgo Sun assures us that the solutions to our problems lie in analyzing the situation, discerning what is "good," eliminating what is "bad," and creating an organized, efficient plan for improvement. However, that is only half of the equation for favorable outcomes.

This Full Moon reminds us of the other half of the equation, which we may have been missing in our efforts to control circumstances, keep ourselves safe, and make our lives work. With this being a time of reassessment, it is appropriate that...

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About the Author

Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: What is true for me? We are constantly being bombarded by other people's thoughts, desires, and projections. The advertising industry, in all its forms, specializes in mass manipulation -- trying to convince us that we just can't live without something or the other.

No wonder we get confused as to what is true for us. Do we really need the newest I-Phone, the newest model of whatever it is we are being sold? Do we really need to avoid carbs at all costs? Do we really need to be thin as a rail? Do we really need all the drugs they are pushing on us? Are we really supposed to be happy all the time?

Perhaps in order to be clear about what we want to create in our lives, we need to be aware of what is true for our own self. We need to learn to tune out the suggestions that are carpeting the air waves, and go within to a still quiet space and ask ourselves: "What is true for me?" This will lead to the path of our true self and the way to experience it on a daily basis.

Today's Focus is excerpted from Sunday's episode of the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of tuning in to what is true for you (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we ask ourselves: What is true for me?*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I choose to be my greatest friend in creating a better life.

Are we our greatest friend or greatest enemy? We can only answer this question by observing our behavior.

If we are constantly attracted to those things and people that are not best for us, then we are not our greatest ally.

Today, let's reflect on the things and people we are attracted to and ask ourselves if they are friend or foe to creating a better life for ourselves.

Today's Focus is excerpted from Saturday's episode of the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being your greatest ally (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to be our greatest friend and ally in creating a better life*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to experience my greatest good. We have hopes and dreams, and possibly even grandiose visions for our future. However, when it comes down to it, are we really ready for those dreams to manifest? Do we even believe they are possible?

So many times, we demean the validity of our hopes and dreams by stating that they are very difficult to attain, or, at worse, unattainable.

In order to succeed at whatever it is we envision, we have to be ready to first believe that success is possible, and second, believe that we are deserving of that dream coming true. What beliefs and attitudes do we need to let go of before we can experience the manifestation of our greatest good.

Today's Focus is excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of experiencing your greatest good (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are willing to experience our greatest good.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I seek answers internally and pay attention to my guidance. Whatever our goal, whatever our vision, there is always a next step. And that is sometimes where we get bogged down. Either because we don't know what the next step needs to be, or because we see too many steps to take or too many possibilities, and feel overwhelmed and confused by it all.

As with many challenges we face in life, the first step is to stop, take a deep breath, and go into a quiet space inside our heart and mind. Once we get centered, it is easier to discover the guidance that awaits our discovery.

When we seek guidance, we need to ask a specific question. So if "what is the next step" is a question that doesn't generate a response for you, then querying various options in your quiet inner space will help guide you to the next step, and then later to the next one as the time comes. The key is to ask the question internally and then pay attention to however the answer comes.

Today's Focus is from the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of asking for and receiving guidance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we seek answers internally and pay attention to our guidance.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I deserve the blessings that the universe has to offer. Many of us on the "spiritual path" are quite willing to give of ourselves, but have a harder time accepting what we need... whether that is love, assistance, generosity from others, compliments, blessings in all forms.

In order to move forward on our path, we need to learn to accept graciously what others are willing to offer whether that is their time and energy, or some more physical and material gifts.

If you have difficulty receiving, perhaps the answer lies in a sense of undeservability that was instilled in you at a young age. Now is the time to clean the slate of old programming and realize that you deserve to be happy, to be loved, and to partake in the blessings that our universe has to offer.

Today's Focus was created for the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of partaking in the blessings that the universe has to offer (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we realize that we deserve the blessings that the universe has to offer.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose love as my priority. We all have various wants and needs. And the things we need are not necessarily the same as the things we want. We may want a bigger house, fancier car, newer phone, or whatever, but we may not really need them.

However there are certain basics that we do need, such as air, water, food, and love. Yes love. Research has shown that babies who grow up without love end up with major problems... physical as well as emotional.

So what do we need the most? Love. With love all other things are possible. If you are loved, either by yourself or others, then you will have food, air, water, etc. But you will also have so much more than that. Choosing love as our priority ensures that our lives are balanced on all levels.

Today's Focus was created for the InnerSelf.com article:Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing love as your priority (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose love as our priority.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to spend my time wisely. Our time seems in short supply, even though we still have the same amount of time we've always had each and every day -- 24 hours. 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. What has changed is our use of that time. In a society where we were promised a shorter work-week, not only have the work-weeks become longer, but many try to get overtime or additional jobs to increase their income.

So what needs to change? First and foremost, while there are many things "out there" that need to change, the only thing we have ultimate control over is ourselves. So the first thing we need to change is the use of our time.

Here is some food for thought: "By far, the most valuable asset that you and I possess is time, and the biggest decision we have on a daily basis is how we choose to spend it." -- The Unleashed Entrepreneur

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Where Do We Go From Here?

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of spending your time wisely (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to spend our time wisely.*

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Written and Narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

*"Do the thing you fear

and the death of fear is certain."* -- RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Fear feels crappy. There is no way around that. But most of us don't respond to our fear in a logical way. Anytime we bump up against long-held beliefs that no longer serve us and need to be released, which is what is being accelerated individually and collectively during this time, we will feel fear.

We can choose to medicate it and suppress it, which won't be successful and the fear will only knock at our door more loudly. Or we can choose to face and heal the fear, welcoming its message and the growth that will come out of it. As Robert Frost said, "The best way out is always through."

Allowing the fear simply means that we don't run from it, nor do we dive into it. When a baby is in a birth canal and is being squeezed, she doesn’t try to go back into the womb or stop the process of moving. She relaxes and allows the process to unfold so that she can get through the birth quickly.

Along with everything else that arises in us, we embrace our fear as a part of ourselves as that is the only way we can feel whole. We ask it where it originates from and what it wants to teach us. This is the natural response that is within each of us, but our ego minds override this. We have all of these subconscious beliefs that sabotage our healing and prevent us from hearing fear’s message and healing from it for good...

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Written by Pierre Pradervand. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

*“Each of us is intended to be a blessing

to all the earth: the animal world,

the vegetable world, the mineral world,

the human world.”* -- Joel S. Goldsmith

There is such a need in the world today of the most tender and immense compassion and deeper, more unselfed caring and giving. Blessing is one simple and efficient way of doing it. It is also an amazing tool for learning instantaneous, unconditional forgiveness, a practice upon which, given our dramatic divisions in the world, our survival as a race literally depends.

Blessing for People Suffering from Depression According to WHO (January 2020) globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

Before giving this blessing, take the time to really enter your heart and from that holiest of shrines allow yourself to feel an overflowing compassion for all those round the world suffering from this particularly aggressive manifestation of separation from Source.

*Our heart goes out to our brothers and sisters worldwide suffering from depression.

May a ray of heavenly light pierce their heavy gloom.

May a vision of hope reverse any self-destructive plans that might come to their mind.

May the power of radical* ...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About The Author Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.

For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.

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Written by Jude Bijou and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

If you’ve sat and watched normal television these days, it’s not hard to find 10 advertisements for prescription drugs. From ADHD to digestive issues to erectile dysfunction, you’ll find an ‘instant’ solution. So not surprisingly, the topic of prescription drugs often comes up with clients who experience anxiety and worry.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health 40 million U.S. adults over 18 years of age have some kind of anxiety disorder. That is about 18% of people in a given year.

What Is An Anxiety Disorder? An anxiety disorder is different than feeling anxious about a specific event. By definition, an anxiety disorder lasts at least 6 months and can get worse if it is not treated. They often occur with other mental or physical illnesses, including alcohol or substance abuse. In general, women are twice as likely as men to experience an anxiety disorder.

Here is a list of the common kinds of anxiety disorders that people experience...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

Book by this Author Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Lifeby Jude Bijou, M.A., M.F.T.

With practical tools and real-life examples, this book can help you stop settling for sadness, anger, and fear, and infuse your life with joy, love, and peace. Jude Bijou's comprehensive blueprint will teach you to: cope with family members' unsolicited advice, cure indecision with your intuition, deal with fear by expressing it physically, create closeness by truly talking and listening, improve your social life, increase staff morale in just five minutes a day, handle sarcasm by visualizing it flying by, carve out more time for yourself by clarifying your priorities, ask for a raise and get it, stop fighting via two easy steps, cure kids' tantrums constructively. You can integrate Attitude Reconstruction into your daily routine, regardless of your spiritual path, cultural background, age, or education.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

About the Author

Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

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Written by Rachel Hadas and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Patience is wearing thin. Not only are we all bone-weary of the pandemic; rising hopes have made the current precarious state of confusion and fear, vigorous variants and stubborn vaccine rejection all the more frustrating.

We thought we were almost out of the woods, but there’s no clear end in sight to this forest. And there’s no shortage of other bad and worsening news too, notably the dramatic daily evidence of the catastrophic results of climate change.

How do we weather this welter of bad news? How do we adapt?

The same ways human beings always have adapted – grudgingly or stoically, fearfully or fatalistically or frantically. We’re in a prolonged period of maddeningly, scarily bad news – and if we follow the 24-hour news cycle, we’re in it up to our chins.

But how good has the news ever been? Precisely when or what was the Golden Age? Poet Randall Jarrell wrote, with tongue in cheek, that it’s when people went around complaining how yellow everything looked.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About The Author Rachel Hadas studied classics at Harvard, poetry at Johns Hopkins, and comparative literature at Princeton. Since 1981 she has taught in the English Department of Rutgers University - Newark, and has also taught courses in literature and writing at Columbia and Princeton. She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry, an Ingram Merrill Foundation grant in poetry, and an award in literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.

Rachel Hadas is the author of many books of poetry, prose, and translations. A memoir about her husband's illness, "Strange Relation," was published by Paul Dry Books in 2011. Her previous book of poems, "The Golden Road," was published by Northwestern University Press in the fall of 2012.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Each one of us is unique -- not only in physical appearance, but our emotions, thoughts, and dreams are also unique. Thus, when we choose to be true to the path of our Higher Self, that won't look like anyone else's path. There will be similarities of course, but our path is uniquely ours.

No one can teach us what it is or even really how to get there. Others can help us discover our "inner workings", they can provide examples, tools, suggestions, but we are the only ones who can truly know what is "right" for us. It either feels right or it doesn't.

Unfortunately, for the most part, our educational system has not been geared to teach us any of these life skills. We've learned how to read books, but not "read" our hopes and dreams. We've learned to count numbers, but not to discover the mathematics of also creating an abundant life of joy, love and a feeling of wholeness. We've experienced being with others in a classroom setting, but not necessarily been taught the skills to relate to others with compassion and love.

For these non-physical skills, we have usually had to rely on the "school of life", which some people experience as the school of hard knocks. But, every challenge we go through has a gift, otherwise known as a life lesson. And sometimes it seems that the harder experiences are the ones with the greater lessons.

However, another tool in the "school of life" is serendipity, sometimes called "coincidence" or "luck". Things or people that can assist us on our journey are presented to us, at times very subtly at at other times more forcefully, and we get to choose whether to pay attention... or not. I have found that following serendipity is what makes my life go more smoothly and joyfully.

Being willing to follow the guidance that is always present, in a variety of ways, is what makes our life's journey much less of a struggle. Sometimes the guidance comes in something you read or see. At other times it is something you hear, either from a friend, or even someone you don't know, who just "happens" to mention something that could be useful to you on your journey.

Opening our eyes, ears, and heart to the world around us, as well as the world inside of us, will help guide us on the path of our life's unique journey...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

Article inspired by: The Life Navigator Deck

by Jane Delaford Taylor and Manoj Vijayan.

Whether we are navigating tumultuous eddies or paddling in still water, this set of inspirational cards offers guidance and new perspectives for our day. The cards focus on empowering us, encouraging us to trust in our own innate abilities to handle life in a truly positive, creative and dynamic way.

The pack can be dipped into for instant inspiration as each card contains one idea with the text beautifully supported by well-chosen artwork.

Info/Order this card deck.

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Written by Joyce Vissell and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

When tragedy, death of a loved one, or extreme disappointment strikes, do you ever wonder if our Divine Creator is punishing you? A lot of people feel this way and close their heart to the divine love that is always pouring to us.

Losing a Loved One I have a dear friend, named Jim, who had a golden retriever, Max, for sixteen years. Jim loved Max like he was a son and he took excellent care of him. Max went everywhere with his owner, even expensive hotel rooms. Max went to the best vets and was monitored often for any problems. The life expectancy for a golden retriever is from 10-13 years old, so Max had lived way beyond that. One day, Max had trouble standing up and was immediately taken to the veterinary emergency hospital. Within a few hours, he died.

Our friend was devastated and, after a few days of crying, he reported to me that he could no longer believe in a loving creator. Why would a loving God take from this world a pet that was bringing so much love and beauty to his life? Jim felt that he was being punished. I urged him to be grateful for all the wonderful years that he had with Max and to begin to look for a gift in the experience.

In time, Jim realized that Max had had an extraordinary life and that, if he had lived even two weeks more, Jim would have been in Europe working and would not have been able to be with him for his final hours on earth. As it was, Jim was able to hold him every second, and tell him over and over again how much he loved him, and to thank him for all the joy he brought.

Losing Everything We know people who lost their home and community to the Paradise Fire in northern California in 2018. In just one short day an entire small town completely burned. This was heartbreaking for all of us who watched, and even more so for the people who were there and lost so much.

These people told us at the time that they felt completely abandoned by God and that they could never trust again...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com *(plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: September 13 - 19, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus

TUE: Sun opposite Neptune, Mars enters Libra, Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn

THU: Sun quincunx Jupiter, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Sun trine Pluto, Venus square Saturn

FRI: Mercury quincunx Neptune

THE FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs this Monday, September 13, at 1:39 p.m. PDT. It marks the beginning of the second phase of the Moon cycle, a phase that will last until the Pisces Full Moon perfects next Monday, September 20.

As we move through this week, we will see evidence of how the goals we set with last week's Virgo New Moon are unfolding. Our tasks include initiating action to fulfill our vision, facing fears or doubts that may arise, and clearing away any obstacles that may present themselves. The qualities associated with this phase of the Moon include focus on the goal, determination, reassessment, and decisive movement.

Although stepping into the unknown can be unnerving, our job now is to...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I honor who I am, without judgment or fear. In order to be true to ourselves and to our life's path, we must be ourselves in all our quirkiness, our strangeness, our individuality. This is the greatest gift we can give, not only to ourselves, but to the world around us.

I often refer to all of us as puzzle pieces. When one piece is missing, or hiding in the shadows, the puzzle cannot be whole. Each part, or each piece, no matter where it is located in the puzzle, no matter the size, color, or shape, is as important as any other piece.

Thus, to attain true happiness and fulfilment, we must honor who we are, without judgment or fear. We must be willing to shine our light out into the shadows and the darkness, whether internal or external. Be the gift you are!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: The Greatest Gift

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article... (with new episode)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being yourself, without judgment or fear (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, we honor who we are, without judgment or fear.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to focus on gratitude. One of the best attitudes we have in our "toolbox" of life is gratitude. When we place our energy, our thoughts, our actions, on being grateful for what we have and for the possibilities in our life, we open the door wide to that energy.

On the other hand, when our energy is focused on "what ifs", on grudges, on feelings of lack, then we open the door to those energies. So which do we want to flourish?

Focusing on gratitude, on love, and having positive expectations will feed the energies that we choose. Whatever our choice -- and it is a choice -- that energy will increase in our lives.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: Choose Gratitude

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article... (with new episode)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing gratitude (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, I choose to focus on gratitude.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I accept, without self-recrimination, the choices I have made on my life's path. One of the blockages to advancing on our life's path is our self-judgment. We tend to judge and criticize ourselves for things we have done, or things we didn't do that we think we "should have done" or could have done better.

These negative thoughts and vibrations block the flow of life's positive energy. The negativity we send towards our own self stops our innate creativity and receptivity to our intuition and makes it difficult for highest good to manifest.

Thus, in order to progress on our life's path with joy and harmony, we need to drop all self-recrimination and accept that whatever has happened is over and done with. What is past is in the past. There is no point in dwelling in the "I should have done better" world. Yes, we can benefit from learning from our mistakes, of course, but then we accept the choices we've made, and we move on to creating a better life for ourselves and for the world at large.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: Accepting What Has Been

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article... (with new episode)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of accepting the choices you have made, past, present and future.

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, we accept, without self-recrimination, the choices we have made on our life's path.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The voice of wisdom guides me to choose the most loving way. Life consists of choices... some are "good" choices, and others not so good. However every choice we make helps us build a foundation of wisdom gained from experience.

As I think of wisdom, and what it means for me, The Serenity Prayer comes to mind. The original version is slightly different than the one you may be familiar with and it goes like this:

"God, give us grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other."

As we go forward on our life's journey, we accumulate wisdom. One source of wisdom, of course, is experience, both ours and the experience of those who have come before us. Another source of wisdom is our inner or divine self, the small voice that speaks to us internally to guide us along the way. And a third voice of wisdom is the voice of Pure Love, the voice of our conscience, which guides us to choose the most loving way, both for ourselves and for the world at large.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: True Wisdom and Pure Love

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article... (with new episode)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing the most loving way (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, the voice of wisdom guides me to choose the most loving way.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Being willing to give of myself creates abundance in my life. As I gather fruit and berries in the fall, I am reminded that nature is abundance itself. The blackberry bushes are full. The apple trees are so loaded that branches are bending and touching the ground with their bounty. The things that are out of my control are doing great, and the things I try to control, like my garden, are not doing as well.

It seems there's a lesson there. When I give up the need to control the outcome, things have a way of working out. So when we are moving forward on our life path, being willing to let go of how we think it "should" be, or what we think we "should" do, may be the key to reaping an abundance of joy and fulfilment on our path.

The seeds of abundance are everywhere in our life, both in nature, and in our own day to day experiences. But when we are gearing our actions on fear, or doubts, and trying to control the outcome, we block the flow of abundance that is naturally present. However, being willing to give of ourselves "abundantly" -- our time, our love, our compassion, our money -- those are the seeds of abundance in our life.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: The Seeds of Abundance

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article... (with new episode)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of giving of yourself abundantly (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, being willing to give of myself creates abundance in my life.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Love is the key to discovering my true self. The things we love to do or enjoy doing, these things are the ones that are part of our life path. Some people use the expression: "It makes my heart sing." When your heart is happy, joyful, and full of love, you are on your own unique path. If you are sad, depressed, or feeling lonely for extended periods of time, then you've stepped off your true path. It's that simple.

Love, joy, inner peace... these are the indications that you are at the right place at the right time... with the right attitude. If you are grumpy, angry, stressed, etc., those energies are more a sign of being stuck, usually in some attitude, emotion or memory.

So to discover if you're on your true path, ask yourself: "Do I love what I'm doing? Am I at peace with who I am right now? Do I find joy in where I'm headed?" If your answer to any of these questions is no, then an attitude adjustment or a change in direction is called for. If your answer is yes, then keep on keepin' on, and let your joy and your love shine.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: Love Is The Key

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting love guide you to your true self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, Love is the key to discovering our true self.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am always guided on my life's journey. Each one of us is unique -- not only in physical appearance, but our emotions, thoughts, and dreams are also unique. Thus, when we choose to be true to the path of our Higher Self, that won't look like anyone else's path. There will be similarities of course, but our path is uniquely ours.

No one can teach us what it is or even really how to get there. Others can help us discover our "inner workings", they can provide examples, tools, suggestions, but we are the only ones who can truly know what is "right" for us. It either feels right or it doesn't.

Opening our eyes, ears, and heart to the world around us, as well as the world inside of us, will help guide us on the path of our life's unique journey.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Don't Be So Hard On Yourself: Life's A Journey

by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being guided on your life's journey (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, and every day, we are guided on our life's journey.*

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Written and Narrated by Will Wilkinson.

OK. We know enough about the problems we face, personally and globally, so let’s explore solutions.

Einstein advised that we can’t solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them. So, how could we think differently about solutions?

How about re-thinking the word itself? A solution is something that fixes a problem, right? But a solution is also a medium, usually water plus specific additives. For instance, we might use a de-greasing solution to clean metal, or drink water with baking soda in it to aid digestion.

Solutions are mediums formulated to create a specific effect; some are instruments of significant transformation, like heavy water in a nuclear power plant.

What Solution Do We Need? The solution we need to address our problems in an entirely novel way is a transformational medium that can grow a sustainable society of peace, creativity, and joy. So, let’s describe how this can happen.

Picture a glass of clear water. You are holding a dropper of ink over it and you release a single droplet. Imagine it falling, hitting the water, and beginning to disperse, first as a feathery cloud of black and then gradually diluting the entire glass into murky grey.

That single drop permeated the entire medium. One drop. Now imagine expressing yourself just like that droplet of ink, transmitting into the ocean of human consciousness. Whatever you express – fear, love, anger, compassion – it too will...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Written and Narrated by Will Wilkinson.

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About the Author Will Wilkinson co-founded the Thriving Leadership Academy in Ashland, Oregon. He has authored, co-authored, ghost-written, and contributed to over 30 books, designed and delivered personal improvement programs in seven countries, hosted a variety of inspirational television series, and is now developing a new spiritual practice for advanced students of life.

He founded The Noon Club, a free member alliance that focuses intentional prayer every day at noon to uplift human consciousness.

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Written by Athena Bahri. Narrated by Rosie.

You are a remarkable being of energy, individual and unique in your own right. You have both the power and ability to create your happiness no matter what challenges you face in life.

Quick vibe fixes offer a wonderful system for approaching the struggles we face and creating a shift into the positive. You’ll find which vibration-raising methods work best for different challenges and which ones work best for you.

Remember that healing is a process and can take time, just as it would if you were to receive treatment from a physical therapist, a doctor or another health practitioner, and that it’s by creating a regular practice that you will receive the most benefit. Feel free to make any adjustments you need.

Quick Vibe Fixes...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Rosie, AI*

Publisher: Watkins Publishing. www.watkinspublishing.com*

Book by this Author: Raise Your Vibes!: Energy Self-healing for Everyone

by Athena Bahri

Fun and easy to use, this book enables everyone to take advantage of the healing and empowering energies gifted to us by the Universe, and to take their wellbeing into their own hands. Reiki Master Athena Bahri has developed an approach to energy self-healing that combines simple Reiki techniques that anyone can use with a range of different healing modalities, from crystals to lunar rituals.

The book is aimed at all those people who are looking to improve their lives in ways that aren't too complicated and can be done without spending time and money on expensive courses. It includes a straightforward process of Reiki self-attunement that will enable readers to access the simple Reiki healing powers and combine these with the other techniques described. The emphasis is on empowering readers to use these tools to create a vibration-raising practice of their own, that they can then use in a range of different situations, from dealing with physical pain to ridding themselves of stress and lingering emotional upset to improving the vibes of their surroundings at work and at home.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.

About the Author Athena Bahri is the founder and creator of Crystal Reiki Healer, one of the fastest growing online presences for crystal and chakra education and Crystal Reiki healing. Hailing from a Hollywood dynasty - the niece of Rita Hayworth and cousin of Ginger Rogers and Donna Reed - Athena had a career as a successful actress (as Athena Cansino), before leaving her life of glamour and paparazzi to create a life of peace and energy healing. Today, she is a certified Reiki master, crystal Reiki master, chakra healer, and author, offering distance Reiki healing worldwide, leading retreats, clinics and workshops.

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How To Improve Your Mental Health with Brief Daily Doses of Meditation

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It is almost impossible to go on Facebook or Instagram without seeing quotes or comments accompanied with motivational words such as, “Look on the bright side,” “Focus on the good things,” or “Be positive.”

Though well-intentioned, these phrases can end up creating more distress instead of helping. Why? Because they are examples of toxic positivity, a school of thought that operates on the principle that one should always have a positive attitude, even when things get difficult. In Québec, the famous catchphrase, “It’s going to be OK,” is undoubtedly one of the best known examples of this.

As a doctoral student in psychology, I am interested in internalized symptoms (depression, anxiety and social withdrawal) and externalized symptoms (delinquency, violent, oppositional/defensive, disruptive and impulsive behaviours). I believe it is important to focus on the negative consequences of “emotional invalidation” and to understand why we need to live with our negative emotions.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About The Author Andrée-Ann Labranche, Candidate au doctorat en psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars trine Pluto, Venus trine Jupiter, Mars quincunx Eris

Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter, New Moon 5:51 p.m. PDT, Sun trine Uranus, Mars quincunx Jupiter

TUE: Mercury opposite Chiron

WED: Pluto sesquiquadrate CeresTHU:No major aspects are exact today

FRI: Jupiter sextile Eris, Mercury quincunx Uranus, Venus enters Scorpio, Sun opposite Pallas Athene

SAT: Jupiter semisextile PlutoSUN: No major aspects are exact today

OUR NEW WEEK BEGINS with a New Moon that occurs at 5:51 p.m. PDT on Monday. At that time, the Sun and Moon will align at 14°38´ Virgo and be almost EXACTLY trine Uranus, positioned at 14°39´ Taurus. This close aspect between the New Moon and the sideways-spinning planet tells us that we are entering an exciting – and excitable – lunar cycle.

Over the course of the next month – and for next two weeks especially, as we build toward the September 20 Full Moon – there is the potential for many breakthroughs, surprises, and fresh perspectives. Throughout this time, we are more open than usual to new opportunities, and intuitive insights flow more readily.

WITH THIS NEW MOON, we may also find...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.*

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: Aug. 30 - Sep. 5, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Last Quarter Moon 12:13 a.m. PDT, Sun square Ceres

TUE: Sun quincunx Saturn

WED: Saturn trine Ceres, Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun sesquiquadrate Eris

THU: Mars opposite Neptune

FRI: Venus quincunx Neptune, Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn, Sun quincunx Chiron

SAT: Mercury trine Saturn

SUN: Mercury trine Ceres, Venus square Pluto, Venus opposite Eris

AS LIFE SPINS more and more rapidly and circumstances clearly are beyond our control, we are increasingly compelled to seek the eye of the storm, the place of peace within. Without this inward focus and the restoration it provides, our mental and emotional states are continually shredded by external events.

It is essential for our well-being on every level that we establish a relationship with the light within, which is our own Divine Self. This is the aspect of our being that cannot be touched by what occurs in the outside world and thus is our place of peace and rejuvenation. Connecting with our Divine Self is not about escaping from the world, although it can feel like a mini-vacation in some ways. Instead, contact with this aspect of our being provides a spiritual and emotional nourishment that enables us to move into our lives and out into the world with greater confidence and faith.

(If the concept of Divine Self is new, here's an explanation from OrinDaben.com: "Divine Self is the Self that exists at an even higher level than your Soul. It is the Divine essence of your being, the source of all light and life within you. Your Soul is closer to your personality, and is an intermediary between you and your Divine Self until such time as you are able to directly experience and realize the Divine Self as who you are.")

MANY ARE REELING from all cosmic energies we've been working with throughout August. In this past week alone, we experienced one of the energetic pinnacles of the transformational Pluto-Eris square, multiple solar flares (the highest at level M-4), and a medium-level geomagnetic storm.

In the same way that the effects...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 2

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: August 23 - 29, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus trine Saturn

TUE: Mercury opposite Neptune

WED: Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter

THU: Venus opposite Chiron, Mercury quincunx Eris, Mercury trine Pluto, Moon conjunct Eris (11:00 a.m. PDT), Moon square Pluto (11:02 a.m. PDT)

FRI: Neptune conjunct Pallas Athene, Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Pluto square Eris

SAT: Venus quincunx Uranus, Sun square nodal axis

SUN: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Mercury enters Libra

THESE ARE THE TIMES that we incarnated to be a part of. Yes, there are multiple and varied reasons for each Soul's choice to be embodied on planet Earth in this Now, many of which are unique to the Soul's own growth experience. But there are also grander purposes that we chose to experience in the current lifetime, evolutionary processes that we wanted to partake in, and so we chose this particular timeline.

We are moving through one of those pivotal periods that I visualize as a starburst on humanity's timeline. In our pre-life consults, we saw this bright light and knew that it would represent a major shift for all embodied Souls on the planet, and even for those in other dimensional states as well. And we wanted to participate, and to do what we knew we were capable of doing – or, more accurately, to Be who we knew we were capable of Being – to support and facilitate this awakening, this expansion of consciousness, this time of incredibly fast-paced growth.

GROWING PAINS associated with this process have been particularly intense throughout the month of August. Situations around the world and in people's personal lives are heating up. We are being pushed beyond our comfort zones, which means we must...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Sarah Varcas.

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

22nd August 2021: Blue Moon in 30th Degree of Aquarius This blue moon completes a period of mental recalibration that began with last month’s full moon). Occurring in the final degree of Aquarius, it unlocks the most expansive mental planes that have largely lain neglected by humanity for way too long. Sometimes referred to as the ‘higher mind’, this is the part of us which sees with astounding clarity the nature of this world and the forces within it; the truth of ourselves and the drives within us; the nature of each other and the web that binds us in a shared destiny. This moon exposes, within and without, who and what is in the driving seat, and where they’ll take us if we let them!

The final degree of any sign is a point of great challenge and much power. Here we’re left with no choice but to deal with the issues raised, no matter how hard we try to avoid or wish them away with denial, transcendence or plain old suppression! We simply cannot avoid their presence. We must face up, stand up, show up. Swallow our pride and our fear, our ignorance and confusion, and offer ourself up to the purifying power of clear-seeing and complete embodiment of all that we are. No rose-tinted glasses or shadows of shame. Just you and me. Honest. Messed up, wound up, stitched up! So far from who we wanted to be, perhaps….but so deeply, beautifully and intimately who we actually are. In all our complicated glory!

The Long Con This blue moon radiates the light of penetrating and expansive wisdom. The insights and experiences available at this time could change everything if we let them. But we may have to release some treasured beliefs, perspectives and self-images for them to do their work.

We are not who we thought we were. It’s that simple. And that devastating. Everything that we’ve built our life, our identity, our relationships around, is now up for review. Hold nothing back. Be prepared to let it all go if you must. The demands of these times are like none we have ever known. There is no escape, no get out of jail free card, no short cut to liberty.

We’ve been caught in a long con since forever: a convoluted game of fairground mirrors and mass deceptions. And let’s be honest: some of it has been really good fun! But it was only a game. Simply pretend. We’re approaching the exit gate of the human theme park with all its scary rides, thrilling challenges, sweet treats and disappointing misses. ...

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About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise.

Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

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Astrological Overview: August 16 - 22, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury quincunx Saturn

TUE: Mercury sesquiquadrate Eris, Sun trine Eris, Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun quincunx Pluto, Jupiter semisquare Chiron

WED: Mars quincunx Chiron, Mercury quincunx Chiron, Mercury conjunct Mars

THU: Moon square Eris, Moon conjunct Pluto, Sun opposite Jupiter, Uranus stations retrograde, Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron

FRI: Mercury trine Uranus

SAT: Mars trine Uranus

SUN: Full Moon 5:01 am PDT, Sun enters Virgo

IT IS RARE to have two Full Moons in the same sign within a single calendar year – but that's exactly what we have in July and August 2021. On July 23, a Full Moon occurred in the early degrees of Aquarius (at 01°26´). Next Sunday, August 22, we have a second Full Moon in the very last degree of the sign (29°36´).

A duplicate Full Moon such as this places a very strong emphasis on the qualities and purposes of the sign involved. Aquarius is the original thinker, the nonconformist, the eccentric, the mad scientist. It defies expectations and, in fact, may relish the opportunity to raise a few eyebrows. Just consider that although Aquarius is an air sign, its symbol is "the Waterbearer." Always the individualist, refusing to be limited by labels, Aquarius is just a bit amused that some may not realize that the "waters" pouring from its urn are the waters of Knowledge.

AQUARIUS demands personal freedom and equality and, as a fixed sign, strongly resists being controlled or being told to conform. As an extension of these themes, it is also the sign of idealism, social reform, and humanitarianism.

It doesn't take much searching to find all these qualities being accentuated right now, in ourselves, in friends and loved ones, and in society as a whole. Our challenge, perhaps, is in figuring out the most enlightened ways to express our Aquarian tendencies.

The shadow qualities of the sign include...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by astrologer, Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: August 9 - 15, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus opposite Neptune

TUE: Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron, Mercury opposite Jupiter

WED: Mars square nodal axis, Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mercury enters Virgo, Venus trine Pluto

THU: No major aspects

FRI: Mars quincunx Saturn

SAT: Mars sesquiquadrate Eris, Venus quincunx Jupiter, Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun quincunx Neptune

SUN: Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus, Mercury square nodal axis, Venus enters Libra

THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER is now underway. The Perseids are debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. Every year around this time, the Earth passes near the path taken by the now-distant comet, and its debris fragments show up as meteors in our sky.

According to SpaceWeather.com, "Forecasters expect the shower to peak on the night of August 11/12, with August 12/13 a possible close second. On both dates, meteor rates could exceed 100 an hour during the dark hours before sunrise."

If you have a tradition of wishing every time you see a "falling star," and you live somewhere with clear skies, you'll need to prepare a good long list of wishes this week!

THE NEXT PLUTO-ERIS SQUARE will perfect on August 27 when the two dwarf planets are at 24°40´ of Capricorn and Aries, respectively. But slow-moving Pluto and Eris are already so close to that degree, we're feeling the square's tension very strongly, even though the exact aspect is still three weeks away. And, this is the fourth of five exact squares in 2020-2021, which means we are also building on the energies of the three previous occurrences in 2020 (on January 26, June 14, and December 10).

One essential theme of this square seems to be about reclaiming one's true power...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: August 2 - 8, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Chiron, Venus trine Uranus

TUE: Mercury square Uranus

WED: Sun trine Chiron

THU: No major aspects

FRI: Sun square Uranus

SAT: Mercury quincunx Neptune

SUN: New Moon 6:50 a.m. PDT

THE METAPHYSICAL SYSTEMS of Western astrology, esoteric astrology, and numerology combine to make this an especially powerful week.

Since late June, the fixed star Sirius has been rising with the Sun, its bright light hidden within the Sun's rays. Esoteric astrology tells us when the Sun and Sirius align, it amplifies and focuses the energies of the Second Ray that emanates from Sirius. The Second Ray works with the heart chakra and thymus gland (high heart chakra) and carries with it the qualities of Love and Wisdom.

Next week, Sirius will finally emerge from behind the Sun and start to be visible above the eastern horizon just before sunrise. This is called the heliacal rising of Sirius. Each year, the reemergence of Sirius is appropriately linked to the Sun's transit through the sign of Leo the Lion, the zodiac sign that rules our physical heart.

ALTHOUGH Sirius and the Sun have been rising together for several weeks, and the actual heliacal rising of Sirius this year is on or about August 11 (depending on your location on the planet), people around the globe have for many years celebrated the Lion's Gate on August 8. This date combines the esoteric significance of Sirius Rising with the numerological significance of it being the eighth day of the eighth month (8/8).

According to sources, the Lion's Gate is a galactic portal through which high-level cosmic energies can more directly reach Earth. These higher frequencies are said to offer illumination and insight, and to activate new levels of transformation for the collective, as well as for each of us individually.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Ewald Kliegel. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

What is more important in our lives than health and healing? Even prosperity and security are found far down the list of our most important values.

Our body is like an orchestra in which the organs play the symphony of life with the greatest virtuosity. If we listen closely, we will experience that what is important is happening in between the musicians, instruments, and sounds. In this "in between" place, we can perceive the intentions of life more clearly and align better with our innermost core, our soul.

We now know that health and illness are processes that affect the whole human: they are much more than a mere description of their condition and a Latin name. To get to the deeper causes, we must look to the whole person. That means not just treating disease, but helping the person come back into balance. Often, it is ourselves who need this support.

In our book Let Your Body Speak, we presented a spiritual anatomy of the organs of the human body, revealing the great principles of life working within us. Both patients and healers then asked us: How can we put this knowledge of the organs into practice? How can it help alleviate hip problems, rheumatism, the after-effects of a stroke, or even cancer?

In their essence, organs are spiritual presences, and not directly tangible. We cannot "do" anything with them, and they cannot be manipulated. This contradicts our usual behaviour of taking pills to change the state of our body. Of course, we should take advantage of the blessings of modern medicine and use natural healing treatments for health problems or ailments. However, for holistic healing, we need to go beyond that, to a higher level, where the solutions to many problems lie in our inner communication, which largely follows mental, emotional, and spiritual influences...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author & Illustrator Ewald Kliegel has been a practicing massage therapist and naturopath for more than 35 years. He teaches seminars on reflex zone massage and crystal wand therapy in both German and English throughout Europe. He lives in Stuttgart, Germany.

Anne Heng is a painter and illustrator, who specializes in painting on silk, which enables her to convey the quiet beauty of nature. She lives near the Taunus Mountains in Germany.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to enjoy life rather than try to control it.

Do we want to be in control of it all, or do we want to enjoy it instead?

After all, we can't enjoy what we are anxiously trying to control.

The song of birds, the voices of insects, are all means of conveying truth to the mind. In flowers and grasses we see messages of the Tao.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Control or Joy: Which Do You Choose to Experience?Written by Alan Watts

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of enjoying life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to enjoy life rather than try to control it.*

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Written by Allison Carmen. Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com.

“Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.”

—Henri Frederic Amiel

When I think back to the beginning of my separation from my husband, I can’t decide which was harder: his actually leaving me or being in counseling together for seven weeks. Sitting in counseling with someone whom I’d had to beg to stay was overwhelmingly painful. There was something so awful about someone who had been my best friend the month before who was now so cold and distant, who was only sitting through therapy, it seemed, as a concession to me.

In therapy, we “explored” why he wanted to leave. But the reason was simple. He wanted to date other people. I watched him struggle to come up with a better explanation, but this, in the end, was what it came down to. What were the chances counseling could shift that? In counseling, one of the hardest parts was living with the uncertainty of whether the marriage could be saved.

One night, as I lay in bed crying while my husband slept next to me, I noticed my book The Gift of Maybe on my nightstand. I picked it up and went into the bathroom, where I sat on the cold tile floor. I opened up the book and started to read. I had begun writing the book in 2011, and it was now seven years later.

As I read through the first chapter, which explored the kinds of fears I'd been living with for years, to my surprise, I found that I had listed "Would my husband always love me?" as one of my fears. The words hit me hard. It was as if I had been writing to my future self, reminding her to embrace this mindset of maybe when the time came, and I'd really need it.

The Need for Certainty The premise of The Gift of Maybeis that being addicted to certainty creates fear and limits what is possible in our lives. It was born from my experience that if I didn't know what would happen next in my life, I projected things would be bad and not work out. I was unable to sit in the uncertainty of life and be open to all the possible outcomes, especially the good ones...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Allison Carmen holds a B.A. in accounting, a J.D. of Law, and a Master's of Law in taxation. After working for a large law firm in Manhattan, she founded her own law firm and built a successful practice focusing on real estate, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, and taxation. After 15 years of practicing law, Allison transitioned her practice into business consulting, business coaching, and life coaching. Allison is also the part-time CFO of The Motherhood Center, a mission-driven female-run day hospital for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Allison is the author of The Gift of Maybe: Offering Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times, and A Year Without Men, A Twelve Point Guide to Inspire and Empower Women. Allison's podcast, 10 Minutes To Less Suffering, focuses on helping people alleviate daily stress and worry. She also writes for several large online publications, including Psychology Today, and is sought after guest on radio and other online media platforms. She is also a certified health coach and Reiki master.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I relax and let go of trying to control.

As we learn to accept ourselves with our mistakes, we relax. Relaxing is important on the spiritual path.

As we relax the personality -- the brain and the mind -- we can allow the spirit self to take over. We then allow ourselves to pick up the intuitive thoughts that try so hard to reach us through our anxieties and our fears.

Further, as we stop trying to control, we allow our higher power to run our lives.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

On Perfectionism: Allowing Ourselves to RelaxWritten by Jill Downs

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of relaxing and letting go of trying to control (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we relax and let go of trying to control.

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It’s no secret that aerobic exercise can help stave off some of the ravages of aging. But a growing body of research suggests that swimming might provide a unique boost to brain health.

Regular swimming has been shown to improve memory, cognitive function, immune response and mood. Swimming may also help repair damage from stress and forge new neural connections in the brain.

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We all know the burning sensation we get when eating chillies. Some can tolerate the heat, while others may be reaching for the milk carton.

Some people even actively choose to participate in chilli-eating competitions, seeking out the world’s hottest chillies, such as the Carolina Reaper.

The global hot sauce market has grown substantially in the last few years. It sits at around US$2.71 billion (A$3.68 billion), and is expected to grow to $4.38 billion (A$5.95 billion) by 2028.

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Written by Thomas Mayer. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

How do you experience elemental beings? Can you consciously make it happen? And how do you distinguish between truth and fantasy?

Experiencing elemental beings is generally prohibited by mental blocks. These mental blocks tend to come up particularly when you begin with practical exercises. You think your own perceptions are figments of the imagination, or fantasies, and you are so full of mistrust that nothing remains. So right away you throw out the baby with the bathwater.

This mistrust lives in the air of our Western culture, which is based on natural science, and is thus breathed in by all of us. There is something good about it. The passage through the mistrust can lead to an ennobling and purging of your spiritual perceptions. Without mistrust you would take every inner perception for real, even if your own wishes, ideas, and state of being overshadow and distort it.

For me, spiritual experience has become a neutral, everyday affair. There is a method for achieving objectivity of one’s experience, so that you can truly speak of spiritual research. This is true for the perception of all spiritual phenomena and beings, for ether forces, angels, the deceased, Christ, and also for elemental beings.

How Do I Arrive at Objectivity in Spiritual Experience? When it comes to this question, the following points appear important to me:

In spiritual experience, the human being is themself the organ of perception. Just as physicists clean their instruments in the laboratory and pay attention to the temperature and humidity, it is equally necessary to constantly keep yourself clean and stay in shape. A regular meditation practice, inner purification, and work for soul balance are required. It is important to practice concentration of thought, equanimity of feeling, constancy of will, openness, and positivity.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Thomas Mayer teaches meditation based on the work of Rudolf Steiner. He is a civil rights activist and author of several books on elemental beings in German. The cofounder of the organization More Democracy, he has organized many referendums in Germany and Switzerland. He teaches throughout Europe and lives near Basel, Switzerland.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take the time every day to calm my mind. Many of us know that a few moments of connecting with our inner resources can have dramatic and healthy effects in restoring a sense of balance to a hectic day. But who has the luxury of spending 45 minutes to one hour calming themselves down in the middle of a rushed day?

Webster's definition of meditation is from the Latin "meditare," meaning to reflect on, to ponder, to plan or intend in the mind, to engage in contemplation.

If you've ever daydreamed or "spaced out" in line at the grocery store checkout counter, you can meditate. There's no right or wrong way to meditate. The hardest part of meditating is to remember to do it!

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Got A Minute? Meditation... Express StyleWritten by Nancy L. Butler-Ross and Michael Suib

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking the time to calm your mind (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take the time to calm our mind.

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Written by Barry Vissell. Narrated by Billy Joey, AI.

There is a rapid on the Rogue River called Rainie Falls. There are three choices of routes. The main falls is a class five drop through very turbulent water. I have successfully run this rapid as a paddler in our daughter, Rami's, boat, with her at the oars in the back. However, the last two times I tried this, the powerful turbulence knocked me out of the raft. (You can watch the 2-minute video of this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epl8RhHuefc) I have now made a wise choice to no longer push myself in this way.

There is a middle chute that I have also found rather difficult. And then there's the third choice, called the Fish Ladder, a narrow human-made diversion channel that bypasses the falls. It's referred to as the "easy" route. It is anything but easy. It requires skill to reach the top through a maze of boulders, and then set-up, aiming your boat down the channel.

Perhaps, with paddlers in the raft, there can be some control during this run. But, alas, I am usually alone in the back with oars so long that they are completely worthless in the narrow confines of the channel. Joyce, in her infinite wisdom, chooses to walk on the trail with the dogs around the whole messy business.

I have tried shipping the oars (putting them into the raft) and trying to control the boat with a paddle. This has never worked. Okay, maybe a little.

Accepting my lack of control What really works is for me to accept my powerlessness, my helplessness, that I really have very little control in this situation. I pray for Spirit to guide me safely through this rapid. I ask the angels for their loving protection. And then I trust, or try to trust. (I haven't perfected this yet.)

Do I hit rocks? Yes. Do I bounce off? Usually. Do I feel like a human pin-ball? Absolutely. Do I sometimes get stuck? Yes. Do I get unstuck? So far, yes. The whole thing is an exercise about trust, a clear situation where I'm not in control, where I have a chance to accept my powerlessness...

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Narrated by Billy Joey, AI, courtesy of InnerSelf.com*

About the Author(s) Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for further information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I give myself permission to say "no". "Overload syndrome" is a temporary anxiety and depression state that results from becoming overburdened with too many work, household, volunteer, or social obligations, and it subsides promptly after reducing the excessive number of responsibilities. It can best be likened to overloading an electrical outlet and blowing a fuse.

The ideal management of the overload syndrome is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. First, one needs to learn when to say "no!" All it takes is an awareness of one's priorities.

Remember, it's easier to prevent the overload syndrome by anticipating your capacity, and saying "no" when it is necessary, than to over commit yourself into an anxiety and/or depression state. Nevertheless, once this occurs, you could still get prompt relief by cutting out the excessive obligations.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

The Overload Syndrome: How To Deal with It and Learn to Say "No"Written by Nanette & Jerome Marmorstein

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of giving yourself permission to say 'no' (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we give ourselves permission to say "no".

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The disconnect between how old we feel and how old we want to be can offer insights into the relationship between our views on aging and our health, according to a new study.

Subjective age discordance (SAD)—the difference between how old you feel and how old you would like to be—is a fairly new concept in the psychology of aging. However, the work to this point has used SAD to look at longitudinal data and how people’s views on aging evolve over months or years.

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The precarious economies of many traditional seaside towns have declined still further since the 1970s when an explosion of cheap holiday flights and package tours to Spain and Greece took away swathes of their summer trade.

“Turkey and Tinsel” weekends still draw the odd coach, but cannot keep a town afloat. Although UK seaside resorts are having a booking spike this year because of the pandemic, a boost to the economy over a single summer will not make a major difference to health or economies long term.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I see everything as an opportunity for service.

it isn't really important what we do, so long as we see everything we do as an opportunity for service, for applying energy creatively, for working for the welfare of all, for expanding our sympathies and awareness, for attuning our consciousness to the Infinite Intelligence.

Once you learn to use money rightly, you will find gains on many levels. Your abundance, energy, joy — all will expand.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Triumvirate of Money, Spirituality, and ServiceWritten by J. Donald Walters

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being of service (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we see everything as an opportunity for service.

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Millions of people returning to the workplace means millions of dogs left home alone, some of them never having experienced their people being gone all day.

“This is something that’s a big deal for a dog, if you have been around home most of the time and now you’re going to go back and be gone 40-50 hours a week,” says Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology and the co-director of the Duke University Canine Cognition Center.

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An impossible standard is at the root of gender inequalities in the workplace, according to two new studies on inflexibility and discrimination against mothers.

Put simply: Working mothers are often expected to work like they don’t have children and raise children as if they don’t work.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am respectful of my own needs and desires. Shakespeare declared, "Self-loving is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting."

When we speak of self-love, we are not talking about a adoration type of energy. Rather we are talking about self-respect, honoring one's desires and needs, and being true to our own self.

Self-love is not about putting oneself above anyone else, but it is also not about sacrificing our happiness to try to "make" someone else happy... We can "do for others" if our actions are coming from love. Doing things for others out of love is honoring our own self at the same time as honoring theirs. But doing for others out of martyrdom or resentful obligation, is not respectful of them or of ourselves. It's important to be respectful of our own needs and desires.Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Is There Such A Thing As Good Selfishness?Written by Alan Cohen

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of respecting your needs and desires (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are respectful of our own needs and desires.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I am worthy of receiving blessings.

Sometimes we don't believe we truly deserve blessings, love, riches, whatever goodness we desire...

After all, we recall some of the times we behaved "badly" and because of our ingrained belief in a punishing and avenging God, we don't really believe that we deserve what we are asking for.

We must reprogram ourselves with deservability: "I am worthy!" "I deserve the best." "I deserve love."

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Ensure That "Luck" Is On Your SideWritten by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of knowing that you are deserving of blessings (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today (and every day) we are worthy of receiving blessings.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: July 26 - August 1, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron

TUE: Mercury enters Leo, Mercury quincunx Jupiter

WED: Jupiter enters Aquarius

THU: Mars opposite Jupiter, Mars enters Virgo

FRI: Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto, Venus quincunx Saturn, Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune

SAT: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune

SUN: Sun conjunct Mercury, Venus quincunx Chiron, Mercury opposite Saturn

DEEP EMOTIONS have been stirred up recently, coinciding with planetary aspects that have triggered the issues related to the Pluto-Eris square. These shadow emotions – perhaps anger, fear, confusion, worry, guilt, frustration, helplessness, or hopelessness – have arisen so that we will acknowledge, feel, allow, and accept them. As we let go of our resistance to feeling these emotions, and let go of the need to blame or label them as "good" or "bad," they are transmuted and released.

As Amanda Lorence writes, the energy we experience as emotions is neither negative nor positive: "It is vibration we experience in the body and we tend to label it with the mind. Beyond the human mind of established thought patterns (old programmes), the energy is neutral. And therefore, of Peace. Find your own peace. It's there, beyond the mind and stories the mind creates."

WE HAVE JUST moved through a couple of weeks of intensified emotions, as first the Sun and then Mercury activated the Pluto-Eris square. This energy was also woven into the impact of Friday's Full Moon, which was conjunct Pluto in late Capricorn (25°24´) even though the Moon was in early degrees of Aquarius (01°26´).

This week, we do not see that same activation of Pluto-Eris in the aspects list. However, we are only three weeks away from the exact square, which occurs on August 27. That means we are working with its influence on a daily basis.

BESIDES lunations and eclipses, the effects of most...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Peter Ruppert. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

*Courage isn’t the absence of fear but rather the decision

that something else is more important than fear. —FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT*

Courage is not about being fearless in the face of a scary situation. It is the willingness to move forward or take action— despite your fear. It’s about finding the will to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, even when getting there seems daunting.

Over the years, I’ve learned that no matter how many times I act courageously, I can still count on two things:

I will be afraid.
I need to be brave enough to act anyway, even if it’s difficult or means breaking away from other people’s expectations of what I should do.

Having the courage to move ahead despite fear is always hard work and is a never-ending growth process.

The Courage To Move Out Of Your Comfort Zone We have all likely heard this commonly quoted definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting a different result. This applies to building courage as well. If you never get out of your comfort zone, and instead continue surrounding yourself with the same people, the same perspectives and the same norms, you’ll never stretch yourself in ways that encourage you to take big leaps in your life. You’ll continue to play it safe, and you’ll never learn to be courageous.

**Is there a situation in your life now that requires courage to move forward?

What might it look like to take specific action—despite your fear?**

Presidential Medal of Honor winner Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector who was drafted into World War II and required to serve in some capacity despite his beliefs. Initially, he was the object of ridicule from other soldiers for his staunch religious convictions and refusal to carry or use a weapon. Later, however...

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About The Author Peter Ruppert is founder and CEO of i-Education Group, which operates over 75 Fusion and Futures Academies for grades 6-12 in one student, one teacher classroom environments. A 20-year veteran of the education industry, he’s opened over 100 schools and acquired more than 25 others. He’s been president and CEO of organizations in the private school, charter school, and early education industries, and sat on his local public school board for 5 years. He lives with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose to enjoy everything that I do.

Sometimes it just takes a change of attitude to make your current job, relationship, or where you live, more fulfilling. Listen to your heart. Ask for guidance. Pay close attention to the answers you get and be willing to respond accordingly.

Spirit can only do for you what it can do through you. Become an open receptacle to receive guidance and insights that will lead you to experience prosperity, abundance, and peace.

Listen to your heart. Share what you have. Love what you do.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Open the Floodgates of Abundance and Inner PeaceWritten by Susan Smith Jones

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to enjoy everything you do (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to enjoy everything that we do.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I recognize what I am really searching for. We all want to lead happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. These goals are universal, even though very different things bring different people happiness. For some, fulfillment is attained through raising a family, earning money, or playing sports; for others, it may appear in writing, cooking, or artistic expression. And we all want to be loved.

Eastern wisdom traditions teach that because our thoughts, feelings, and desires are constantly changing, we will never achieve enduring happiness or peace of mind through objects, relationships, or anything outside ourselves.

Our minds are always wandering, reacting to other people's behaviors and words, and taken over by the thoughts and memories streaming through our awareness. So it is also fruitless to seek lasting happiness through thought, or even through sensual pleasures. What attracts us today fails to satisfy tomorrow. Yet we continue to think that serenity comes from something we do or have, rather than the way we are.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Are You Looking for Bliss In All the Wrong Places?Written by Jane Katra, Ph.D. & Russell Targ

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This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of knowing what you're searching for (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we recognize what we are really searching for.

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Written by Thomas Hatsis. Narrated by Billy Joey, AI

Beginning in the late 1950s, five hospitals (in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada) offered a new kind of psychedelic therapy: treating alcoholism with LSD. Psychologist Duncan Blewett went on to play “an active role” as an LSD facilitator at Weyburn Mental Hospital, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, administering LSD to countless alcoholics who couldn’t tread the twelve steps. While there, in 1959 he wrote (perhaps) the world’s first medical manual for using LSD to treat alcoholism, The Handbook for the Therapeutic Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-25: Individual and Group Procedures.Several passages in The Handbook even show direct influence of Huxley’s psychedelic philosophies. Some of the Saskatchewan brass had hypothesized that LSD might be as addicting as the Buffalo Bourbon they tried to corral. To test that possibility, Blewett (and his supervising psychiatrist) took LSD for thirty days straight. They reported no difference in their “ordinary functioning.”

Treating Alcoholism with Psychedelics The use of a psychedelic to treat alcoholism had its origins in the early 1900s. In the decades leading up to the synthesis of Albert Hoffman's wonder child, anthropologists working in 1907 reported on alcoholics in the Winnebago community who had successfully given up the bottle in favor of peyote. Those who had made the transition from whiskey to dry whiskey became “successful, healthy and outstanding members” of their society.

Consider the following testimonial: “Jilt [peyote] cures us of our temporal ills as well as those of a spiritual nature. It takes away the desire for strong drink[.] I myself have been cured of a loathsome disease too horrible to mention. So have hundreds of others.” ...

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About the Author Thomas Hatsis is a historian of psychedelia, witchcraft, magic, pagan religions, alternative Christianities, and the cultural intersection of those areas, who holds a master’s degree in history from Queens College. The author of The Witches’ Ointment and Psychedelic Mystery Traditions, he runs PsychedelicHistorian.com, a site dedicated to promoting the latest and best information pertaining to the Psychedelic Renaissance.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to ask for help. Nearly all of us feel a little blue or a little down every now and then. Maybe we've had a bad day at work. Maybe we've had a disagreement with a friend or a loved one. Maybe we just woke up on the wrong side of bed. It happens.

Occasional temporary feelings of sadness are a natural part of life. However if you frequently feel this way, or if the feelings are excessive, you may be suffering from depression.

There is no shame or stigma associated with seeking professional help for depression. The only shame is in allowing yourself (or a loved one) to suffer needlessly without getting help. When looking for help in overcoming depression, keep in mind that where you get the help from is not nearly as important as just getting it!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Dealing with Depression: Depression Is Not A Character FlawWritten by Mark Schwartz

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to ask for help (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to ask for help.

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Written by William Yang. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood.

The main characteristic of a bodhisattva is her quality of presence, meaning she is fully present in the here and now. This presence is tender, modest, and powerful at the same time. It has a quality of nakedness, as it is not dressed in impressive or outstanding characteristics. A bodhisattva has no personality that draws the attention of TV cameras. A bodhisattva has no personality in the sense of a set of closely knitted character traits that hide one’s inner being. She may therefore be difficult to discover and even more difficult to relate to, as she does not give you an easy handle to get ahold of her.

You cannot push or pull a bodhisattva. If you want to hit him, it’s as if you’re striking thin air. If you want to insult him, there seems to be nobody there to be insulted. And if you want to love him, he eludes all the possessive clinging that love so often entails.

Yet a bodhisattva is very much present. She is there when you just decided to give up on her and you stopped loving, fearing, or looking for her. If she is there, you feel yourself surrounded by a loving presence, a kind of energy that you can only feel after you become quiet of wanting it. It’s a healing energy in the truest sense, as it heals the divisive actions of the mind. It’s an energy that fills the fissures and gaps in the heart of humankind. A bodhisattva brings peace into this world not as a political solution, but as a living experience. She is a grassroots peacekeeper, kind yet fearless.

A bodhisattva brings light into this world not out of a crusade against the dark and evil forces, but out of the sheer joy of radiating his true essence in all directions and in every situation.

A bodhisattva brings healing into this world not out of fear of sickness and death, but out of bringing people back to their true nature, their original pureness: the inner light of their own soul, heart, and mind....

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About the Author William Yang has been teaching relaxation, breathing, meditation, and yoga exercises to cancer patients since the early 1980s. Inspired by the benefits patients reported in the hospital where he worked, he founded a center dedicated to these programs, which in a later phase went on to become the William Yang Foundation, based in the Netherlands.

In 1995 he received the Dr. Marco de Vries award in bio-psychosocial medicine and in 2005 he became a knight of the order of Oranje Nassau, an honor bestowed by H.M. Queen Beatrix for his work with cancer patients and disadvantaged children in India.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: The present moment is all there is. We've been told to "be in the present" and to "live in the now". But actually, we are always living in the present, there is no other option really.

The part of us that resides in the past or the future is our mind... our resentful (past) or worrying (future) mind. As for us, the beingness that we are can only be in the present, as that is all that really exists. The rest is either memory, whether happy or sad, or projection, whether hopeful or fearful.

So, let us accept that we are already in the present moment, the only place we can be. That gives us the power to implement our intention and love in that very moment. And be who we are meant to be, right here and right now.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

The Loving Present: Being in the Present, EffortlesslyWritten by Tara Singh

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your present moment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are aware that the present moment is all there is.

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Written and narrated by intuitive astrologer, Sarah Varcas

24th July 2021 – 22nd August 2021 – Blue Moon Cycle in Aquarius All dates are UT so may vary in your time zone.

The full moon on 24th July 2021 is the first of two full moons in Aquarius making the second (22nd August) an auspicious blue moon. The period beginning with this first full moon and ending with the blue moon offers everyone an opportunity for a mental ‘spring-clean’, clearing the mind of unnecessary mental clutter that prevents clear-seeing and wise discernment (you can read more about how to harness the energy of a blue moon cycle here).

An Aquarian full moon wants to analyse, deconstruct and understand, whilst simultaneously developing its own unique perspective on how life unfolds and what the future could bring if we prime it to do so. This is a time for reflection, exploration and some mental gymnastics that will enable us to take understanding and insight to a whole new level very soon.

Points of view are shifting now. People in ever-increasing numbers are waking up to some bitter truths about this world in which we live. Each day the impact of lost freedoms grows, as does the number of those who refuse to comply with their own subjugation anymore. If this is you, take heart. This moon, and the blue moon to come, offers support to those whose minds remain free despite the unrelenting attempts to imprison them in a lie.

A deeper awakening To kick off this blue moon cycle, Pluto, Eris and Mars challenge us to be as bold and brazen as those who have manipulated humanity to deliver us here today. This alliance strengthens us to reclaim our mind and heart, our present and future. This blue moon cycle in Aquarius invites us to reflect on how our direct experience differs from what we are told has happened; how what we know in our gut contrasts with what we are expected to believe; how narratives of fear and a culture of blame have been used to shape human behaviour since time immemorial. Divide and rule is a technique of the powerful because it works. End of...

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Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise.

Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

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Written by Faith Elicia. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: While this article deals with eating disorder, its insights and tools can be applied to other challenging situations in our life.

The enormous toll that results from society’s glorification of restrictive eating behaviors is something that cannot be overstated. In the U.S., 9 percent of the population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. The affliction doesn’t discriminate against gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

One death occurs every 52 minutes from this fatal mental illness. Not only that, almost 26 percent of those suffering from an eating disorder (ED) will attempt suicide. Those caught in the downward spiral of continually obsessing about food, weight, and body image need support to free themselves from this dangerous mental illness.

Saying no to ED should be a no-brainer — maybe to somebody not suffering from an eating disorder. My recovery journey has demonstrated that it’s a daily struggle, something I must fight one day at a time. It’s easy to forget that ED will bring me to my death if I don’t remain conscious of its presence.

Serving a life sentence with a destructive force is no longer an option. I deserve to be healthy — mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Recovery Recovery from an eating disorder is far from graceful. It’s tumultuous and takes a great deal of patience, persistence, and, more importantly, willingness. My path has taken me down many roads.

I’ve gone to support groups and read books on eating disorder recovery. I journal, engage in cognitive-behavioral therapy, see a dietitian, and follow a spiritual path. What I have discovered is that I have so much to live and be grateful for. Days lost are gone forever. Each one must be lived to its fullest because I may not get a tomorrow.

It’s important to remember that no two eating disorders look the same, so those in recovery shouldn’t compare. We have to find what works for us individually. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, either, unless it’s doing it on our own. External support is crucial...

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About the Author Faith Elicia has been on a seven-year path of recovery from an eating disorder. When not managing her husband’s medical practice or handling things for one of her three children, she escapes to the confines of her home office to write romance fiction. Her new book, Do You See What I See? (July 15, 2021), is an interactive workbook of personal reflections, strategies, and tools for anyone suffering from an eating disorder.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:My hands are an extension of my heart.

Our society needs to recognize the beneficial effects touch has on the nervous system with the same readiness as it today pops tranquilizers and sleeping pills.

Just as negative thoughts behind a touch can be identified, so too can positive thoughts, which can then be put to good use. One can literally infuse touch with the power of thought. When you touch, think of your hands as an extension of your heart.

Touch is an important human activity in its own right, crucial to our well-being and an absolute delight. So, let's get in touch!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Hunger for Touch: Giving and Receiving the Healing of TouchWritten by Valerie Ann Worwood

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of using your hands as an extension of your heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, our hands are an extension of our heart.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I learn from my experiences and move on with my life. The following is taken from a book entitled "The Tao of Self-Defense" by Scott Shaw

Being a victim is a state of mind. It is what you do with the experience of loss, which in turn determines whether or not you become a lifelong victim. The victim mentally brings the same situations into the life experience -- over and over.

The person who is not a victim may have lost battles in the past, but realizes that life is a step-by-step process. Though he or she may not have liked the experience of losing, this individual has learned what could be learned from it.

The non-victim has become stronger, and has moved on with life, becoming a better and more whole individual. Winning or losing is a state of mind. If you learn from your seeming loss, you are, in fact, a winner.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Winning and Losing: From Fear and Victim Mentality to Being a WinnerWritten by Scott Shaw

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of learning from your experiences (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we learn from our experiences and move on with our life.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to live as if everything is a miracle. The following is excerpted from an article by Alan Cohen:

Albert Einstein said it best: "There are only two ways to live your life: As if nothing is a miracle, or as if everything is a miracle."

My sense of awe is expanding daily; I am recapturing the wonder of childhood, which faded from my life when I was told that if I wanted something good to happen, I had to manipulate to get it. Now I know that something good is always happening, and all I have to do is discover it.

We do not have to search for God; we just need to show up right where we are, and God will find us. "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well."

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

The Floating Fig Miracle: Ask and It Will Come

Written by Alan Cohen

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This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of discovering the miracles all around you (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to live as if everything is a miracle.

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Astrological Overview: July 19 - 25, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury square Chiron

TUE: Mercury sextile Uranus, Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter

WED: Eris stations retrograde, Mars trine Eris, Venus enters Virgo

THU: Venus opposite Jupiter, Mars quincunx Pluto, Sun enters Leo, Sun quincunx Jupiter

FRI: Full Moon 7:36 p.m. PDT

SAT: Mercury trine Neptune

SUN: Mercury square Eris, Mercury opposite Pluto

AS WE TRANSITION to a healthier physical state, our bodies often go through a process of detoxification. As such, we accept that certain symptoms may worsen before they get better. Although we would like to just simply remove the toxins from our bodies and be done with it, there is usually a course of healing that must be traversed. And, if we are working to release substances that our bodies have become addicted to, we may also go through withdrawal symptoms along the way.

Likewise, when we are working with a therapist to transform long-held personality patterns, we don't expect that we'll be "cured" after only one visit. And, we realize once we dive into the therapy, en route to greater wholeness, that we will be going through an at-times uncomfortable emotional and mental detox process.

THE PLANET PLUTO is an agent of deep transformation and could be called the "psychotherapist" or "detox" planet. While in Capricorn (2008-2024), it is dedicated to revealing the shadow side of social structures and governments, on its way to helping us purge the negative patterns and systems that have kept us in fear and have limited our full empowerment.

Since 2019, Pluto has been...

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Narrated by the author.*

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I trust that I can receive answers from my own Self.

You can visualize, listen to channeled guides, sit at the feet of great masters, or buy their videos; but the next time you are in turmoil, trust that you can ease your inner storm.

If you have a question nagging at you, trust that you can ask yourself for the answer.

Your mind will respond. Your Higher-Self, your Soul, will talk back to you.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Finding The Master Within...with Help Along The WayWritten by Egan Sanders

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of trusting your own guidance and answers (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we trust that we can receive answers from our own Self.

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Written by Fay Johnstone. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As an herbalist I have a very different view of weeds than the average gardener who can’t abide common garden weeds such as nettle, dandelion and plantain. These plants and many more of our garden weeds are nutritious and full of minerals and beneficial medicinal properties. When you view plants in this way it can make weeding extremely challenging and full of guilt.

As much as I love my garden weeds for their medicinal uses, though, I do pull them up sometimes as I also enjoy looking at a flower bed that is nettle-free! I always talk to the plants as I am weeding, asking them to politely grow elsewhere. I often explain why I am pulling them up. It’s usually to give another plant space or light to grow.

To make the process a little easier I like to work in my garden using reiki as well as Ho’oponopono, the Hawaiian practice for forgiveness that translates as “moving from darkness to light”. The practice of Ho’oponopono is based on the understanding that we are all connected and that by taking responsibility for the suffering of others we can bring about transformation and healing. It is a cleansing practice that requires an ability to be humble and to love unconditionally.

This simple prayer of Ho’oponopono comes in very havindy when you are weeding, pruning, thinning, transplanting and harvesting plants. I also find it useful when I am harvesting food or flowers from the garden...

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About the Author Fay Johnstone is passionate about plants and people and draws on her experience as a former owner of a flower and herb farm and her shamanic training to assist personal transformation with the subtle whispers of nature. Fay teaches workshops on plant spirit connection, Earth based healing and offers shamanic treatments across the UK, online, and from her home near Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I focus on communication that both gives and receives.

The object of the "communication" game is not to be competitive. It is not like tennis, in which we are trying to hit the ball so it can not be returned to us, or like football, where we must stop the person with the ball from reaching the goal.

The purpose of communication is for both people to benefit: the one who gives feels fulfilled in the giving, and the one who receives feels fulfilled in receiving.

When both people can give and receive, the process works perfectly.

Today's Focus was quoted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Taking the Risk to Listen and Be Heard with the HeartWritten by Rick Phillips

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of giving and receiving in your communications (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we focus on communication that both gives and receives.

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Written by Jude Bijou. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

After thirty-five years in private psychotherapy practice and decades of studying and teaching, I've found all good communication boils down to just four simple rules. Whether it's with our spouse, kids, neighbors, or our boss, mastering these concepts will have us communicating with anyone about any topic, effectively and lovingly.

While these principles may not sound new to you, I believe we can never be reminded of them enough. They are simple but not easy.

According to Attitude Reconstruction, there are also four main violations that create misunderstandings and fall-out (as well as hurt and anxiety). Identifying these four bad communication habits will help us avoid the alienation and confusion we often experience when interacting with others, especially at emotionally-charged times. Resorting to them is like throwing gasoline on the bar-b-que.

Knowing the 4+4 communication rules and violations doesn't make for stilted conversations. Being aware of them gives us a choice about whether we want distance or closeness with our words. By abiding by the four rules, we honor ourselves and others with every exchange and increase the probability of finding connection and common ground.

The First Rule is ...

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About the Author

Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to be kind to the planet. Life is the most precious of all treasures. Each one of us has been given this invaluable gift and each one of us is irreplaceable.

The bearers of life -- the Universe, the Earth and mothers -- cherish their children. A Kenyan saying goes: "You must treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children."

The most important thing for the twenty-first century is that we expand throughout society a profound compassion toward life. If we do so, war and the suppression of human rights will disappear. So will the destruction of the environment.

Today's Focus was inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Practicing Environmental Compassion and Remembering That Nature is Our HomeWritten by Daisaku Ikeda

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This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being kind to the planet (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to be kind to the planet.

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Written by Matthew McKay, Ph.D. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I have loved Jordan for thirty-four years in this life. But for much of that time he has not been here; I haven’t been able to hold and kiss him. At age twenty-three, on the way home from work, he was accosted by men who probably wanted to steal his bike. They all fought, and as he was breaking away, Jordan was shot in the back.

When my boy died, I had no belief that the dead could talk to us. At best, they seemed gone in another world, separated by loss and the deafening thunder of our grief. Perhaps, even worse, their passing spoke a truth far more dire: that they ceased to exist and that these sweet, ephemeral spirits lived only in memory.

But then Jordan started speaking to me—at first only in dreams— but then through mediums, through a process called induced after-death communication. And through the gift of channeled writing he told me he was here. He was with me, and he could teach me what he knows about the afterlife.

He has given me something I could never have hoped for: a window into the world of spirit, an invitation to listen at the curtain between worlds, and a clear awareness that death is neither an end nor even a loss. It is merely the time when we finally remember who we are and where our home is...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor of psychology at the Wright Institute, cofounder of Haight Ashbury Psychological Services, founder of the Berkeley CBT Clinic, and cofounder of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic, which serves low-income clients. He has authored and coauthored more than 40 books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook and Seeking Jordan. Matthew is the publisher of New Harbinger Publications.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take a deep breath and relax. If a person gets mad at you for no reason and starts offending you, then say to yourself mentally, if not directly to the person -- "I do not accept your anger, rage, or hostility."

When you get a harsh note from someone, when there is bad news, or when you get something that gives you anxiety, take a deep breath and say, "I will not let this impact me. It cannot affect me. I am like a sieve through which water just simply runs. It cannot stick or cling to me; I will not give any voice, knowledge, or reality to it!"

If you give energy to something that is negative -- such as worry, anxiety, or fear -- then you build it to such a state that it becomes worse than any action directed toward you. Instead of resisting, try to just relax and let it pass through. If you do, it goes away. The harder you fight, the more negativity you add to it.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Can Negative Energy Be Transformed?Written by Sylvia Browne

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of relaxing in times of stress (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take a deep breath and relax.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Since the 1980’s, video communication has been the norm, as opposed to print or the three major television networks and PBS. Today, there are thousands of television and digital channels and choices, plus on demand and countless subscription services, including digital downloads.

We now have ever-expanding ways to distract and consume attention through the new digital opiate of the masses. Cell phones with their applications have unknowingly addicted people. Our attention span has drastically shortened. The constant electrical bombardment is creating a cellular and biological interference.

There are many benefits of the digital age, such as providing a more robust selection of majors in college, searching for careers out of college, choosing places to vacation, and much more. The benefits are nearly infinite, when used properly.

However, social media is being used to replace daily healthy human interactions...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Authors Amit Goswami, PhD. is a retired professor of physics. He is a revolutionary amongst a growing body of renegade scientists who, in recent years, has ventured into the domain of the spiritual in an attempt both to interpret the seemingly inexplicable findings of curious experiments and to validate intuitions about the existence of a spiritual dimension of life. A prolific writer, teacher, and visionary, Dr. Goswami has appeared in the moviesWhat the Bleep do we know!?, Dalai Lama Renaissance, as well as the award winning documentary,The Quantum Activist. . He is the author of numerous books.

Carl David Blake was born in the Bronx, New York, and attended the University of South Florida where he earned a B.S. in Biology and Zoology and an M.A. in Mass Communication. Carl has also written, produced, and directed six independent films.

Gary Stuart, International Bestselling Author, Speaker, his latest book Healing Human History: Constellation Wisdom for the 21st Century also he's the creator of Constellation Healing Oracle Cards. His goal is to motivate you and help you understand the spiritual aspects of negative physical and emotional challenges that can create 'dis-ease' & disharmony in our lives. He's also the founder of the Constellation Healing Institute.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:Each day is a new day full of possibilities.

Everyday the sun rises is a new day full of possibilities. We do not have to approach today in the same way as we approached yesterday.

Every week is a new week with a new set of tasks, demands, adventures, any of which reveal brand new possibilities.

Just as we meet limits in the midst of life, we also find possibility, the undiluted freedom to create and live our lives.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Approach Life Full of Endless Possibilitiesedited by R. Brian Stanfield

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of discovering new possibilities (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today is a new day full of possibilities.*

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Written by Serge Kahili King. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

The most important thing to consider right off is that there is no right way to interpret a dream, because interpretation, a form of translation, is entirely subjective. I remember an assignment in a Chinese language course where we had to translate a poem called “The White Pony.” There were five different translations turned in and the teacher said every one of them was correct. Translating or interpreting dreams presents the same problem. However, you will find that some ways to interpret dreams are more useful than others for specific dreams.

The next most important thing to consider is that when you give others the authority to interpret your dreams, you are buying in to their beliefs, expectations, biases, and prejudices, instead of yours. What they may say about your dreams might or might not be useful, but it can never be as good as what you yourself might think, because, after all, they are your dreams, not theirs.

Dreams as Metaphor A metaphor is a word or phrase used to describe something to which it does not directly apply. Many dreams can be interpreted in this way. Diving deeply into an ocean can relate to diving deeply into one’s subconscious; rising high in an elevator could mean a desire to elevate oneself; losing one’s keys might mean the fear of not being able to unlock a problem; clothing issues could refer to habits, since habit is also an old word for clothing, or it could refer to covering up something or revealing something; urination might be the need to get rid of something toxic in your life; and so on.

Commonsense Interpretation This is something anyone can do. All you have to do is to look at your behavior and the behavior of others in your dream, as well as the things you interact with, and interpret them the same way you would for what happens in Waking Life, ignoring any strangeness. Encountering obstacles could reflect frustrations you are feeling. Intersections could represent choices you have to make. Friends could mean available help, and enemies could be conditions or even people in your way. Here are some more specific examples...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Serge Kahili King, Ph.D., is the author of many works on Huna and Hawaiian shamanism, including Urban Shaman and Instant Healing. He has a doctorate in psychology and was trained in shamanism by the Kahili family of Kauai as well as by African and Mongolian shamans. He is the executive director of Huna International, a non-profit worldwide network of individuals who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place. He lives on the Big Island of Hawaii.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose forgiveness.

As you begin to seek inner faith and come to trust yourself and your abilities, you must first cross a small bridge. We call this the "bridge of forgiveness".

At this point in your journey you make the emotional decision to evolve. You have come this far by making the intellectual decision to move forward, but now you must make the emotional decision.

Now you must step upon this bridge of forgiveness so as not to carry the past into the future.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Finding True Freedom by Crossing the Bridge of ForgivenessWritten by Vincent Cole

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to forgive (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose forgiveness.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:My goal is the attainment of infinite joy.

More than anything else, what we want of life is escape from pain, and the attainment of joy.

The deeper our joy, the more deeply meaningful our lives become.

The duty with which we are charged by life itself is to find that "hidden treasure" of infinite joy and bliss.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Attaining The Hidden Treasure of Infinite Joy and HappinessWritten by J. Donald Walters

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of aiming for infinite joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today our goal is the attainment of infinite joy.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: July 12 - 18, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury trine Jupiter

TUE: Venus conjunct Mars

THU: Sun trine Neptune, Mercury semisquare Mars, Venus quincunx Neptune

FRI: Sun square Eris, Pluto trine Ceres

SAT: Venus trine Eris, Sun opposite Pluto

SUN: Venus quincunx Pluto, Mercury semisquare Venus, Sun sextile Ceres, Mercury semisquare Ceres, Mercury quincunx Saturn, Mars quincunx Neptune, Venus square Ceres

"IT'S COMPLICATED." That's my first – and perhaps best – response to the question, "What's happening with the planets this week?"

The prevailing influence, without question, is a stressful T-square that forms in the last half of the week. Over the last fortnight, two other T-squares have been in effect, and so we have already been dealing with considerable friction. With unpredictable Uranus at the apex of both of those T-squares, there has been a buildup of tension that has found a release point in surprising and even shocking ways.

The T-squares we've been working with over the past two weeks involved planets in fixed signs, and activated the influence of the Saturn-Uranus square. Accordingly, the obstacles we've encountered and the disruptions that have occurred have hopefully helped us break free in areas where we have felt stuck or stagnant. And, if our journey through these energies has been successful, we have gained a new level of detachment and objectivity that will serve us well going forward.

THIS WEEK'S T-SQUARE is different in that it involves planets in cardinal signs: the Sun in Cancer, Pluto in Capricorn, and Eris in Aries. And, it is activating the longer-term Pluto-Eris square, which will be exact for the fourth time on August 27.

All T-squares create significant tension and sometimes...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Tjitze de Jong. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The emotional charge of fear is a huge one. It is the emotion I come across more than any other in my work with cancer clients.

The first instinctive physical reaction to fear is for people to hold their breath. The first energetic reaction is a reduction in the charge of the first chakra, because of experiencing a physical threat. Simultaneously the entire aura contracts and becomes denser. Both result in a sudden reduction of energetic flow and circulation.

When sitting opposite a client during our chat prior to an actual healing, I notice these physical and energetic reactions time and time again. Most of the time, I make clients aware of my observations, not in order to tell them off or humiliate them but in order for the clients themselves to gain more self-awareness.

Also, fear creates the tendency in people to try and escape from reality, to try and escape from the here-and-now. As soon as the first flicker of a wish to escape crosses our mind, without realizing, the first chakra instantly reduces its connection to the here-and-now, to planet Earth. We “pull up the drawbridge”, the root chakra, which governs kidneys and adrenal glands. That is why these organs are associated with and affected by fear. Long-term exposure to fearful situations may be detrimental to the functioning of those organs.

Adrenal fatigue, for example, is nothing but a physicalized fearful state of being. It often relates to an indirect fear, one that doesn’t necessarily threaten the person’s life directly but is more an underlying fear arising from abuse, violence, poverty, abandonment, and other factors that lasts years or decades. It is based upon previous experiences and is subconsciously tucked away somewhere in the body for it to fester.

Besides absorbing the vital life energy of these areas of the body and organs, the root chakra is responsible for keeping an individual’s overall immune system in good health.

The Implications... It’s important to realize the implications. If a person lives in a prolonged state of fear and wishes to be elsewhere, his overall capacity to live is reduced, possibly to the point of annihilation. Interesting or what?...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Tjitze de Jong is a teacher, complementary therapist, and energy healer (Brennan Healing Science) specializing in cancer, with more than 20 years’ experience in his field. In 2007, he founded Tjitze’s Energetic Cellular Healing School (TECHS), sharing healing skills with practitioners around the world. The author of Cancer, A Healer’s Perspective, he is based within the spiritual community of Findhorn, Scotland.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I take responsibility for the life I have created. If we believe that we have no choices and that we are powerless in life, we will live life from a victim point of view.

If we take responsibility for our lives and are aware of how we create our experiences from our beliefs and perceptions, we will live life from the point of view of a creator. If we create something we don't like, then we can create something else that we like better.

The most important decision we will ever make is whether we are a victim or a creator. According to universal law, it can't be both ways. Either we are all creators or we are all victims.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Are You A Creator or A Victim?: As We Think, So Shall We FeelWritten by Dr. Paula Sunray

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking responsibility for your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we take responsibility for the life we have created.

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Written and Narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

*If you want to find the secrets of the Universe,

think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”* -- NIKOLA TESLA

Quantum physics has shown us that everything is in vibration and that frequency is the foundation of life. So each of our cells, everything in the natural world, Earth itself, and even “inanimate” objects carry their own electromagnetic signature. We are electromagnetic beings, which is how tests like EEGs and EKGs work.

Energetics are foundational to the manifest world we see, and only one unified field of energy exists with everything vibrating at different levels. There is nothing separate, regardless of appearances.Even though we don’t “see” it because we are seeing through a lens of ego vision, energetics is how everything operates at the most foundational level and affects us in all ways. All of our relationships have their own unique energetics. Certain neighborhoods or cities may feel bad to us, or we may prefer to live on a large plot of land versus high-density housing. A business has its own energetic.

Each of our emotions carries an energetic, and when we describe someone as having bad energy, we are being literal. This is why spiritual teachers talk about raising our vibration. Negativity, anger, resentment, bitterness, unwillingness to forgive, fear — these are all lower vibration emotions that don’t feel good. Love, compassion, joy, gratitude — these are higher vibration emotions that make us feel good, and we want more of them.

The system is rigged in our favor as it directs us to what makes us feel good, such as love and joy. Unfortunately...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am conscious of my true needs. What we do is based on what we wish to attain, or our needs. Some people feel a great need for money, but is it really money they yearn for?

In some cases money equates power, or comfort, or safety. Our goal is not money. It is to attain a sense of something... joy, freedom, security, peace, etc.

We must be clear about our intentions and focus on the true end result of what we are looking for, not the thing we think we need to reach there. In other words, it is not money you really desire, it is the things that money will allow you to have... whether that is more time, a better place to live, a vacation, better education for your children, etc. Clarifying our goals and true needs will help us make them a reality.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Attain A Life of Balance with Money, Love, and ConsciousnessWritten by Ruth Ross, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of identifying your true needs (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are conscious of our true needs.

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Written by Will Wilkinson and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Since humans began thinking we’ve asked, “Who am I, why am I here?” Philosophers have debated, spiritual seekers have meditated, hedonists have partied, super achievers have produced, scientists have invented, technology has created marvels, and almost everyone has missed the obvious: human beings are designed to function as the connecting link between the invisible world of “spirit” and the everyday material world.

Imagine if we’d been educated into that fundamental understanding of life. What would we have made of this world, if that had been our guiding principle? How would each new generation contribute? Would we be floundering in global chaos, community conflict, and personal confusion as we are today? Not likely.

Who Controls the World? I once read a brash statement from a billionaire industrialist: “The world should be controlled by those who own it.” This man spoke what many believe, that humans – some humans – are supposed to be running the planet, independent of any influence other than their own determinations. His vote went to himself and his cohorts, the rich and powerful.

Others of us might imagine...

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Will Wilkinson co-founded the Thriving Leadership Academy in Ashland, Oregon. He has authored, co-authored, ghost-written, and contributed to over 30 books, designed and delivered personal improvement programs in seven countries, hosted a variety of inspirational television series, and is now developing a new spiritual practice for advanced students of life.

He founded The Noon Club, a free member alliance that focuses intentional prayer every day at noon to uplift human consciousness.

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itten by Joyce Vissell. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Have you ever really needed help and it seemed like no one cared? Well, we just had that experience and it ended up in a beautiful miracle.

Barry and I had just finished a river trip on the Trinity River in Northern California. It was extremely hot as we were beginning our way back home after a very tiring day putting all of the rafting equipment into our truck and camper. It was 6:30 and I was sleeping next to Barry as he was slowly making his way up a very steep incline.

All of a sudden there was an explosion!!! The entire radiator burst apart and our windshield was covered in boiling radiator fluid. This was not the typical overheating that some vehicles have with steam coming from their hood. This was a complete explosion. We were stopped dead on the shoulder of a very busy highway.

We called AAA right away and, for the first time that I ever remember, they were not helpful. They connected us to a number where we were put on hold for over an hour and, when the person finally came on, he informed us that they were closed. The nearest city, Redding, was over an hour away, and we finally paid to have our truck towed there. On the way, sitting in the truck with the young driver who grew up a few miles from our home, we ended up counseling him through a difficult situation with his new relationship....

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com*

About the Author Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for further information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to believe in a better life. While the common saying goes "I'll believe it when I see it", Wayne Dyer told us "You'll see it when you believe it". We must first "see" and believe in what we wish to create before it can be in our lives.

That is a great truism in the metaphysical (more than physical) world. And we are more than physical. We are not just a brain and a body... we are energy in motion and as such we are a powerhouse of creation.

The first step in creating a new world for ourselves is to believe that it is possible. Having the courage to believe in a better life opens the door to that very reality.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Being Cinderella: Believing in the Chance for ChangeWritten by Wendy Paris

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of believing in a better life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have the courage to believe in a better life.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I face the source of stress in my life and deal with it creatively. The medical community is recognizing the deadly role that stress plays in the cause of illness. It is a major factor in the suppression of the immune system.

When we allow our emotions and mental state to be affected by the stressful factors in our worlds, we become sick, and our animals become sick with us. Animals who are closely knit with their human families experience extreme stress when their humans do.

Until we face the source of stress in our lives and deal creatively with it, it will have negative impact on us, on our worlds, our families and our animals. The importance of finding balance in our lives, where we are at peace with our worlds, is paramount. We owe it to ourselves and those we love to take care of our physical, inner and spiritual needs responsibly.

Today's Focus was taken from the InnerSelf.com article:

Is Your Stress Affecting Your Pets and Those You Love?Written by Sage Holloway

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of dealing creatively with the stress in your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we face the source of stress in our life and deal with it creatively.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am always shown, step by step, intuitively, what to do. "Whenever you have a problem -- business or personal -- turn it over to the forces of creation, to God as you understand God. Most people call this process prayer, but you can call it anything you like.

"Turn everything over to God; let God work out the details. Just keep asking to do God's will, and your problems will dissolve. You will be shown, step by step, intuitively, what to do. You never need to worry about your business once you really turn it over to God. For you aren't in charge of your business any more -- God is the new president. And the chairman of the board as well.

"Just keep asking what God's will is, and you'll be guided in your business to do exactly the right thing for you. You might take the business in completely unexpected directions! It doesn't matter -- God is showing you where and how to go. God is directing the show."

Today's Focus is taken from the InnerSelf.com article:

Business, God, and Magic: We Are All MagiciansWritten by Marc Allen

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being shown intuitively what to do (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are shown, step by step, intuitively, what to do.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I create relationships where I can be myself without fear. Our great fear is that once we open up and show our "true" selves, that people will turn against us, that they will look down at us (as we do on ourselves), that they will abandon us, that they will reject us (as we reject ourselves).

It takes courage to let intimacy into our lives. It takes a strength of purpose... our purpose being to create relationships that are truly loving, supportive, and comfortable. Yes comfortable. A relationship where we can really be ourselves without fear.

To open yourself up to an intimate relationship, start with the one you're with: YOU! Start by being willing to acknowledge lovingly those things that you've been trying to hide from yourself and from others. Start by being real.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

True Intimacy: We Crave It Yet We Fear It!Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being yourself without fear (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we create relationships where we can be ourselves without fear.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have a kind word and a smile for the people I encounter. It is so easy to make a difference in someone's life. And it doesn't cost a thing.

You don't have to be a superman or a super woman. A kind word. A smile. A bit of kind and loving attention. That's all it takes.

The best thing we can do for others is have a kind word and a smile for the people we encounter. And open our heart.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:Even One Is Enough: What Would Love Do?Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having a kind word and smile for others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have a kind word and a smile for the people we encounter.

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Written and narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: July 5 - 11, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun sextile Uranus

TUE: Mercury square Neptune, Venus opposite Saturn

WED: Mercury sextile Eris, Venus trine Chiron

THU: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mercury quincunx Pluto, Venus square Uranus

FRI: Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn, New Moon 6:16 p.m. PDT

SAT: Mercury semisquare Uranus

SUN: Mercury enters Cancer

THE MAGNITUDE of the energies we are working with right now is "interesting," to say the least. Not only have we been managing the dramatic effects of the Mars-Saturn-Uranus T-square over this past week, but yesterday (July 3), a sunspot appeared quite suddenly and unleashed an X-class solar flare -- the first of that highest-level class since September 2017.

This solar flare was also unique because it created a phenomenon called a "magnetic crochet." Here's how SpaceWeather.com described the impact of yesterday's event:

"Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere and caused currents to flow 60 to 100 km above Earth's surface. These currents, in turn, altered Earth's polar magnetic field. Unlike geomagnetic disturbances that arrive with CMEs days after a flare, a magnetic crochet occurs while the flare is in progress. They tend to occur during fast, impulsive flares like this one."

LIKE THE EARTH, our physical bodies have magnetic fields. In fact, scientists tell us that every organ and cell in our bodies has its own tiny biomagnetic field. Therefore, like our planet, we are also affected by solar flares, especially strong X-class flares such as the one that occurred on July 3. And, considering that a "magnetic crochet" can evidently alter the Earth's polar magnetic field, it is intriguing to contemplate how it might also affect us individually.

Perhaps you have been feeling the effects of all these cosmic energies. Sudden fatigue, unexplained anger or sadness, nervous stomach, a fluttering feeling in the thymus area ... these are just a few of the possible symptoms...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Wherever I am is exactly where I need to be. Some people think that in order to pray you have to be in a church, or that to meditate you must be sitting in the lotus position, or that to receive spiritual teachings you must be in the presence of a teacher or guru.

Life itself is our best teacher, Nature is the most wonderful church, and silence is all you need for meditation (and actually you don't even need that). Every one and every thing in our life is our teacher, and anywhere we are can be our church, and praying can be done anywhere in a myriad of ways.

We don't need to be anywhere special or do anything special to get insights, spiritual guidance, or even attain bliss. Wherever we are is exactly where we need to be to get what we need at that moment.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Eleven Fears and Misconceptions About MeditationWritten by Victor N. Davich

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of acknowledging that you are exactly where you need to be (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are exactly where we need to be.

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Written by Wayne Dosick. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: If you're not comfortable with "religious" terms or if the name "God" doesn't match up with your beliefs, you can use the word Love instead of the word God.

Most human beings want the same thing. Food. Shelter. Clothing. Good health. A sense of purpose. Education. Productive work. Prosperity. Friendship. Love. Happiness. For some, children and grandchildren. Inner peace. A meaningful existence. A life of decency and dignity. A worthy legacy.

If we want all these things for ourselves, then how much more do we want them for our children and our children’s children and generations yet unborn.

And most of us think that this is what God wants for us too.

We are saddened when we see people who think that accumulation of wealth and communal standing, and establishing influence and power, will bring satisfaction through prominence and prestige—even if it takes cutthroat business practices, ruthless competition, and unfettered greed.

And in so many ways we see the world diminished when we witness that the greatest motivation of big business and multinational corporations (with some notable and praiseworthy exceptions) is making huge profits, accumulating wealth, and gaining territorial and political power and prestige.

Add to this the shadow-secrets that exist when there are so many actions hidden from public view by the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world who use their fortunes to manipulate and attempt to control the world for their own purposes.

There is nothing wrong with striving for monetary gain. It is in many ways a measure of success. It provides for the necessities and perhaps some of the luxuries of life. And happily, good and well-meaning people often use their wealth to promote and support worthy causes.

Yet, all too often, self-serving people and entities darken the world’s pursuit of Oneness and fragment the journey toward love....

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author RABBI WAYNE DOSICK, Ph.D., D.D., is an educator, writer, and spiritual guide who teaches and counsels about faith, ethical values, life transformations, and evolving human consciousness. Well-known for his quality scholarship and sacred spirit, he is the rabbi of The Elijah Minyan, a retired visiting professor at the University of San Diego, and the host of the monthly Internet radio program, SpiritTalk Live! heard on HealthyLife.net. He is the award-winning author of nine critically acclaimed books, including the now-classic Living Judaism, Golden Rules, The Business Bible, When Life Hurts, 20 Minute Kabbalah, Soul Judaism, The Best is Yet To Be, Empowering Your Indigo Child, and, most recently, The Real Name of God: Embracing the Full Essence of the Divine.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I pay attention to my emotional and spiritual needs. We all have needs. And those needs are constantly changing. Sometimes we need solitude, other times companionship. Sometimes we need activity and entertaining events, other times our soul yearns for peace and quiet. Sometimes we need food, exercise, sleep, etc... and sometimes we don't.

This is why paying attention -- to our body, to our thoughts, to our emotions -- is essential for our happiness and well-being. Our body and soul know exactly what we need, and when we need it.

Since we are the only one residing inside our being, we are the only ones that can tune in to what is required. Others can offer advice and share insights, but we are the final authority on ourselves. The path to overall health and happiness lies in paying attention not just to external messages, but to internal ones as well.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

"Down" Time, Empowerment, and CommunityWritten by Joan E. Childs

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of paying attention to your emotional and spiritual needs (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we pay attention to our emotional and spiritual needs.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: My soul obeys the force of Love. It is said there are only two energies... love and fear. At first we may think that is simplistic, but when we break down any other emotion (energy in motion), we find that it all fits either under the umbrella of fear or of love.

Thus, which one will we choose? Which one will be our master or guide? We always have the choice.

From personal experience, I think we all know that choosing love brings inner peace and joy... And we recognize that our soul obeys the force of Love.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

It's Our Choice: Fear or LoveWritten by Dr. Richard Moss

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing Love (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we recognize that our soul obeys the force of Love.

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Written by Kristin Grayce McGary, author of Holistic Keto for Gut Health. (Narrated by Billy Joey, AI.)

The Old English word haelp meant "wholeness, being whole, sound, or well." The Proto-German word hailitho also means "whole." Old Norse offers helge, meaning "holy, sacred." This wholeness refers to all your vital parts and processes as present, properly arranged, and in harmonious balance.

Our bodies are made up of 75–85 percent water at any given time. We require water to sustain life for basic metabolic functioning, to energize the body, to maintain health, detoxify, and heal. Without water, many systems of the body are compromised and begin to break down, often without notice, until tissue damage has accumulated sufficiently to grab one’s full attention.

A cornerstone of any gut-repair program is hydration. Dehydration is a primary cause of ill health. You must drink plenty of pure water! Tea and coffee are not water and don’t count. Neither do soda water, tonic water, and various flavored waters from the store.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

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Written by Radha Ruparell. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

What would you reveal to the world if you weren’t afraid?

Chances are that there’s a piece of you that you aren’t sharing with others. We all have things we hide. Sometimes they’re our deep dark secrets. But other times, they’re the best parts of ourselves—our dreams, our hopes, or even our affection for others.

Somehow though, we all walk around the world with masks on, protecting ourselves from being fully seen, or from the risk of being judged.

But what would happen if we removed those masks for a moment?

I gave removing my “invisible mask” a try earlier this year as I faced a battle with long COVID and had to lean on others for support. I used to think that reaching out for help implied weakness, that strong people don’t complain and can tough it out. Now, I believe the opposite: admitting you can’t do it on your own is not weak at all.

In fact, the single most important thing that helped me through this terrifying health battle was learning to...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author RADHA RUPARELL is a cross-sector leader with expertise in leadership development and personal transformation. She works with CEOs, Fortune 500 senior executives, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots leaders from around the world and heads the Collective Leadership Accelerator at the global network Teach For All. Her new book is Brave Now: Rise Through Struggle and Unlock Your Greatest Self.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to befriend my emotions. At times we fear our emotions... probably because we've repressed them and we're afraid the pressure may burst and create havoc.

However, our emotions are messengers. They are there to guide us, and to let us know what is really going on in our subconscious.

The more we acknowledge and honor our emotions, the more we can create a life we love to live. Befriending our emotions gives us clarity and connection to our truth. The mind cannot always see clearly, but our emotions will let us know what is really going on.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Are Emotions Bad or Are They A Gateway to the Soul?Written by Brandon Bays.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of befriending your emotions (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to befriend our emotions.

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Written by Jane Finkle. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

As with all aspects of life, it’s impossible to predict with certainty how your career will evolve. But having some clear ideas of what you want to do and where you want to end up will increase the likelihood of getting to your destination.

A variety of factors can impact your career destiny, such as how you are presently situated—whether you are in your first job or have already reached the senior management level. Lifestyle issues can also affect your career’s direction, such as parenthood, health considerations, or economic needs. As you clarify your priorities, combine your daydreams with logic as you ponder your long-term goals. Start with a grand vision and then whittle it down to more realistic objectives.

Make Your Dreams Come True—One Step at a Time You may have a vision of becoming a manager or an aspiration to move up to a senior executive level. Or perhaps you have the courage and energy to consider leaving your current professional life as an employee and starting your own business. If you decide to break away and enter an entirely new field, you need to acquire relevant new information or obtain a specific educational degree. Even with a desire to remain in the same field, you need to expand your knowledge base.

Whatever your long-term plan, avoid discouragement and confusion by breaking down a large goal into small, achievable pieces. It also helps to set up manageable targets along the way. For example, if your goal is to advance to a higher-level position, you can take the lead on an upcoming project or demonstrate your expertise by presenting a seminar at a professional meeting or conference. These are professional activities that will exhibit your ability to initiate and lead while providing you the experience and skills associated with moving up the ranks.

Tap Into Your Talents and Interests One of the surest ways to clear for your career takeoff is to ensure that your work is a natural outlet for your abilities, and that your talents and passion are in harmony with the organization’s needs. Introverts can thrive in any workplace...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Jane Finkle is a career coach, speaker and author with over 25 years of experience helping clients with career assessment and workplace adjustment. Jane served as Associate Director of Career services at the University of Pennsylvania where she created and led the Wharton Career Discovery seminar, and served as liaison to recruiters from major corporations. Her newest book is The Introvert's Complete Career Guide: From Landing a Job to Surviving, Thriving, and Moving on Up.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am a "can-do", "will-try" kind of person. When people talk about tough love, they usually are thinking of parent to child. However, tough love can be applied to ourselves as well.

But just as from a parent to a child, tough love for yourself is still love. It is not judgmental, blaming, or a put-down. It is about wanting the best for yourself. When we apply tough love to ourselves, we do what is best for us even when it is not what provides us instant gratification or pleasure.

We are acting out of tough love when we honor our commitment to exercise even if we don't feel like it; when we eat a tiny portion of ice cream instead of a huge bowl or even the whole container; and when we do what is best for us instead of what is easiest. We love ourselves and remind ourselves that we are a "can-do" and "will-try" kind of person.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Raise An Independent ChildWritten by Jim Taylor, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being a "can-do", "will-try" kind of person (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are "can-do" and "will-try" kind of people.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is:I choose joy!

We cannot hold two contrary thoughts at the same time and we cannot hold two contrary emotions at the same time.

Which means that we always have a choice.

We can choose anger or love, and we can choose sadness or joy. Since joy and sadness cannot exist at the same time, let's choose joy!

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

A Bright Light on the Horizon in the Here and NowWritten by John Randolph Price

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose joy!*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I deal with issues and situations in the moment. Procrastination does not serve us at all. If we avoid dealing with the issues that come up in our lives as they come up, the Universe will simply keep bringing up the same or similar situations, each time a little bit more intensely, until we face whatever it is we need to face.

Procrastination is only a symptom or manifestation of something else. Procrastination has to do with believing that we do not know how to deal with something or someone. Yet that boils down to lack of trust in ourselves, and lack of trust in our Higher Self and the Higher Self of others.

When we trust in the Highest Good, we are aware that we can always harmoniously work out situations that come up to our awareness. We can tap into our inner wisdom and the right path will be revealed. The inner voice of truth is always whispering to us and showing us the direction to take.

Today's Focus was taken from the InnerSelf.com article:

Procrastination or Living in the Now… Why Choose One Over The OtherWrittten by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of dealing with things in the moment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we deal with issues and situations in the moment.*

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: June 28 - July 4, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mars sextile North Node, Venus quincunx Jupiter

TUE: Mercury semisquare Venus

THU: Mars opposite Saturn

FRI: Mars trine Chiron

SAT: Jupiter quintile Uranus, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Sun quincunx Saturn, Mars square Uranus

SUN: Sun square Chiron

THE ATMOSPHERE is highly charged this week, even electrical in nature. We always expect pyrotechnical displays in the U.S. in early July as the nation celebrates its Independence Day, but this year the planets are promising fireworks on a larger scale.

Behind this week's explosive energies is a challenging "fixed T-square" configuration formed by Mars in Leo, Saturn in Aquarius, and Uranus in Taurus. In an astrology chart, a T-square looks exactly how it sounds – in this case, Mars and Saturn stand at the ends of the crossbar on the "T," while Uranus anchors the bottom of the stem.

A T-SQUARE represents instability, friction, and disharmony. It is hard to maintain objectivity under this influence, as we feel provoked to react in some way...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Peter Ruppert . Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

*Never give up on what you really want to do.

The person with big dreams is more powerful

than one with all the facts. — ALBERT EINSTEIN*

If you continue to build courage throughout your life and take each next step with grit, determination and a knowledge that failures along the way are part of the process, you will eventually come out on the other side successful.

A few years ago, National Geographic came out with a documentary following the courageous exploits of Alex Honnold, a professional mountain climber and a man of incredible courage and resilience. This documentary, called Free Solo, details Honnold’s relentless preparation in his superhuman attempt to conquer something that had never been accomplished before—scaling the sheer, 900-meter granite rock face of Yosemite’s El Capitan without the help of ropes or other safety climbing gear.

The documentary is a fascinating, inspiring and even terrifying study of one man’s dogged determination to use his expertise and push his physical limits to the breaking point in the pursuit of a goal that has consumed him for years. Watching Honnold in this documentary epitomizes the “never, ever give up” message in this chapter, as he prepares himself relentlessly for the attempt and is turned back on his first try. Watching him regroup and summon the physical and mental stamina to make a second, successful attempt is both harrowing and, ultimately, amazing.

Knowing When To Pivot Although I’m a huge believer in never giving up, I also know it doesn’t necessarily mean...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About The Author Peter Ruppert is founder and CEO of i-Education Group, which operates over 75 Fusion and Futures Academies for grades 6-12 in one student, one teacher classroom environments. A 20-year veteran of the education industry, he’s opened over 100 schools and acquired more than 25 others. He’s been president and CEO of organizations in the private school, charter school, and early education industries, and sat on his local public school board for 5 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I strive for balance in my attitudes. One of the ingredients of harmony and happiness is balance. We are out of balance when we feel lack or fear in any way... whether we feel lacking in personal attributes, or in financial support.

Anytime we fear something, such as the lack of money or loss of a relationship, we are out of balance with the flow of the Universe.

In order to be in the flow, we must seek balance. And that means balance in our attitudes, our actions, and our projections into the future. By having faith in the future, we attain balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Generating Abundance by Thinking AbundantlyWritten by Penelope Ashton

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being in balance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we strive for balance in our attitudes.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to live the life I was meant to live. It's not always easy to live the life we wish to live. We have expectations to content with... not just from the people we love and even of the people around us, but also the sometimes misguided expectations of our own self.

At times, in order to be true to ourselves, it feels like we must go against the people around us... our parents, our mate, our children, our boss, co-workers, etc. But trying to make others happy is an impossible task.

The only person we can "make happy" is our own self. Only by having the courage to be true to ourselves, and living according to our own inner compass, can we attain true inner peace and happiness.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Build the Life You Were Designed to LiveWritten by Tracie Ann Robinson

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living the life your were meant to live (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we have the courage to live the life we were meant to live.

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Written by Jude Bijou. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Attitude Reconstruction began as a Blueprint; a complete guide to our six emotions and the predictable things we think, feel, say and do as a result -- all on a simple piece of paper. I had discovered that our emotions exist in opposite pairs -- sadness and joy, anger and love, and fear and peace. Furthermore, each emotion has four core attitudes, which control our every action, thought, and feeling.

It wasn't until years later, however, that I realized that one over-arching concept (an Ultimate Attitude) was the essence of the four attitudes connected to each emotion. The Three Ultimate Attitudes are bottom lines of how our minds work.

There are three destructive Ultimate Attitudes associated with sadness, anger, and fear...

The three constructive Ultimate Attitudes are universal concepts that are at the root of...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author

Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

Visit her website at AttitudeReconstruction.com/

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: Energy changes depending on what I do with it. In an article entitled "Can Negative Energy Be Transformed?", Sylvia Browne writes the following:

All energy is positive. All energy is good. It changes depending on what you do with it.

If you give energy to something that is negative -- such as worry, anxiety, or fear -- then you build it to such a state that it becomes worse than any action directed toward you.

Begin by addressing the fact that you are a spiritual entity with nothing but neutral and positive energy; I guarantee you that you will not have the problems that you had before. Be aware of how energy is directed toward you and what people say to you. Make yourself like a funnel or a sieve.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Can Negative Energy Be Transformed?Written by Sylvia Browne

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your energy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are aware that energy changes depending on what we do with it.

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Written by Alexandra Wenman. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The key to “enlightenment” is in the word “light”. By opening our hearts to deeper and vaster love, we are taking in more light and are then able to shed more light on who we are by accessing our innate wisdom.

The further we journey into our hearts, the more we reveal about our true, authentic selves. The more light we shed on our inner truth, the more we can raise our vibration and live from a place of deeper and higher love.

Attaining the knowledge that we are one with Source means we are no longer powerless bystanders in our lives and can co-create our most fulfilling experience. Imagine if your daily life could be in flow and miracles appeared where you thought none were possible.

"Alchemy" and The Philosopher’s Stone The ancient science of “Alchemy” is a process of transmutation, whereby an original substance is separated into its greater and lesser elements. Both elements are purified and reunified into a more refined substance. The process is repeated until the greater absorbs the lesser and the purification of the original substance is complete.

It is said that Alchemists were once able to transform lead into gold this way. And the Philosopher’s Stone was the key ingredient which was needed to perform this function.

In terms of Alchemy as a spiritual process, the Archangels want to help us to purify our lower or human self, so that it can be reunited with our higher or divine self. It is only our human programming—with all its hurts, traumas, judgements and misconceptions— which prevents us from living our highest potential.

In this case, the Philosopher’s Stone is the essence of our own soul...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Authors Alexandra Wenman is a gifted angel communicator, spiritual alchemist, channel, healer, poet, and presenter. The former editor of Prediction Magazine, she is the founder of Precious Wisdom Alchemy and the creator of The Alexandra Wenman Show on YouTube.

Aveliya Savina is an artist and illustrator whose inspiring graphic design compositions range from cartoons to realism.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I use journal writing to get in touch with my self. People who talk to themselves are often considered crazy. Many of us have been told, or have heard said, that one shouldn't talk to oneself. However, we actually talk to ourselves all the time, but oftentimes unconsciously. We call ourselves names because we did something "stupid" or alternatively, we may be mentally calling other people names for the same reason.

But talking to ourselves can be a wonderful way to get in touch with our inner guidance and our inner self. One way to start getting clarity with that inner voice is to start using a journal and write about whatever comes to your mind.

Open up a dialogue with your self and write it out in a journal. This will help you get in touch with your true self, and also will help you see whatever other chatter has been taking place perhaps even without you having been consciously aware of it.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How Journal Writing Is A Way To Discover The Answers To Your QuestionsWritten by Carlos Warter, M.D., Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of using journal writing to get in touch with your self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we use journal writing to get in touch with our self.*

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Written by Carl Greer. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

For many years, I was too caught up in my own world to be fully present for other people—I was on the clock, feeling the pressure of time and agendas. It’s clear to me now that sometimes, I was the one creating the sense of urgency. I wanted to get a deal done and move on to the next one before the opportunity fell through, not fully appreciating that there would always be another deal.

It’s taken me years of inner work to start to see my interactions with others differently and to make noticeable changes in the ways I relate to family, friends, clients, coworkers, and business associates. As a boss who could come across as overbearing, I had to learn patience.

In the past, I was probably not focused enough on fostering relationships. I am more aware now of how important it is to slow down and be sure I’m balancing my role as a boss (which I still am) with my desire to be understanding about an employee’s emotions and personal life. People in positions of power and leadership need to figure out where that line is, which isn’t always easy to do.

As my self-imposed clock has slowed down, I’m better at making the time to be present with others than I did years ago. Having fewer...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author CARL GREER, PhD, PsyD, is a retired clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst, a businessman, and a shamanic practitioner, author, and philanthropist, funding over 60 charities and more than 600 Greer scholars. He has taught at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and been on staff at the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being.

The shamanic work he does is drawn from a blend of North American and South American indigenous trainings and is influenced by Jungian analytical psychology. He has trained with Peruvian shamans and through Dr. Alberto Villoldo’s Healing the Light Body School, where he has been on staff. He has worked with shamans in South America, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ethiopia, and Outer Mongolia. He is the best-selling, award-winning author of Change Your Story, Change Your Life and Change the Story of Your Health. His new book, a memoir titled The Necktie and The Jaguar.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am free to express the Love and Joy that reside in my true Self.

We can free ourselves from whatever is unlike Love and truly become free to express the Love and Joy that reside in our true Self.

When we see that everyone is simply reflecting our own beliefs -- including our fears and insecurities -- we then understand how to be free of the shackles we have placed on ourselves.

It's an action that we need to take again and again and again... each moment of our life presents us with another choice... freedom, or slavery to fear and old attitudes. The choice is ours and that is our freedom!

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Seeking Freedom From or Freedom To?

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of expressing Love and Joy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are free to express the Love and Joy that reside in our true Self.

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Written by Alan Cohen. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

As the pandemic recedes, we are all looking forward to reclaiming something like the life we once knew. But could one of the purposes of the pandemic be to direct us to a life better than the one we knew?

While many people hope the world returns to normal, that could be the worst of our new choices. We now stand at a critical crossroads that will either plunge the world into deeper darkness or elevate it to the light.

When my mentor Hilda Charlton received a student who had just been healed of a dire disease, Hilda would ask that person, “What will you do with your life now?” We might ask the same question of ourselves after moving through the long, dark tunnel of this planetary disease. What have we learned that can make our lives more meaningful?

A Course in Miracles tells us, “All things are lessons God would have me learn.” This is true on a planetary level as well as a personal level.

While many of the results of the coronavirus pandemic were tragic, we were also bestowed with life-changing experiences...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About The Author Alan Cohen is the author of many inspirational books including A Course in Miracles Made Easy and his newly-released inspirational book, Soul and Destiny.

Join Alan and musician Karen Drucker for a transformational in-person ACIM-based retreat in California, Into the Light, December 6-10, 2021.

For information on this program and Alan’s other books, recordings, and trainings, visit AlanCohen.com

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I focus on internal beauty, rather than external. As humans we tend to be concerned with externals: with youth, with beauty, with looking good. The big house, the fancy car, the snazzy clothes, the flashy jewelry, having a pretty face... all these things are seen as important to our well-being and happiness.

But are they? If we are honest with ourselves, we realize that it doesn't matter what is on the outside. What is in the inside is what matters. No amount of make-up or expensive jewelry can cover up a broken heart, or an unloving attitude.

The most important thing to be concerned about is what is in our heart. Are we condescending, judgmental, always angry about something? Or... Are we kind? Are we considerate of others? Are we loving? Happiness will come from the inside when we focus on inner beauty rather than external.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

External Beauty and Youth? - or - Internal Beauty and Wisdom?Written by Chao-Hsiu Chen

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of focusing on internal beauty, not external (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we focus on internal beauty, rather than external.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am always doing better than I think I am. The following is taken from an article written by Alan Cohen:

We are like the people Plato described, who live in dark cave for so long that when they finally see some light their eyes hurt and they run back into the darkness. But the darkness is not our destiny.

No matter how thick your dossier of what has gone wrong, you can start a new dossier now. All it takes is one person who is willing to see your higher possibilities. And if no one out there is doing that, let that one person be you.

Quit identifying with your difficulties, finding justifications for them, and arguing them. Become a force for your own potential. Shift your attention to what is going right and how great it could be. Take the affirmation, "I am always doing better than I think I am," for you are.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:Shifting the Focus from Being Broken to Being BetterWritten by Alan Cohen

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of knowing that you're doing better than you think you are (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are doing better than we think we are.*

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: June 21 - 27, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus trine Neptune

TUE: Venus square Eris, Mercury stations direct

WED: Sun trine Jupiter, Venus opposite Pluto, Saturn sextile Chiron

THU: Full Moon 11:39 a.m. PDT, Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune

FRI: Neptune stations retrograde

SAT: Venus enters Leo

AS WE BEGIN the first week of the month of Cancer, the solstice gateway is just a few steps behind us, and we are riding a new impulse of energy. Just ahead of us is a sacred time of year, a period of several weeks when the fixed star Sirius is in close longitudinal proximity to our Sun.

Sirius is the brightest star in Earth's sky. But each year, from late June to mid August, when Sirius rises in the sky at the same time as our Sun, its light seems to be hidden from our view. In actuality, during these weeks, the energy of Sirius is fused with and focused by the Sun's rays.

ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY tells us that Sirius is “the heart of our physical Sun” and the Earth’s spiritual Sun. The star emanates...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Editor's Note: This meditation was written by Vera Lopez and excerpted from Chapter 9 of the book: "Shamanic Mysteries of Peru: The Heart Wisdom of the High Andes" by Vera Lopez and Linda Star Wolf Ph.D.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Exhale fully and allow yourself to become fully present—right here and right now. We are going on a journey, a sacred journey to the heart of Machu Picchu.

Open your mind’s eye and imagine traveling to this sacred land and to this sacred place. Breathing in and breathing out, you can see in your mind’s eye that it is still early morning. It is dark, yet we know that today is the day we’ve been waiting for. Today is the day we return to the heart of the mother; we return to the ancient university of Machu Picchu.

We are at the door of the ancient city of light. We are wearing white and we feel ready to take this journey.

In our hearts there is pure peace, serenity, trust, and deep joy; we feel the honor of returning. The principal gate opens for us and we...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Vera Lopez is the founder of Spirits of the Earth, a travel company specializing in spiritual journeys to sacred sites. She is a transformation teacher, shamanic minister, and Andean priestess, who has received direct initiation from shamanic elders in several traditions, including the Q’eros of Peru.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am learning to listen to my whole self. Our emotions affect us in many ways. They of course affect how we feel emotionally, but they also affect us physically. Our energy level, our posture, and even our health can be affected by our emotions.

We can become tired simply because we are carrying loads of anger, judgments, resentments, or fear. These emotions are an active drain on our energy and can lead to exhaustion and illness.

The best way out of this predicament is to pay attention to what our body is saying as well as what our emotions are telling us. Learning to listen to our whole self is a learned attitude and behavior.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How to Walk for Health, Fitness, and Peace of MindWritten by James Endredy

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of listening to your whole self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are learning to listen to our whole self.

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Written by Fay Johnstone. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Since we are part of nature, like the plants and the animal kingdom, we have the capacity for learning the subtle whispers of nature and communicating with the natural world that surrounds us. We each have the innate ability to perceive the language of nature but for most of us it is a very quiet voice, vibration, feeling or colour that’s trying to speak to us in a very noisy world!

We’ve not generally been taught or encouraged to pay these whispers attention, and as a result we often find it hard to identify these signals and fail to take action. It’s a skill we need to relearn and refine. I now invite you to slow down, take the time to remember and realign with the frequency of nature.

The principal skills that will help you understand the language of nature are: self-awareness, presence (meaning the ability to be present), mindset, compassion, gratitude, sensory awareness, intuition, trust, intention, curiosity and openness.

Eyes of the Heart—A Pathway of Compassion For me, when I started looking at the green kingdom through the eyes of my heart I noticed a shift in my perception, as if I had stepped through a magical portal into a landscape that was alive and communicating. Feeling your way rather than thinking your way as you navigate the language of nature is a key part of the path. In this way you open yourself up to exploring a landscape that is alive and full of conscious beings with intelligence and wisdom, and can attune to a vibration that connects in with your heart and the knowing of your ancestors...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Fay Johnstone is passionate about plants and people and draws on her experience as a former owner of a flower and herb farm and her shamanic training to assist personal transformation with the subtle whispers of nature. Fay teaches workshops on plant spirit connection, Earth based healing and offers shamanic treatments across the UK, online, and from her home near Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am grateful. We need to focus on what we like about our life. We need to think about what we would like increased in our life. Don't focus on the negativity of the past or on what you don't have. Think of what you enjoy and what you desire.

Be thankful for what you have now, even though you may feel like you don't have enough love, money, time, etc. Be grateful for what you do have and see yourself as having more.

If you want more love, be more loving. If you want more time, be more relaxed and enjoy the time you have. If you want more money, enjoy the money you have and always trust that you will have more than enough to meet your needs.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

What's Done Is Done: Be Here Now!Written by Marie T. Russell.

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being grateful for everything (and everyone) in your life (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are grateful.

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Written by Mary Rodwell. Narrated by Billy Joey, A.I.

Making contact with a non-human cosmic race occurred since before I was born. These beings were my family before I came to the Earth domain, and I had a close relationship with them which continued after my birth. — Tracey Taylor

Since the founding of the Australian Close Encounter Resource Network (ACERN) in 1997, I have worked with more than 3,000 individuals and their families who feel they have had some sort of “anomalous” paranormal experience. The main aspect of my work has been to support people encountering beings of Non-Human Intelligences (NHI). I have been particularly drawn to highly intuitive individuals, who feel a strange connection to the stars and other galaxies.

All this research has led me to discover major changes in an emerging generation of children. Their common feature is the demonstration of increased psycho-spiritual awareness, which appears to be resulting in an overall transformation of human consciousness. The following are extracts from my interviews, research, and conclusions about the awakening star seeds I call the “New Human.”

Dormant DNA: The Next Step In Human Evolution? Visionary and scientist Nikola Tesla said in 1942, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”“Awakening to contact” or “Activation,” as it has been called, was an extremely profound process for Dr. Maree Batchelor. This occurred spontaneously on a spiritual journey visiting a temple in India. Dr. Batchelor told me that at the time she felt she received some sort of download that instantly expanded her conscious awareness and ultimately changed her life...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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The Author (Chapter 10 of "Making Contact"): Mary Rodwell is Australia’s leading researcher and writer on the UFOs/contact phenomenon. She is the author of the highly acclaimed book Awakening: How Extraterrestrial Contact Can Transform Your Life. She also produced the award-winning documentaries Expressions of ET Contact: A Visual Blueprint? (2000) and Expressions of ET Contact: A Communication and Healing Blueprint? (2004).

Her latest book, The New Human (2016), documents the next level of human development she calls “star children.” As a skilled regression therapist Mary brings contactees back to their time of encounters or before, helping them bring through ET messages. In this regard she founded the Australian Close Encounter Resource Network (ACERN) in 1997 to provide professional counseling, support, hypnotherapy, and information to individuals and their families with “anomalous” paranormal experiences and abduction—contact experiences.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am connected to the infinite Universal Life Force. Many scientists as well as spiritual masters have told us that everything (including us) is made up of energy. We could say we are like electrical appliances and we plug into the current of Universal Energy... whether you call that God, or the Sun God Ra, or Life Force. The name doesn't matter since all energy is Energy.

The amount of energy available is infinite and unlimited. The limit comes from how much we allow into our system, on whether we block the energy because we harbor resentments, on whether we eat foods that zap our energy, etc. etc.

Energy is unlimited. We need to make sure our connection is clear and the socket we connect through is clean of obstructions of any kind. We need to remember, when we feel low on energy, that we are always connected to the infinite Universal Life Force.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Basics of Healing Energy: Being The Conduit Through Which Energy FlowsWritten by Nicki Scully

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of feeling your connection to Universal Energy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are connected to the infinite Universal Life Force.

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Are you finally ready to listen to me now? If so, here are my 10 timeless truths.

Audi, vide, tace (Hear, see, be silent.). I have been trying to engage you in conversation for more than a year, but you have not listened.

Perhaps you don’t want to grasp the truths I have to offer. They are gifts really, but I know you will never see my generosity in that light. Such fear. Such ignorance. Ad altiora tendo (Try harder).

But I am bound by ancient oaths and I must deliver these few plain lessons as I have faithfully done for thousands of years.

I read confusion on your face.

Did you think that I would speak with the rage of Moses, the indignation of Isaiah?

Or did you think I would appear in Marvel cape on a TikTok video?

Did you expect me to play chess with your armoured ego like Death in The Seventh Seal?

No matter. Let me start my instruction by reminding you of my curriculum vitae. I earned it at the finest university: the diversity of life over the history of time...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com: The Pandemic Speaks: 10 Timeless Truths

https://innerself.com/content/living/health/diseases-and-conditions/25871-the-pandemic-speaks.html

About the Author Andrew Nikiforuk has been writing about the oil and gas industry for nearly 20 years and cares deeply about accuracy, government accountability, and cumulative impacts. He has won seven National Magazine Awards for his journalism since 1989 and top honours for investigative writing from the Association of Canadian Journalists.

Andrew has also published several books. The dramatic, Alberta-based Saboteurs: Wiebo Ludwig’s War Against Big Oil, won the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction in 2002. Pandemonium, which examines the impact of global trade on disease exchanges, received widespread national acclaim. The Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of the Continent, which considers the world’s largest energy project, was a national bestseller and won the 2009 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award and was listed as a finalist for the Grantham Prize for Excellence In Reporting on the Environment. Empire of the Beetle, a startling look at pine beetles and the world’s most powerful landscape changer, was nominated for the Governor General’s award for Non-Fiction in 2011. And Slick Water: Fracking and One Insider’s Stand Against the World’s Most Powerful Industry, won the 2016 Science in Society Journalism Award.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: It is in giving that I receive. The following is taken from Joyce and Barry Vissell's book, The Shared Heart:

In our spiritual quest, we can become very selfish, thinking only of our own growth... We fail time after time to realize, as Saint Francis says, "It is in giving that we receive."

We selfishly want liberation, or enlightenment, or love, but the only way to get these is to sacrifice our desires for them by helping the "strangers on the steps below us."

In her book, Initiation, Elizabeth Haich describes how during one of her initiations she got to a step that was impossibly high. She saw no way to mount it. It seemed hopeless. She then noticed someone else near her trying to scale the same steps. She forgot herself for a moment and helped the stranger up the steps. Imagine her surprise when she discovered she was at the top! The helping of another lifted her up without her even knowing it.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Becoming Parents: A Path to TransformationWritten by Barry and Joyce Vissell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of helping others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we remember that it is in giving that we receive.*

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Written by Dena Merriam. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I was born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25 CE-220 CE) into a family of ardent Daoists who were very much inspired by the teachings of the great sage Zhang Daoling, who had been instructed by the blessed Laozi himself, in a vision, to help free the world of falsehood and corruption, which had become endemic. Without a return to virtue, he warned, political and social instability would increase and cause much suffering.

It was true that the countryside around us was filled with poverty and misery, and Zhang Daoling inspired a vision of what we could create together to transform the world into a paradisal one. It was with much hope and passion that a small band of followers left their homes to create a community that would be ruled by Daoist principles, a community of people bonded by their commitment to a common ideal of equality and peace. I was fortunate to grow up in such an environment, where the ideals of the virtuous state were taught.

I was born after Zhang Daoling had already left the world, having mysteriously disappeared at the age of 123 years, leaving his son Zhang Heng and then his grandson Zhang Lu to fulfil his vision. Some say he died, but others say he ascended to heaven on a celestial creature. I chose to believe the latter and was fascinated by him from an early age, eager for any story...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Dena Merriam is the Founder of The Global Peace Initiative of Women, a non-profit that brings spiritual resources to help address critical global issues. She is the author of My Journey through Time: A Spiritual Memoir of Life, Death and Rebirth.

A long-time disciplined meditator, Dena’s access to her past lives brings a clearer awareness and purpose to her present life, and also overcomes any fear of death.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I set aside some time to experience silence. Are you uncomfortable with silence, needing to have music or TV, or some other form of sound in the background? How often do you actually welcome an experience of silence?

There are times for sound and there are times for silence. Unfortunately, many of us do not have enough silent time. Everywhere we go, there is background music... whether at the store, at work, on hold on the phone, even in elevators... However, it's only in silence that we can hear ourselves think, that we can get to know ourselves and our dreams and our visions for our lives.

Only in silence can we connect with our inner guidance and our true self. So in the morning, rather than quickly turning on some kind of sound, just listen to the sounds that are there naturally... inner and outer sounds. You may discover that the Universe has been communicating with you all along, but the volume on all the other stuff was blocking you from hearing it.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Putting in Motion the First Spiritual Law of SuccessWritten by Deepak Chopra

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking time to experience silence (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we set aside some time to experience silence.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I accept, love, and respect all of creation. While all religions are different, and each person's spiritual path is unique, the one commonality we all share is Planet Earth and this Universe we live in.

The question of whose God is the true God is a moot point. If God created the Universe, then there is just one god (unless it was a team effort). But regardless of all the debates about whose God is the true God, perhaps this statement says it best: "God Is Love."

And when Love, with a capital L, is the guiding force in our lives, then who created the world, and which religion is better, and what rules are better, is irrelevant. Love is the only relevant factor. Love is the only solution to all our struggles... Love is the solution to the climate crisis, to the immigration crisis, to inequality, to racial problems, etc. etc. Love, with a capital L, is the guiding light that will lead the way out of our human challenges and predicaments.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

One God, Many Religions: Learning To Accept, Love, and Respect All of CreationWritten by Aurelio Arreaza

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of accepting, loving and respecting all of creation (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we accept, love, and respect all of creation.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I give myself permission to take a nap. In our "go-go-go" society, it can seem counter-productive to stop and take a nap.

However, a 10 or 20 minute nap can replenish your energy. When you feel tired or sleepy during the day, drink some water and then lay down for a short nap. You can set a timer for 10 or 20 minutes if you're afraid you'll oversleep.

Give yourself permission to pause and take a nap. Your body and your mind will be grateful and you'll have more energy to face the next item on your to-do list.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Napping for Maximum EfficiencyWritten by Elaine St. James

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking a nap when you need one (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we give ourselves permission to take a nap.*

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Astrological Overview: June 14 - 20, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Saturn square Uranus, Mars quincunx Jupiter

TUE: Mercury semisquare Mars

WED: Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Sun quincunx Pluto

FRI: Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn

SAT: Sun semisquare Uranus

SUN: Jupiter stations retrograde, Sun enters Cancer/Solstice 8:32 p.m. PDT

FOR THE SECOND TIME this calendar year, Saturn and Uranus will be exactly 90 degrees apart on Monday this week. In astrological terms, the two planets will be in square aspect to each other. This relationship between planets manifests as dynamic tension and conflict, especially when the planets are as different from each other as Saturn and Uranus are.

Basically, Saturn is concerned with creating form and structure; Uranus rebels against anything that limits individual freedom. Saturn is consistent and disciplined; Uranus is erratic and unpredictable. Saturn focuses on the long-term; Uranus lives in the moment.

THE EFFECTS of this square are with us throughout 2021, but we usually expect to see specific manifestations of such long-term aspects around the dates of exactitude. During the week of the first exact square, which occurred on February 17, there was one specific situation that powerfully embodied the energies of the Saturn-Uranus square.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Stacee L. Reicherzer, PhD. Narrated by Joanne McCall.

If you find that your community is lacking in some way, you’re not alone. The process of making a conscious choice to continue healing from Otherness involves moving away from people who bring toxicity to your life—whether through mind games and manipulation, power struggles that leave you feeling the need to constantly defend yourself, or attacks on your self-esteem that exhaust you.

The relationships that make you most unhappy in your life are likely the ones where someone is using your history of Otherness against you. Say you’re a woman who was Othered for her body size or shape. Chances are that, even as you healed, the relationships that remain the most hurtful use body-shaming when the someone wants to inflict hurt. People who are willing to use our deepest hurts against us are not well.

Sadly, exposure to these types of relationships can leave you feeling that no one is safe, and that you cannot trust anyone. When you’ve learned to move away from toxic people, then made a bold choice to put yourself out there again and taken a risk to do it—only to encounter toxic people at first—it’s normal to initially retreat into isolation. “Initially” is the keyword here, because we need to continue showing up.

Venturing Into New Communities As we venture into new communities, we do need to be alert. We may encounter people who sense our newness and the vulnerability it entails. They can try to take advantage of us as they sense our eagerness to connect, or perhaps our naivety about the group’s cultural norms.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups deal with something called “13th-Stepping,” in which...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Written by Stacee L. Reicherzer, PhD., author of The Healing Otherness Handbook.

Narrated by Joanne McCall, McCall Media Group.*

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About the Author Stacee Reicherzer, PhD, is a Chicago, Illinois-based transgender counselor, educator, and public speaker for the stories of the bullied, forgotten, and oppressed. The San Antonio, TX, native serves as clinical faculty of counseling at Southern New Hampshire University, where she received the distinguished faculty award in 2018. She travels the globe to teach and engage audiences around diverse topics of otherness, self-sabotage, and imposter phenomenon. She is the author of The Healing Otherness Handbook (New Harbinger, April 2021).

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I reclaim my power to create the life I desire. There are so many ways we may have given our power away. One of them is by accepting and believing, without question, the concept of hereditary or genetic causes of illness.

As many self-empowerment schools and methods teach us, our mind is a powerful tool. And as science has told us, we only use about 10% of our brain. So what is the other 90% for?

Perhaps it holds the power to create our reality... whether in our day to day experiences, via synchronicities, visualization (imagination), and taking charge of our life and our health. We are powerful beyond measure, and we are not the victim of our genetics or of our past. We can reclaim our power by believing and affirming that we can.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Is It In Our Genes or in our Attitude and Actions?Written by Raven Cohan

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of reclaiming your power (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we reclaim our power to create the life we desire.

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Written by Matthew McKay, Ph.D. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The deepest truth of the universe is that love is eternal; our relationships to each other and the whole go on forever. We are always together (even though on Earth we forget), always united in love, always and irrevocably connected to all of consciousness.

Reuniting is a myth born of our physical lives. Reunion is merely a ceremony where incarnated soul energy returns to spirit, and our soul group and friends bang the drum to welcome us home. But in truth we never left them. Our collective love has always held us as if we were one breath.

We feel so alone on this planet, and the love of incarnates is so tenuous and conditional that isolation seems normal. The emptiness of having our deepest selves unseen (hidden within a body and a personality) is the root of human sadness, and it is why the hope for union animates all our relationships—with both the living and the dead. We cannot know in this place that our aloneness is an illusion created for our own growth.

As We Approach Death... As we approach death, the thought of reunion often seems more sweet. We have lost loved ones, and even in our most intimate relationships we may continue to feel a distance—as if we have always lived a little apart—beyond being held, beyond being known. And because merging in love is so difficult here, we yearn all the more for it as life reaches its end. Instinctively...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor of psychology at the Wright Institute, cofounder of Haight Ashbury Psychological Services, founder of the Berkeley CBT Clinic, and cofounder of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic, which serves low-income clients. He has authored and coauthored more than 40 books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook and Seeking Jordan. Matthew is the publisher of New Harbinger Publications.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to be a better person. "He makes me want to be a better person." As I reflected on this statement, I realized that this is the best compliment anyone could ever hope to receive.

Being inspired to be a better person! What a vision for our own lives! That we would live our life so that not only are we a better person, but that our actions inspire others to be better persons.

If we all live up to our highest vision of ourselves, we will also inspire others to do the same.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Being A Better Person

Written by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing to be a better person (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to be better persons.*

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Written and Narrated by Carmen Viktoria Gamper.

Editor's Note: While this article is written with children in mind, its precepts may be applied to "non-children" as well.

Children aren’t born with social skills. Children don’t need to learn how to learn but they do need guidance in socializing. They may naturally respect you as their significant caregiver, they may intuitively know about dignity, but they don’t know yet how to express this respect with words and deeds.

Socially respected behavior is learned behavior and some of it (for instance, table manners) varies by culture, faith or family. When we help children become aware of the unwritten rules of common courtesy, we give them valuable tools that help them navigate through life.

Many times, whenever necessary, kindly inform children that a person who shows respect to others through kindness is much more likely to be welcome anywhere they go. Social skills will help children make friends, mediate conflicts, adapt to various environments, and talk with teachers and other adults. Knowing about politeness helps them ask for what they need and graciously say no to unwanted offers. In Montessori terms, this area of learning for a child is called Grace and Courtesy.

When children feel emotionally safe, they want to learn what others...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Carmen Viktoria Gamper has worked internationally as an educator, advisor, coach and speaker for child-centered education. As founder of the New Learning Culture program, she supports parents, homeschooling families and schools in safely offering child-directed, flow-rich learning environments.

She is the author of: Flow to Learn: A 52 Week Parent's Guide to Recognize and Support Your Child's Flow State - the Optimal Condition for Learning (New Learning Culture Publishing, March 27, 2020).

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing and able to change things. We've got great things to do. Life is a school of opportunities. (Don't call them problems.) Some people just need to become excited. They need to learn that they can change things.

Perhaps at this moment in our time on Earth, we should all drop back about 200 years and consider again this couplet from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

For Those Who Would Save the Earth: Boldness Has Genius, Power and MagicWritten by David Brower with Steve Chapple

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to make changes (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing and able to change things.

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Written by Thomas Mayer. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Even if we are not consciously aware of it, we live in the realm of elemental beings. Everywhere, and all the time, they penetrate our souls and slip into our hearts. The whole world around us is ensouled with elemental beings. Elemental beings participate in everything that is happening in nature around us.

Our inner world, the world of our thoughts and feelings, is made of elementals. In almost all walks of life we are dealing with elemental beings. The elemental beings are nearer to us than we think!

Welcome To My Experience There is no abstract or general experience of elemental beings; there are only ever specific human beings who connect to specific elemental beings. They carry these elemental beings around with them as part of their constitution. This is why I always describe the specific circumstances, and as precisely as possible, my ways and methods of experiencing our elemental friends.

My descriptions are of course very limited. I only know a few elementals in a deeper way. I have been interested in gaining a direct experience...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Thomas Mayer teaches meditation based on the work of Rudolf Steiner. He is a civil rights activist and author of several books on elemental beings in German. The cofounder of the organization More Democracy, he has organized many referendums in Germany and Switzerland. He teaches throughout Europe and lives near Basel, Switzerland.

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Written and Narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by, ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’” -- MOTHER TERESA

Being in a forced type of isolation like we have been with the coronavirus crisis may not seem like a blessing, but it has forced us to be still and go inside ourselves. At the same time it has allowed us to see how we are truly linked as one humanity, for we are all undergoing the same experience.

We are meant to be social creatures living and helping each other as one community. Doing this through technology is better than not at all, butit immerses us in a false world, and it's not the same as being in physical relationships in the natural world.

As shown by the Mother Teresa quotation, community puts us in a place to look after each other. Community and empathy are closely interlinked, as community means not only physical but also emotional support and bonding. The coronavirus crisis has naturally created empathy because we can understand exactly what most everyone else is going through.

When we are in community, we automatically fall into service to those in need because we know them and see their need up close versus judging someone from afar and condemning them. “Community” comes from the Latin for “fellowship,” meaning “with unity.”

“Compassion” comes from the...

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About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am aware of the wisdom of living in the present. Dorothy Day writes: "The sense of futility is one of the greatest evils of the day ... People say, "What can one person do? What is the sense of our small effort?"

"They cannot see that we can only lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time; we can be responsible only for the one action of the present moment."

This wisdom -- the importance of living in the present -- is another of the many lessons children could teach us, if we were willing to lay aside our adult "solutions" long enough to hear theirs.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

A Child's Future is Now and Not TomorrowWritten by Johann Christoph Arnold

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living fully in the present moment (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are aware of the wisdom of living in the present.*

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to trust my body and its innate knowledge. So many things happen in life -- in our own life personally and in life in general -- that don't seem to be part of the plan. Whether it involves the end of a job, problems with a relationship, a home, our health, a situation takes place and we seem to have the rug swept out from under us. We frantically search for something to grab on to, we panic, we fear the worst, but somehow, sooner or later, we end up back on our feet.

Maybe that is the recipe for a happy life -- knowing in the depths of our being, that no matter what happens, it will end up ok. No matter what it looks like, out of the infinite possibilities in the Universe, one possibility will surface -- the right one.

In our own limited scope of vision, we don't always realize that what seems like chaos is simply the birth of a new vision; what seems like the wrong solution ends up being the perfect one.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Your Body Is Talking to You! Are You Hearing What It Has to Say?

Written by Marie T. Russell

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of listening for the messages from your body (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to trust our body and its innate knowledge.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose love, kindness, and benevolence. In 1999, Stuart Wilde wrote the following:

"I think the biggest spiritual challenge in the new millennium will be trying to sustain a spiritual stance of love, kindness, and benevolence in what will be a chaotically imbalanced society."

And here we are two decades later... Our society is chaotically imbalanced. And yes, our challenge is to maintain a spiritual stance of love, kindness, and benevolence. That needs to be our goal, our purpose, our vision... And it must become our reality, first for each one of us individually, before it can become a communal reality.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

A Spiritual Challenge and A Spiritual RevolutionWritten by Stuart Wilde

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing love and kindness (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose love, kindness, and benevolence.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I maintain an open heart and a reverence for life. We possibly all have a bit of a perfectionist tendency. It was drilled into us by our educational system... always trying to be better than the other person... either in school, in sports, in looks, in being the best at something, and these days in the number of Facebook "friends".

But what really matters is how we deal with life... not so much the "what we do" but the "how we do it"... Do we act with love, with compassion, with an open heart? Or are we just set on attaining a goal in whatever way we can...

I'd like to share a quote from an article by Tami Coyne:

"...my life experience to date has taught me one thing: In the game of life, human perfection is not required, in fact it's not even possible. But a questioning soul, an open heart and a reverence for life will give you access to the big picture and inspire you to keep on going when things get tough."

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Becoming A Free-Thinker and A Spiritual Activist

by Tami Coyne

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of maintaining an open heart (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we maintain an open heart and a reverence for life.*

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

This week we reflect on change... and the changes that come with aging (and, yes, the clock ticks for everyone, no matter your current age). But aging doesn't mean that we are "over and done with". Each year, the calendar turns another page, yet, we have choices to make as to how we shall move forward... with goals and visions ahead of us, with health as part of our reality, with joy and wonder as part of our day to day experience.

We launch our InnerSelf travels this week with Jason Redman who tells us that "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday". Basically, this says that what is in the past is in the past, and that our challenges will be in the present and the future... no matter our age, our gender, our occupation, etc. We will encounter challenges in life, and sometimes we are ambushed by situations, whether at work, in relationships, with our health, etc.

We sometimes get hit over the head with situations that take all of our focus, clarity, intuition, and knowledge to get through. And of course, aging, with its stresses and problems, can sometimes seem like an ambush as well -- though it is one that we might be able to see coming, depending on how we've lived our life....

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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ritten and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: June 7 - 13, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

THU: Solar Eclipse/New Moon 3:52 a.m. PDT, Sun conjunct Mercury, Uranus conjunct Ceres

FRI: Mars enters Leo, Saturn square Ceres

SAT: Venus square Chiron, Venus sextile Uranus

SUN: Venus quincunx Saturn, Sun square Neptune

AN ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE headlines the cosmic news this week. While not a total eclipse, this will still be a spectacular event. In an annular eclipse, the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely block the light of the Sun, so what we see is a "ring of fire" – a bright band of light – around the dark shadow of the Moon.

This New Moon eclipse perfects on Thursday, June 10, at 3:52 a.m. PDT. It occurs in the air sign of Gemini and within one degree of Mercury, the planetary ruler of Gemini. This provides double emphasis on the areas of life that are ruled by the sign of the Twins.

IN THE OUTER WORLD, this includes all of the ways in which information is shared, as well as travel and transportation systems, computers and networks, reports and contracts, reporters and the media. On a more personal level...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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*Tomorrow always will come.

It is up to you to be ready for it,

to shape it and make it what it will be.*

-- Jason Redman

Ambushes don’t just happen in combat. In business and life, an ambush is a catastrophic event that leaves physical, emotional, and mental scars. It might be a health crisis, divorce, business failure, life-threatening disease, or horrific accident impacting you or those close to you, but make no mistake: it feels like you have been caught in a nightmare. No relief, no escape, and no hope.

Just like an enemy ambush, a life ambush damages almost every system of the body and often results in negative, unproductive responses. If you survive, you are likely physically, mentally, and emotionally wounded, injured, or otherwise incapacitated. You might be facing a medical emergency after you ignored the warning signs, believing you had more time or could just patch the problem up with short-term fixes. In a business crisis, you may be facing a takeover, a catastrophic failure, or a bankruptcy or lawsuit that threatens your solvency and reputation.

Anxiety, shame, grief, anger, and depression overwhelm your ability to take action. You might be alternately caught between wanting to hunker down and hoping it will go away, and running right into traps that further ensnare you in the difficulty.

Personal and professional relationships may be rife with conflict, chaotic or ineffective communication, and damaged credibility. The people around you may feel the impact of your crisis, and they may move toward you or away from you, depending on your condition and response.

You may feel like nothing can change, that you are trapped in your circumstances. Many people in life ambushes choose to self-medicate with drugs, alcohol, sex, or other risky behaviors to take off the edge or escape the reality of the crisis, further deepening the sense of self-failure.

Worst of all, you may feel empty and worthless, like life has lost its meaning. When you feel overwhelmed, helpless, paralyzed, or crushed, knowing something in your life has been irrevocably changed forever, you are likely in a life ambush....

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Jason Redman is a retired Navy Lieutenant who spent eleven years as an enlisted Navy SEAL, and almost ten years as a SEAL officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons.

After being severely wounded in Iraq in 2007, Jason returned to active duty before retiring in 2013. He is the founder of the Combat Wounded Coalition, a nonprofit corporation that inspires warriors to overcome adversity through leadership courses, events, and opportunities. He speaks about motivation and leadership across the country. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir The Trident.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am connected to everything and everyone. The secret of life is that there is continuous communication not only between living things and their environment but among all things living in the environment. An intricate web of interaction connects all life into one vast, self-maintaining system.

"There is life on earth," biologist Lyall Watson tells us in Supernature, "one life, which embraces every animal and plant on the planet. Time has divided it up into several million parts, but each is an integral part of the whole."

Each thing is related to everything else, and each Life form can, to some lesser or greater degree, affect and be influenced by everything in the universe.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Communicating With Insects As Intelligent Fellow Beings

Written by Bill Schul, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of recognizing your connection to everything and everyone (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*

Today, we remember that we are connected to everything and everyone.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I embrace cooperation and tolerance as my way of life. The following affirmation or manifesto is taken from a letter to the entire "human family":

*Let everyone act on his or her heart-desire to preserve this world.

Let everyone act on his or her heart-yearning to preserve the society of human beings.

Preserve these gifts -- by doing and demanding what is right.*

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

An Open Letter to the Entire Human Family

Written by Adi Da Samraj

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of cooperation and tolerance (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we embrace cooperation and tolerance as our way of life.*

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Cultures on every continent around the world have a collective memory of a time when their ancestors were hunter-gatherers and lived in the forest as a part of nature itself. The Aborigines of Australia, for example, were known to have lived a bucolic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle as recently as the early to mid-1800s, until they were forced to relinquish their way of life.

Before colonization, the Aborigines were able to live according to their own traditions for over 150,000 years, and the earth provided for all their needs. They lived in it lightly, in complete harmony with the seasons and cycles of nature.

The hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Aborigines was completely dependent on the seasons, which affected the availability of their food. They lived as an integral part of nature and did not think themselves any different from the plants and the animals in their environment. All the natural resources belonged to nature. No one owned land, cash, or any other personal property.

Trusting That Nature Will Provide These hunter-gatherer tribes so completely trusted nature to provide for all their needs that they never felt the necessity to hunt and gather even an ounce more than what they could eat in one meal. They did not overeat, hoard, store, process, ferment, preserve, or freeze their foods. They took only what they absolutely needed for survival, fully trusting that nature would provide their next meal.

The Aborigines actually spent very little time hunting and gathering. Once they had eaten, they spent the rest of their day...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., PDHom, CCH, RSHom, is a classical homeopath who grew up in India and earned her doctorate in clinical microbiology. Before moving to the United States in the 1990s, she was the Chief of Clinical Microbiology at the Childs Trust Hospital in Chennai, India, where she published extensively and conducted research with the World Health Organization.

A founding member of Hacienda Rio Cote, a reforestation project in Costa Rica, she runs her own homeopathy practice in both Vermont and Costa Rica.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am willing to heal my relationship with my parents. This short prayer or affirmation is taken from the book The Age of Miracles, written by Marianne Williamson:

Dear God, Please heal my relationship with my parents.

Whether they're on Earth or have passed beyond the veil of death.

May only love remain between us.

May I not be broken by their weaknesses,

but may I be strengthened by their strengths.

May they be at peace, and so may I.

Help me to forgive them,

and please forgive me.

Amen

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

When Loved Ones Move On... The Greater MysteryWritten by Marianne Williamson.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to heal all your relationships (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are willing to heal our relationship with our parents.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I bless people by sending them love. Saying, "Bless you," certainly works wonders when you become irritated at someone on the highway, in the supermarket, or wherever else you may be. Just bless them instead of cursing them as you go along.

The words we speak have powerful vibrations just like our thoughts and feelings. Even though the person you have directed your thoughts or words to can't hear you, you have created a thought field with your thoughts. The vibrations of those words go out to the person, and that person is affected by the positive energy coming from you.

Direct love and caring to them from your heart by expressing in your mind/heart, "I BEHOLD YOU WITH EYES OF LOVE." This is a very powerful healing vibration for both parties involved. You CAN make the difference.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Getting Along With Others: Simple or Complicated?Written by Karol Truman

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*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of sending love to others (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we bless people by sending them love.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to honor, respect, and appreciate myself. We've all heard of the commandment that tells us to "Honor thy father and thy mother." But nowhere are we told to honor ourselves...

What does honoring ourselves even mean? It means treating ourselves as well as we would treat other people we honor, appreciate, and respect.

It means making time for ourselves, to rest, to heal, to eat well, to nurture ourselves, to take care of our body, mind, and spirit. We need to honor and respect ourselves as well as we honor and respect the other people in our life.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Are You Honoring Yourself? Honor is Really About RespectWritten by Brian Klemmer

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being kind to yourself (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to honor, respect, and appreciate ourselves.

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Written and Narrated by Barry Vissell.

This month (May 2021), both Joyce and I turned 75. May 18 for Joyce, and May 27 for me. Three quarters of a century! It's a milestone for sure.

When I was younger, 75 years old seemed ancient. The house-mother in Joyce's dormitory at Hartwick College, when we were 18 years old, seemed ancient. And she might have been a bit younger than us right now. One of her jobs was to vigilantly watch the young couples returning from their dates by the 10pm curfew, to make sure all was appropriate in the little lobby, and nothing more than kissing was happening. It was under her watchful eyes that Joyce and I had our first kiss, a kiss that truly blew our minds.

They say you are only as old as you think. In some ways, Joyce and I are still those 18-year-old children, discovering new ways to love, learning the lessons this world will teach us. If we remain open to learning and discovering, we remain youthful. And yes, the reverse is also true. We become old when we stop wondering at the world, or learning new things.

A Magic State of Wonder Last week, as part of our birthday gift to ourselves, we were in Yosemite National Park, truly one of the most beautiful places on this earth. We biked throughout the valley, stopping to take in the sheer rock walls, the waterfalls in their spring fullness, the dogwoods in full bloom, all the majestic trees, my favorite the majestic Yellow Pines (Ponderosa Pines), over two hundred feet high. We explored the banks and beaches of the Merced River and Tenaya Creek, finding our own little power spots to rest, or dip for a moment in the frigid water.

As long as we touch upon that magic state of wonder...

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*Read by the author, Barry Vissell.

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About the Author(s) Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration

The focus for today is: I seek ways to learn from my pain. I'd like to share something written by Dana Ullman, in his book: The Steps to Healing

Loving one's pain is certainly easier to say than do. It seems a lot simpler to feel irritated and angry about the pain, depressed and despairing about how horrible it is, and fearful and anxious about how long it will persist.

But just as easily as a person in pain can assume that life is a series of problems, this person can also be intrigued by the challenge of life as a series of adventures. Instead of fretting about the pain, the person can be curiously seeking out ways to deal with it.

Whatever the source or meaning of pain, it represents a certain wisdom of the body and mind to defend itself and to adapt to stress or infection. Whatever the nature of the pain, it is decidedly more effective to appreciate it rather than resist it. Resistance creates additional tension and usually additional pain. Loving attention, on the other hand, can have a noticeably soothing and healing effect.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Befriending Your Pain and Discovering What It Is SayingWritten by Dana Ullman, MPH

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of hearing what your pain is trying to tell you (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we seek ways to learn from our pain.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I get vitalized and healthy. We tend to look outside of ourselves for energy... whether we find it in food, rest, exercise, adrenalin-producing activities, interactions with other people, etc.

Everything alive needs energy to live. However, we can self-energize. Our best sources of energy come from within... in our breath, our thoughts, and our spirit.

We rob ourselves of energy when we breathe shallowly, think negatively, and fail to connect with our inner guidance. These inner sources are our most potent sources of vital energy.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Increase Your Energy Levels Using These Healthy SourcesWritten by Gurucharan Singh Khalsa, Ph.D. and Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being vital and healthy (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we get vitalized and healthy.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

One of the most debilitating human emotions or beliefs is powerlessness. The belief that we are powerless, that we can't do anything about something in particular... whether that something is the state of the world, "things being the way they are", our health, our relationships, our jobs, our children, etc.

Feeling or believing we are powerless is an energy drain, or an energy thief. It is a bit like a light switch. On, we have power. Off, nothing! Power-less! And if we believe we are powerless, we have turned off the switch!

The good thing, as with anything in life, is that we are alive... and thus we are not "set in stone" and we can change. We can find ways to flip the switch and reconnect with our innate power. We can put into practice ways to stop or limit energy drain or shut-down.

This week we start our exploration into reclaiming our power with...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart. IN THIS TIME between eclipses, it may be hard to find our bearings in physical reality. Life seems a bit surreal throughout this two-week period. It may feel as if we're floating above the timeline, and we have a sense of waiting for something to occur, for “the other shoe to drop.”

And, of course, we are somewhat of a "wait and see" mode as we anticipate the second major event of this eclipse season, the partial Solar Eclipse on June 10. We are also moving through the waning half of the lunar cycle now, when our work is less about forward motion and more about review and release. The understanding of what we need to discard, and what shifts we are ready to make, will deepen once we enter the Last Quarter phase of the Moon this Wednesday.

IT MAY SOUND like a quieter week is about to unfold, but other planetary activity on the calendar tells us otherwise.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author

Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I am inspired to attain my full potential. The people in our life are there to inspire us, enlighten us, teach us... even those people who get on our nerves. Everyone is in our life to help us attain our full potential.

They are messengers in one way or another... sometimes in a positive fashion, and sometimes not so much. However, the main takeaway is that we need to open our eyes and ears to receive the messages they are bringing us, whether by their words or actions (or their silence and inactions).

The world around us is like a carnival mirror... we see ourselves reflected in all shapes and sizes. We can use all the reflections we see in others, good or bad, to inspire us to realize our full potential.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Relationships That Can Secure, Challenge, or Befriend The SoulWritten by Ashok Bedi, M.D. & Boris Matthews, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of realizing your emerging potential (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we are inspired to attain our full potential.

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Most of us have experienced the eerie feeling that goes with handling the personal possessions of a loved one who has passed away. Some very mundane things can produce surprisingly poignant reactions.

Such was the case when our son passed away at age 22 from complications of cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Graham’s mom and I knew we might be carrying sentimentalism to the extreme, but many of the things that our son left behind became nothing short of sacred to us.

Sorting through Graham’s dresser one day I teared up at the sight of his hairbrush! The little wooden stick with its crooked yellow bristles was suddenly sacred because it had groomed his satiny hair. A crinkled tube of Tom’s Silly Strawberry toothpaste and his Royal Mandarin cologne were suddenly precious artifacts; the scents from those toiletries evoked Graham in the deepest parts of my brain.

Clothes, we discovered, were uniquely sacred because...

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*Read by Billy Joey, AI

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About the Author Dr. Steven Gardner is an internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and past Medical Director of the Massachusetts Special Olympics. He is a past winner of the Harvard Medical School Humanism in Medicine Award. Steven is a prominent photographer whose images focus on the resilience of people facing adversity and the compassion of caregivers. His work has been exhibited in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard, where he is a volunteer physician at Camp Jabberwocky, the location and inspiration for many of the stories in his book, Jabberwocky: Lessons of Love from a Boy Who Never Spoke.

Jabberwocky: Lessons of Love from a Boy Who Never Spoke

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Written by Joseph Chilton Pearce. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Uri Geller, for those readers who did not follow this minor-major comedy, was an Israeli entertainer who could apparently bend metal without touching it, make broken or stopped watches run for short periods, and occasionally make an object disappear, and who displayed undeniable extrasensory perception.

Interested researchers tested Geller’s abilities at the Stanford Research Institute in California. The tests were conducted by only one of the dozens of nearly autonomous departments making up this complex (3,000 employees), but those connected with the investigation, which went on for months, were convinced that the Geller effect was genuine.

Papers stating this opinion were published, and a storm of protest broke out, for academic dogma and was brought into question. . . . So Geller’s discrediting was undertaken. Soon we Americans found out—to the disappointment of some and to the relief of others—that Geller was a fraud, a charlatan, a cheat.

And The Show Goes On... Then a funny thing happened. Geller went to England in late 1973 to perform his fork-bending stunts on television for the British Broadcasting Company. Geller had observed that people in his audiences occasionally had keys bend in their pockets, rings twist and break on their fingers, and so on while he was doing similar things on the stage. The notion grew that perhaps Geller could operate through people and maybe even at long distance. Or perhaps other people might possess the same odd ability he did.

On the English television show, Geller invited all those people out there in television land to join him, to participate in his metal bending by holding forks or spoons themselves to see if the phenomenon might be repeated. Some 1,500 reports flooded the BBC, claiming that forks, spoons, anything handy had indeed bent, broken, moved about—there, in the homes of Britain...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Joseph Chilton Pearce (1926-2016) is the author of The Death of Religion and the Rebirth of the Spirit, The Biology of Transcendence, The Crack in the Cosmic Egg, Magical Child, and Evolution’s End. For more than 35 years, he lectured and led workshops teaching about the changing needs of children and the development of human society. He lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

More books by Joseph Chilton Pearce.

About the book's editor Michael Mendizza is an entrepreneur, author, educator, documentary filmmaker, and founder of Touch the Future, a non-profit learning center focused on optimizing human potential beginning with the parent-child relationship. He had a deep friendship with Joseph Chilton Pearce spanning nearly 30 years and together they coauthored Magical Parent Magical Child.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to follow my heart and listen to my gut. The following is from a book by Susan Allison:

For centuries people have said, "Follow your heart; listen to your gut," and have used expressions such as "heartfelt" and "gut reaction." In my experience, I first feel a knowing in my stomach, a hunch or hint about an issue, and then a word or phrase comes into my mind; it is instantaneous, and at times defies precise tracking.

Listening to the intuition is about loving yourself. It's about trusting the voice of deepest truth and wisdom within you, first asking for guidance from Highest Consciousness, then lovingly following the voice and message you hear.

Even if your intuition is dormant, with practice it can be awakened, trusted, and heeded.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Accessing Intuition in a Conscious DivorceWritten by Susan Allison

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of following your heart and listening to your gut (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose to follow our heart and listen to our gut.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose my friends carefully, looking for positive minded, enthusiasm, and genuine love. The following is taken from the book, Karma, Destiny, and Your Career:If you have negative friends you really love and don't want to lose, then simply see less of them for the time being. Remember to first talk to people and explain how you feel. Only if there is no understanding should you break off a relationship.

Never be afraid to cut off a relationship -- no matter how old it is -- if the friend is demanding, negative, or sarcastic about what you're doing. This kind of person will probably always stay this way, no matter what is happening. Let go. If you do, your friend may realize how such behavior is affecting you and make amends.

Choose your friends carefully, looking for positive minded, enthusiasm, and genuine love.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Friends: Who Will Help You... and Who Will Not?Written by Nanette V. Hucknall

Read the original article... (also video version of this text)

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing your friends carefully (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we choose our friends carefully, looking for positive minded, enthusiasm, and genuine love.

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Written by Athena Bahri. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

There are events in life that change the course of how we interact with others, view ourselves, carry out daily tasks, and communicate with loved ones. The Pandemic of 2020 has certainly been a game changer! As the world emerges into the new “normal” many of us wonder what that will look like?

We’ve had an amazing silver lining to this storm cloud - the opportunity to pause and reflect, do the self-care practices many of us have put off for years, manifest and meditate, take our health into our own hands, and do some serious soul searching for our divine purpose in this life. With lockdowns and huge shifts to daily activities, we have had a chance to turn in and tune in to what drives our souls.

Suddenly the little things in life like looking up at the moon, taking long baths, clearing away clutter, journaling out our goals and wishes, and reconnecting with loved ones have captured our hearts. This change in focus has been long overdue and a welcome shift in the collective consciousness. All of these little things and the spotlight on health have allowed us to see and search for what we can do on our own time to raise our vibration and stay healthy.

We now know how stress releases hormones in the physical body, wreaking havoc on our energetic system. Imagine what positive thought can do for you emotionally, physically and spiritually? However you choose to begin your journey in healing, take your power back in a world seemingly gone mad. Learn how to shift your own energy and mindset to one of love, happiness, and vitality. With something as simple as a shift in vibration, you too will see your lessons as blessings.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus video version of article)

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Athena Bahri is the founder and creator of Crystal Reiki Healer, one of the fastest growing online presences for crystal and chakra education and Crystal Reiki healing. Hailing from a Hollywood dynasty - the niece of Rita Hayworth and cousin of Ginger Rogers and Donna Reed - Athena had a career as a successful actress (as Athena Cansino), before leaving her life of glamour and paparazzi to create a life of peace and energy healing. Today, she is a certified Reiki master, crystal Reiki master, chakra healer, and author, offering distance Reiki healing worldwide, leading retreats, clinics and workshops.

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*Written by Barry Grundland, M.D. and Patricia Kay, M.A..

Narrated by Marie T. Russell*

*“Go sit in your cell

and your cell will teach you

everything.”*

~Ascribed to one of the Desert Fathers,

Christian monks in the Scetes Desert of Egypt

Life, by its very nature is … alive! Because it is alive, it is not just responding in a set, mechanical way, but rather it is responsive to what is needed and helpful and useful.

Cells might be considered as an archetypal template for life. They are the smallest unit of life. Once they are given a job, a function, they take on an identity and leap into the cell community as participants in life.

The noble cells of your body can rest, take stock of the situation, and create solutions to problems. They can transform. They use creative solutions. In addition to their versatility, what makes the cells of the body so successful is their ability to cooperate! Sounds like we should be taking classes from them.

Getting Down To The Cells Yes, we can get all the way down to the cells. In fact, anything that you are doing or thinking is also, in some way, going on in the cells, no? It’s already happening, and you can learn to shift into states of awareness in which you can be co-creative and engaged with what’s already going on!

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Authors BARRY GRUNDLAND, M.D. (1933-2016), was a psychiatrist who specialized in psychoneuroimmunology (mind-body healing).

For more than 40 years, he worked with people as a true healer with incredible insight and compassion. Cell Level Meditation was his life’s work. The meditations offered above were created by him.

PATRICIA KAY, M.A., CCH, CSD, is a homeopath, teacher, writer, and retired midwife. She studied Cell Level Meditation with Barry for 15 years and currently works as a spiritual director, guiding people to bring mind, body, and spirit into alignment using his teaching.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to heal my fears and pain through love. This is taken from a book entitled: "The Power of Sacred Space"When we feel physical or emotional pain, our energy fields contract in self-defense. Chronic contractions lead to major blocks in the flow of our energy.

Our energy fields hold the memory of past pain, and the fear of repeating these painful situations keeps the blocks in place.

The way we transform our karmic patterns is by confronting our fears and healing our pain. This we do best through love.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

The Healing Power of Sacred Space, Natural or ManmadeWritten by Carolyn E. Cobelo

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of healing your fears and pains (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to heal our fears and pain through love.*

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Sometimes when I ask myself why I’ve made a certain choice, I realise I don’t actually know. To what extent we are ruled by things we aren’t conscious of?

Why did you buy your car? Why did you fall in love with your partner? When we start to examine the basis of our life choices, whether they are important or fairly simple ones, we might come to the realisation that we don’t have much of a clue. In fact, we might even wonder whether we really know our own mind, and what goes on in it outside of our conscious awareness.

Luckily, psychological science gives us important and perhaps surprising insights. One of the most important findings comes from psychologist Benjamin Libet in the 1980s. He devised an experiment which was deceptively simple, but has created an enormous amount of debate ever since.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: "What is the purpose of my life?" The following is taken from the book: "From the Mating Dance to the Cosmic Dance"

People are at many different stages of development. But the only real difference between them is that some know they are divine, and others do not yet have that awareness.

It is difficult to change human nature until we have achieved the first degrees of awareness, of becoming truly human. The changes involved entail suffering for a time, but the suffering that results from greed, selfishness, and self-glorification is unending and undiminishing. Character-building, therefore, is the necessary first step.

In the yogic tradition, the next step is to ask the important question, What is the purpose of my life?

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Are We Evolving? The 6 Stages of Consciousness Evolution and AwarenessWritten by Swami Sivananda Radha

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of living your life purpose (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we ask ourselves: "What is the purpose of my life?"

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After a winter of lockdown and with coronavirus restrictions beginning to lift across the UK, many will be hoping for good weather this summer. Restrictions on foreign travel have meant that more people plan to stay within the UK for their summer holidays than ever before.

This shift, along with our social lives increasingly being based outside, makes it particularly important that people don’t underestimate the risks posed by the sun in the UK.

Skin damage caused by the sun is associated with both skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. The culprit in both cases is ultraviolet radiation (UV). Invisible to human eyes, although it can be seen by many animals, including reindeer, UV sits just beyond the purple end of the visible light spectrum.

One reason that it is so harmful is....

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week

Astrological Overview: May 24- 30, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

OUR FULL MOON this week should be both impressive and memorable, with several factors elevating its significance above other lunations. First, the Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse, which increases its impact and adds several layers of meaning. It is also a Total Eclipse, which is the strongest of its kind. On top of that, it is a Supermoon, occurring when Luna is at the closest point in its orbit to the Earth; this makes the Moon appear visually larger than usual and energetically amplifies its effects on our emotions and life circumstances.

LUNAR ECLIPSES occur at least twice every calendar year, and mark an important time of completion and transition. Like all Full Moons, they bring what has been unconscious to the surface, but a Lunar Eclipse – and a Total Lunar Eclipse in particular – generally dives a bit deeper into our psyches. It reveals old attitudes and perspectives, compelling us to transcend the negative patterns, fears, and beliefs that have been inhibiting our evolutionary progress. As we actively engage this process of transformation, our energy shifts and the future is altered...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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This audio includes the welcome message from Marie T. Russell, the publisher of InnerSelf.com and the full audio of six featured articles from this week's InnerSelf Magazine. It is a podcast of the new issue of InnerSelf.

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

I think, if we are honest with ourselves, we would all admit that our world is broken or at least severally damaged... and we also are damaged, hurting, confused, and I daresay, lost. We are lost because we have stepped off the path of trusting ourselves, of knowing our own truth, of following, as the expression goes, the beat of our own drummer. Our drummer is our inner light, our inner guidance, our inner truth, our original self. When we lose, or perhaps never had, trust in that inner voice and knowledge of our innate power, we flounder, bounced around by the waves that life sends in our direction.

Everyone on the planet has been experiencing the challenges and consequences of the Covid virus. But there is perhaps a more insidious virus present in our lives, and that is distrust of ourselves and of others, not recognizing the unity and oneness of all. We are all human, we are all inhabitants of Planet Earth, we all have a stake in the Greater Good of this existence. We are not rivals, competitors, or on different teams (i.e. religions, political parties, racial divides, gender divides, etc.) We are all part of the Oneness of Life on Earth. We are all in this together, and this has become more apparent in the past year.

This week, we start our featured articles with...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus video version of this week's InnerSelf.cocm magazine)

*Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

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Written and Narrated by astrologer, Sarah Varcas.

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

A lunar eclipse in Sagittarius on 26th May begins a sequence of key astrological events, making June 2021 rich with opportunities to rethink our perspective and deepen our perceptions. In these coming weeks our relationship to facts, information, perception and expertise – the domains of Sagittarius and Gemini – can shift exponentially. We were primed for this time by the supermoon on 27 April, with events that occurred back then setting the scene for predominant issues in the weeks to come.

But whilst that supermoon was all about emotion, this eclipse season lifts us out of the emotional realm into the relational world of the mind. It is time to examine without guile our thought processes, beliefs and assumptions which forever shape our experience of life and the world around us. Whilst doing so may unavoidably trigger emotional responses, these emotions are not to become the focus of our process. Instead, we are tasked with renewing our mind to clear the way for more incisive perceptions and an ever-expanding world view. It is time to rise out of emotion, into wise discernment.

Reclaiming Our Mind From The Tyranny Of Fear Falling in the signs of Sagittarius (fire) and Gemini (air), these eclipses, together with Mercury retrograde, invite us to reclaim our mind from the occupying forces that tell us what to believe, who to trust and who or what to fear. The modern age which deifies a single perspective and drowns out, bans and cancels anyone with a differing view is not conducive to listening to our inner voice that knows far better what’s best for us!

It’s hard to trust your intuition when everything around you is telling you it’s wrong...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com *(plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise. Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

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Written by Rabbi Wayne Dosick. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Age-old wisdom teaches, “You do not know something until you know its name.” When we name the sickness, the poison that oozes throughout our world, we can begin to fight it and defeat it.

We see the evil: discordant division because of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or class—the demonizing of “The Other.”

We see the evil: the rise of xenophobia, radical Islamic fundamentalism, racism, racial profiling, white nationalism, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, neo-fascists, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, sexism, misogyny, ethnic discrimination, apartheid, bigotry, senseless hatred, brutal violence, and terrorism.

We see the evil: so-called “charismatic” men and women who rise up to play on the vulnerabilities and the emotions of the people—who separate, divide, and create fear by pitting one group against another, and ultimately crush hope by wreaking havoc on their own country and the world.

We remember: the hatred, bigotry, and discrimination of not-too-distant days that still ripple toward us; the footsteps of war and destruction; the horrors of the machines of genocide that still ripple through the lands. The words of young Anne Frank—hidden away when she was caught up in the madman’s evil darkness—echo through the years...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus video version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author RABBI WAYNE DOSICK, Ph.D., D.D., is an educator, writer, and spiritual guide who teaches and counsels about faith, ethical values, life transformations, and evolving human consciousness. Well-known for his quality scholarship and sacred spirit, he is the rabbi of The Elijah Minyan, a retired visiting professor at the University of San Diego, and the host of the monthly Internet radio program, SpiritTalk Live! heard on HealthyLife.net. He is the award-winning author of nine critically acclaimed books.

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Written by Turīya. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

The effects of meditation often occur so gradually we don't notice them. Then comes a day when we have the sudden realization we're not like we used to be. With this dawning of understanding that we're not who we thought we were comes confusion. If we're lucky, we might have a teacher or friend who tells us, "Relax, it's all part of the process."

Dealing with these changes is where the science of self-discovery and the art of self-control come in handy. By taking a step back into the scientific mindset, the objective view of ourselves as beings on the path of self-discovery, we can analyze the condition in which we find ourselves. With the scientific viewpoint, we can simply observe ourselves without judging, without pulling emotional reactions into the observation. Once we've seen where we are in relation to where we want to be, we can practice the art of self-control to get there.

Meditation opens our awareness to the subtle levels of our being. We become more sensitive to our surroundings and at the same time we develop an inner strength, which allows us to deal with this increased sensitivity. The same way a child learns not to touch a hot stove, we learn through experience to move our focus away from that which causes pain to that which brings joy.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (+ video version)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Turīya is a Buddhist monk, teacher, and author who, despite living with chronic pain, founded the Dharma Center of Trikaya Buddhism in San Diego in 1998 to share her path. For over 25 years, she has taught thousands of students how to meditate, trained teachers, and helped people discover the unreasonable joy of our true nature.

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Written by C Raina MacIntyre, UNSW

The small archipelago nation of Seychelles, northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, has emerged as the world’s most vaccinated country for COVID-19.

Around 71% of people have had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, and 62% have been fully vaccinated. Of these, 57% have received the Sinopharm vaccine, and 43% AstraZeneca.

Despite this, there has been a recent surge in cases, with 37% of new active cases and 20% of hospital cases being fully vaccinated. The country has had to reimpose some restrictions.

How can this be happening? There are several possible explanations:

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Yvonne Wren, University of Bristol

Learning to speak does not happen in a vaccum. Interaction with peers and the wider world is crucial. charlein gracia | unsplash, FAL

The pandemic means many children will have spent the best part of a year interacting much less than normal with teachers, friends and family. One of the big questions is how this will have changed the way they have learned to speak. Have lockdown and other COVID-19 measures affected how children acquire the speech and language skills so vital to their academic and social development? And if children’s speech has been held back, what can parents do about it?

A recent survey of schools and parents, conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation, has found that children who started school in autumn 2020 needed more support than in previous years.

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“What’s the secret to your success?” A simple question asked frequently of those who have achieved greatness in their field. Sometimes, that secret is so well disguised even the successful individual is unaware of its influence.

When it comes to sung-through musical theatre, it turns out, that is indeed the case. Since 1972, when Jesus Christ Superstar premiered on Broadway, the most popular sung-through musicals have almost unanimously employed a centuries-old formula known as “the golden ratio” – and surprisingly, they appear to have done so completely by accident.

The golden ratio is an irrational number approximately equal to 1.618. It exists when a line is divided into two parts, with one part longer than the other. The longer part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of (a) + (b) divided by (a), which both equal 1.618.

The ratio is found in nature, such as in the patterns of seeds within a sunflower, the shape of snail shells and, most recently suggested, in the human genome. Its connection with the aesthetic beauty of nature has attracted creatives throughout history to use the number to create art, music, and design...

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About The Author Stephen Langston, Programme Leader for Performance, University of the West of Scotland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Audio narrated by AI.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

More and more, I have the feeling that an extraordinary cosmic force is pulling the strings of my life. ALL the strings, down to the smallest details. Because either this simply unheard of “show” called the universe is directed by a force, a cosmic intelligence that is simply amazing, or I give up guessing once and for all! And if this is true for the universe, it is also true for each individual life, yours as well as mine.

And in this vision, the notion of chance is simply a philosophical aberration, an absolute nonsense, because chance and universal law are mutually exclusive. I believe it is the great astronomer Fred Hoyle who said that to believe that the Big Bang (which supposedly gave birth to the universe) could be a product of chance is like believing that a tornado blowing on a huge pile of scrap metal could leave behind a brand new Boeing 747!

Who Is Really Pulling The Strings? Every spring we witness this amazing oratorio called “spring”. Read on the internet about the incredible life contained in one cubic centimeter of unpolluted soil.

I invite you, one of these beautiful spring days, to go to a spot in nature where you will not be constantly disturbed and to simply listen to this incredible concerto that is happening around you. And listen, listen with your heart to the music and to what the conductor is whispering in your ear. If you take the time to do this exercise properly, you will come back transformed.

However...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About The Author Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.

For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.

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Written by Nancy Windheart. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In my blog posts, free resources, and courses, I talk a lot about the things that we can do to support and develop our inborn, natural interspecies communication abilities.

In this post, I want to talk about some things that can interfere with our ability to hear and understand our other-than-human companions clearly.

Distorted, Human-Centric Attitudes It is important when practicing interspecies communication to honor the intelligence, sentience, awareness, and individuality of beings of other species. It is as human-centric to assume that all animals, trees, or plants are superior in wisdom and intelligence as it is to think of them as inferior or not as aware or evolved as humans.

Though the idea that humans are the pinnacle of evolution, both biologically and spiritually, is pervasive, more and more human people are becoming aware that we are but one aspect of life on this planet…and that there is an infinite array of intelligence, understanding, wisdom, and perspective among our other-than-human kin.

Seeing other species as different than humans, unique but equal in their perspective, awareness, and experience of their lives, will support clear communication. Assuming that animals and other non-human beings are either inferior or superior to humans will interfere.

Frenetic, Busy Lifestyles Our human world moves at a pace that does not promote time for listening, presence, balance, rest, and quiet. Sometimes the first thing that people experience when they begin to practice telepathic animal communication is to fall asleep. I feel that this is a natural response of the body to being exhausted and out of balance. Until we have a baseline of resilience, adequate rest, and quiet time and space in our lives, it can be hard to hear the animals clearly...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Nancy Windheart is an internationally recognized animal communicator and interspecies communication teacher. She teaches courses and training programs in interspecies communication for both lay people and those who wish to practice professionally. Nancy also provides animal communication consultations, intuitive and energy healing sessions, and professional mentoring for clients worldwide. She is also a Reiki Master-Teacher and a certified Yoga teacher.

Nancy’s work has been featured in television, radio, magazine, and online media, and she has written for many digital and print publications. She is a contributor to the book, The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom From Our Feline Friends.

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Written by Louise Hay. Narrated by Rosie, AI.

Editor's Note: While this article was originally written for a book entitled Menopause Made Easy, the article applies to men as well as individuals of all ages. You can mentally replace any gender-specific words as you read.

At the time of this writing, I am entering my 73rd year, and I am extremely healthy. I eat lots of organic fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, along with some fish and chicken. Once a week I go on a fresh juice fast. Twice a year, I go to the Optimum Health Institute in Lemon Grove, California, and do a week or two on their raw foods cleansing program. It does absolute wonders for cleaning my body and clearing my mind. I have so much energy when I leave there, and my thinking is sharp and clear.

I exercise several times a week using the Pilates method, I work out in the gym with machines and weights, and I have just recently taken up kick boxing. Kick boxing is strenuous, and I may not stay with it forever, but it is lots of fun for now, and I love doing new things. Weather permitting, I swim. My dog always wants to take a walk, so I keep active and my body loves it.

First thing in the morning, I do a little "mirror work". I look into my eyes in the mirror and say, "You are wonderful, and I love you. What can I do today to make you happy?"

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About the Author LOUISE L. HAY (October 8, 1926 – August 30, 2017) was a metaphysical lecturer and teacher and the best selling author of numerous books, including You Can Heal Your Life and Empowering Women. Her works have been translated into 26 different languages in 35 countries throughout the world.

Louise was the founder and chairman of Hay House, Inc., a publishing company that disseminates books, audios, and videos that contribute to the healing of the planet.

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Just about every indicator of drought is flashing red across the western U.S. after a dry winter and warm early spring. The snowpack is at less than half of normal in much of the region. Reservoirs are being drawn down, river levels are dropping and soils are drying out.

It’s only May, and states are already considering water use restrictions to make the supply last longer. California’s governor declared a drought emergency in 41 of 58 counties. In Utah, irrigation water providers are increasing fines for overuse. Some Idaho ranchers are talking about selling off livestock because rivers and reservoirs they rely on are dangerously low and irrigation demand for farms is only just beginning.

Scientists are also closely watching the impact that the rapid warming and drying is having on trees, worried that water stress could lead to widespread tree deaths. Dead and drying vegetation means more fuel for what is already expected to be another dangerous fire season.

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The prophet Jeremiah records in excruciating detail the catastrophic events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BCE.

Jeremiah describes the devastating famine, escalating sense of fear and ominous foreboding that permeated the city despite optimistic oracles issued in the royal court by prophets, who promised divine intercession. Jeremiah warned his listeners not to be deceived by false hopes based on the belief that God would protect his sacred temple and the city in which it stood: “Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘this is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’”

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell.Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

When people talk about the inner self, they usually focus on emotions, spirituality, and other "non-physical" aspects of our being. However, our inner self, literally, also includes our blood vessels, organs, nerves, glands, etc. So this week, we focus on the physical body and its healing.

We start with...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com

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Written and narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week

Astrological Overview: May 17- 23, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

A TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE is just 10 days from now (on May 26), so we're very much in the building phase of this eclipse cycle. Even with all the energy shifts lately, you may have noticed an increase in changes and challenges since last week's New Moon.

I'll be writing more about this eclipse in next week's Journal, of course – but I also want to explain why you won't hear me saying that the eclipse is aligned with the Galactic Center (GC), even though you may read it elsewhere.

The GC is currently at about 27 degrees Sagittarius. The eclipse on May 26 is at 5 degrees Sagittarius. This means that the eclipse is 22 degrees away from being exactly aligned with the GC. I am among the astrologers who generally use a three or four-degree "orb" (number of degrees away from exactitude) when deciding whether there is a true alignment in situations like this. I would consider an eclipse to be conjunct the GC if it were between about 24 degrees Sagittarius to 0 degrees Capricorn.

In other words, I do not consider this upcoming eclipse to be conjunct the GC – but it has plenty of other qualities that make it impressive! It's a Total Eclipse, which is the strongest kind. It's occurring when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit, so it's a SuperMoon, which also strengthens its effects. So, yes, we can anticipate great energies being activated by this eclipse! And, we are already feeling them...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Kristin Grayce McGary. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The human body is an amazing thing, full of systems, organs, nerves, and vessels that work together in harmony to keep us going in our daily activities. Writers and poets, with their infinite imagination, have used many different analogies for the human body to help people better understand this fantastic vessel we occupy.

You’ve seen the body described as a machine, as a city, or even as a factory. These are all helpful analogies in understanding how the different systems and parts of the body work together as a whole. But I like to take a different approach.

I view the body as a garden, an analogy that I borrowed from ancient Asian influences. I feel this analogy best encompasses not only how the body works but how we should care for it.

A Complete View of the Body's Environment As a holistic and preventative healthcare practitioner, this view influences how I work with my patients. I dig deep into labs, intake forms, and one-on-one consultations looking for all the details to get a complete view of...

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About the Author Kristin Grayce McGary, L.Ac., M.Ac., CFMP, CST-T, CLP, is an internationally recognized authority on autoimmunity, functional blood chemistry analysis, the thyroid, and gut health. She is a health and lifestyle teacher and author of Holistic Keto for Gut Health.

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Written by Anton Stucki. Narrated by AI (Artificial Intelligence)

One morning an elderly woman called me and asked, “I heard that you can improve your hearing, even at my age. Is that really true? And how does that work?”

Through hearing, we have a special connection with everything that surrounds us—with the people we meet, with the birds that sing their songs, with the airplanes that fly above us, or with the pounding jackhammer on the road. We are in contact with all these things and many, many more through the sense of hearing.

Not being able to hear is not normal—not even when you get older. Yet it happens all too often, and it’s usually as a result of stress or certain traumatic events in life. At some point we realize that we are constantly saying, “What did you say? Please say it again.” Sometimes we add an apologetic “I’m sorry; it’s so loud in here I can’t understand you.”

This book is about how we can rebuild our sense of hearing naturally, step-by-step. Hearing doesn’t regulate itself, so we need to understand the cause of hearing loss and adopt suitable training techniques that will restore this invaluable sense organ.

The World in Our Ears Receptive: Open and responsive to sensations, ideas, impressions; fit to receive and transmit stimuliThe ear is our most receptive sense organ, keeping us in constant contact with our environment, our surroundings. Although the ear seems to be designed for the purpose of passively recording our impressions, it is like an antenna, always actively receptive to the world so as to fulfill its function. What we hear penetrates deep layers of the soul; therefore the ear is critical to information acquisition and processing...

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About the Author Anton Stucki is an audio expert, well known in Germany for his hearing recovery system. For over 10 years he has helped thousands of people restore their hearing and has trained medical practitioners and therapists to use his system.

He lives in Brandenburg, Germany.

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"An aversion to uncertainty only exacerbates how similarly two conservative brains or two liberal brains respond when consuming political content," says Oriel FeldmanHall.

An aversion to uncertainty is often associated with black-and-white political views, according to a new study.

Since the 1950s, political scientists have theorized that political polarization—increased numbers of “political partisans” who view the world with an ideological bias—is associated with an inability to tolerate uncertainty and a need to hold predictable beliefs about the world.

But little is known about the biological mechanisms through which such biased perceptions arise.

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Written by Jacques Martel. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

It was in 1990 that the idea came to me to write an encyclopedia dealing with the metaphysical causes of ailments and diseases, and it was in 1991 that I started working on it. At that time, I hadn’t anticipated the tremendous sum of work that was awaiting me. And fortunately so, for if I had known it then, I believe I would never have engaged in this project. But I said to myself: “One thing at a time! I’ll get there; I’m going to work until I’m satisfied enough with the results to publish this book.”There exist several approaches to obtaining optimal health, all of them important, each of them acting in some way on all the aspects of our beings. In 1996 I saw a report on television about a hospital, the Columbia- Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, mentioning the case of a patient, Mr. Joseph Randazzo, who was to be operated on for three coronary bypass procedures. This patient benefited from sessions of visualization, energy and reflexology treatments before his operation. During the operation he benefited from energizing treatments. After his operation, this same patient again took part in visualization sessions and received energizing and reflexology treatments to allow him to recover more quickly.

These interventions were fruitful because the patient recuperated much more rapidly after this operation than another patient would have under the usual conditions. The attending physician, Dr. Mehmet Oz, explained that he was conducting such an experiment on 300 of his patients in order to analyze the results of adding these alternative therapies to the conventional medical treatment.

The Many Roads Leading to Healing In my case, I have experienced operations, traditional medicine, medications, acupuncture, energy treatments, divination, naturopathy, massage, colour therapy, dietetics, vitamin therapy, Dr. Bach’s floral essences, chiropractic, orthotherapy, iridology, psychotherapy, rebirth (conscious breathing), homeopathy, etc. I know that if a technique were valid for everyone, it would be the sole existing technique. But such is not the case, because of all the animals on this planet, human beings are the species with the most possibilities but also the greatest complexity.

That is the reason why...

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About the Author Jacques Martel is an internationally known therapist, trainer, and speaker. A pioneer in the field of personal development, he has created new methods and practical exercises that allow deep and permanent emotional and spiritual transformations.

He is the founder of ATMA International Publishing, an organization committed to helping and accompanying people in their personal development and spiritual journey. He lives in Quebec, Canada.

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Written by Candice Covington. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

The consciousness of a living being is set by the frequency of the matter that makes up the body. Our bodies allow us to engage in the play of nature, as no incarnation can be completely worldly or completely spiritual. No matter what level of light or spirituality you attain you cannot transcend the human experience if you are embodied. Likewise, no matter how terrestrial you think you are, you are always filled with divinity. So the goal is to experience the balance of energy and matter working together to create a healthy whole, which allows curiosity, play, and exploration here on earth.

An incredibly easy way to access these complementary energies is by way of working with the chakra system. Chakras are spinning wheels of energy, psychic centers that do not exist on the physical plane, but rather in the spiritual dimension. The chakras set the frequencies that give rise to every aspect of the human experience. The foods we eat have consciousness and provide an energetic blueprint that stabilizes and entrains matter and energy for us when consumed.

The Vedic tradition teaches that we are all divine beings having a human experience. With this tenet in mind, we will focus on the seven main chakras, the energetic gateways that correspond to the spine. These allow us to process universal life-force frequencies. They allow us to experience and control the vast and wondrous energies available to us in our human experience.

Food, Colors, and Chakras An easy way to work with the chakras is simply to choose a food of the same color as the chakra you wish to stimulate—and then eat it! Sometimes it’s the interior of the plant, not its exterior, that reveals its chakra correlation. For example, a kiwi fruit is brown on the outside, but its vibrant green interior alerts you to the fact that it vibrates to the fourth chakra, as that chakra’s color correspondence is green.

Many fruits and vegetables come in multiple colors

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About the Author Candice Covington is a certified aromatherapist, massage therapist, healing arts master, and energy worker.

A former instructor at Ashmead College and former aromatherapist for the Chopra Center, she is the founder of Divine Archetypes, an essential oil and flower essence company, and the author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Our lives can be seen as a journey of personal and spiritual development in which we are growing our souls and our ability for love, compassion, wisdom, creativity, and other virtues. If we understand that happiness can result from our good thoughts, words, and deeds, and that our difficulties are here for us to learn from, then we put our lives in a framework of meaning that helps us when the going gets rough and allows us to be compassionate when we see others struggling with their lot.

The Heart Chakra and the Upper Chakras We begin our journey through the chakras with the lower chakras, through which the individual ego is constructed, and we end with the upper chakras, which have the ability to express our highest potential. At the psychological level, the upper chakras reflect and express the qualities of the lower ones. For example, a difficult childhood will affect the way we express ourselves (Throat Chakra) and the way we view the world (Eye Chakra).

The Heart Chakra is the game changer. Human beings have the potential for self-healing and redemption, and this life task begins with the Heart Chakra. The upper chakras reflect the programming of the lower chakras until such time that the central chakra of the system, the Heart Chakra, flows strongly, when they can begin to take on deeper inspirational qualities.

The more we are able to develop the energy of the Heart Chakra, the more potential we have for healing the lower chakras and for realizing our true selves through the upper chakras. A strongly flowing Heart Chakra has the potential to transform our lives, heal our woundedness, and invite us into the spiritual levels of our being, where great riches lie...

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About the Author Glen Park has taught workshops in the Alexander Technique and chakra healing therapy for more than 30 years in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan. She has presented at conferences for Alexander Technique International and the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. She is also the author of The Art of Changing.

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

The only constant is change. So said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. And so have said many people since then. And sometimes when I hear this, I nod my head sagely, and at other times, usually when I'm resisting change, I find it aggravating and irritating. My mind goes.. yeah, yeah... the only constant is change. Big deal!But it is a big deal since it basically sums up life: mine, yours, and everyone else, the planet included (and other planets and constellations). Our sun is burning up, our universe is expanding, the Galactic Center is moving... All is in a state of change from the microcosm to the macrocosm.

So this week, we start our reflection on change with...

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Astrological Overview: May 10 - 16, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

OUR NEW MOON this week marks the start of a lunar cycle that reaches its climax in two weeks with a powerful Total Lunar Eclipse. This means that we enter "eclipse season" this week, a time when life can be especially eventful. We are, in a sense, opening a magical box that contains great treasures. While we may not fully understand the value of all that the box contains, we can be assured that the gifts of eclipse season will be instrumental in moving us forward on our evolutionary journey.

You'll find differing opinions about when eclipse season begins and ends, since it's not an officially defined astrological term. My perspective is that this particular eclipse season begins with this Tuesday's New Moon (since it is part of the lunar cycle that includes an eclipse). It then continues into the next lunar cycle that begins with a Solar Eclipse on June 10, and completes at the regular New Moon on July 9. This means we have a full two months to work with some very potent energies, and to make significant strides forward.

THE SUN AND MOON will align for the New Moon on Tuesday, May 11, at 11:59 a.m. PDT (6:59 p.m. GMT). This is an inspired and creative New Moon...

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About the Author

Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and narrated by Rosemarie Anderson, Ph.D.

In 1977 I was a thirty-year-old tenured professor, comfortably settled into my life—teaching psychology and supervising research at an elite private American university. Asia was “the Orient,” a faraway place overflowing with ancient traditions and largely untouched by Western TV and media. And yet, mysteriously, Asia called to me, speaking to me in ways nothing else did.

I needed to get there. So I resigned from my university position and, almost overnight, dropped into another world, embarking on an adventure that continues to unfold today. As few signs were transliterated from Chinese characters into Roman letters, I had to learn to read basic Chinese quickly so I could find the women’s restroom, get on the right train and off at the right station, and buy more than just items I recognized like vegetables, eggs, and beer.

I kept reading, kept learning, and before long fell in love with the etymology of Chinese characters and the elegance of Chinese calligraphy. Everywhere I traveled in those years in Asia—China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Laos—I sought out the national art museums and spent hours in the rooms dedicated to Chinese calligraphy. The beauty of the various forms of calligraphy touched me, and the reverence the Chinese gave to the characters inspired me. “Now here’s a culture that knows what matters,” I thought.

Living in Asia in my early thirties challenged almost everything I thought I knew about the world. I learned the hard lesson of accepting things as they were and not as I thought they were or as I wanted them to be.

Looking back, I realize that I had begun to learn what the Chinese call wei wu wei, which means to “act without acting” or “know without knowing.”

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About the Author Rosemarie Anderson, Ph.D., is professor emerita of transpersonal psychology at Sofia University, an author, and an Episcopal priest. She cofounded the Transpersonal Research Network in 2014 and the Sacred Science Circle in 2017. Also in 2017 she received the Abraham Maslow Heritage Award from the Society of Humanistic Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She is the author of several books, including Celtic Oracles and Transforming Self and Others through Research.

Visit her website at: RosemarieAnderson.com/

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Narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

“*They must often change,

who would be constant

in happiness or wisdom.”

--* CONFUCIUS

When we resist change, we will be fearful. When we judge ourselves, we will also be fearful. Thus we must accept ourselves as we are right now in this moment, while desiring to improve ourselves and make changes.

It sounds very paradoxical, doesn't it? Well, existence is one big paradox. Nothing is outside of unity, and even the things we deem as "negative" like fear are contained in the whole and must be seen from that perspective.

Being a fully self-aware individual is actually pretty simple. It just means that we have no self-judgment, and since we won't be projecting self-judgment outwards, this also means we will have no judgment of others.

The paradox was one of the hardest concepts for me to grasp...

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About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World.

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Narrated by the author.

Joanna's story:

Type of cancer at our first session: breast cancer

Dominant character defence: rigid

Small in stature but big in personality—that was how Joanna struck me when I first met her. Her most striking features were her eyes. They were hidden behind a pair of round glasses and it was not that they were big, but they were wide open, as if looking forward to our meeting, to meetings in general, to life itself, to the future. Her stride was resolute, her posture erect, her approach direct and open, her handshake firm.

All in all, she oozed confidence. This confidence may have developed through her job as a very successful director in the corporate world in the North of England, or there again, perhaps confidence had been a prerequisite for the job.

Her story is short and sweet. I include it here because it is uncomplicated and straightforward—very much like the woman herself, with her come-on-let’s-go-for-it attitude.

Healing and Alignment As client/healer we met for a single series of treatments: four appointments spread out over one week. To me, she was a classic example of how easily and fast healing can occur when the physical body, emotional release, mental attitude and spiritual faith are in alignment and only need some support or clarification for sessions to be successful.

Roughly six months before we met, Joanna had discovered a lump...

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About the Author Tjitze de Jong is a teacher, complementary therapist, and energy healer (Brennan Healing Science) specializing in cancer, with more than 20 years’ experience in his field. In 2007, he founded Tjitze’s Energetic Cellular Healing School (TECHS), sharing healing skills with practitioners around the world. The author of Cancer, A Healer’s Perspective, he is based within the spiritual community of Findhorn, Scotland.

Visit his website at tjitzedejong.com/

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Editor's Note: While this article focuses on healing from Lyme disease, its precepts could be applied to any and all diseases, including viruses, cancers, etc. As you listen, you could replace the word Lyme with the word disease or any other specific illness you would like to address.

*When we least expect it, life sends us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change. At such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.

--* PAULO COELO

If we stay focused on the growth potential offered through the “initiation” of Lyme disease, it can transform from enemy to teacher. It reminds us to do what we love, it teaches us how to heal and how to embody, and it calls us to explore the places where we may be out of balance in ourselves. Lyme teaches those who are sensitive how to toughen up. It may also address those who are walled off from their feelings to feel them.

Consciously working with Lyme as a teacher is both a calling and a challenge. Lyme can be painful and debilitating, leaving you feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated, and isolated. But it also can call forward the parts of you that are strong and determined. Lyme can call you to live in your truth, be in your power, and bring more love into your life.

Choosing to say yes to the teacher of Lyme, rather than allowing ourselves to become the victim of Lyme, is ultimately choosing love over fear...

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About the Authors Vir McCoy is a teacher, healer, author, lecturer, musician, and ecologist who works both as a bodywork healer and as a field biologist and botanist focusing on endangered species.

Kara Zahl is a healing arts practitioner, yoga instructor, and intuitive counselor with a bodywork practice combining massage and energy work modalities.

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Written and narrated by Joyce Vissell.

In 1970, Barry and I had the amazing opportunity to meet Leo Buscaglia. We were living in Nashville, Tennessee, where Barry was in his second year of medical school and I was a public health nurse. We were both twenty-three years old. A friend invited us to a party to meet a very important person in her life. This person turned out to be Leo Buscaglia. We had never heard of him before.

Leo was perhaps twenty years older than us. Right away, we could tell there was something very special about this man. The love emanating from him was unlike anything we had ever experienced before. He seemed to know and love each person at the party and also he was hugging them all. We had never before been hugged by anyone other than each other and our parents. Not even our siblings. Believe it or not, in 1970, people in the United States did not hug, except within families. People shook hands in a greeting, but never hugged others.

Upon arriving at the gathering Leo came over to us and gave us a big hug in welcome. It was the most beautiful feeling; one we will never forget.

Hugs Spread Love We moved later that year to Los Angeles and I had the privilege of being Leo's student for one full year at the University of Southern California, and also, we were his neighbors for two years. We got to know him well and his wonderful hugs were plentiful.

Leo left USC several years after he was my teacher, and he went on to write five books on love. He also lectured to very large audiences of over 10,000 on the importance of love and he included how he loves to hug people.

Leo's hugs caught on and, within a few years...

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*Written and read by Joyce Vissell

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

This week, InnerSelf reflects on repairing the world, but since all change must start within, we look at repairing or balancing our own self, and then that carries out into the world with our thoughts, intentions, and actions. Not only must we repair, but we also must focus on prevention... on how to stop things from breaking and deteriorating any further.

As practiced in holistic medicine, the focus is - first and foremost - on prevention. It is best to keep something healthy and balanced and thus avoid having to fix it. Thus. we start our reflection with "What Self-Care Looks Like: It Is Not A To-Do List" excerpted from the book, Be You, Only Better, written by Kristi Hugstad. The article focuses on five types of self-care ranging from the physical to the financial.

We then continue with...

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Written and narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week

Astrological Overview: May 3 - 9, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

THE "MERRY MONTH OF MAY" provides a wide range of planetary energies for us to work with, from new potentials for spiritual expansion to lessons in discipline and responsibility, to major turning points that can set us moving in entirely new directions. We've already been feeling something of an uplift, building up to this week's inspirational Jupiter-Uranus quintile. We also anticipate new mental stimulation and social interactions throughout the month, as Mercury, Venus, and the Sun all enter expressive Gemini over the next three weeks.

A major contributor to the energy shifts of May, Jupiter makes ingress into Pisces on May 13, throwing open doors to new spiritual growth and creativity, and helping expand the heart's capacity for compassion. But, in sharp contrast, back-to-reality Saturn will also be strong this month, due to stationing retrograde on May 23, just three weeks before squaring unpredictable Uranus for the second time.

And last – but by no means least – we'll be entering eclipse season with the Taurus New Moon on May 11. The Full Moon on May 26 will be both a powerful Total Lunar Eclipse and...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written by Wendy Tamis Robbins. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Two weeks after separating from my first husband, I booked a bus tour through Italy, my first trip alone. Just two years prior, my anxiety, obsessive compulsive and panic attack disorders had become so intense and all-consuming they rendered me agoraphobic. But then I found sufficient help to pick myself up off the floor (literally) and start managing and hiding my symptoms enough to function.

I asked for a divorce in part because the relationship didn’t have space for my mental health issues; he didn’t understand and dismissed them, which only made things worse. I realized that in trying to create a picture-perfect life—husband, house, dog, career—to feel safe and hide my secrets, what I’d really created was a prison.

Breaking free from my marriage was just the first step. Suddenly alone, this trip was an attempt at exposure therapy. It wasn’t that formal at the time; no psychiatrist prescribed or labeled it as such. It was my own attempt to find the walls of my prison and push their boundaries.

In Rome, I met my tour director and hopped on the bus with racing heart and sweating palms. What have I done? ...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Wendy Tamis Robbins, author of The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety, is a lawyer by day, writer by night, and a “professional panic attacker.” Despite near-crippling anxiety, she worked her way through Dartmouth College and law school before, in her 30s, she set her mind to overcoming the anxiety and panic attacks that increasingly limited her life. For the past 20 years she has worked in corporate finance, creating and preserving affordable housing and lending to underserved communities.

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The inner child sits and waits. It waits patiently for the adult to notice it, to talk to it. It wonders how many more nights, months, or years it must wait. It asks itself: "How can I get her attention? How can I get her to talk to me, to listen to me?"

It thinks back of its past experience with parents and teachers and remembers that many times, to get attention, one had to be 'bad' or naughty. That always got attention. So it wonders... if I am the inner child, how can I be 'bad' or naughty and get the attention of my adult self? The child, trusting her intuition, does what comes up.

The adult finds herself compulsively eating, getting into fits of anger, sadness, and fear. As a rational adult, she cannot see where this behavior is coming from. As a conscious person, she feels that this has to do with some unresolved issues. "What are they? What is the problem here?" she questions.

The child cries out: "Listen to me! Pay attention to me! I can help you. I have many insights for you, and much joy..."

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio show, Inner Power, in the 1990s which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity. Marie currently is editor and publisher of InnerSelf.com

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Written by Maureen St. Germain. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.You are about to learn a very specific technique for clearing your subconscious of all the old programming of anything less than unconditional love. This is a technique that will slip by your internal gatekeeper and allow the new statement to be seeded into your subconscious.

Begin with a typical but milder version of a hurtful or critical statement that was spoken to you. What did that person say to you? Then follow it with “but now” and write a new script for that same critical statement.

For example, if your mother always criticized the way you dressed you would write the following script:

“(Your name), I used to criticize the way you dressed and questioned your taste in clothes, but now I see you have beautiful taste and are always well put together, and I am so proud of you.”

If you experienced a hypercritical parent who thought you could do nothing right you might write:

“(Your name), when you were younger I always said you could not do anything, but now I see clearly that you can do anything you put your mind to, and I am so proud of you!”

Each time you will rewrite the script in a very precise way. If you could put words in the critic’s mouth...

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About the Author Maureen J. St. Germain is the founder of Transformational Enterprises and Akashic Records Guides International. An internationally recognized teacher and intuitive, she is also the author, musician, and producer of more than 15 guided-meditation CDs. She is the author of 6 books, including Waking Up in 5D.

Visit her website at MaureenStGermain.com/

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Written by Jude Bijou. Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Do you get in a negative mood and have a hard time getting out? Do your lingering feelings seem to descend on you for no particular reason? Do you find yourself often brooding for extended periods of time? Anxious? Frustrated? Depressed? Hurt? Serious?

Our overpowering feelings can obscure our experience for hours, days, weeks, or even longer. They can persistently dominate our awareness. Left unattended, our moods shape our personalities and determine the outlook we have on life. We may think that we have no control over our moods but the truth is quite the contrary. We can create a different mood or dissolve the destructive one we are in; if we choose to do so.

A lingering feeling begins when you have an emotional reaction to a specific event and don't constructively process your sadness, anger or fear. Not only is identifying your emotion necessary, but you need to resolve the event that caused the emotion and resulting feeling. This resolution happens when you speak your truth about the event...

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About the Author Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

Visit her website at AttitudeReconstruction.com/

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Written and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

When we drive a vehicle and we encounter challenging terrain, we sometimes have to change gears in order to be able to get through the situation we find ourselves in. The same applies to life. Sometimes we have to change gears. We may be coasting along smoothly, unaware that there is a storm brewing or that there is turbulence under the surface... until, oops, we are in a spot and need to do something!

This week we share with you some perspectives and suggestions to help you change gears, as needed. We start with Fabiana Fondevila who gives us what may seem like contradictory advice in "Close Your Eyes So You Can See: Traveling Between Worlds and Seeking to Reconnect". We are used to looking around us and interpreting what we see based on our upbringing or beliefs. However, when we close our eyes, we change gears and we start perceiving "reality" from an inner perspective, rather than an outwardly-focused one.

We continue our journey this week with Pierre Pradervand who recommends "Transitioning from Authoritarian 'Outer' Authority to Spiritual 'Inner' Authority". This is a big gear to manage. From the time we were children, we were...

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Astrological Overview: April 26 - May 2, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)OUR FULL MOON this week promises to be spectacular, in more ways than one. Firstly, it is one of only a small number of Supermoon Full Moons that will grace our skies in 2021. "Supermoon" is a term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle, and refers to a lunation that occurs when the Moon is at its closest orbital proximity to the Earth.

Visually, this week's Full Moon will appear "14% bigger and 30% brighter than lesser Full Moons of 2021" (Spaceweather.com). It will also appear big and bright for about three nights, from Sunday through Wednesday. Energetically, since the Moon will be so close to the Earth, we can assume that emotional reactivity will be heightened above and beyond the usual "lunacy" we experience with a Full Moon.

Adding to that intensity, Luna will be at 07°06´ Scorpio at the time of the lunation, which occurs on Monday, April 26, at 8:32 p.m. PDT. Scorpio is a very complex sign emotionally and psychologically, and is known for being passionate and perceptive. As the Moon opposes the Sun in Taurus, the sign known for its love of peace, beauty, and simplicity, we are asked to find the balance in our own lives between these two polarities.

OTHER PLANETS are also contributing to the impact of this Full Moon...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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Written and Narrated by Sarah Varcas

27th April 2021 – Full Supermoon in 8th degree of ScorpioAll dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.This supermoon is full in Scorpio at 3:33 a.m. on 27th April 2021. It sits opposite the rest of the planets, in a position known as a ‘tension ruler’. This is a strongly influential moon whose energies must be integrated into our every cell.

We can no longer politely look away from whatever irks or alarms us, ignoring the elephant in the room. It is time to see it all, to acknowledge it all. To accept with an emboldened heart the truths of this age. But, for the avoidance of doubt, we are way beyond palatable truths that warm the cockles of the heart!

At this moon we find ourselves in the realm of catastrophic truth which blows all but the Real to pieces. Everything within and without is tested in its ability to withstand this upswell of awareness...

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About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise.

Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

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Written and narrated by Fabiana Fondevila.

Tens of thousands of years ago the people of the Earth conceived the world as a place inhabited by spiritual intelligences: the spirits of nature, called, variously, fairies by the Celts, kontomble by the dagaras of West Africa, apus by the Incas; and tribal ancestors and ascended teachers. They communicated with these intelligences through a set of practices universally known as “shamanic.”

The name "shaman" seems to come from the term šamán in the Tungú language, spoken in Siberia. It means witch doctor, or literally “the one who knows.” There is, however, an alternative explanation that places the origin in a Sanskrit word for mendicant monks in India, śramana.

From the beginnings of human civilization, almost all the peoples of the Earth have used some variant of the practices that Romanian anthropologist Mircea Eliade baptized “techniques of ecstasy” to heal themselves, to communicate with spiritual forces and to ask their gods for help.

What is new today is that people who have grown up in industrialized urban cultures are now exploring these practices for themselves with the help of experienced guides. They seek to reconnect with ancestral forces; heal ailments that conventional medicine cannot treat; glimpse realities not perceptible with the senses; and confirm sensations and intuitions for which they cannot find an explanation.

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About the Author Fabiana Fondevila is an author, storyteller, ritual maker, activist, and teacher from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fabiana’s seminars weave together nature exploration, dreamwork, mythic consciousness, archetypal psychology, social work, and essential emotions such as awe, gratitude, and enchantment. For over a decade, she has led year-long courses (both online and face-to-face) which take students on a personal and communal adventure of growth and discovery, challenging themselves to come ever closer to being the change they wish to see in the world. Fabiana also leads an online campaign to highlight and combat exclusion and discrimination and, since the pandemic began, has given regular Sunday talks (in Spanish, via Zoom and social media) to share a message of hope, resilience and her embodied, earthy approach to spirituality.

She is the author of a dozen children’s books, a Young Adult novel which in 2017 won second prize in Sigmar’s Children’s and Young Adults’ Literary Award. In 2018, she published her first book for adults, “Donde vive el asombro”. The above article is excerpted from the English version, “Where Wonder Lives. Practices for Cultivating the Sacred in Your Daily Life”,

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Written by Laura Khoudari. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Figuring out how to initiate (or return) to exercise in a way that feels emotionally and physically safe after experiencing illness, accidents, or acts of violence can be challenging, triggering, and overwhelming. The same could be said for those trying to increase their capacity for life’s stressors or processing their experiences in talk therapy.

If any of these scenarios resonate with you, a trauma-sensitive approach to fitness can help.

At its heart, a trauma-sensitive approach to fitness accounts for the psychological, emotional, and physiological changes and symptoms of trauma or chronic stress. It makes you the agent of your movement practice, and it prioritizes a feeling of safety in your body and environment while you work out.

Maybe you’ve never heard of trauma-sensitive workouts. Or you believe this approach is limited to yoga. The fact is, trauma-sensitive fitness instruction is still quite new.

As a pioneer in this movement, I recognize that for many people, working out at home is the best (or only) option available. I regularly create home workouts for people living with trauma, chronic stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Whether you choose to work out at home because that’s where you feel safest or because of practical issues like caregiving or your budget, I want to help you create the very best practice. Here are six steps to start.

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Laura Khoudari is a trauma practitioner, certified personal trainer, and corrective exercise specialist. Widely recognized within the trauma and fitness communities, she is passionate about giving people the tools they need to heal from trauma and cultivate wellness. She is the author of Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time.

Learn more at laurakhoudari.com.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

For thousands of years, ever since mankind started settling in cities, we evolved in rigid, patriarchal and extremely authoritarian structures – at least in the West. This started changing after the industrial revolution and the pace has been picking up since the end of the last war.

Many authoritarian structures have become much weaker or have collapsed. Especially in Europe (but this will probably also happen in the United States), churches have quasi disappeared, and religion has lost almost all its prestige.

Teachers who were once expected to know everything are increasingly challenged by their students who sometimes know more than they do about certain topics, and official medicine is increasingly disputed by alternative medicines that are sometimes more effective.

Marriage and family are taking more and more diversified forms and, above all under the influence of the internet, the context of information has been totally transformed. Everyone has to decide what information is most authoritative in managing their lives...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About The Author Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.

For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.

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This week we reflect on resilience. When I think of resilience, I think of standing strong in the face of adversity or challenges. However, when I looked up synonyms for resilience, an interesting twist revealed itself. One aspect is indeed strength and hardiness, but another aspect is flexibility and adaptability. This adds a whole new dimension, and an important one, to resilience.

Whenever we face a challenge, we may tend to dig in our heels, as if facing a strong wind, to make sure we don't get toppled over by adversity. However, as seen in nature, the trees and branches that best survive the storms are the ones willing to bend and adjust. So it is with us... We need to be strong and flexible, hardy and adaptable.

Another way of saying this is that we are best served by accessing both the masculine and feminine aspects of our consciousness. Through the connection to, and the use of, both aspects (left brain and right brain) we find ourselves "in the flow" rather than resisting life. We then dance with life and the changes that come our way.

So we jump into our journey this week with "Win the Battle In Your Head: Perspective Matters". Peter Ruppert writes about our choice of perspective between a fixed mindset and a growth mindsets.

We then continue our travels into resilience with Stacee Reicherzer who shares suggestions for you "If You’ve Contracted COVID: Healing and Moving Forward".

Bill Plotkin then invites us to participate in "Awakening to the Dream of the Earth and Loving the World". This plays a major part in transitioning from the current state of the world, and its inhabitants, to a more loving reality.

Mary Cronin focuses on the young people in our lives in "How To Use Family Stories To Build Young People's Resilience". And of course, suggestions made for children and young adults, usually can be applied to us as well, as we mostly still have some unresolved child issues within us... so, in some aspects, we're still children too.

We complete our featured articles this week with "4 Ways to Build Your Tolerance of Ambiguity—and Your Global Career" written by Paula Caligiuri. While this article focuses on career building, its 4 suggestions apply to all areas of life. For example, increase your mindfulness, or slow down your decision-making, two of her four methods.

We become more resilient as we become more mindful, slow-down, adopt a growth mindset, adapt to change, and ask ourselves "what does it mean to love the world?" And then, we start to put all of that into practice. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it... and that somebody is you, and you, and you, and me.

Please scroll down for the featured articles in this new issue of InnerSelf, and also the additional new articles that were added to the website during the week. Wishing you enjoyable insightful reading, and of course a wonder-full, joy-full, health-full, and loving week. May you be strong and flexible in your day-to-day experiences.

Marie T. Russell

editor/publisher,

InnerSelf.com

"New Attitudes...New Possibilities"

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Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Mercury enters Taurus, Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn, Sun enters Taurus

TUE: Venus semisquare Neptune

THU: Mercury semisquare Neptune, Venus conjunct Uranus

FRI: Mars enters Cancer, Ceres conjunct Eris, Mercury conjunct Uranus

SAT: Venus square Saturn

SUN: Mercury square Saturn, Mercury conjunct Venus

GREAT UNKNOWNS lie before us. We are aware that life as we once knew it has changed, based on what our physical eyes and minds observe. But there is also a deeper shift underway, one that we sense intuitively and recognize at a soul level, even if we can't yet put it into words.

And yet those shifts register on other levels as we leave the past behind and open to the new. Emotionally, we may feel nervousness or excitement, extending sometimes into fear, or we may have episodes of unexplained sadness and depression, even a sense of deep loss.

Physically, we may experience symptoms such as upset stomach or digestive issues, a fluttering in the chest, sinus pressure or headaches, or a sense of being ungrounded, with wobbly legs and tripping feet. Mentally, it can be hard to focus our attention for long, the right words can elude us in conversation, and dreams and meditations can be vivid or profound.

ASTROLOGICALLY, the planet Uranus is a strong...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years.

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ritten and narrated by Peter G. Ruppert

Early in my eighth-grade year, my dad suggested that I attend a large, all-boys high school across town from where we lived. Although I definitely wasn’t excited at first—especially at the prospect of leaving my friends and not having girls in my school—he left the final choice up to me. Ultimately, I decided to go, largely because the all-boys school had a highly successful basketball program and basketball was my favorite sport.

In an ironic twist, I got cut from the basketball team that first year. I was extremely disappointed and lost. I seriously considered going back to my previous school where I knew I already fit in and could easily make the team. That would have been the simple and easy route. But I also wondered if I could dig deep and overcome this obstacle.

Was I going to believe that I wasn’t good enough to compete at my new school? Or, could I find a way to dig deeper, work hard and make the team next season?

We all experience positive and negative self-talk like this on a regular basis. Whether you realize it or not, you’re probably...

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About The Author Peter Ruppert is founder and CEO of i-Education Group, which operates over 75 Fusion and Futures Academies for grades 6-12 in one student, one teacher classroom environments. A 20-year veteran of the education industry, he’s opened over 100 schools and acquired more than 25 others. He’s been president and CEO of organizations in the private school, charter school, and early education industries, and sat on his local public school board for 5 years. He lives with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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Written and narrated by Stacee L. Reicherzer PhD

If you’ve contracted COVID, you not only had health problems that may have been life-threatening, but perhaps also experienced the aftermath of people distancing themselves from you, even shunning you and treating you like a pariah.

The physical symptoms were bad enough, and you may not yet be fully recovered even months later. According to the Mayo Clinic, some “long haulers” are reporting continuing symptoms like respiratory issues, fatigue, trouble with concentration, and loss of taste and smell.

As sick as you got, the harder part still may have been in the way that people treated you as a result of having COVID. Another word for this is being "Othered". You experience a sense of being outcast, the "Other" who contracted this virus; untouchable in your sickest and most vulnerable moments...

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About the Author Stacee Reicherzer, PhD, is a Chicago, Illinois-based transgender counselor, educator, and public speaker for the stories of the bullied, forgotten, and oppressed. The San Antonio, TX, native serves as clinical faculty of counseling at Southern New Hampshire University, where she received the distinguished faculty award in 2018. She travels the globe to teach and engage audiences around diverse topics of otherness, self-sabotage, and imposter phenomenon. She is the author of The Healing Otherness Handbook (New Harbinger, April 2021).

Visit the Author's website at DrStacee.com/

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Written by Paula Caligiuri. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Do you feel comfortable—and even thrive—in settings that aren’t predictable? Do you view ambiguous and unknown situations as exciting rather than stressful? If you answered “yes” or “maybe” to either of these questions, working in other cultures or collaborating with international teams may be the perfect career fit.

People with a high tolerance of ambiguity are built for discovering new cultures, foods, world views, and foreign languages. They’re more able to navigate surprising and often-unspoken cultural assumptions and reactions—what a culture views as good or bad, right or wrong, appropriate or inappropriate. Additionally, research has connected traits such as tolerance and openness with many positive life outcomes, including happiness, creativity, and a motivation to learn.

Even if your tolerance of ambiguity is lower, there are proven ways to build this important cultural agility competency. Start with one or two of the following strategies and practice them until they become part of your routine or lifestyle.

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About the Author Paula Caligiuri is a D'Amore-McKim School of Business Distinguished Professor of International Business at Northeastern University and president of TASCA Global, a consulting firm that specializes in assessing and developing culturally agile professionals.

Her new book is Build Your Cultural Agility: The Nine Competencies of Successful Global Professionals,and she offers a (free) cultural agility development tool at myGiide.com.

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Written by Roy Holman. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The pollution of the planet is only an outward reflection of an inner psychic pollution: millions of unconscious individuals not taking responsibility for their inner space. --- Eckhart Tolle

Responsible means able to respond, answerable for, trustworthy. Most of us would probably say we are responsible. But it is often the wrong response!

Frequently, we are tempted to take responsibility for others, as in changing or healing them. As a peace activist, I know this one quite well. To me, doing human rights work in Central America actually seemed easier than doing the inner work, taking responsibility for myself. My ego loved focusing on educating others and urging shifts in U.S. policy. That somehow seemed more doable or important than taking responsibility for my own pain, my own mind, and my own unloving thoughts.

While Gandhi was in prison, a man wrote to him asking how he could help heal their country, to which Gandhi replied:

“Do not burden yourself with the responsibility of emancipating the country. Emancipate yourself, this burden is good enough. Begin applying all principles to your life, considering that you are India. In this rests the salvation of your soul. In this rests the salvation of India.” -- Gandhi

We may say, “If I could just change that other person (or country), my life will be better. If they would change, I would be happy.” Again, when we focus...

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About the Author Roy Holman is a certified Yoga, Meditation, and Healing Instructor who has been teaching personal growth and Earth stewardship for over ten years and has been leading retreats to Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Sedona, and in his home state of Washington. Roy also spent several years abroad doing human rights work in Central America. In July of 2018, Roy was certified as a HeartMath Coach. HeartMath offers simple tools and techniques to help us move some of the energy out of our busy mind and to access our heart intuition and intelligence.

Visit his website at www.holmanhealthconnections.com.

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Written and narrated by Mary J. Cronin, Ph.D.

After a year of closed schools, canceled activities, and missed student milestones, there is finally good news about COVID vaccines and a return to normal. Even as they welcome visiting grandparents, school sports, and in-person birthday parties, however, parents are asking themselves if the kids really will be all right.

Remote learning and social isolation have taken a toll on school-age children, especially adolescents. It there anything parents can do to rebuild their children’s resilience and self-confidence? One approach that addresses the challenges families face today comes down to a familiar but often overlooked tradition — sharing stories about older relatives and their experiences.

According to Dr. Marshall P. Duke, a professor of psychology at Emory University, this activity correlates with children developing “higher levels of self-esteem, a belief in one’s own capacity to control what happens to him or her, better family functioning, lower levels of anxiety, fewer behavioral problems, and better chances for good outcomes.”

It turns out that these much-desired outcomes can be obtained from simply sharing stories of older family members’ lives with young people. This regular sharing of family stories has profound and long-lasting consequences that benefit children and adolescents at every stage of life...

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About the Author

Mary J. Cronin, Ph.D., is an advisor for Write the Family, an intergenerational family storytelling program affiliated with Write the World. She is a Research Professor at Boston College School of Management, and the President of 4Q Catalyst. She serves as a nonprofit director of the Boston Authors Club, the Encore Boston Network, and the Center for Ageless Entrepreneurs, and has authored 12 books on managing digital innovation and social impact.

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Written by Ray Grasse and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The Age of Pisces: The Water Element (1 A.D. to 2100 A.D.)Among the manifestations of the Piscean Age was the rise of a global religion centering primarily on symbols of water: baptism, walking on water, changing water into wine, and so forth. Indeed, for the student of astrological symbolism, Christianity offers a mother lode of correspondences in connection with Pisces. For example, Christian scripture speaks extensively of fishermen, wine, helping the downtrodden and outcasts of society, and the washing of feet -- all traditional symbols of Pisces. One of the defining miracles of Christ's ministry was the feeding of the multitude with two fishes and five loaves of bread. More subtly, the eating of fish on Friday by Catholics is linked by some to the fact that Friday is governed by Venus, the planet that is "exalted" (i.e., attains its optimal expression) in Pisces.

Were such correspondences intentional on the part of the Church fathers, or was their emergence purely synchronistic? Scholars disagree on this point, so we may never know for sure. But either way, we can study these symbols for what they reveal to us about the archetypal dynamics of the time. Viewed as a whole, they tell us that humanity was learning to relate to the divine and the world-at-large through a more emotional filter. In its more constructive aspect, this brought about a newfound element of compassion and faith in society, especially within Christian society. We see the emergence of a spiritual sensibility that spoke of "turning the other cheek" rather than the smiting of one's enemies. This was a shift from Roma to Amor, one might say.

In a more negative vein, this same emphasis on emotionality ushered in a spirit of dogmatism and persecution in the emerging religions. Pisces is intensely concerned with...

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About the Author Ray Grasse is a Chicago-based writer, musician and astrologer. He worked on the editorial staffs of Quest Books and Quest magazine for ten years, and has been associate editor for The Mountain Astrologer magazine since 1998. He received a degree in filmmaking from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1974 under experimental film pioneers Stan Brakhage and John Luther Schofill. From 1972 to 1986, he studied extensively with two teachers in the Kriya Yoga tradition, and in 1986 studied Zen meditation at Zen Mountain Monastery in New York. He has lectured internationally on the topics of astrology, synchronicity, meditation, and hypnosis, and maintains an active astrological practice with clients around the United States and abroad.

Visit his website at RayGrasse.com

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Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

Life can be challenging... And as much as we try to control it and make sure everything is nice and safe and predictable, along comes the proverbial curveball when life's events curve off into a direction we didn't expect.

Most of us have had experiences of life's curveballs, either through disease, the death of a loved one, not getting the job or promotion that we were certain was coming, a child or spouse behaving in ways that we just don't understand, etc. Of course, the experience of life changing in an instant has come to the forefront of our consciousness due to the apparition of the coronavirus in our day-to-day reality.

Curveballs are just a part of life, whether we like it or not. However, while we can't avoid the challenges, we do have a choice as to how to deal with them or how to respond. So this week, we start off our introspection into this topic with Jason Redman who offers ways to "Adapt to the Unexpected with the Overcome Mind-Set". Jason shares some of his experiences and insights as a Navy SEAL team member facing the unexpected.

Children also come face to face with unexpected challenges... whether their...

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*Written and read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week

Astrological Overview: April 12 - 18, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week:All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

TUE: Mars sextile Eris, Sun conjunct Eris, Sun sextile MarsWED: Venus enters Taurus, Mars semisquare UranusTHU: Sun sextile JupiterFRI: Sun square Pluto, Mercury conjunct Eris, Mars trine JupiterSAT: Mercury sextile Jupiter, Mercury sextile Mars, Mercury square Pluto, Mars quincunx PlutoSUN: Sun conjunct Mercury

STORM CLOUDS have been building over the past few days, both environmentally and socially. There is increasing potential for dramatic events as we head into the coming week, due to the Aries Sun and Mercury both being conjunct the combustible dwarf planet Eris and also squaring catalytic Pluto in Capricorn. Adding even more dynamic energy to the tempest, Mars in Gemini is sextile Eris and quincunx Pluto.

Together, the Sun, Mercury, and Mars are triggering the effects of the long-term Pluto-Eris square, which is one of the planetary forces behind much of the social turmoil we are experiencing these days...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Alan Cohen, and narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I met a man who was a devotee of the miracles that took place near the town of Garabandal, Spain. They began one night in 1961 when four children were awakened and mystically drawn from their separate homes to a small glen on the outskirts of their village. There they beheld an apparition of Mother Mary, who gave them prophetic messages. This extraordinary phenomenon continued for four years and over two thousand apparitions. Eventually people from all over the world visited the site, where many miraculous healings have occurred.

The devotee, Joe, was so moved by this inspiring phenomenon that he dedicated his life to sharing its message. One evening Joe came to my study group, where he showed a film of the events and offered his narrative. When Joe opened the floor for questions, I asked him how he got into all of this.

“As a young man I liked to attend parties, where I developed a reputation as a teller of off-color jokes,” he explained. “Eventually I was invited regularly to lots of men’s clubs and banquets where I recited my risqué stories. Since I had been rather shy before all this occurred, the positive response I received built my confidence and I gained public speaking skills.

“When I learned of the Garabandal miracles my life changed and I shifted onto my spiritual path. After a while I gave up...

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About The Author Alan Cohen is the author of many inspirational books including A Course in Miracles Made Easyand his new illuminating guide, The Master Keys of Healing. Become a certified holistic life coach through Alan’s life-changing training program beginning in September 2021.

For information on this program and Alan’s books, videos, audios, online courses, retreats, and other inspirational events and materials, visit AlanCohen.com

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*The only thing that makes life unfair

is the delusion that it should be fair.* -- Steve Maraboli

Guess what? Life is unfair, and combat is unequivocally unfair.

Crazy things happen in combat that you don’t expect and can’t plan for. A bomb could blow up, killing everyone around you, while you escape without a scratch. The best soldier in a platoon could be wounded in action, while the worst goes unscathed. There’s no rhyme or reason.

SEAL instructors want to prepare you for that from day one, and in training, they’re looking for individuals who can deal with heavy doses of bone-crushing, unfair punishment and still drive forward to get things done. Even something as simple as a room inspection is an opportunity to learn “fairness,” or the lack thereof.

Before room inspection, the instructors will tell you exactly how your room needs to be cleaned. It’s not rocket science. You clean your room perfectly. When the room inspection begins...

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About the Author Jason Redman is a retired Navy Lieutenant who spent eleven years as an enlisted Navy SEAL, and almost ten years as a SEAL officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons.

After being severely wounded in Iraq in 2007, Jason returned to active duty before retiring in 2013. He is the founder of the Combat Wounded Coalition, a nonprofit corporation that inspires warriors to overcome adversity through leadership courses, events, and opportunities. He speaks about motivation and leadership across the country. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir The Trident.

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Written and narrated by the author, Carmen Viktoria Gamper.

Just as adults benefit from talking about their challenges with friends or a therapist, many children benefit from processing upsetting experiences during pretend play. Perhaps you’ve noticed that when children freely play with blocks, stuffed animals, dolls or action figures, they frequently create pretend worlds. They craft exciting tales that are a mix of recognizable real-life events, movies and shows, and completely invented stories.

During this kind of pretend play, children frequently experience the “flow state,” which is a deep state of focus that allows them to balance their thoughts and emotions in alignment with their stage of development. This kind of play is an innately healing activity that provides children a way to safely re-experience events they perceived as confusing or frightening within a context that makes sense to them.

Children’s inner tension can stem from challenging real-life events, such as a doctor’s visit; or from overhearing a parental conflict; or from virtual events, like seeing something scary on TV. In fact, “playing out” frightening screen content is particularly important because it allows...

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About the Author Carmen Viktoria Gamper has worked internationally as an educator, advisor, coach and speaker for child-centered education. As founder of the New Learning Culture program, she supports parents, homeschooling families and schools in safely offering child-directed, flow-rich learning environments.

She is the author of: Flow to Learn: A 52 Week Parent's Guide to Recognize and Support Your Child's Flow State - the Optimal Condition for Learning (New Learning Culture Publishing, March 27, 2020). Learn more at flowtolearn.com.

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Written and narrated by Lawrence Doochin.

*For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?"

--* JESUS

We each have a choice, and let's be clear what that choice is. Will we set our intention and our personal will to promote unity, healing, and a collective greater good? Or will we set it to benefit ourselves and certain individuals or special interest groups we belong to?

Martin Luther King Jr. told us that: "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."If we choose the ego and self-interest, we are operating from a very limited perspective. It may temporarily appear that we have won and that we have accumulated all of this wealth or power and control, but we have really lost. We have lost the opportunity to fulfill the purpose of what our higher self came here to do, because it didn't come here to make a lot of money or to have people put us on a pedestal. These things may be the vehicles through which we learn and remember, but they are only a means to an end.

We have also lost an opportunity to be a light for and in service to others...

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About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World. Learn more at LawrenceDoochin.com.

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Written and narrated by Pam Younghans.

Astrological Overview: April 5 - 11, 2021

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

TUE: Venus sextile Mars, Jupiter semisquare Chiron

WED: Sun conjunct Ceres

FRI: Mercury conjunct Chiron, Mercury semisquare Jupiter, Mars square Neptune, Venus conjunct Eris, Saturn trine North NodeSAT: Mercury sextile North Node, Mercury sextile Saturn, Venus sextile Jupiter

SUN: New Moon 7:30 p.m. PDT, Venus square Pluto

WE ENTER, on Sunday April 4th, the Last Quarter phase of the Moon. This coming week, leading up to next Sunday's New Moon, is a time for reflection, release, and acceptance. We are letting go of what has been, to clear the way for what may be. It is also the transition phase between the Pisces lunar cycle that is ending and the Aries lunar cycle that will soon begin.

At this time, we benefit from being in a place of surrender and trust, with a willingness to let go of the need to control outcomes. It is also a time to sense with our hearts instead of trying to know with our minds. We may find it easiest to be in tune with those Piscean directives during the hours that the Moon makes its monthly transit through the twelfth sign, from 1:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, through 11:11 p.m. PDT on Friday.

ONE OF THE MAIN EVENTS on this week's planetary agenda, a Mars-Neptune square, advances similar themes of trust and faith. Although the aspect doesn't perfect until Friday, we will be feeling this influence throughout the week.

For the most part, Mars and Neptune are uncomfortable dance partners...

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

As I write this, it is Easter weekend. Also the period of Passover. And we've just had the Spring equinox, and before that, the Chinese New Year. All of these are about rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings... but also the ending of something else.

We get a "minor equinox" every morning when we wake-up as that is also a new beginning, and the end of night. Yet there is strength in numbers, and the natural energies present in Springtime, and Easter, and Passover, as well as any "new year", also encourage us to start anew.

Much of the changes that we need to make, or choose to make in these times of growth, are focused in attitudes, perhaps more than on physical changes. Even if the goal is physical, such as losing weight, the attitude is what has to change first. So this week, we present articles that focus on transitions from one state to another... whether emotional, attitudinal, spiritual, or physical.

We start with...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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Article written and read by Barry Vissell. I recently finished leading an online men's retreat. Although I long to lead an in-person retreat, it was surprisingly powerful. Every one of us got deeply vulnerable and, because of this, shared a profound love and brotherhood. There emerged a kind of kaleidoscope of men's issues, each one of us speaking a fundamental issue that was very relatable to all of us. Each one of us shared pieces of the puzzle of why men suffer.

Of course, most of what I will share can apply to women as well. But many of these issues are particularly relevant to men. What follows are not, of course, all the ways men suffer, just a sampling.

1. "I'm not good enough!"So many men suffer with this belief. So many of us have been told this in our formative years by often angry parents, teachers, older siblings, or friends.

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*Read by the author, Barry Vissell

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About the Author(s) Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for further information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops.

Visit their website at SharedHeart.org for their free monthly e-heartletter, their updated schedule, and inspiring past articles on many topics about relationship and living from the heart.

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Written by Glen Park. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Flamenco dancing is a delight to watch. A good flamenco dancer exudes an exuberant self-confidence that we, the audience, absorb. The whole dance has a quality of proud self-assurance and glorification of what it is to be a human being in motion.

The classical flamenco stance is one of the best artistic examples of an expanded solar plexus area, demonstrating a robustly confident third chakra, a tribute to the “city of jewels,” the Sanskrit name for this chakra. We delight in watching this spectacle of self-glorification because it is something we all long for. We would all love to feel that good about ourselves!

Philip was training to be a flamenco dancer. He came to me for Alexander Technique lessons because his dance practice was causing him to...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Glen Park has taught workshops in the Alexander Technique and chakra healing therapy for more than 30 years in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan. She has presented at conferences for Alexander Technique International and the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. She is also the author of The Art of Changing.

More books by this Author.

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Written by Nancy Windheart. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

It’s spring in the desert…and that means it’s finally warm enough for the first swims in the magical creeks that give the Verde (“Green”) Valley its name.

I am blessed to have Oak Creek just a short walk away from my home…and on Sunday, I went for the ceremonial “first swim of the season.”

The cottonwood trees are “snowing,” creating a magical fairyland of pollen in the creek and in the air. As I waded into the cold water, I noticed the body of a blue pond damselfly floating on the surface.

I picked her up, and held her gently in my hands…at first...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Nancy Windheart is an internationally recognized animal communicator and interspecies communication teacher. She teaches courses and training programs in interspecies communication for both lay people and those who wish to practice professionally. Nancy also provides animal communication consultations, intuitive and energy healing sessions, and professional mentoring for clients worldwide. She is also a Reiki Master-Teacher and a certified Yoga teacher.

Nancy’s work has been featured in television, radio, magazine, and online media, and she has written for many digital and print publications. She is a contributor to the book, The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom From Our Feline Friends.

For more info, visit www.nancywindheart.com.

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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

Current week

Astrological Overview: March 29 - April 4, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun conjunct Chiron, Mercury conjunct Neptune

TUE: Venus sextile Saturn

WED: Mercury semisquare Uranus, Sun sextile SaturnTHU: Mercury semisquare Saturn, Mercury sextile PlutoSAT: Venus conjunct Ceres, Mercury enters Aries

SUN: Jupiter sextile Eris

THE MOON still appears mostly full as we begin this new week. But with Sunday's lunation behind us, we have entered the waning half of the lunar cycle, a two-week period when we are meant to reflect on recent events and glean what learnings may be possible.

The Sun has been traveling in ever-closer proximity to Wounded Healer Chiron since the Equinox. Over the past two weeks, the Sun has been highlighting the wounds represented by Chiron in Aries, which can manifest as irrational anger and even violence. The wound beneath the anger may have many central causes, but with Chiron in Aries, the fear of loss of identity is often at the root. Extreme actions then become the way that a damaged psyche proclaims its existence and demands that its needs be met.

SUNDAY'S FULL MOON was tightly opposing Chiron, shining even more light on that Aries wound and its emotional impact. The Sun and Chiron will finally...

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*Read by Pam Younghans.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

As we all know, there is no day without night. There is no butterfly without a caterpillar weaving a cocoon and later escaping its shell. There is no growth of a plant without the seed breaking-down and becoming something completely new. Leaves must fall from trees in autumn and decompose, and thus provide fertile ground for new life.

In the same way, our own self and our society go through these periods of moving from light to dark and back to light again. The yin-yang symbol is a great example of that. Within the darkness there is light, and within the light, there is darkness. Within us as well, we have light and dark, otherwise known as the shadow. Unfortunately, light and dark have been given two other names, good and evil, which makes us think darkness or the shadow is "bad".

This week we explore different facets of life... the dark, the transition from one to the other, and the healing presence of light (and of darkness).

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*Written and Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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Written by Patricia Kay, M.A. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

“May all things move and be moved in me

and know and be known in me.

May all creation dance for joy within me.”

~Chinook Psalter

Cell Level Meditation is a vehicle for finding our way “home.” We take the breath to our cells, offering them our deepest desire to be happy and healthy and strong. In some way, they hear us and respond. (Or maybe we hear them asking for the breath!) This meditative form is a gift that helps the mind and the body come into healing, which in turn, helps us be ourselves in fullness.

In the Odyssey, the great mythological journey told by Homer, the hero, Odysseus, spends years trying to get home. To get there, he goes through all kinds of trials and tribulations. He must use every kind of skill and every clever device you can imagine. He always has to have his wits about him because something new and different is always coming up, and he has to have the courage of his creative response for each ordeal.

Of course, this is the archetypal human journey we all are on in one form or another. We are trying to find out who we are and how to be full in that.

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author PATRICIA KAY, M.A., CCH, CSD, is a homeopath, teacher, writer, and retired midwife. She studied Cell Level Meditation with Barry for 15 years and currently works as a spiritual director, guiding people to bring mind, body, and spirit into alignment using his teaching.

Visit her website at patricia-kay.com/

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell. Image by Sven Lachmann

How long should you meditate? The first rule is, Don't be ruled by what others do. What works well for them may not work for you. Accept that in certain ways you are unique. Intensity of effort is far more important than the time spent in meditation.

Here are a few general guidelines:

Enjoy Your Meditation Practice Never meditate to the point of mental fatigue, strain, or boredom. Enjoy what you do. Enjoy every aspect of your life -- not an easy thing to do if one thinks about the aspects individually, but not so difficult if you concentrate on enjoying the inner Self. If you feel joy in meditation, stop meditating when the joy begins to diminish. One rule for right eating is to leave the table a little hungry. Apply this rule to meditation. In that way, you'll always look forward to your next time for meditation.

On the other hand...

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About The Author Donald Walters, 1926-2013, (Swami Kriyananda) has written more than a hundred books and pieces of music., He has written books on education, relationships, the arts, business, and meditation. For information about books and tapes, please write or call Crystal Clarity Publishers, 14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959 (1-800-424-1055.http://www.crystalclarity.com.

Swami Kriyananda is the founder of Ananda. In 1948, at the age of 22, he became a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. He bought property in Northern California in the late 1960’s and started Ananda Village. Now there are several more communities, including one in India and one in Italy, and many more centers and meditation groups. To visit the website of Ananda, visit www.ananda.org.

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I have the courage to look into my soul and follow my conscience. When we think of courage, we tend to think of someone performing heroic acts, such as pulling someone from a burning building, or some other feat of bravery. However, there are many other forms of courage, such as: Standing up to a bully, or perhaps choosing not to respond to an insult with anger. Choosing to stand up for our beliefs, even when they are unpopular and could be misunderstood. Standing up to the boss, or other voice of authority, even at the risk of losing our job, our popularity, or our standing in the community.

All of these are acts of courage. Anytime we go against the grain of the status quo, that takes courage. Anytime we speak up, for ourselves or for someone else, that takes courage. Anytime we resist the pull of any type of addiction, that takes courage.

Courage is not only of the medal-receiving variety. Every time we look into our soul and follow our conscience, that's an act of courage.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Courage for Our Times: Discovering Numerous Types of CourageWritten by Caroline Kennedy

Read the original article...

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of having the courage to follow your conscience (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we have the courage to look into our soul and follow our conscience.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell and Will T. Wilkinson

Advancing the Human Experiment:Life is a journey through heaven and hell.

The terms “heaven” and “hell” have come to mean the place you want to be and the place you don’t want to be. But every good story, including our human journey, includes both. The hero is typically forced to leave his familiar life and plunge into the underworld where he is challenged to confront the dark aspects of himself, to learn and grow, and finally defeat the villain (who symbolizes the worst of himself) to emerge in act three with the elixir to heal his kingdom.

There would be no story of interest without the tension between “good and evil.” But some of us have looped for decades on what’s known as the “spiritual bypass.” It was 21 years for me, enjoying an amazing international spiritual community that celebrated “divine light” but was conspicuously silent on valuing “earthly dark.”

Are you afraid of the dark?

Many spiritually-minded folks (my hand up) tend to avoid...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com and the Activation was narrated by Will Wilkinson.

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About the Author Will Wilkinson co-founded the Thriving Leadership Academy in Ashland, Oregon. He has authored, co-authored, ghost-written, and contributed to over 30 books, designed and delivered personal improvement programs in seven countries, hosted a variety of inspirational television series, and is now developing a new spiritual practice for advanced students of life.

He founded The Noon Club, a free member alliance that focuses intentional prayer every day at noon to uplift human consciousness.

For more information, visit willtwilkinson.com

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Written by Jude Bijou. Narrated by Marie T. RussellThis month I'm going to discuss three topics that have at their roots our unexpressed fear: stress, taxes, and sleep, or lack thereof! Got Stress? What do you stress about? Pandemic? Taxes? Teaching kids at home? Work? Financially strapped? Relationships standoffs? Politics and the deep divide in our country? Fake news?

If you are usually at least mildly obsessed with something, anything, and find it hard to truly let it go, your thoughts have taken over and are now driving you. You aren't driving them. You don't have control over where your mind goes and can't stop the thoughts. You're in a hostage situation.

Regardless of our circumstances and our worries, the underlying emotion being triggered is FEAR...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

Visit her website at AttitudeReconstruction.com/

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Narrated by the author, Marie T. Russell.

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely Players;

They have their Exits and their Entrances,

And one man in his time playes many parts…

-- Shakespeare, As You Like It

We tend to take life seriously… all the problems, challenges, crises… all of these seem to be like life and death situations, and in some cases they are. Yet as Shakespeare told us years ago, all the world is a stage, and we are all players or actors upon this earth.

We are all acting in a huge play, yet this play has no script. It is strictly an improvisation. We make up the lines as we go along. We also can make up our character as we go. Some days we play the villain, others the lover. Some days we play a character consumed by anger and fear, other days we are kind and considerate. Some days we play the stressed out family member, other days the casual relaxed neighbor.

Perhaps if we saw our daily actions and interactions simply as participation in improv theater, we might become less mired in actions, reactions, habits and attitudes. After all, in improvisational theater, while there is a main theme to the play -- as there is in the play called "Life on Earth" -- all actors are free to make up their role as they go along. Each response from another actor can send the whole play careening in a new direction, with all the other actors making up their responses as they go along.

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Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio show, Inner Power, in the 1990s which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity. Marie currently is editor and publisher of InnerSelf.com

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Astrological Overview: March 22 - 28, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

TUE: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto, Mercury semisquare Pluto, Mercury square Mars

WED: Mercury square nodal axis

THU: Sun conjunct Venus

FRI: Mars conjunct North Node

SAT: Venus semisquare Jupiter, Sun semisquare Jupiter

SUN: Venus conjunct Chiron, Full Moon 11:48 a.m. PDT

IN THE NOW, we are adjusting to the Sun's ingress into Aries and the impulse of energies that accompanied that event. As always occurs at the Equinox, the specific tilt of the Earth enabled cosmic winds to more directly interface with our planet's energy fields. This resulted in some spectacular auroras in the higher latitudes.

Since we are living within the Earth's energy field, these cosmic energies of course also affect each of us, and on many different levels. As a result, we may be feeling a little unsteady right now. That unsettled feeling also shows up in some of this week's planetary aspects, especially in the first part of the week....

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*Read by Pam Younghans

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

I suppose that every week, we could say that the articles we bring you on InnerSelf are about self-empowerment and about creating your reality... because everything in life is about that, really. But this week, our focus is a bit more specific, providing practical and easy methods to create and attract health and well-being on all levels.

We begin with Nancy Yearout who presents us with "Seven Ways to Achieve Balance This Spring", Of course, these seven ways are valid for any day and every day of the year, not just in Springtime. But since Spring is the time of new leaves, perhaps it's a good time for us to "turn over a new leaf". It's amazing how just seven simple things can make a big difference in our lives.

We continue with Fabiana Fondevila who suggests that you "Let The River of Your Imagination Flow: Playing to Create". She opens her article with the famous quote from Alice in Wonderland where the Queen tells Alice to believe in the impossible... Our imagination is a powerful tool in creating a future than does not yet exist, except perhaps as a seed or vision in our imagination.

From a shamanistic perspective, Serge Kahili King continues this exploration with "Daydream Techniques That Can Help Create Your Future". You may have been told at various times in your life to stop daydreaming and be practical. However as Serge demonstrates, daydreaming is practical. It is a tool in our 'bag of tricks' to create the life we desire. He presents various methods to do so.

One area of our life where we may need assistance in creating a better situation is our health. Author and healer, Tjitze de Jong, explains how "Cancer Can Be Cured: On The Road Towards Self-Determination". He introduces us to various pioneers on the road of cancer cure discoveries and welcomes us into the world of healing ourselves of cancer (or anything else).

We round off our journey of featured articles with Constance Kellough who invites us to reflect on our life, in "Where Are We Now? Quick Tools to Regain Inner Peace".

All of the above featured articles have an audio and video version for your enjoyment. Each article also gives an estimated reading time, so you can opt to read it, or you can listen to it if you would prefer to be away from your screen. The video versions are created in such a way to be relaxing while having the benefit of the article read to you. A win-win situation.

Please scroll down for the featured articles in this new issue of InnerSelf, and also the recap of all the articles that were added to the website during the week. Wishing you enjoyable insightful reading, and of course a wonder-full, joy-full, health-full, and loving week.

Marie T. Russell

editor/publisher,

InnerSelf.com

"New Attitudes...New Possibilities"

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Narrated by the author, Tjitze de Jong. Image by Ajay kumar Singh.

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Pioneers of all types are often met with disbelief, ridicule, harsh judgements, and lack of cooperation and support. If the establishment feels threatened by novel ideas and theories, this can have severe consequences for the pioneer and their work, leading to economic and/or political action against the pioneering initiative.

The same happens with regard to cancer and the search for solutions to the worldwide spread of the disease. New horizons are being explored continuously by many individuals, be they scientific researchers linked with universities, such as Dr. Raymond Royal Rife; medical doctors linked with hospitals, such as Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer; or individuals who feel motivated to move beyond the familiar and acceptable, such as documentary maker Ty Bollinger in his 2018 series of documentaries The Truth about Cancer: A Global Quest, or practitioners like myself working with energetic cellular healing.

I wish to introduce...

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*Read by the author, Tjitze de Jong

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About the Author Tjitze de Jong is a teacher, complementary therapist, and energy healer (Brennan Healing Science) specializing in cancer, with more than 20 years’ experience in his field. In 2007, he founded Tjitze’s Energetic Cellular Healing School (TECHS), sharing healing skills with practitioners around the world. The author of Cancer, A Healer’s Perspective, he is based within the spiritual community of Findhorn, Scotland.

Visit his website at tjitzedejong.com/

More books by this author.

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Spring is a time of growth, of new beginnings! The time of year when the flowers bloom and the rains wash away the old and reveal the new. Days show signs of Spring as the daffodils and the tulips peek their heads up towards the sun for their natural nourishment of growth and balance.

We humans are the same. We need certain things to help us grow and feel renewed. And most importantly a sense of balance in our lives.

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, we feel a sense of renewal. Some call it Spring Fever!

Each year we all get that same feeling of...

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*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

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About the Author Nancy Yearout is an Energy Healer, Intuitive Life Coach, Author, and Inspirational Speaker. Her religious and spiritual work has enabled her to help many people to live the life they desire! Her motivation and drive come from Source/God. Nancy's formal training came through invaluable religious and spiritual teachers, in New Mexico, Michigan and California. Throughout the years her intuitive abilities have strengthened through meditation and prayer, thus obtaining many invaluable tools for life. Her schooling encompasses hands on energy healing with an Aztec healer from Mexico as well as energy healing. Her gifts include intuitive card readings using the oracle and Angel cards for guidance. Visit her website www.NancyYearout.com or her Podcast www.Highroadtohumanity.com

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell. Image by Meryl Katys.

It’s easy to oversimplify daydreaming by saying that all you have to do is imagine something, but for the budding Dream Technician I’m going to give some very useful exercises and practices.

For practical purposes I divide daydreams into two types, using the Hawaiian words hua and nalu.

vThe word hua comes from the root hu, meaning “all kinds of movement, especially upward and outward.” Hua means “the seed or egg of something,” as well as “the fruit or result,” and so can be used to mean “producing” or “yielding.” In short, and for my purposes, it refers to the type of daydream in which you actively cause things to happen, note the results, and initiate more activity.

Another common word for this is to fantasize. In a hua daydream, you are the director, so the first exercise is simply to make up some daydreams. An easy way to do this is to take stories you know from books, movies, or television, and make up your own variations of them.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Serge Kahili King, Ph.D., is the author of many works on Huna and Hawaiian shamanism, including Urban Shaman and Instant Healing. He has a doctorate in psychology and was trained in shamanism by the Kahili family of Kauai as well as by African and Mongolian shamans. He is the executive director of Huna International, a non-profit worldwide network of individuals who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place. He lives on the Big Island of Hawaii. Visit his website at http://www.huna.net/

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: "Impossible" is just something we haven't yet attained. We know that things are constantly changing and evolving, however we may have assumed that certain things were impossible. Some of these things are vital if the human race is to survive -- things like world peace, the eradication of world hunger, the transition to a sustainable world, a world of true democracy, etc. Yet some would say these things are impossible, just because they haven't happened yet.

It was impossible to sail around the world when it was believed the world was flat. It was also impossible to go to the Moon, never mind Mars. It was even impossible to fly, or speak wirelessly at great distances. Yet all these "impossible" things have come to pass because someone refused to accept that they were "impossible" and kept looking for ways to make them possible, sometimes even at great risk to themselves.

In the same way, we must realize that world peace, the eradication of world hunger, the transition to a sustainable future, living in a truly soul-centric world, are all possible. We have to set our sights in that direction and take the necessary steps to attain these so-called "impossible" goals.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How Do We Move From Egocentric to Soul-Centric Eyes of the Future?

by Bill Plotkin, PhD.

Read the original article...

*This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of knowing that a better future is possible (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.*Today, we remember that "Impossible" is just a goal we haven't yet attained.

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Written by Joanne Brocas. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The angels can channel greater amounts of information and inspiration to you through the process of light channeling. To be able to channel information from the angels in this way you will first need to shift your awareness into an altered state of consciousness also known as the alpha state. This is a very light form of trance and is equivalent to a meditative state or a daydreaming feeling.

Channeled information can flow through your mind very quickly and so one of the best ways to gain full advantage of what you receive is to write it down as it flows to you. The following exercise will help you to lightly channel information in this way from your very own guardian angel in the form of an angel letter.

Writing A Letter To Your Guardian Angel An angel letter is a powerful technique that enables you to receive higher spiritual guidance...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Joanne Brocas is a professionally trained medium, angel expert, intuitive healer, Reiki Master/teacher, and best-selling author with more than two decades of experience in afterlife communication and healing. During her childhood, Joanne communicated with her guardian angel and has maintained a very strong, clear connection with the spirit world and angelic realm throughout her life.

Joanne is the founder of Chakra Medicine School of Energy Healing and Intuitive Development, helping to teach others how to develop their intuitive awareness, connect with the angels, and ignite their own healing power. Born in South Wales, Joanne now lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and teaches board approved healing programs and workshops nationally. Her website is: JoanneBrocas.com/

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Written by Fabiana Fondevila. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

“I can’t believe that!” said Alice.

“Can’t you?” The Queen said in a pitying tone. “Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.”

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said, “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

-- Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Many people regard the imagination with suspicion, as something that has no place in adult life. In contrast, the wisdom traditions teach that the imagination is one of the most important, most direct channels to the divine, and probably one of the oldest.

In The Evolution of Imagination, Stephen T. Asma, a specialist in the philosophy of the natural sciences, describes the imagination as “the eye of ancestral man” and considers it a human skill acquired before language. Thomas Moore in Care of the Soul, speaking from a spiritual perspective, proposes: “The key to seeing the world’s soul, and in the process wakening our own, is to get over the confusion by which we think that fact is real and imagination is illusion.”

Another scientist, the never mediocre Albert Einstein, defies convention when he asserts: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

Let’s look at some of the many ways we can explore this fantastic river and see what surprises it can offer us.

Continue reading the article on InnerSelf.com (also access the audio/mp3 version)

*Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay*

About the Author Fabiana Fondevila is an author, storyteller, ritual maker, activist, and teacher from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fabiana’s seminars weave together nature exploration, dreamwork, mythic consciousness, archetypal psychology, social work, and essential emotions such as awe, gratitude, and enchantment. For over a decade, she has led year-long courses (both online and face-to-face) which take students on a personal and communal adventure of growth and discovery, challenging themselves to come ever closer to being the change they wish to see in the world. Fabiana also leads an online campaign to highlight and combat exclusion and discrimination and, since the pandemic began, has given regular Sunday talks (in Spanish, via Zoom and social media) to share a message of hope, resilience and her embodied, earthy approach to spirituality.

She is the author of a dozen children’s books, a Young Adult novel which in 2017 won second prize in Sigmar’s Children’s and Young Adults’ Literary Award. In 2018, she published her first book for adults, “Donde vive el asombro”. The above article is excerpted from the English version, “Where Wonder Lives. Practices for Cultivating the Sacred in Your Daily Life”,

Visit her website at FabianaFondevila.com/english

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Written by Constance Kellough. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

The journey to higher and higher consciousness is endless. However, it bears asking ourselves, “Where are we now?” Are we feeling more hopeful, more peaceful? Do we have some awareness of what we need to do to bring ourselves inner peace? Do we know what impedes our inner peace and how to go beyond these impediments? Have we come to a better understanding of who we truly are, the One Self?

Anything that is not of peace is not of our true Self. To move into an abiding state of peace takes as long as it takes. The good news is that we have likely already made significant progress.

At times, we will feel the quiet bliss of peace. At other times, this inner peace will elude us. This is to be expected. It is challenging to be predominately peaceful when those we love are suffering and we look outside of ourselves and not see a peaceful world. We need to heal ourselves in order to be of greater service to others, and to help heal our world so we experience world peace, we need to extend our inner peace to others.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Written by Constance Kellough, Namaste Publishing.

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Constance Kellough is the president and publisher of Namaste Publishing, the original publisher of the book "The Power of Now" by now well-known author Eckhart Tolle. Since 1997, she has gone on to publish more groundbreaking, inspirational books by such authors as Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Michael Brown and Dr. David Berceli. She has authored two books of her own; The Chronicles of Bizah, Student of Truth (published 2020) and The HOW to Inner Peace (published 2021).

For more info, visit NamastePublishing.com

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Astrological Overview: March 15 - 21, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Sun semisquare Saturn, Mercury enters Pisces, Venus semisquare Uranus

TUE: Sun sextile Pluto

WED: Venus semisquare Saturn, Mars sextile Chiron

THU: Mercury conjunct Pallas Athene, Venus sextile Pluto, Mars semisquare Eris

FRI: Saturn sextile Ceres

SAT: Sun enters Aries/Equinox 2:37 a.m. PDT

SUN: Venus enters Aries, Mercury sextile Uranus, Mars trine Saturn, Mercury semisquare Eris

WHERE WE BEGIN this week, energetically, is a far different place than where we will find ourselves at the end of this seven-day period. Yesterday, we experienced a strongly Piscean New Moon, which may have untethered us slightly from reality. As a result, we may be feeling either expansive or withdrawn, either trusting or wobbly-legged, depending perhaps on our ability to maintain some sense of being grounded while working with such other-worldly energies.

Continue reading the Astrological Journal at InnerSelf.com

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

One thing everyone can agree on, regardless of their religion, race, gender, etc., is that life comes with its set of challenges. I don't think that anyone goes through life without challenges, also known as lessons, problems, or learning opportunities. That seems to be included in the nature of this earthly experience.

We have various options as to how we deal with these challenges, whether individually or collectively. We can react with fear, anger, even hatred, or we can seek the higher path... the one of love, compassion, and understanding. And, at InnerSelf, we endeavor to assist our readers in choosing the higher path, since the other choice is fraught with pain and delusion.

This week we share insights into the navigation of life's challenges. We begin with...

Continue reading the InnerSelf Newsletter...

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rrated by Sarah Varcas

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

13th March 2021 (10:22 a.m. UT) – New Moon in Pisces Conjunct Venus and Neptune

This new moon in Pisces is gentle as a feather and soft as a summer breeze. Like a flower, she opens the heart to suffering, applying nectar to heal division and unite us with those people we would otherwise avoid. This moon reminds us that anyone’s life can change in the blink of an eye: the mighty fall, the rich lose everything, the healthy become sick and our greatest loves can be lost to us.

How we respond to the calamities of life dictates our current character and future choices. It can be all too easy to judge another on who they are today without knowing the journey that brought them here: the aching disappointments, devastating losses and bitter regrets. We all have a back story – a path which has led us to now. No one is immune to the vagaries of life. It is this truth which connects us all.

The remedy is love With four planets currently in the sign of the fishes...

Continue reading at InnerSelf.com (also access to audio/mp3 version)

About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise. Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

You can find out more about Sarah and her work at www.astro-awakenings.co.uk.

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Written and Audio read by Lawrence Doochin.

Most of us had an idea where we thought this journey of life was taking us, and this has likely been at least partially uprooted by the coronavirus crisis, probably significantly. The word “thought” is italicized because I want to emphasize that we actually didn’t know where life was taking us — we only thought we knew. An uncertain future has revealed the falsity of believing we were on a certain track, and some are handling this fear of the unknown better than others.

There are gifts inherent in every crisis. Everything in life can and is meant to be used for a higher understanding. A large gift of the coronavirus crisis is to help us realize that we have an addiction to and a belief in what is false.

Sometimes people with an addiction voluntarily go to treatment, but often an intervention is required by loved ones. Because we are collectively in this together, God and the Universe are forcing an intervention because we are headed off a cliff. How we have been treating each other, our spirits, and the planet isn’t sustainable. We need a radical course alteration.

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)

Narrated by Lawrence Doochin

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World.

Learn more at LawrenceDoochin.com.

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The focus for today is:I choose to enjoy the beauty of creation with joy, love, and spontaneity. Every day, and actually every moment, we choose what energy we radiate, what energy we nurture in our heart.

We can choose to enjoy love, spontaneity, and the beauty of creation. We can choose to let those energies be alive and vibrant in our heart.

Joy is wherever we are, for joy is the light, love, and union with all that is.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Resisting the Desire to Change? Replacing Restriction with Connectionby Carolyn E. Cobelo.

Read the original article...

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of choosing joy, love, and spontaneity (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for my Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose to enjoy the beauty of creation with joy, love, and spontaneity.

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Narrated by Marie T. Russell. Image by Anette Hallstrøm

Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

As I looked at the featured articles for this week's newsletter, in preparation for writing my introduction, I saw that the titles of the two articles at the top both started with the words "How To Recognize...", I realized that this is a key part of our personal empowerment: learning to recognize, or be aware of, what is around us and what they really are. Sometimes a thing or person has a certain appearance, but the inside is completely different from the outside.

Some foods are like that. A ripe coconut has a coarse brown almost impenetrable shell, yet the inside is sweet. A pineapple is prickly yet the insides of a ripe pineapple can be divinely soft and sweet. Often in life, we can be fooled by the externals. Some "store-bought" tomatoes for example, taste nothing like a garden-ripened tomato. An organic carrot tastes completely different than a conventionally-grown carrot. The organic is much sweeter.

In the same way, some people who look "picture-perfect' on the outside, may be...

Continue Reading (also on that page: audio/mp3 version)

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Astrological Overview: March 8 - 14, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury semisquare Ceres

TUE: Venus square nodal axis, Mercury semisquare Chiron

WED: Mercury sextile Eris, Sun conjunct Neptune

SAT: New Moon 2:21 a.m. PST, Sun semisquare Uranus, Venus conjunct Neptune

Continue Reading

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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The focus for today is: I am evolving and changing and remembering my oneness with all. "We all feel it. Something unique is happening. Everything seems to be changing, and so quickly! The very nature of our thoughts and our established reactions to things seem suddenly so different. Our fundamental truths about life are being questioned at all levels. We are faced with a fundamental search for the truth about who we are.

"We are at the beginning of a global transformation of consciousness that we cannot understand with the 10% of our brain/mind that we currently depend on. We are evolving towards a full utilization of our mind/brain that will give us undreamed of capabilities.

"There is a hidden mind that we all share. The goal of the new millennium is to discover this new mind and to acknowledge that it is our own. As we identify with this shared mind, our focus on bodies and individual differences will diminish, and we will remember our oneness, our eternal safety and our joy."

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article: Global Transformation and the New Millennium

by Jerry Levinson.

Read the original article...

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of remembering your oneness with all (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for my Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we are evolving and changing and remembering our oneness with all.

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May I learn to discern the perfect plan behind all events of my life.

*May I see that every single thing that happens in my life is a gift

from Providence to enable me to grow and flourish and expand.*

*May I bless those who curse or harm me, those who gossip

or spread lies about me, as Life’s tools to enable me

to grow in integrity, detachment and strength.”*

-- 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World, Pierre Pradervand

For 25 years I have been corresponding with an African American inmate from a very modest background, Roger McGowen. He has spent 35 years in jail (25 of which on death row) for a crime we are absolutely convinced he did not commit.

Continue reading article at InnerSelf.com (also access audio/mp3 version)

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About The Author Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.

For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.

Visit his website at https://gentleartofblessing.org

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The focus for today is:I look for the answers I need within my Self. Take a good look at what you are feeling, what you are experiencing, and ask your Self (your Higher Self) what the message is... what you need to know and what you need to do.

You may immediately get a 'flash' as to what this is about for you. Or it may require some introspection, reflection, and listening to your Inner Voice. We are never faced with a problem to which we do not hold the key.

Make your choices! There's no need to run away, or run to others for answers. Close your eyes and talk to your Self... the way will be revealed to you.

Today's Focus was inspiered from the InnerSelf.com article:

You DO Take It With You... It's Your Script and Your StoryWritten by Marie T. Russell

Read the original article...

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of tuning in to your Self (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for my Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we look for the answers we need within our Self.

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The focus for today is: I treat myself with respect. People often confuse a strong ego with high self-esteem. However, one does not necessarily lead to the other. An over-inflated image of self. leads the ego to project that whatever they do is OK, even though it can violate another person's space.

Doug Thorburn, author of "Drunks, Drugs, and Debits" writes the following: "Acknowledging one's flaws, admitting one's wrongs and paying amends to others in truly penitent fashion require ego deflation. Taking responsibility for one's behaviors, living consistently with one's values and core needs, while getting (and staying) honest, begins the process for the restoration of self-esteem."

To free ourselves of the negative ego's grasp, we must build up our self-esteem based on truths, not delusions. It requires looking deep within ourselves, acknowledging our flaws and our good points, and putting our good character traits in the forefront of our behavioral choices. And accepting and respecting the totality of who we are.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of accentuating your positive character traits (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for my Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we treat ourselves with respect.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

Defeating Addiction by Deflating the Ego and Embracing Self-Esteem and ResponsibilityWritten by Doug Thorburn

Read the original article...

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The focus for today is:I choose acceptance, happiness, and serenity. When we think of greed, we usually think about money and material possessions. However, greed can apply to so many things in our life.

Greed can translate into over-consumption... And this of course applies to food, but also applies to other things such as technology, clothes, sex, Facebook friends and likes, success, relationships, and even spirituality. We can be greedy in anything we do or have.

And as with everything, we always have a choice. We can choose addiction, grasping for more, and endless suffering as we experience a belief in "not enough", or we can choose acceptance of what is, happiness with what is, and serenity about what is.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of serenity (today and every day)

Join me again tomorrow for my Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.

Today, we choose acceptance, happiness, and serenity.

Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:

How Does Greed Affect Your Life? And How To Let GoWritten by José Luis Stevens, Ph.D.

Read the original article...

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Written by Joyce Vissell

This is not an article about the benefits of getting a vaccination. Nor is it an article about not getting a vaccination. I am writing about following one's heart and having respect for others' decisions. There is so much tension right now about a person's decision to either vaccinate or not. We need to have respect for one another.

The decision to get vaccinated was not difficult for me. Right away, in my heart, I knew this was the right decision for me. I have had Covid-19 and I was really sick with it, and I also know how lucky and blessed I was that I never had to go to the hospital. I do not want to get Covid-19 again or any of the variants. I did not even have to think about this decision. My heart directed me very clearly.

But just as clearly, people are being directed by their hearts to not get the vaccination.

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for further information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops.

Visit their website at SharedHeart.org for their free monthly e-heartletter, their updated schedule, and inspiring past articles on many topics about relationship and living from the heart.

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Written by Barbara Heider-Rauter What is the infinity sign really about? There was a time when knowledge of the power of symbols was the preserve of initiates only and it was passed on in secret. The infinity sign, or lemniscate, is one such fascinating symbol and produces its power regardless of whether we believe in it or not.

In this article you will discover how it has been used in many different cultures and how we can make use of this powerful symbol today. Let us immerse ourselves in the magical world of ancient symbols. I wonder, will we feel its force straight away?

We all know what the infinity symbol – the sign that represents the immeasurable and the boundless – looks like, but very few of us know what power it holds. It has been highly prized for centuries, used for protection and the bringing of harmony and balance to opposing entities in many cultures.

Continue Reading At InnerSelf.com

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

Article Source The Power of the Infinity Symbol: Working with the Lemniscate for Ultimate Harmony and Balance

by Barbara Heider-Rauter

In this accessible, hands-on guide, Barbara Heider-Rauter explores the spiritual world of the infinity symbol in a personal and practical way, allowing each of us to benefit from its positive influence for balance and harmony in ourselves, our relationships, and the wider world. She details simple exercises to reconnect the two halves of the brain, the analytical and the emotional, and she teaches how to use simple visualisation, physical exercises, and directed drawing of the symbol to achieve practical results in our daily lives. Beautifully illustrated in full color.

About the Author Barbara Heider-Rauter is a qualified educator and therapist with many years’ experience. One of the leading aura-soma experts in the world, she leads meditation evenings, seminars for personal development, and spiritual journeys. For more than 15 years, she has run a specialist spiritual shop in Salzburg, where seekers can meet kindred spirits. Visit her website at www.barbara-heider-rauter.com

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The focus for today is: I develop my sense ability In a book entitled "Sense Ability", Doris Wild Helmering tells the story of a man who enters a coffee shop, and who ignoring the people in line for coffee, cuts to the front of the line demanding a coffee. The server gently tells him that she will be with him shortly. He waits a very short time before exclaiming loudly that he has better things to do than stand around waiting for coffee, and ignoring his wife, who is trying to calm him down, he storms out of the coffee shop.

He had no awareness of anyone else's needs but his own... not his wife who was embarrassed by his rudeness, not the server who he treated rudely, and certainly not the other customers who were waiting in line patiently for their turn for coffee. He was completely tuned out of any awareness of sensing the other people around him. He was only focused on his own needs and desires.

Now, we may all have had situations in our life where we experienced anger or impatience with others and neglected their feelings at all. Opening up our sense ability allows us to tune in to the needs of others, and to empathize and work with them rather than against them. This is our goal... to become in harmony with those around us by being open to, and being considerate of, not just our feelings, but theirs as well.

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Discovering Sense Ability and Fully Utilizing Our Sense of AwarenessWritten by Doris Wild Helmering

Read the original article...

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Marie T. Russell's Daily Inspiration The focus for today is: I choose to take an active part in my healing process. I'd like to read you something from the book: White Buffalo and the Rainbow Warrior

Sometimes our conscious intention is overshadowed by our unconscious desires. Because I believe that we do create a large part of our personal realties, I decided to take an active part in my healing process.

To be sure that all parts of me wanted to proceed with ending my suffering, I closed my eyes, took a few long, slow deep breaths, and asked my own subconscious, "What might be the benefits of hanging on to this pain?"

The answers that come from the various aspects of self may seem very illogical, or just really silly! It's important to let all of your emotional thoughts and beliefs be expressed. The whole point is that if you don't know what's inside of you, how can you work with yourself to create your dreams? If part of you is holding you back, communicate with it and offer alternatives and solutions that appeal to all of those little, but important aspects of your Self.

Excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

How To Heal A Broken Heart With A 7-Step Heartbreak Recovery ProgramWritten by Elisha Gabriell

Read the original article...

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: March 1 - 7, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Sun semisquare Pluto

TUE: Mercury trine North Node

WED: Venus sextile Uranus, Mars enters Gemini

THU: Venus semisquare Eris, Mercury conjunct Jupiter

FRI: Sun square nodal axis

SAT: Venus semisquare Pluto

Continue Reading At InnerSelf.com

Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Marie T. Russell

Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

While change is inevitable, it is also sorely needed.. and dreaded at the same time. However, change can go in two directions... growth or decay, and they both serve their purpose. Some things must decay in order for something else to be birthed, and then grow.

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Written by Glen Park

The ideology of industrial capitalism is dominated by the values of Achievement Consciousness, left-brain thinking, and the Solar channel of the third chakra. Aspiration and achievement, power and success, and fame and fortune are presented as highly esteemed goals in our education systems, our workplaces, the media, and the social fabric of modern societies. The unique individual is emphasized over the family or tribe.

An economic theory that contributed to modern society’s espousal of the values of Achievement Consciousness was Herbert Spencer’s theory of “survival of the fittest.” This was Spencer’s interpretation of Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which Darwin accepted. Darwin, however, also emphasized the importance of cooperation as a survival strategy in the natural world.

Under capitalism, in principle although less often in practice, anyone with initiative, competitive spirit, and determination could become successful. The individual achiever was glorified. The negative aspect of this ideology was that people who were less successful, especially the poor, were blamed for their poverty and seen as deserving of it, even when that poverty was largely the result of problems in the larger public arena, such as lack of work or inadequate pay.

This ideology is still the dominant cultural story in today’s capitalist world and acts as a powerful influence on young people. It is embodied in our education systems, which encourage development through left-brain thinking and Achievement Consciousness. Many young people emerge from their education with left-brain dominance even if they began school with balanced or right-brain dominance.

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Article Source Chakra Healing Therapy: Awaken Spiritual Energies and Heal Emotional Wounds

by Glen Park

In this in-depth guide to working with the chakras, author Glen Park draws on her decades of experience as a Chakra Therapist to explain how the chakras can be understood as an embodied map of the psyche, with each chakra representing a different stage of development from infancy and childhood through adulthood, with the Heart Chakra playing a central role in awakening the spiritual potential of the upper chakras.

The author examines each chakra individually on the physical, psychological, psychic, and spiritual level, as well as through the lens of the solar (masculine) and lunar (feminine) channels. She shows how the connections between the chakras and developmental stages are paralleled in the findings of Western psychology and neuroscience and how our collective expressions of the chakras influence cultural trends in society.

About the Author Glen Park has taught workshops in the Alexander Technique and chakra healing therapy for more than 30 years in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan. She has presented at conferences for Alexander Technique International and the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. She is also the author of The Art of Changing.

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Written by Vera Lopez and Linda Star Wolf Ph.D. As I reflect upon my life, I cannot help but be in complete amazement at how Spirit has moved and worked within it. Looking back, I can see how each step of my life (both positive and negative) has been used to support me in being where I am today—connected to the vision of the bigger picture and tethered to the path of my sacred purpose this lifetime.

I truly believe there are no accidents in life. There is only the magic and mystery of Spirit, and when we open ourselves up to this infinite energy and say “yes!” to our holy longings, Spirit moves in our life in ways that we could not even begin to imagine.

A New Journey.....

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Article Source Shamanic Mysteries of Peru: The Heart Wisdom of the High Andes

by Vera Lopez and Linda Star Wolf Ph.D.

The Andes Mountains of Peru are rich with ancient shamanic traditions, sacred places, and heart wisdom passed down from the Inca and safeguarded for generations by the Q’eros nation. In this experiential guide to the wisdom and practices of the Andean people and their sacred land, Vera Lopez and Linda Star Wolf take you on an intimate journey through the sacred sites, temples, and power places of Peru, including Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuamán, Písac, Lake Titicaca, and more. They show how each of these powerful sites holds an ancient wisdom--an initiation left behind by the Inca--and they share initiatory rites and shamanic journeying practices to allow you to integrate and embody the wisdom of each sacred place.

About the Authors Vera Lopez is the founder of Spirits of the Earth, a travel company specializing in spiritual journeys to sacred sites. She is a transformation teacher, shamanic minister, and Andean priestess, who has received direct initiation from shamanic elders in several traditions, including the Q’eros of Peru.

Linda Star Wolf, Ph.D., is the founding director and president of Venus Rising Association for Transformation and Venus Rising University. The creator of the Shamanic Breathwork process, she has led countless workshops and certified hundreds of Shamanic Breathwork facilitators around the world. She is the author of several books, including Soul Whispering and Shamanic Breathwork.

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Written by Serge Kahili King The following sentence is the most important thing I have to say about dreams and dreaming: AFTER A DREAM IS OVER, IT BECOMES A MEMORY!

This is the key to mastering your dreams.

From A Nightmare To An Adventure The essential element that makes a dream a nightmare is the sense of helplessness in the face of events that you have no control over. If you become able to do something about these events that removes the helpless feeling, then the same dream becomes an adventure, rather than a nightmare.

A nightmare only occurs when you are under heavy stress of some kind, and stress translates into the body as muscle tension. When tension is strong enough it can interfere with body functions, and this may evoke a kind of visceral fear that produces a nightmare or even a series of nightmares.

When the tension is relieved by any means, the nightmares cease. If enough tension recurs, even by recalling the nightmare, then the same or different nightmares may happen again, or may produce fear and helplessness in the waking state.

Can You Banish Nightmares?

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Article Source Dreaming Techniques: Working with Night Dreams, Daydreams, and Liminal Dreams

by Serge Kahili King

Dreams can change our lives in profound and tangible ways. In this guide to mastering the art of dreaming, Serge Kahili King, Ph.D., explores techniques to harness the power of dreams for healing, transformation, and changing your experience of reality. Drawing on his analysis of more than 5,000 of his own dreams as well as those of students and clients from his almost 50 years of clinical work, he examines the types of night dreams we have, how to remember them better, how to make use of them to improve our health and well-being, and how to interpret them. The book also explores daydreams in depth, including fantasy, guided imagery, meditation, visions, and remote viewing and provides techniques for using daydreams for healing, insight, and creativity.

About the Author Serge Kahili King, Ph.D., is the author of many works on Huna and Hawaiian shamanism, including Urban Shaman and Instant Healing. He has a doctorate in psychology and was trained in shamanism by the Kahili family of Kauai as well as by African and Mongolian shamans. He is the executive director of Huna International, a non-profit worldwide network of individuals who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place. He lives on the Big Island of Hawaii. Visit his website at http://www.huna.net/

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The focus for today is:I am willing to manifest my soul's desire.

Sometimes there is an inner battle inside us between the desires of our soul and the desires of our ego. Well, actually the ego is the only one battling, as it often feels that if it doesn't get its way, it may die

However, it's important for us to be willing to bypass the fearful and grasping desires of the ego, and move on to the desires of our highest self, our soul's desire. This is the path to our fulfilment, the path to mastery: being willing to step forth and make the choices that support our true destiny, our true purpose.

It's important to remember that the Universe will give us everything we ask for, so we must be aware of what it is we're really asking for, whether consciously or unconsciously. The stakes are very high and we hold the key.

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

The First Step in Spiritual Mastery: A Short Course in ManifestationWritten by James F. Twyman

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Written by Alan Cohen Narrated by Marie T. Russell

In the early 1900’s a European man named Frederic had a dream to travel to the United States. At that time, air travel had not been developed, so he booked passage on an ocean liner. Such a trip required all of his savings, but it was worth it.

Considering that he could not afford the luxury meals the ship offered, Frederic brought with him a supply of cheese and crackers. While the other guests sat in the ornate dining room enjoying lavish multi-course meals, Frederic sat on a bench on the deck, rationing out his simple meals for the duration of the cruise.

One day another passenger passed Frederic eating his Spartan meal. “Why are you sitting out here eaten cheese and crackers?” the fellow asked.

“I can’t afford the dining room meals,” Frederic answered.

The passenger laughed. “Don’t you know that.....

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About The Author Alan Cohen is the author of many inspirational books including A Course in Miracles Made Easyand his new illuminating guide, The Master Keys of Healing. Become a certified holistic life coach through Alan’s life-changing training program beginning in September 2021. For information on this program and Alan’s books, videos, audios, online courses, retreats, and other inspirational events and materials, visit AlanCohen.com

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Written by Jude Bijou Most all of us know the Rolling Stones' line, "You can't always get what you want." That's definitely true about our relationship status.

Regardless of whether we're on our own or partnered up, with or without children, we need to accept our situation and embrace it. Complaining won't change it. Neither will feeling hopeless or helpless. These crummy attitudes are guaranteed to keep us in the emotions of sadness, anger, and fear. Our best strategy is to find pleasure in our status and relish the moment, because as is abundantly clear, life is fragile and fleeting.

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About the Author Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.

In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education.

Visit her website at AttitudeReconstruction.com/

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf The focus for today is: I choose to stop taking myself so seriously. A lot of us think of meditation as something austere or serious... definitely not something we'd do for fun.

That may be because we have tended to think of anything that is connected to spirituality or religion as very serious. After all, laughing in church - at least not in "serious" churches - was not allowed.

But while we need to be sincere, we do not need to be serious. And, a lot of troubles in the world are based on various people taking themselves, and their beliefs, way too seriously.

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Can Meditation Be Fun? Or Does It Have To Be Serious

by Alan Watts.

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf The focus for today is: I choose to believe in myself and I embrace my potential.

It is said that anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed. Actually, there are an infinite number of apples in a seed; how many actually come forth is a result only of cultivation.

At this moment there are infinite number of ideas and talents within you, ideas that can change your life as well as that of millions -- who knows, maybe the whole planet.

Perhaps that book you've been playing with in your mind; that song, or that painting, or that labor-saving device, is not some random thought, but a divinely-inspired vision. Perhaps every great invention or seminar started with just one little seed thought, and the difference between living a life of struggle or fabulous success and service, is simply that some people believed in their idea, and others didn't.

The focus for today was inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Sprouting the Seeds of Greatness

by Alan Cohen

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf The focus for today is: I give myself permission to change easily and happily.

Once you begin to accept change, you can do numerous things to help keep you on the path of change. You might want to start singing any of a series of songs (or make up your own) which affirm that every little thing is gonna be alright! Or you could remind yourself on a daily basis that you are willing to change and to create a better life for yourself. Or that things are better than they seem.

You can use such affirmations as: I am safe. All change in my life is for the good. I welcome change and give myself permission to change easily and happily. Change equals growth. All is well.

If you do that, you won't get caught up in fear in the midst of change... or at least, you'll be able to see the fear for what it is... just an illusion, a projection, a thought.

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Change Is Inevitable So Don't Freak Out!

Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf The focus for today is: We are all teachers and students.

How else do we learn except by being exposed to a different perspective, to information we were not familiar with? We are all teachers and students. I learn from you and you learn from me. In the same vein, you learn from the people in your life, and they have the opportunity to learn from you as well.

Sometimes we learn from people's mistakes, sometimes from their examples (good or bad) but always we have the opportunity to look around us and see "little mirrors" of ourselves. We are all in the same boat and if we start learning from each other and sharing what we have learned with others, perhaps we can get to where we're going faster.

If everyone lives isolated behind their safe little boundaries, then each and every one of us has to reinvent the wheel... rather than benefiting from the fact that someone else discovered the concept and we get to apply it to our lives.

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Boundaries: Holding Back From Revealing our "True" Self

by Marie T. Russell

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com The focus for today: I choose to be aware of the judgments I make. When we accept things the way they are (accept what is), we feel more at peace with the world around us. The weather is neither good nor bad -- it simply is what it is. Your opinion or beliefs are not good or bad, they simply are what they are -- possibly even the opposite of mine.

And that does not mean that one of us is right and the other wrong. It simply means we see things from two different perspectives. If my favorite color is blue and yours is red, does that make one of us right and the other wrong?

Let's play at eliminating some words from our vocabulary (or at least from our concepts.) Ask your mind to alert you each time you catalog something as good or bad, right or wrong, etc. You might be surprised at how often we evaluate and judge things as acceptable or not acceptable. It's a mind opening experience in itself to simply be aware of the judgments we have been making. And that's not good or bad -- it simply is!

Inspired from the InnerSelf.com article:

Is It Good or Bad? And Are We Qualified to Judge?

by Marie T. Russell

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About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Marie T. Russell Image by Herbert Aust. Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

I woke up this morning to grey skies. The wind had been howling all night, and everything was wet. The wind was still blowing though the rain had stopped. My first thought was "Uh, a grey day!" followed by "I think I'll skip my walk this morning".

Thankfully, I remembered my promise to myself to take a walk each morning regardless of what the weather looked like. My experience is that though the weather "looks" icky, oftentimes, once I'm out walking, the beauty of Nature and the peace and pleasure of walking override the preconceived notions I have about grey skies and rain.

About The Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: February 22 - 28, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

WED: Mars trine Pluto

THU: Venus enters Pisces, Sun sextile Uranus

FRI: Jupiter trine North Node, Sun semisquare Eris, Mars square Pallas Athene

SAT: Full Moon 12:17 a.m. PST

THE EFFECTS of last week's Saturn-Uranus square reverberate for a while, as always occurs when there is a major astrological event. We have gained the first peak on this journey through 2021, but we are still on the mountain and navigating some bumpy terrain.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Vir McCoy and Kara Zahl Let’s begin by exploring the question: What is a parasite? Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines a parasite as:

A person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery.
An organism living in, with, or on another organism as in parasitism.
Something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return.

If we look at parasites objectively, we see that they suck or feed on others for their nourishment. Parasites increase their life force by draining energy from their host.

Here are a few important questions to consider:

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Article Source Liberating Yourself from Lyme: An Integrative and Intuitive Guide to Healing Lyme Disease

(Updated Edition of Liberating Lyme)

by Vir McCoy and Kara Zahl

In this medical intuitive approach to Lyme, the authors share their personal Lyme journeys and their integrative healing protocol that bridges the scientific and the spiritual. They explore the peculiarities of Lyme disease, including how Lyme is often misdiagnosed, giving it time to establish itself deep within the body’s organs and nervous system, and examine in detail new and standard remedies, with thorough scientific references.

About the Authors Vir McCoy is a teacher, healer, author, lecturer, musician, and ecologist who works both as a bodywork healer and as a field biologist and botanist focusing on endangered species.

Kara Zahl is a healing arts practitioner, yoga instructor, and intuitive counselor with a bodywork practice combining massage and energy work modalities.

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Written by Lawrence Doochin “*I am not interested in power for power’s sake,

but I’m interested in power that is moral,

that is right and that is good.”*

-- MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

True power is used for the benefit of everyone because it comes from a unitive perspective and an understanding that we are all in this together. Ego power is fear-based and is used solely to benefit the person or group in power. It arises from a separatist perspective based on domination of others and the hoarding of wealth and resources.

Fear-based ego power rarely serves even the interests of a specific constituency, and certainly not the interests of humanity as a whole. This type of ego power and control is central to our world today and operates through most monetary and political systems such as democracy, fascism, monarchy, capitalism, communism, and socialism, as well as many religions.

In theory many of these systems sound ideal, but in practice they are corrupt and controlled by individuals seeking wealth and power. Since our world operates from this type of ego power, it is way out of balance.

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Article Source A Book On Fear: Feeling Safe In A Challenging World

by Lawrence Doochin

Even if everyone around us is in fear, this doesn't have to be our personal experience. We are meant to live in joy, not in fear. By taking us on a treetop journey through quantum physics, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and more, A Book On Fear gives us tools and awareness to see where our fear comes from. When we see how our belief systems were created, how they limit us, and what we have become attached to that creates fear, we will come to know ourselves at a deeper level. Then we can make different choices to transform our fears. The end of each chapter includes a suggested simple exercise that can be done quickly but that will shift the reader into an immediate higher state of awareness about that chapter’s topic.

About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World. Learn more at LawrenceDoochin.com

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Written by Nancy E. Yearout For most of my life I did not have a name for my abilities. I figured that I had really good intuition and was psychic, I just knew things. Today this gift is referred to as Claircognizance. This is one of my gifts, a clear knowing of the future.

Growing up, the afterlife, angels, astrologers and psychics fascinated me. I often times saw my Grandmother with a book about the afterlife in her hands, she was a big fan of Edgar Cayce and had some psychic abilities herself.

I can remember my mom and aunts gathering around the dining room table on a Sunday afternoon to use the Ouija board, as they were all fascinated by the afterlife and psychics too.

I must confess that I used the Ouija Board a few times with a friend when I was in my twenties. Sherry was my neighbor and our kids played together. While sitting at my kitchen table, hands on the Ouija Board, Sherry became chilled and I would overheat as the pointer moved across the board. I feel as if we were conducting the energy through us.

I am not sure who or what we conjured up over twenty years ago but the answers that board gave us came true. Scary stuff. And no! I do not recommend conjuring things up with the board.

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Book by this Author Wake Up! The Universe Is Speaking To You: Learn to Use Universal Energy

by Nancy E Yearout.

What if you were given the ability to change your life for the better” To create what you want for yourself? Most people are not aware that God has blessed us with that Energy to design the lives we desire. All you need to do is pay attention to what the Universe is showing you. Wake Up! You can tap into the Universal Energy to enhance your love life, your career, anything that you wish. This Energy was created for our use and it’s free! I explain in this book that there is an entire realm of Energy here on earth for us to access. It is the Energy that God intended for us to use. My wish is that discovering these Universal laws will change many lives for the better.

About the Author Nancy Yearout is an author, a spiritual life coach, inspirational speaker, and psychic tarot card reader, as well as a Christian and a member of the Baptist Church. Nancy has been fortunate to acquire hands-on energy-healing skills from an Aztec healer from Mexico, and she has helped many balance their energy fields. She has received guidance from religious and spiritual teachers along the way, resulting in the development of her skills as an intuitive, a tarot card reader, and a life coach. Visit her website at https://nancyyearout.com/

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Written by Gwilda Wiyaka Though our current society served us in the past, it is unable to stand in the increasing velocity of the evolving age. Like a bi-plane trying to break the sound barrier, it is losing integrity, starting to shake apart, and its ugly underbelly is being exposed.

If we are to embrace the new world at hand, we must be willing to disentangle ourselves from the old, which requires a parasitical cleanse of sorts. To free ourselves of parasites, it is important to understand how they function in all their various forms and stages.

Know thy enemy. Yet, just like a parasitical infection, the enemy is within you as well as around you. Know thy self.

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Article Source

So, We're Still Here. Now What?: Spiritual Evolution and Personal Empowerment in a New Era (The Map Home)

by Gwilda Wiyaka

So, We're Still Here. Now What? takes you beyond the end of the Mayan calendar and into the predicted New Era, helping you rearrange your life so you can shift more easily with the ongoing changes that lie ahead. The book delves deeply into the hidden principles behind effective shamanic practices that were used long ago to steward people through times of change, and it teaches you how to use these principles to navigate through today's disruptions. The concepts Wiyaka offers have been field-tested in her thirty years of private practice as a shamanic practitioner. The book was the First Runner Up in the COVR Visionary Awards: Alternative Science Division. This is a solid reference volume that belongs in every serious seeker's private collection.

About the Author Gwilda Wiyaka is the founder and director of Path Home Shamanic Arts School and she is the creator of online shamanic classes for children and adults, designed to support spiritual evolution and personal empowerment through understanding and applying the shamanic arts in daily life. Gwilda is also a preceptor for the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she provides instruction to medical doctors on the modern interface between shamanism and allopathic medicine. She is the host of MISSION: EVOLUTION Radio Show, broadcast internationally through The “X” Zone Broadcasting Network, www.xzbn.net. Her past episodes can be found on www.missionevolution.org. An experienced spiritual teacher, inspirational speaker and singer/songwriter, she conducts workshops and seminars internationally. Find out more at www.gwildawiyaka.com and www.findyourpathhome.com

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Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

As I write this, it is Valentine's Day, a day that is associated with love... usually romantic love. However, since romantic love is rather limited in that it, usually, applies just to the love between two people, I feel that we need to expand the outreach of Valentine's Day -- and every day -- to include not only romantic love but love for all... in all its forms.

This week, we look at Love from a broader perspective. We start off with Will Wilkinson who asks: "How Do We Create World Peace? We CAN Get There From Here" for what is more loving than world peace? That truly is love by all and for all.

We continue our discovery of all aspects of love with Turīya who recommends "Releasing the Judgement -- of Everything" because, obviously, if we are judging something or someone, there is no room for love. We cannot hold two thoughts or two emotions at once, so it's either love... or other attitudes and things...

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: February 15 - 21, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Mercury semisquare Ceres

WED: Mars semisquare Chiron, Saturn square UranusTHU: Sun enters Pisces, Venus semisquare Chiron

FRI: Venus square Mars, Jupiter semisquare Ceres

SAT: Mercury stations direct

SUN: Venus conjunct Pallas Athene

A MAJOR TRANSITION POINT is reached this week. The energy for this shift has been building since late December, when Saturn entered Aquarius. Since then, Saturn and Uranus have been slowly moving into position for their rendezvous by square aspect. They will be precisely square – separated by exactly 90 degrees – on Wednesday, February 17.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written and narrated by Robert Simmons The goal of spiritual alchemy is to become whole, and to then unite the human self with the Divine Self in a spiritual partnership which can ultimately serve -- in the words of Paul Levy, to “redeem the entire cosmos.”

As we grow up, our egos become more complicated. We grow to resent (both consciously and unconsciously) the judgments we have suffered, and we try to avoid them. Our Inner Judge learns to project our resentment onto others and to denigrate them—whether openly or secretly. This toxic pattern is repeated endlessly at all levels of human social organization and interaction.

Nations behave as irrationally as their fragmented citizens and leaders, often with catastrophically violent results. The projection of evil onto other nations (whether it is “deserved” or not) can lead to terrible consequences. And it comes out of the same inner fragmentation that makes us as individuals so sensitive to criticism and so ready to judge and condemn others.

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Article Source The Alchemy of Stones: Co-creating with Crystals, Minerals, and Gemstones for Healing and Transformation

by Robert Simmons

The Alchemy of Stones presents an inspired breakthrough in Robert Simmons’ thirty-five year career of exploring and revealing the spiritual qualities and potentials of minerals, crystals, and gemstones. This holistic, Earth-based framework for understanding stones and their energies initiates readers into an alchemical worldview that leads to spiritual healing, transformation, and transcendence.

Lavishly illustrated, The Alchemy of Stones is an invitation to a journey of enlightenment, transformation, and spiritual metamorphosis aligned with the path of our living, conscious Earth.

About the Author Robert Simmons has been working with crystals and stones for over 35 years. He is the cofounder of Heaven and Earth, a company offering gem and jewelry creations for self-healing and spiritual and emotional development. The author of several books, including The Book of Stones and Stones of the New Consciousness, he lives in New Zealand.

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Written and narrated by Sarah Varcas February 17th 2021: Saturn in Aquarius squaring Uranus in Taurus Saturn squares Uranus three times this year (February, June and December). This square is therefore a defining factor in the events of 2021, especially at a collective and societal level.

Saturn is the planet of discipline, calendar time, karma and responsibility. Uranus is the planet of liberation, individuality, freedom and innovation. Far from natural bed fellows, these two cosmic heavyweights now embark upon a dance that will see much disruption and unpredictable twists and turns.

If you think you know what happens next, think again. If you’re certain in your world view, let the edges begin to blur for much is not as it seems. When Saturn squares Uranus we’re all tasked with building a future from the wisdom of experience, potentised by openness to new possibilities.

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About the Author

Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise.

Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

You can find out more about Sarah and her work at www.astro-awakenings.co.uk.

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Written by Pierre Pradervand Article narrated by Marie T. Russell

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It is most regrettable that most politicians, even at the highest level, ignore the very basics of demography! For instance, the average number of births per women needed to keep a stationary population is just above two in our countries. However, the birth rate in the USA and Great Britain is 1.8 (down from 2.12 in 2007 for the USA) and in my home country Switzerland it is a very modest 1.5.

Without the welcome arrival of immigrants, our countries would slowly empty themselves of their population. In Germany, thanks to the massive and very recent increased influx of immigrants and refugees, the birth rate shot up from a low of 1.39 in 2010 (at the time one of the lowest if not the lowest in the world) to 1.5 in 2016.

But that is the purely material side of the picture.

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About The Author

Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results. For 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul. Visit the website at https://gentleartofblessing.org

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Written and narrated by Will Wilkinson

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How do we create world peace? Einstein advised that we can’t solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them. He also defined insanity as “doing the same thing and expecting a different result.”

Our human habit is to identify a problem and then try to fix it. That must change. But what’s the alternative? Examining how G.P.S. works gives us some clues.

First, we enter our destination. The system identifies where we are and begins to guide us. There are three necessary elements here: destination, starting point, and guidance.

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About the Author Will Wilkinson co-founded the Thriving Leadership Academy in Ashland, Oregon. He has authored, co-authored, ghost-written, and contributed to over 30 books, designed and delivered personal improvement programs in seven countries, hosted a variety of inspirational television series, and is now developing a new spiritual practice for advanced students of life. He founded The Noon Club, a free member alliance that focuses intentional prayer every day at noon to uplift human consciousness. For more information, visit willtwilkinson.com

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Written by Linda & Charlie Bloom Quite a few people have bought into the widely held myth that-long term relationships eventually become flat and boring. This belief, if unchallenged can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy that will eventually create the reality that we fear. Possessed by the expectation that the future is bleak, it’s not surprising that many couples can begin an inexorable downward trajectory that all too often ends in separation, divorce, or a flat-lined relationship.

While it is not possible to prevent periods of doubt from ever occurring, it is possible to strengthen a relationship in a way that minimizes their impact and diminishes the frequency of those occurrences. Not just a little bit, but to a very significant degree.

What’s Required?

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About the Authors Linda Bloom, LCSW and Charlie Bloom, MSW have been married since 1972. Trained as psychotherapists and relationship counselors, they have worked with individuals, couples, groups, and organizations since 1975. They have lectured and taught at learning institutes throughout the USA and they have offered seminars throughout the world, including China, Japan, Indonesia, Denmark, Sweden, India, Brazil, and many other locations.. Their website is www.bloomwork.com.

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Written by Turīya I loved my work as a computer consultant designing software, coding, testing, and training the end users. I also made a ton of money and was able to pay off all my student loans and credit card debt. I even bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle straight off the assembly line. That was fun, to get exactly what I wanted.

But life doesn’t always give us what we think we want.

Losing A Decade of My Life My body went haywire, and slowly everything I built was destroyed. I lost not only my job, but my career and identity as a computer consultant. I lost friends, and I nearly lost my boyfriend. But he stuck around and our relationship grew into something new, something stronger. (He’s now my husband.) I lost an entire decade – my 30’s –spending the majority of my time being sick in bed.

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Article Source

Unreasonable Joy: Awakening through Trikaya Buddhismby Turīya

Unreasonable Joy: Awakening through Trikaya Buddhism, points the way towards Enlightenment and liberation from suffering. We suffer through tragedies and the daily grind of eat-work-sleep, chasing happiness but finding fleeting pleasure. Built on the foundations of ancient wisdom, a new school called Trikaya Buddhism promises freedom from the suffering of this wearisome cycle.

About the Author

Turīya is a Buddhist monk, teacher, and author who, despite living with chronic pain, founded the Dharma Center of Trikaya Buddhism in San Diego in 1998 to share her path. For over 25 years, she has taught thousands of students how to meditate, trained teachers, and helped people discover the unreasonable joy of our true nature. For more info, visit dharmacenter.com/teachers/turiya/ as well as www.turiyabliss.com

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Written by Carmen Viktoria Gamper It's completely understandable when parents give their young children their iPhone or iPad to help them wait at a doctor's office, sit at a restaurant, or allow the parent to simply catch up with household errands. But after it happens, their children may continually ask to play with the device. He or she can't seem to be content playing with blocks or puzzles, dolls or play cars. Crafting or tinkering no longer have any appeal.

While it's true that children can experience a focused flow state while on electronic devices, they are then usually depleted after screen time. To process that screen time, they need ample time to be active and run around. By contrast, after a good playground or nature session, kids feel happily tired, fulfilled and joyful, and can often naturally conclude with that experience. Phones and other devices scream "More, more!" even when the children are exhausted.

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About the Author Carmen Viktoria Gamper has worked internationally as an educator, advisor, coach and speaker for child-centered education. As founder of the New Learning Culture program, she supports parents, homeschooling families and schools in safely offering child-directed, flow-rich learning environments.

She is the author of: Flow to Learn: A 52 Week Parent's Guide to Recognize and Support Your Child's Flow State - the Optimal Condition for Learning (New Learning Culture Publishing, March 22, 2020). Learn more at flowtolearn.com.

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: February 8 - 14, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Sun conjunct Mercury

TUE: Sun conjunct Pallas Athene, Sun semisquare Chiron

WED: Mercury square Mars

THU: Venus conjunct Jupiter, Aquarius New Moon 11:05 a.m. PST

FRI: Mercury conjunct Venus

SAT: Mars sextile Neptune

SUN: Mercury conjunct Jupiter

OUR PERCEPTIONS of reality are shifting, as circumstances compel us to become more introspective. In this time of great transformation, the familiar forms wash away, and we enter a void. We can either try to fill that often uncomfortable space, quickly and indiscriminately, or we can allow it to exist and see what unfolds.

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self. There are certain traits of humankind which are commendable, and, fortunately, we can emphasize and increase those tendencies in ourselves.

We are evolving beings. We are not "set in stone" or stuck at any particular stage of our life. What may seem like being stuck may simply be a time of preparation for the next step. Reflection, openness to change and to other perspectives, will help smooth and guide our way.

A rigid tree or branch will break, while one that bends with the wind and with the stresses of life, will go on to grow into a stronger experience of life. This week we focus on things we can change within our own self...

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Written by Vatsala Sperling When I was growing up in Jamshedpur, India, we lived a life based on Ayurveda, an ancient system for understanding disease and health that considers food that is grown, cooked, and eaten with reverence as both nutrition and medicine.

Our parents taught us to talk to the plants that grew year-round in abundance in our front and back kitchen gardens as well as on our rooftop and ask for the plants’ forgiveness before cutting, plucking, pruning, or necessarily uprooting them. We were trained to thank the plants for providing us with fruits, vegetables, and flowers and to take only as much as we needed at any given time; thus harvesting was a daily process.

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Book by this Author: Conscious Confidence: Use the Wisdom of Sanskrit to Find Clarity and Success

by Sarah Mane

Drawing on the timeless wisdom of Sanskrit, Sarah Mane offers a practical confidence-boosting system derived from the deepest meanings of Sanskrit concepts, complete with practical exercises. She outlines the fourfold energies of Conscious Confidence and shows how to discover a steady inner source of compassion, self-direction, and self-empowerment.

About the Author Sarah Mane is a Sanskrit scholar with a particular interest in the wisdom of Sanskrit as a practical means to life-mastery. Previously a teacher and school executive, today she is a transformational and executive coach. Visit her website: https://consciousconfidence.com

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Written by Sarah Mane "Dignity is a quiet strength which reflects your deep honour and self-respect. It ... portrays a calm awareness and generosity of spirit regardless of the environment or circumstances." -- Susan C. Young

Think of someone you know, or know of, someone with a quiet self-assurance, a person with a strong moral compass, who is not swayed by passing fancies, a man or woman who sets a clear direction for their lives, who is dependable and trustworthy. Who doesn't give his or her word lightly, but having given it, always follows through. This is a person whom others go to for advice or comfort. These are people who set an example for others, who people think of when presented with a problem.

I was reflecting on people like this and how, when you encounter one, the meeting is to be treasured. Even when they are public or historical figures – Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Viktor Frankel – and a personal meeting is not on the cards, a meeting of hearts and minds is certainly available.

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Book by this Author: Conscious Confidence: Use the Wisdom of Sanskrit to Find Clarity and Success

by Sarah ManeDrawing on the timeless wisdom of Sanskrit, Sarah Mane offers a practical confidence-boosting system derived from the deepest meanings of Sanskrit concepts, complete with practical exercises. She outlines the fourfold energies of Conscious Confidence and shows how to discover a steady inner source of compassion, self-direction, and self-empowerment.

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Written by Terri-Ann Russell

We all have the ability to intuitively know things. It’s just something you feel or even see. The ability is built-in; intuition is a sixth sense of the nervous system, used to sense energy, and with experience, you learn to trust it.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda from Star Wars repeatedly tell Luke Skywalker to use the Force and trust his feelings. And you might have noticed it takes a while before this lesson sinks in. Trust takes time.

Love and Intuition Go Hand-in-hand Without love you can go no further, so if you are blocked from your intuition, begin by opening your heart to love. Love is the Force that holds this universe together, present in everything and everyone, and it expresses itself in you through your actions. Remember that.

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Article Source From Death To Life: The Incredible True Story of Anthony Joseph

by Terri-Ann Russell

Terri-Ann Russell takes us on a journey of loss, love and finally acceptance of the death of her treasured son, Anthony Joseph in her debut book. She leads us on a voyage of self-discovery, as she can now understand and feel what her clients have experienced for decades.

About the Author Currently the owner and founder of Sassy Soul Energy Healing in Sedona, Arizona, Terri-Ann Russell was guided to the area while meditating on a hiking trip to the famous Airport Mesa Trail. She soon found herself guided to the Sedona Soul Sisters, an organization of gifted professional psychics who “welcomed her home” with open arms and with whom she is now associated as a member of the staff. Considered a multi-dimensional healer, Terri-Ann works through angels such as Archangel Michael and Mother Mary, as well as with other galactic beings. Her training is extensive in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki, Theta healing, Quantum healing, and Energy Transfer Reset, as well as her own modality: Soul Matters Activations.

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Written by Sue Dyson Anyone who has ever suffered from migraine will be only too aware of the effects of the illness on daily life. According to the National Headache Foundation -- an organization set up to help migraine and other headache sufferers -- American industry loses around $50 billion from absenteeism and medical expenses, all linked to headache pain. In fact, headaches account for about 157 million lost working days in a year.

But we are not just talking about inconvenience and economic difficulties; the cost in terms of individual suffering is infinitely higher. Apart from the practical problems they face, sufferers and their friends and families are often in a state of anxiety and bewilderment, particularly in the days following initial diagnosis.

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Article Source Migraines: A Natural Approach by Sue Dyson

Sue Dyson, afflicted with migraine headaches since early childhood, writes from personal experience, explaining what a migraine is, why attacks occur, and what can be done naturally to stop them. Featuring information on traditional treatments and natural alternatives, she explains the link between migraines and diet, shows how to identify trigger foods, and ties together diet and lifestyle changes that allow sufferers to create a personal program to live free from future attacks.

About the Author Sue Dyson is the author of several books including "Changing Course" and "A Weight Off Your Mind". She also writes for various women's magazines and contributes to health programs for the BBC. She lives in Bedfordshire, England.

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Written by Jane Finkle Looking ahead to the future, it’s impossible to say what tomorrow’s workplace will bring—what transformations will occur from new trends, technology, or other forms of corporate culture. How you navigate your career moving forward will primarily depend on your willingness to adapt.

You Can’t Fight Off The Future The survival of your career will depend on your ability and willingness to accept the rapid pace of change in today’s work world. Layoffs happen, unexpected firings occur, and organizations modify and morph. Your job description can change like a chameleon, you may shift jobs like seasonal clothing, and your organization’s managers may come and go.

There is still no escaping this inevitable flux whether you are an entrepreneur or working for a startup. Like sharks in continuous motion, businesses must keep moving to stay alive, quickly shifting and transitioning as they expand and grow. If you adhere to the following keys to survival, your career can outlast the speed of change.

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Article Source The Introvert's Complete Career Guide: From Landing a Job to Surviving, Thriving, and Moving on Up

by Jane Finkle

In today's fast-paced, unstable workplace achieving success requires speaking up, promoting oneself and one's ideas, and taking initiative. Extroverts, fearless in tooting their own horns, naturally thrive in this environment, but introverts often stumble. If you question your ability to perform and succeed in this extroverted work culture, The Introvert's Complete Career Guide is custom fit for you. In this supportive, all-inclusive handbook, Jane Finkle demonstrates how to use your introverted qualities to their best advantage, then add a sprinkling of extroverted skills to round out a forceful combination for ultimate career success. Finkle shares the keys to navigating each stage of professional development--from self-assessment and job searching, to survival in a new position and career advancement.

About the Author Jane Finkle is a career coach, speaker and author with over 25 years of experience helping clients with career assessment and workplace adjustment. Jane served as Associate Director of Career services at the University of Pennsylvania where she created and led the Wharton Career Discovery seminar, and served as liaison to recruiters from major corporations. Her newest book is The Introvert's Complete Career Guide: From Landing a Job to Surviving, Thriving, and Moving on Up. For more info, visit www.janefinkle.com.

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Written by Barry Vissell There are many important things we do here in this life, like loving and being loved by others, or finding meaningful ways to help people and the planet. But the most important thing is our spiritual connection, our relationship to our Source, our higher power, divine love, the life-force of the universe. If you don't like the word, "God," choose a word that works for you.

A Human Beloved Will Never Be Enough The important thing is knowing you are not alone, knowing you do not have to do everything by yourself. Even being in a relationship with another person cannot fulfill this spiritual need. Another person cannot show you love all of the time, just like you cannot be completely present with your partner all the time. I couldn't imagine a more loving person than my wife of over five decades, Joyce. But I can't expect her to be present with me all the time. I can't look outside of me for something that has to come from inside of me.

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About the Author(s) Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors, near Santa Cruz CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for further information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org for their free monthly e-heartletter, their updated schedule, and inspiring past articles on many topics about relationship and living from the heart.

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Written by Debra Lynn Dadd While toxic chemicals can be eliminated by passing through your body's detox organs, there are also methods by which you can remove toxic chemicals from your body more directly.

The following methods will work even if you do nothing else, but the best results will come from reducing toxic exposures, supporting your detox system, and strengthening your detox organs as well.

The following are some tried-and-true methods for removing toxic chemicals from your body, which will help relieve your body's toxic burden.

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Article Source Toxic Free: How to Protect Your Health & Home from the Chemicals That Are Making You Sick

by Debra Lynn Dadd.

There is no longer any question that consumer products contain toxic chemicals harmful to our families. But how do we protect ourselves, and where do we start? In Toxic Free, Debra Lynn Dadd, hailed by The New York Times as the "Queen of Green," discusses the hidden toxic chemicals already present in our homes, their varying degrees of danger, and precise, proven methods for eliminating them from our lives in a cost- effective, environmentally friendly way.

About the Author Debra Lynn Dadd (now Debra Redalia) brings more than thirty years of research and real-life experience to her work as a an internationally recognized consumer advocate specializing in identifying products that are safe and environmentally responsible. She works as a consultant, lecturer, and writer to promote healthy living. Her books on household toxics have been continuously in print in various editions since 1984. Visit her website at https://lifelyforlife.com/

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: February 1 - 7, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Sun square Mars, Venus enters Aquarius

THU: Venus semiquare Neptune

FRI: Venus conjunct Saturn

SAT: Venus sextile Chiron, Venus square Uranus

SAT: Mercury conjunct Pallas Athene

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell

Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

While the beginning of the year is behind us, each day brings us a new opportunity to start again, or to continue along our "new" journey. Every action, and every thought, leads us to the next thought and the next event in our life. Each breath brings us a new chance to change direction, or readjust our focus.

So this week, we bring you articles to support you on your continuation of the "new chapter" of your story, chapter 2021, that began on January 1st.

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Written by Draja Mickaharic While incense can be used to cleanse a place or fumigate a person, the range in effect varies from very mild to exceptionally strong. Some of the stronger kinds of cleansing incense can actually have a detrimental effect upon those who are unskilled in their use. These incenses will not be mentioned here. We will concern ourselves with using incense to safely cleanse spaces and fumigate individuals. These can be very potent aids to maintaining spiritual purity and cleanliness in a home.

To some extent, we might compare burning incense to sending up a beacon or flare to attract those spiritual forces we wish to call. Each odor appeals to a particular force, and the "force" answers the call. Once the forces come to where the incense is burning, they manifest their nature; thus we obtain the effect we wish in the place to which we call them.

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Article Source **Spiritual Cleansing: A Handbook of Psychic Protection,

This bestselling Weiser classic is a spiritual first aid manual filled with hundreds of recipes, rituals, and practical ways to rid your home, office, and self of negative energy. Spiritual Cleansing, now in a new paperback edition, is a guide for anyone who wants to keep their lives and their environment spiritually clean and protected.

About The Author DRAJA MICKAHARIC is also the author of: Century of Spells and Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art, both published by Samuel Weiser Inc.

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Written by Wayne Titus 2020 may be behind us, but unfortunately, the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak continues to set records with devastating results. While those with milder cases may recover at home within a few days, experts say those who must be hospitalized experience an average stay of about two weeks, with some needing extra recovery time in a long-term care facility. The virus is also now the leading cause of death in the U.S. And the loss can leave family members scrambling to understand their loved ones' last wishes, locate important documents, and settle their affairs.

Whether it's COVID-19 or a car accident, we all run the risk of having to rely on someone else to manage our households or access our important estate documents. This year, resolve to be prepared — by creating a financial "scrapbook" for your loved ones.

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About the Author

Wayne B. Titus III, CPA/PFS, AIFA founded AMDG Financial and AMDG Business Advisory Services in 2002 based on his 15 years' experience at two large accounting firms working with Fortune 50 clients. He dove into entrepreneurship to make a bigger impact on people's lives. As a fee-only fiduciary adviser, his loyalty is to his clients: he places their interests ahead of his own or his firm's. With assets of more than $200 million, AMDG Financial integrates tax, financial and investment strategies to help clients make financial and life transitions successful on purpose. The company's credo is, "From financial wisdom, better stewardship." His latest book is The Entrepreneur's Guide to Financial Well-Being (Lioncrest Publishing, March 2019). To learn more, visit amdgservices.com

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Written by Sarah Varcas **Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius:

30th January – 21st February 2021**

All dates and times are UT so may vary in your time zone.

With Black Moon Lilith conjunct Eris at the time of its retrograde station (3:46 pm UT on January 30th, 2021), this Mercury pulls no punches and takes no prisoners. Nor would we want to be held captive, for its promise is freedom from the chains secured by our own deceptions. This is not about intricate scams or long cons that flatter to deceive, but the everyday twists and turns we perform to avoid coming face to face with who we truly are.

The Moon isolated in Virgo as Mercury turns about-face speaks of the need for careful discernment when it comes to self-evaluation and definition. Identity is a tricky thing – both the facilitator of our journey through this world and a catalyst of conflict and division, it takes great skill to manage its sharp edges with wisdom and grace.

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About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise.

Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course.

You can find out more about Sarah and her work at www.astro-awakenings.co.uk.

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Written by David Vincent When the poet John Donne was struck down by a sudden infection in 1623 he immediately found himself alone – even his doctors deserted him. The experience, which only lasted a week, was intolerable. He later wrote: “As sickness is the greatest misery, so the greatest misery of sickness is solitude.”

It’s hard to believe now, but until relatively recently, solitude – or the experience of being alone for significant periods of time – was treated with a mixture of fear and respect. It tended to be restricted to enclosed religious orders and was thus a privileged experience of a male elite. Change was only set in motion by the Reformation and the Enlightenment, when the ideologies of humanism and realism took hold and solitude slowly became something that anyone could acceptably seek from time to time. Most people in the West are now used to some regular form of solitude – but the reality of lockdown is making this experience far more extreme.

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David Vincent’s book A History of Solitude will be published by Polity on April 24.

About The Author David Vincent, Professor of Social History, The Open University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Written by John Townley For thousands of years it has been believed that the fortunes of men and women move in cycles. The ancients depicted the concept as the great Wheel of Fortune, eternally turning and spilling off the winners on top while bearing up the wretches beneath and giving them their time in the limelight before they, too, get dumped. The trouble was that no one knew for sure what powered that wheel or exactly what speed it was turning for any given individual. People knew their days were numbered, but they didn't know the number.

Until recently the situation hasn't improved much. For hundreds of years we have known that it is the regular and predictable cycles of the moon and sun that regulate the ocean's tides, but the tides in the affairs of humans have not been so easily forecast. It was almost as if they moved erratically of their own accord, unmotivated by outside forces.

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Article Source Dynamic Astrology: Using Planetary Cycles to Make Personal and Career Choices

by John Townley.

This book is for those who want to move beyond a static interpretation of their natal chart to an understanding of how planetary cycles affect such things as one's career, finances, and opportunities. In an easy-to-use format, John Townley discusses the principles of dynamic astrology and shows how the cycles of the planets and important degrees in your chart play a continuing role in your life. The author explains how to analyze and synthesize all of the cycles to learn about the progress of your career; how to know who your friends and "enemies" are; and when the best times are for such things as job interviews and asking for a raise.

New, revised edition (former title: Astrological Life Cycles).

About The Author John Townley is a lifelong astrologer and author. John is also a journalist, elected member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, historian, preservationist, performer, and record producer. He can be found, camera and microphone in hand, covering events ranging from international music festivals to ocean sailing races. When he's not behind the camera and microphone, he's in front of them, performing at maritime concerts in the U.S. and across Europe. His lifetime maritime and leading-edge music and recording background (he built the first 12-track recording studio) is integrated into his approach to astrology, which is very physical, based on a scaled, tidal/waveform approach that sees planetary influences as palpable, environmental phenomena. In this view, the cycles of the planets are the ultra-deep bass and drum tracks of our existence, and we daily navigate the ever-changing ocean of their higher overtones. Visit his website at AstroCocktail.com/

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Written by Alan Cohen As we set out on the great adventure called 2021, many of us have lots of questions about what the year will bring. When will the pandemic end? Will I be able to return to my job, or will I have to reinvent myself? Will the kids be able to get out of the house? Will I be able to go a concert, travel, or visit my relatives? Can I hug people I love, or will everyone important to me be relegated to a little square image on my computer screen?

Yet behind all of these questions is one that will more fundamentally determine our experience: “Who will I be in the year to come?”

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About The Author Alan Cohen is the author of many inspirational books including A Course in Miracles Made Easyand his new illuminating guide, The Master Keys of Healing. Become a certified holistic life coach through Alan’s life-changing training program beginning in September 2021. For information on this program and Alan’s books, videos, audios, online courses, retreats, and other inspirational events and materials, visit AlanCohen.com

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Written by Will Wilkinson ***We are spirits downloaded into bodies,

programmed to become creators.***

“God” is a loaded word. Can we use it without stirring controversy? I’ve turned it into an acronym: G.O.D. This seems to help.

G.O.D. stands for Gratitude Over Desire. Here’s what this means. As spirits downloaded into bodies, programmed to become creators, our forever challenge is to remember who we are and navigate the human world without going mad. It helps to remember that the human world itself is a madhouse, populated by amnesiacs wandering around aimlessly in search of happiness and meaning.

Some of us just dive whole heartedly into civilization, having families and careers, enjoying what we can, struggling to overcome our challenges, and generally avoiding those deeper questions. But I doubt that’s you... you wouldn’t still be reading.

Others of us retreat from the world. We meditate, we stick to a circle of like-minded friends, we do our best to resist the alluring temptations of Maya, and we judge (secretly or overtly) those manipulators running the planet for their own pleasure.

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About the Author Will Wilkinson is a senior consultant with Luminary Communications in Ashland, Oregon. He has authored or co-authored seven previous books, conducted hundreds of interviews with leading edge change agents, and is growing an international network of visionary activists.

Find out more at willtwilkinson.com/

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Written by Jacques Martel Health has always been a matter of great concern to me. In fact, from an early age I began to experience health problems, without having any exact notion of what had caused them. My mother was faced with difficult situations that, over many years, required care in the form of operations, various treatments and even years of hospitalization.

In my own case, since nobody seemed able to find out exactly what my illness was, a doubt appeared to constantly hover over the whole issue: I believed that these illnesses could be psychological. I then said to myself: “Either it’s ‘in my head’, or else there must be some reason for what’s happening”. I decided to go with the second choice, and that is when I began to explore whatever was causing me to experience all those ailments.

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Article Source The Encyclopedia of Ailments and Diseases: How to Heal the Conflicted Feelings, Emotions, and Thoughts at the Root of Illness

by Jacques Martel

Compiling years of research and the results of thousands of cases he encountered in his private practice and during workshops over the past 30 years, Jacques Martel explains how to read and understand the body’s language of disease and imbalance. In this encyclopedia, he shows how body language reveals specific thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are at the source of nearly 900 different ailments and diseases. This comprehensive manual offers a tool to help each of us become, to some extent, our own doctor or therapist, get to know ourselves better, and recover health and well-being physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. For practitioners and therapists, this remarkable reference tool provides invaluable insights and prompts for healing.

About the Author Jacques Martel is an internationally known therapist, trainer, and speaker. A pioneer in the field of personal development, he has created new methods and practical exercises that allow deep and permanent emotional and spiritual transformations. JHe is the founder of ATMA International Publishing, an organization committed to helping and accompanying people in their personal development and spiritual journey. He lives in Quebec, Canada.

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Written by Alan Seale To the intuitive mind, complexity is not a mystery, nor is it overwhelming. It’s just a different reality that requires a different set of skills and capacities—the skills and capacities that come from Whole-Mind Thinking and Whole-Being Awareness.

The key is to stay in “receptive” mode rather than fall back into “output” or “figure it out” mode. Start by asking: What is trying to get my/our attention right now? What is this situation trying to tell or show me/us? What potential is trying to emerge? What wants to happen?

“The Deep Simple” I designed this tool or framework for those times when the situation or circumstance is so complex that you have no idea where to begin. “The Deep Simple” is a series of five powerful questions that can help you cut through the confusion and find a next step.

The questions are:

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Article Source Transformational Presence: How To Make a Difference In a Rapidly Changing World

by Alan Seale.

Transformational Presence is an essential guide for: Visionaries who want to move beyond their vision into action; Leaders who are navigating the unknown and pioneering new territory; Individuals and Organizations committed to living into their greatest potential; Coaches, Mentors, and Educators supporting the greatest potential in others; Public servants committed to making a difference; and Anyone who wants to help create a world that works. New World, New Rules, New Approaches.

About the Author Alan Seale is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, transformation catalyst, and founder and director of the Center for Transformational Presence. He is the creator of the Transformational Presence Leadership and Coach Training program which now has graduates from more than 35 countries. His books include Intuitive Living, Soul Mission * Life Vision, The Manifestation Wheel, The Power of Your Presence, Create a World That Works, and most recently, his two-book set, Transformational Presence: How To Make a Difference In a Rapidly Changing World. His books are currently published in English, Dutch, French, Russian, Norwegian, Romanian, and soon in Polish. Alan currently serves clients from six continents and maintains a full teaching and lecture schedule throughout the Americas and Europe. Visit his website at TransformationalPresence.org/

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Astrological Overview: January 25 - 31, 2021 Written by Pam Younghans

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

MON: Sun sextile Chiron

TUE: Sun square Uranus, Neptune square nodal axis

WED: Venus square Eris

THU: Venus conjunct Pluto, Full Moon 11:16 a.m. PST, Sun conjunct Jupiter

SAT: Mercury goes retrograde

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Julian Reeve I’d just conducted a performance of the Broadway musical Hamilton in San Francisco in 2017 when I experienced a heart attack on my way home. Tests proved that my right coronary artery was 90% blocked, and two stents were placed to get me on the road to recovery.

I was 43 years old.

Work with a psychologist would later identify stress as the main cause of the attack. It would also uncover perfectionism as its silent partner. My own endless demands (and dubious lifestyle choices) driven by my bullying inner critic and fear of professional failure had finally taken their toll.

Finding A Healthier Balance Thankfully, I’d cleaned up my lifestyle several years earlier, but I needed a different approach to my work, one that would enable me to find a healthier balance between my perfectionism and the incredibly high standards that came with being the music director of the world’s most popular musical!

My psychologist introduced me to self-compassion, a proven technique that moderates the link between perfectionism and depression and helps perfectionists manage their traits in healthier ways. It proved to be a game changer.

Here’s what I learned:

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About the Author JULIAN REEVE is a former music director of the Broadway musical Hamilton turned perfectionism contributor, and speaker.

He recently published his first book, Captain Perfection & the Secret of Self-Compassion, a self-help book for young perfectionists that empowers children to develop healthy management techniques for their maladaptive perfectionism through self-compassion.

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Written by Anton Stucki In the great ancient civilizations, not the eye, but the ear was considered our noblest sense. “The ear is the way” it says in the Upanishads, the registry of Indian wisdom. -- E. Berendt

Sound is always present. Something audible is continuously happening all around us. We constantly hear, whether or not we like it. The ear cannot close naturally; it has no lid, no muscle, no reflex that could consciously create a barrier between our acoustic perception and the outside world. We listen to sounds from the start of life and for the duration of our entire life.

All around us is an often unnoticed acoustic cosmos that is constantly re-creating itself, expressing and communicating all the evolutionary processes in a buzzing and resonant way. The entire universe is filled with sounds, waves, and vibrations. Astronomers can measure cosmic background noise coming from all directions.

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Article Source Restore Hearing Naturally: How to Use Your Inner Resources to Bring Back Full Hearing

by Anton Stucki

Through hearing we are connected with everything that surrounds us. Yet millions of people, young and old, suffer from hearing loss, which disrupts this special connection not only with our surroundings but also with our friends, loved ones, and coworkers. As Anton Stucki reveals, onset hearing loss as well as other conditions of the ear canal, such as tinnitus, industrial hearing loss, and vertigo, are not part of our normal physiological aging process. The brain is naturally able to compensate for hearing loss, even in situations with loud background noise, yet as we age, we often lose this adaptive ability.

About the Author

Anton Stucki is an audio expert, well known in Germany for his hearing recovery system. For over 10 years he has helped thousands of people restore their hearing and has trained medical practitioners and therapists to use his system. He lives in Brandenburg, Germany.

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Written by Simon Mair Where will we be in six months, a year, ten years from now? I lie awake at night wondering what the future holds for my loved ones. My vulnerable friends and relatives. I wonder what will happen to my job, even though I’m luckier than many: I get good sick pay and can work remotely. I am writing this from the UK, where I still have self-employed friends who are staring down the barrel of months without pay, friends who have already lost jobs. The contract that pays 80% of my salary runs out in December. Coronavirus is hitting the economy bad. Will anyone be hiring when I need work?

There are a number of possible futures, all dependent on how governments and society respond to coronavirus and its economic aftermath. Hopefully we will use this crisis to rebuild, produce something better and more humane. But we may slide into something worse.

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About The Author Simon Mair is a Lecturer in Circular Economy at the University of Bradford. He previously taught Salford University, and was a research fellow at the University of Surrey. He holds a PhD in Ecological Economics from the University of Surrey (UK), an MA in Environmental Management and a BSc in Environmental Science both from the University of Lancaster (UK).

Simon is also UK country contact for the European Society for Ecological Economics (ESEE).

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Written by Thom Hartmann Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination never put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today. -- Lord Chesterfield (Letters to His Son, Letter XCIX, December 26, O.S. 1749)

Somewhere between ten and forty million men, women, and children in the United States have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control published a paper concluding that “11 percent of U.S. school-aged children had received an ADHD diagnosis by a health care provider” and “the percentage of children 4–17 years of age taking medication for ADHD, as reported by parents, increased by 28% between 2007 and 2011.

” (The CDC hasn’t updated these numbers since 2013, presumably because they’ve suffered so many severe budget cuts.) The American Psychiatric Association, on the other hand, says they estimate the incidence of ADHD at around 5 percent of the child population of the United States.

Millions more individuals possess many ADHD-type-characteristics even though they may have learned to cope so well that they don’t think of themselves as people with attention-related problems.

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ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s Worldby Thom Hartmann.

In this updated edition of his groundbreaking classic, Thom Hartmann explains that people with ADHD are not abnormal, disordered, or dysfunctional, but simply “hunters in a farmer’s world.” Often highly creative and single-minded in pursuit of a self-chosen goal, those with ADHD symptoms possess a unique mental skill set that would have allowed them to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society. As hunters, they would have been constantly scanning their environment, looking for food or threats (distractibility); they’d have to act without hesitation (impulsivity); and they’d have to love the high-stimulation and risk-filled environment of the hunting field. With our structured public schools, office workplaces, and factories those who inherit a surplus of “hunter skills” are often left frustrated in a world that doesn’t understand or support them.

About the Author Thom Hartmann is the host of the nationally and internationally syndicated talk-show The Thom Hartmann Program and the TV show The Big Picture on the Free Speech TV network. He is the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, ADHD and the Edison Gene, and The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, which inspired Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The 11th Hour. He is a former psychotherapist and founder of the Hunter School, a residential and day school for children with ADHD. Visit his website: www.thomhartmann.com or his YouTube channel.

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Written by Kai Chan In May 2019, a United Nations report on biodiversity made headlines for the bad news it contained: A million species at risk of extinction. The biosphere’s many contributions to people are being degraded by a variety of industrial activities and resource use. Freshwater, soils and a stable climate are all under threat and giving way to droughts, floods, zoonotic diseases and more.

Amid all the bad news, however, were bright lights. I was one of the authors of that report, and we found a way out of the mess, with the seeds of solutions sprouting all over the world. While the report delivered a jarring message that only transformative change could address the climate and ecological crises, it also laid out a pathway to sustainability.

After days of negotiations with 132 nations over the wording of the report’s summary, the other authors and I left Paris full of hope. Yet 14 months later, many nations already seem to have lost their way, focusing on restoring pre-COVID-19 economies rather than building resilient social and ecological systems for thriving sustainability.

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About The Author Kai Chan is a professor at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia. Kai is an interdisciplinary, problem-oriented sustainability scientist, trained in ecology, policy, and ethics from Princeton and Stanford Universities. He strives to understand how social-ecological systems can be transformed to be both better and wilder. Kai leads CHANS lab (Connecting Human and Natural Systems), and is co-founder of CoSphere (a Community of Small-Planet Heroes).He is also the lead editor of the British Ecological Society's journal, People and Nature.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Written by Lisa Tahir Transformation can, among other things, be compared to a fire burning away what once was. These experiences of change are the ones that leave us with deeply etched memories.

It’s through traversing and coming out on the other side of hardship that we, and life itself, take on more value. In those intense moments we know we are alive. When we are stretched to our limits, the skin of our emotions metaphorically gives way, and we expand from within, reaching beyond and through what we have known.

In the still moments of our existence when all is calm, there is often a longing for the visceral, passionate experiences of life. This is where our intention deepens and takes on more urgency. What I am describing may be moments of sheer bliss and heightened ecstasy, or memory imprints when our life changed unexpectedly beyond our immediate control.

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Article Source The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness

by Lisa Tahir, LCSW

A guide to using astrology to identify your core wounds and heal them using psychological techniques, affirmations, and self-compassion. As Lisa Tahir reveals, once identified, your personal Chiron placement can become the source of your greatest healing and empowerment. By recognizing your core wounding and learning to offer yourself empathy and forgiveness, you can finally break free from suffering, end self-sabotage, and allow your life to unfold in a new way.

About the Author Lisa Tahir, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker. She is certified in EMDR Level I, in Reiki Level II, and as a thought coach through the Institute for Transformational Thinking. she has been the host of the weekly podcast All Things Therapy on LA Talk Radio since 2016. Visit her website at www.nolatherapy.com

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Written by Erica Longdon In 2011, a World Health Organization report called noise pollution a modern plague and concluded that “there is overwhelming evidence that exposure to environmental noise has adverse effects on the health of the population.”

We’re constantly filling our ears with noise, TV and radio news, podcasts, and, of course, the multitude of sounds that we create nonstop in our own heads. Think about it: How many moments each day do you spend in total silence? The answer is probably very few.

The nineteenth-century British nurse and social activist Florence Nightingale once wrote, “unnecessary noise is the most cruel absence of care that can be inflicted on either the sick or the well.” Nightingale argued that needless sounds could cause distress, sleep loss, and alarm for recovering patients.

Decades later, research has shown noise can lead to high blood pressure and heart attacks as well as impaired hearing and decreased overall health. Loud noises raise stress levels by activating the brain’s amygdala and causing the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

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Article Source Vibrational Sound Healing: Take Your Sonic Vitamins with Tuning Forks, Singing Bowls, Chakra Chants, Angelic Vibrations, and Other Sound Therapies

by Erica Longdon

In this practical and accessible guide, Erica Longdon explains the therapeutic and healing impact of sound, frequency, and vibration on the body, mind, and spirit. She shows how sound therapy triggers the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms and offers a non-invasive way to permeate every cell of the body with healing intentions. She presents a wide range of sound-healing methods and vibrational practices. Offering a natural way to treat pain and illness, this guide gives you the tools to connect with your inner healer, restore balance and harmony, and harness the power of vibration for sound health.

About the Author Erica Longdon is a metaphysician, writer, radio host, and healer with 30 years’ experience in television and radio as a script writer and voice-over actor and more than 20 years’ experience as a complementary health practitioner. Adept at connecting with angels, she is a Reiki master and a qualified meditation teacher and works as a psychic advisor with 12Listen.com and for personal clients. Visit her website at AngelHandsHeal.co.uk/

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Written by Pam Younghans Astrological Overview: January 18 - 24, 2021 Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Highlighted Aspects for This Week

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 8 hours.)

TUE: Sun enters Aquarius

WED: Saturn semisquare Neptune, Mars conjunct Uranus

THU: Mercury semisquare Chiron, Neptune conjunct Ceres,FRI: Saturn semisquare Ceres, Mars square Jupiter

SAT: Sun semisquare Neptune, Venus sextile Neptune, Sun conjunct Saturn

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About the Author Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail pam@northpointastrology.com, or leave a message at 425.445.3775. For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.

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Written by Jude Bijou When I see clients in-person for therapy, and they are not feeling well, the first thing they blurt out is "I have a sore throat" or "I've been sick for a week."

It's not, "I've had a good day" or "Those flowers in the vase are beautiful." They are focused on their physical ailment. Our askew physical state often dominates our awareness.

Likewise, if someone lives with "depression" (or any strong feeling), and I ask them how it's going, they talk about feeling depressed. If I persist and ask them to talk about good things that happened since I last saw them, they discover that indeed many positive events have transpired. However, they are so consumed with how they feel, and the accompanying negative self-talk and negative outlook that they've lost sight of the reality of the present moment and what's going well in their lives

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About the Author Jude Bijou is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT), an educator in Santa Barbara, California and the author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life. In 1982, Jude launched a private psychotherapy practice and started working with individuals, couples, and groups. She also began teaching communication courses through Santa Barbara City College Adult Education. Visit her website at AttitudeReconstruction.com/

Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Lifeby Jude Bijou, M.A., M.F.T.

With practical tools, real-life examples, and everyday solutions for thirty-three destructive attitudes, Attitude Reconstruction can help you stop settling for sadness, anger, and fear, and infuse your life with love, peace, and joy

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Written by Lawrence Doochin Fear is debilitating. It affects us, our thinking, our health, and our relationships. And we know it is very present in these times. But there are ways to leave fear behind and enter a life of joy — for we are meant to live in joy, not fear.

Do these four steps in order, and you will enable yourself to journey away from a life run by fear and into a new existence of compassion and open-hearted joy:

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Article Source A Book On Fear: Feeling Safe In A Challenging World

by Lawrence Doochin

Even if everyone around us is in fear, this doesn't have to be our personal experience. We are meant to live in joy, not in fear. By taking us on a treetop journey through quantum physics, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and more, A Book On Fear gives us tools and awareness to see where our fear comes from. When we see how our belief systems were created, how they limit us, and what we have become attached to that creates fear, we will come to know ourselves at a deeper level. Then we can make different choices to transform our fears. The end of each chapter includes a suggested simple exercise that can be done quickly but that will shift the reader into an immediate higher state of awareness about that chapter’s topic.

About the Author Lawrence Doochin is an author, entrepreneur, and devoted husband and father. A survivor of harrowing childhood sexual abuse, he traveled a long journey of emotional and spiritual healing and developed an in-depth understanding of how our beliefs create our reality. In the business world, he has worked for, or been associated with, enterprises from small startups to multinational corporations. He is the cofounder of HUSO sound therapy, which delivers powerful healing benefits to individual and professionals worldwide. In everything Lawrence does, he strives to serve a higher good. His new book is A Book on Fear: Feeling Safe in a Challenging World. Learn more at LawrenceDoochin.com.

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Written by Caroline Connor Most people generally think that cats do nothing, are lazy and all they do is eat and sleep. Not so! Did you know that cats have a specific job to perform in your life? Did you ever wonder why so many people have cats nowadays, more so than dogs?

Here's an unknown tip inside the secret life of cats. All cats are empowered to remove accumulated negative energy from your body on a daily basis. While you are sleeping, they absorb it from your body. If there is more than one person in the family, and only one cat, it may accumulate an overload of negativity from absorbing energy from so many people.

When they sleep, a cat's body releases the negativity that it removed from you. If you are extremely stressed out, they may not have had enough time to release this negative energy, therefore it is stored as fat until they can. Therefore, they will become overweight — and you thought it was the food that you were feeding them!

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About The Author Caroline Connor is a Radionic Consultant, writer, inventor, author of "Educational Radionic Workbook and General Information", "Isthmus of Time", "Doorway to Your Galactic Heritage", Radionic Home Study Program. At the present time Caroline Connor is continuing her extensive research in the field of Radionics and of course creative writing. For more information visit her website: https://radionicscarolineconnor.blogspot.com/.

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Written by Joanne Brocas The angels are very happy to leave us signs of their presence, as they know that we often need to have tangible evidence to help reinforce our belief in them. Different kinds of signs left by the angels can offer us helpful messages, insights, and guidance, which will always be for our greatest good.

Signs will eventually become less frequent and less important to you when you no longer need to receive them in order to know that you are being helped—unless of course they are used by the angels to reveal a specific message to you. However, signs are nothing in and of themselves; they are simply helpful reminders that God is watching over us. Signs left by the angels are meant to help stir and awaken our intuitive nature so that we can expand our conscious connection and deepen our relationship with a higher power.

The power is not within the sign itself; the power is within the message that the sign reveals. The intention of the angels through using specific signs to reach you is to help to comfort you, encourage you, inspire you, support you, prepare you, uplift you, strengthen your faith when needed, and reveal specific guidance and information to you—and all this on behalf of God. The angels will never leave you any signs that will cause you any fear or alarm, and if you do feel this way, then you can be sure that it is your ego and your imagination at play.

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Article Source The Power of Angels: Discover How to Connect, Communicate, and Heal With the Angelsby Joanne Brocas.

The Power of Angels will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing as you feel the love and support of the angelic kingdom all around you. Its simple step-by-step guidance, intuitive exercises, and energetic techniques will help you easily and effortlessly...

About the Author Joanne Brocas is a professionally trained medium, angel expert, intuitive healer, Reiki Master/teacher, and best-selling author with more than two decades of experience in afterlife communication and healing. Joanne is the founder of Chakra Medicine School of Energy Healing and Intuitive Development, helping to teach others how to develop their intuitive awareness, connect with the angels, and ignite their own healing power. Born in South Wales, Joanne now lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and teaches board approved healing programs and workshops nationally. Her website is www.chakramedicine.com.

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Written by Lisa Barretta Tattoos are something you are going to wear and stare at for a long time. Once you decide to get a tattoo, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the body’s energy zones and how they interlock together as one consciousness. When you physically get a tattoo, it also becomes an energy imprint into the layers of your etheric body. The phenomena that the body, mind, and spirit are not separate, but one functioning system, is something that still baffles science.

Looking at tattoos solely through the lens of the physical world, some may wonder if getting tattooed goes deep enough into the skin to upset any of the acupuncture points on the body. Even though tattoos may lay on these energy points, the needles don’t go in as far as acupuncture needles, but the intention, image, and ink color, in a holistic sense, influence the energy vibration around these points.

Where you ink a tattoo will signify particular ideologies; for example, the back is where we carry the burdens of life. What images are you imprinting on your back? What is the cryptic message that you not only embody, but also express outwardly? The intention, plus the art, attracts similar energies to the area where it is placed and can also activate stored energy.

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Article Source Conscious Ink: The Hidden Meaning of Tattoos: Mystical, Magical, and Transformative Art You Dare to Wear

by Lisa Barretta

Ancient cultures practicing shamanic tattooing laid the groundwork for our modern exploration of consciousness. Tattoos are both a revelation and a proclamation of your embodied archetypes, dreams, emotions, even a hint of past-life memories. Conscious Ink shows how this edgy skin art interfaces with our body's subtle energy field and reveals how tattoo imagery ties into the potent energy of inner alchemy that expands our self-awareness. Looking at tattoos beyond the lens of body art, Conscious Ink gives you a new perspective on tattoos and their undeniable roots in pure, magic and mysticism.

About the Author Lisa Barretta is a member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research -NCGR, American Federation of Astrologers - AFA, and the International Society for Astrological Research - ISR. She practices as an intuitive counselor, certified Reiki practitioner, and researcher in the fields of consciousness and psychic sensing. Lisa is also the author of Conscious Ink, The Street Smart Psychic’s Guide to Getting a Good Reading and The Book of Transformation. Visit her web site at www.lisabarretta.com

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Written by Frank Wesselingh and Matteo Lattuada Imagine you are on the coast, looking out to sea. In front of you lies 100 metres of barren sand that looks like a beach at low tide with gentle waves beyond. And yet there are no tides.

This is what we found when we visited the small harbour of Liman, on the Caspian Sea coast of Azerbaijan. The Caspian is actually a lake, the largest in the world, and it is experiencing a devastating decline in its water level that is about to accelerate. By the end of the century the Caspian Sea will be nine metres to 18 metres lower. That’s a depth considerably taller than most houses.

It means the lake will lose at least 25% of its former size, uncovering 93,000 sq km of dry land. If that new land were a country, it would be the size of Portugal.

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https://innerself.com/content/social/environment/climate/impacts/24599-the-caspian-sea-is-set-to-fall-by-9-metres-or-more-this-century.html

Read by Marie T Russell. Publisher InnerSelf

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About the Authors Frank Wesselingh, Senior Researcher, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Utrecht University and Matteo Lattuada, PhD Candidate, Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, University of Giessen

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

https://theconversation.com/the-caspian-sea-is-set-to-fall-by-9-metres-or-more-this-century-an-ecocide-is-imminent-152229

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Written by Tambri Housen, et al

As the coronavirus pandemic stretches on, a small proportion of Australians infected have now died, while most have either recovered, or are likely to recover over the next few weeks.

One thing many of us want to know is for how long people who have SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are able to pass it on to someone else.

Let’s look at what the science tells us so far.

How long does it take to get sick? The “incubation period” is the time between being exposed to the virus and the onset of symptoms.

For COVID-19, the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. But most people who develop COVID-19 symptoms do so 4 to 6 days after exposure.

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https://innerself.com/content/living/health/22949-how-long-are-you-infectious-when-you-have-coronavirus.html

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About The Author Tambri Housen, Epidemiologist | Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University; Amy Elizabeth Parry, Epidemiologist | PhD Candidate, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, and Meru Sheel, Epidemiologist | Senior Research Fellow, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Written by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf The reason I share "what works for me" is that it may work for you as well. If not exactly the way I do it, since we are all unique, some variance of the attitude or method may very well be something that will work for you.

As the publisher/editor of InnerSelf, I read a lot of material dealing with personal empowerment. And some of the things I read really resonate with me, and I end up adopting them. It's sort of like creating a tapestry using threads coming from various sources.

What Do I Most Want? One thing that resonated a lot for me was the use of the question: What Do I Most Want? This can be applied to so many things. I have found this tool to be extremely helpful, not just in keeping goals, but also in staying calm or returning from a place of confusion and stress. Now, I reworded it to feel more like me, as "most want" seemed too formal... I use the question: What do I want more? Whichever format feels right for you is the one that is best for you. You could use: What do I really want?

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About the Author Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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Written by Sarah Varcas We enter 2021 at a critical point in human history after events of last year revealed what has lurked too long in the shadows, manipulating agendas to its own ends. The Saturn / Pluto conjunction of January 2020 cast light on those shadows, for all to see. The smoke screen of Covid-19, both tool and camouflage, has beguiled many but not all.

The new religion of Covid which tolerates no debate, no question, no doubt, has spread its reign of terror across the globe whilst those who struggle to preserve the most basic human rights and retain some semblance of a life worth living – an independent livelihood, the right to make personal health choices free of state and societal coercion, a nurturing social network of real-life human connection – they are vilified and silenced. Independent, nuanced thought is now a crime in a world where propaganda rules and facts are sacrificed on the altar of mob-rule and the tyranny of fear.

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About the Author Sarah Varcas is an intuitive astrologer with a passion for applying planetary messages to the ups and downs of everyday life. In doing so she aims to support people in their personal and spiritual development, making available celestial wisdom which may otherwise be inaccessible for those without astrological expertise. Sarah has studied astrology for over thirty years alongside an eclectic spiritual path spanning Buddhism, contemplative Christianity and many other diverse teachings and practices. She also offers an online (via email) Self-Study Astrology Course. You can find out more about Sarah and her work at www.astro-awakenings.co.uk.

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Written by Turīya

Contemplate the 5 poisons and their antidotes on a regular basis. When one of the poisons arises in your mind, apply the antidote and witness the shift in your mindstate.

For Pride, use Humility and selflessness
For Sloth, use Discipline and ask: “What do I most want?”
For Anger, use Gentleness and compassion
For Hate, use Love
For Desire, use Purity

(Excerpted from transcript of a class taught at Dharma Center)

Anytime we find ourselves suffering, in a state of misery, not experiencing our innate Unreasonable Joy, if we look at the mindstate we are in, it can be traced back to one of five poisons. It can be tricky because sometimes one state will masquerade as another state.

So it’s important to practice contemplation when you find yourself suffering. When you discover you are feeling miserable, examine what state has enraptured you so you will know which mindstate is holding you in bondage.

Just as in the world of pharmacology there is a correct medicine for an illness, there is a specific antidote for a poisonous mindstate. If you were to use the wrong medicine, either it won’t work or it can have bad side effects. So it’s important to take the time to diagnose which mindstate is holding you captive, to know what is causing the suffering.

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https://innerself.com/content/personal/attitudes-transformed/24652-the-5-poisons-that-arise-in-our-mind-and-their-antidotes.html

Read by Marie T Russell. Publisher InnerSelf

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Article Source Unreasonable Joy: Awakening through Trikaya Buddhism

by Turīya

Unreasonable Joy: Awakening through Trikaya Buddhism, points the way towards Enlightenment and liberation from suffering. We suffer through tragedies and the daily grind of eat-work-sleep, chasing happiness but finding fleeting pleasure. Built on the foundations of ancient wisdom, a new school called Trikaya Buddhism promises freedom from the suffering of this wearisome cycle.

About the Author Turīya is a Buddhist monk, teacher, and author who, despite living with chronic pain, founded the Dharma Center of Trikaya Buddhism in San Diego in 1998 to share her path. For over 25 years, she has taught thousands of students how to meditate, trained teachers, and helped people discover the unreasonable joy of our true nature. For more info, visit dharmacenter.com/teachers/turiya/ as well as www.turiyabliss.com

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Written by Joyce Vissell

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a prayer said for another, or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -- Leo Buscaglia

After being so careful for nine months, my husband Barry mysteriously contracted the Covid-19 virus. Within days, he tested positive and within a few days after that, I tested positive as well. We never were in a gathering of people of any size. We always wore our masks, washed our hands, used hand sanitizer, and kept the required distance. And yet the virus found its way into our lives. Barry had a mild case, but I got really sick for more than four weeks. How did I survive this potentially-deadly virus?

There is much information on the internet on ways to take care of yourself medically if you test positive. These tips are extremely useful, like never lying on your back, and getting up and walking often. But in this article, I am giving ways to help your spirit, for keeping your spirit vital and alive is an important ingredient for healing.

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Written by Suzanne Worthley

In Western culture, many have become removed from witnessing the actual dying experience as a normal part of life. In my hospice work, I often find myself not only energetically supporting the patient, but also providing guidance to family and loved ones who may not have a deathbed ritual or practice. In these cases, it can be difficult to know what to do when faced with the dying process and saying a final goodbye to their loved one.

There are many ways to commemorate the death of a loved one, from memorial services to wakes to funerals and more. I regularly suggest performing an end-of-life ritual. No matter the specific religion, tradition, or practice, these rituals offer us a powerful way to open our hearts, minds, and bodies to honor the process of life-force energy moving forward in its final effort of release and return to Source. The idea of ceremony and ritual can be a beautiful way to enhance the experience of saying goodbye to a loved one while they are transitioning through the final stages of dying.

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Read by Marie t. Russell. Publisher InnerSelf

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Written by Kim Chestney

New ideas come into this world somewhat like falling meteors, with a flash and an explosion.— HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Though intuition may, at first, seem elusive, unpredictable, and mysterious, it is not, by nature, random or haphazard. Its processes follow very real principles and natural laws. Like a lightning flash, we may not always know when intuition is going to show up, but we can predict the environments where it is more likely to “strike.”

By understanding the foundations of the intuitive process, and how its extraordinary insight arrives, you can create your own lightning in a bottle.

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Read by Marie t. Russell. Publisher InnerSelf

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Written by Lilou Macé

I first heard about yoni eggs in Chiang Mai, Thailand, several years ago. I was there to interview Mantak Chia about longevity and Taoist practices, when I discovered that practice.

I was immediately intrigued by this small, oval, polished stone and wanted to know more. I wanted to learn more about it and test it. I was excited to discover a “women’s secret” that would allow me to free my female energy, reveal my inner beauty, and restore my self-confidence. I was single, and those concepts became a recurring theme for me.

I cannot say that, at the beginning, I felt completely casual about inserting the egg into my body. It quickly made me aware of a few things, mainly my ignorance about my intimate anatomy. It became clear that I was more interested in this part of my body as an object of desire, pleasure, and lust than as something that could reveal the power of my inner femininity. I was confronted by my shame, my carelessness, and my ignorance, but thanks to this small object, I was immediately prepared to learn more about the yoni.

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