​In this unusual time, our hearts are heavy with grief and pain. We see how much work we still have left to do in the world to relieve human suffering.
 
What suffering of the heart have you experienced recently? Have you felt the loss of a loved one or isolation from those you love? 
 
Have you felt the pain of our country with the recent protests against police brutality and racism? 

​Are you able to open your heart to compassion, love, and understanding – for yourself and for others? 
 
Opening the Heart Chakra
 
Chanting a mantra that relates to a Hindu deity associated with the heart chakra can help you to bring awareness to this chakra, healing your hurt and pain and opening your heart to love, compassion, and understanding.
 
The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, is located at the center of the chest.  It’s the bridge between the lower chakras of matter and the upper chakras of spirit. It’s related to the element of air.  We can use our breath and movement, within the air, to feel deeply connected with all that is around us, harmoniously exchanging energy with it. 
 
When this chakra is open and balanced, you flow with love, empathy, and compassion.
 
You accept others and yourself. You forgive easily. 
 
You have unconditional compassion for yourself and others.
 
Your heart is free from past hurts. You are open to love. 

​I love the old tradition in Japan that is called Kintsugi, the mending of broken pottery with gold. It reminds me of how our pain and suffering can be transformed. 
 
A lovely piece of pottery glimmers with cracks that are filled with gold. Giving the piece an appearance that is unique to itself.  Unlike any other piece of pottery. 
 
The artist, instead of hiding or disguising the past, has transformed the piece’s damage and history into something beautiful.
 
The original piece now becomes even more stunning and unique than before it was broken.  Creating a glorious, new life.
 
In this art form, I’m reminded of how we don’t have to hide the pain in our hearts, but we can transform it into something new that serves the world. 

​To help transform the pain of your heart, we can call upon the god, Krishna, the Hindu god that radiates love and compassion. His playful nature also reminds us to remain good-natured through the challenges that come our way in our life’s journey. 
 
You can find the Healing Krishna Mantra in my Free Healing Library and chant along with me as you sit in a relaxed, yet upright position. 
 
 
Before you begin, speak this prayer to the Divine Spirit:
 
“Divine Spirit, infinite source of life and love, I ask that you support me in bringing balance to my heart chakra. I release and dissolve any negative energies or experiences within this energy center so that I can open my heart to love, compassion, and understanding while I grow into the Light of the Divine to become my highest self. “
 
Then, begin the Krishna mantra chant.   Remember to end with a moment of silence and inward reflection

May you transform the pain within your heart, filling it with gold, so that you may open to love, compassion, and understanding to serve the world!
 
Interested in learning more mantras to support you in accessing your inner strength in this unusual time? Check out my guidebook, How to Bring Life to Your Chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.  
 

​Our nation is in pain and agony. It is clear. As protests and unrest have erupted across our country, it’s clear that our fellow human beings are not only grieving but also feel compelled to speak out for justice and demand changes to the destructive and hurtful ways.
 
At the same time, across our country, many are grieving the loss of the lives to the coronavirus and the loss of freedom in life as we knew it. 
 
Our hearts are heavy.  There is much grief and sadness.  There is anger.
 
We are in pain. 
 
How do you work through your pain?  How do you support others in pain? 
 
To heal my own pain and suffering, one spiritual practice I turn to is mantra chanting.  The sacred sounds coming from my voice resonate throughout my body, bringing my being back into harmony and balance. 
 
Then, as my voice rises into the air, I can send that same energy out to my fellow human beings who also suffer. 

​Healing with Mantra Chanting
 
Chanting a mantra that relates to the Hindu deity associated with a chakra can help you to bring awareness and healing to a particular chakra. Our second chakra, the sacral chakra, is located in your lower abdomen, a couple inches below your navel and where our emotions reside. 
 
This is a good place to focus when we feel pain and suffering. 
 
The sacral chakra is a place where we can access our creative nature to move through challenges. And where our relationships with our fellow human beings grow. 

​The goddess Saraswati, reigns over creativity, wisdom and knowledge, music and the arts.  She can inspire our creativity in life.  She can support us to find our creative expression that can flow forth in dance, yoga, drawing, painting, singing, and in all aspects of our daily life, allowing us to access our deep wisdom that will guide us through difficult times. 
 
Saraswati supports human beings to ignite the seeds of creative expression within themselves and bring to form in beauty that which has not yet come to manifestation in the world.  Whether it be an idea, thought, dream, song, artistic piece or passion. 
 
A new impulse comes into being!
 
Creation of the new that is needed in the world. 
 
As you begin to feel the soothing of the grief, pain and suffering that lives within you and the world around you, you can move toward the creation of a new way in the world. 
 
Sara meaning Essence, and Swa as One Self comes together as The Essence of One Self.  In the word Saraswati the meaning becomes, “One who Leads to the Essence of One Self.”  
 
Saraswati, the one who taps into the deepest essence of who you are and your gifts to the world that are needed that can flow through you and out into the world. In service to humanity. 
 
You can find the Healing Saraswati Mantra in my Free Healing Library  and chant along with me as you sit in a relaxed, yet upright position. 
 
 
Before you begin, speak this prayer to the Divine Spirit:
 
“Divine Spirit, infinite source of life and love, I ask that you support me in bringing balance to my sacral chakra. I release and dissolve any negative energies or experiences within this energy center so that I may bring to birth my own unique creative expression while I grow into the Light of the Divine to become my highest self. “
 
Then, begin the Saraswati mantra chant. Remember to end with a moment of silence and inward reflection. 

May Saraswati help you to soothe the pain and suffering at this time and rediscover the creative aspect within that will guide you to bring to the world what it is needing now. 
 
Interested in learning more mantras to support you in accessing your inner strength in this unusual time?  Check out my guidebook and audio recordings, How to Bring Life to Your Chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.  
 

Last week, I encouraged you to discover how to access your own inner strength to support yourself in this unusual time.  It’ll help you to step away from the chaos that exists out there in the world right now and find your own center and place of peace.   Click here to access last weeks blog.
Even while this crisis in the world continues into the summer, you CAN find your center and inner peace — with the help of a spiritual practice!

​I shared with you that chanting mantras is one of my favorite practices to support me in difficult times. Mantra chanting, practiced for centuries in wisdom traditions, has been used as a way for people to find a deeper presence. It helps you stay focused... and in the present moment - using the mantra as the place for focus. It supports you in letting go of your negative thoughts and emotions and what you cannot control in the world.   
I’m sure you have noticed that many mantras are in Sanskrit.  Have you wondered why? 
Sanskrit is considered a divine language – a language of the gods.  It’s possibly the oldest language on earth. Its spiritual light shines through its sound and form. 
It’s said that Sanskrit was given to the ancient Rishis (sages) and spoken by the enlightened beings of that time who passed the language to their students. 

​The word, Sanskrit, actually means “well or completely formed, purified, refined, polished.” The meaning of each letter in the Sanskrit alphabet is created by its sound and is considered a bija, or seed mantra.
The language of Sanskrit itself has transformed or evolved over time.  Many say that it has become illuminated.  Because it has been used by many enlightened beings in spiritual practice, their joy and light penetrated the very essence of the language. 
 
Sanskrit became luminous, a poetic and musical language where the sounds and words are flowing and dynamic.  They allow for many meanings and possibilities. 
 
For example, the root RAM has many meanings including (but not limited to) to be calm OR to delight in OR to rest OR to join OR to play.
Today, we can still use Sanskrit to connect with the Divine. The sound vibration of Sanskrit can bring balance, remove negativities from the mind, and bring healing to the physical body. 
While chanting a Sanskrit mantra, your body relaxes and your mind becomes calm. Your head and your heart connect to your body. Energy flows to the process of restoring of your body, mind, and health back to wholeness. Back to balance which is our natural state. 
When we select Sanskrit words to repeat in a mantra, we’re invoking its meaning within us to help shift patterns from negative to positive. The effect of the mantra depends on proper pronunciation of the sound. 
Some linguists consider Sanskrit to be the perfect language as when its sounds are pronounced properly it evokes a unique vibration in the Universe that puts into motion whatever is trying to manifest through the mantra.
OM is a wonderful mantra in Sanskrit to include in a spiritual practice on a regular basis. 
 
OM (ohm) is the representation of the totality of being, the sound of the universe. It’s the first, original vibration, representing birth, death, and rebirth.  It’s everything.  It’s saying yes to Divine presence in the now.
 
Another favorite of mine is OM GAM GANESHAYA NAMAHA (ohm gung gah-nay-shah-yah nah-mah-hah).  I like to use this one whenever I’m facing a challenge or obstacle of some kind in my life. 
 
Ganesha is the name of the Hindu deity and represents the power that’s present in everything, as the power behind all power, and all the masses of energy that it controls.

This mantra is saying, "Lord, God of hosts, I invoke you." Or "Ganesha, through whose power everything is possible, no obstacle can stand in Your way."

​You can listen to an audio for this mantra here in my Free Healing Library to support you in learning the correct pronunciation. Interested in learning more Sanskrit mantras to support you in accessing your inner strength in this unusual time? Check out my guidebook, How to Bring Life to Your chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.

​How are you doing these days?  The current state of the world’s really requiring us to take a closer look at ourselves and to see how we truly are doing.
Over these long weeks, we have come to see how closely we’re connected to everyone in the world.  And how a crisis can affect all of us in our everyday lives.  
During these days when we’ve been at home, we’ve become more aware of our own fear and anxiety and how we manage that in our lives. We’ve become more in touch with our inner self as we are isolated from others.  We’ve even become more aware of others’ suffering and pain around the world.

​How are you doing in accessing your own inner strength to support yourself in this time?  Are you able to step away energetically from the chaos that exists out there and find your own center and place of peace within? 
Your thoughts, your way of being, and your engagement in this time do make a difference.  A big difference! When you are able to shift to a grounded and more positive place when needed, you’ll experience less suffering.
Even while this crisis in the world continues into the summer, you CAN find your center and inner peace — with the help of a spiritual practice.
Chanting mantras is one of my favorite practices to support me in difficult times!
Mantra chanting, practiced for centuries in wisdom traditions, has been used as a way for people to find a deeper presence.
It helps you stay focused... and in the present moment - using the mantra as the place for focus. It supports you in letting go of your negative thoughts and emotions and what you cannot control in the world.   

​By continuously repeating a mantra, we introduce the vibrational frequency of that mantra into ourselves and sustain it for a period of time.  After a little while, you begin to resonate with the vibration of the mantra and also the words.  Since mantras have sacred and deeper meanings, you resonate at the vibrational frequency with the Divine, with healing power, with your Higher Self.  
 
As you come to resonate at the same frequency as the mantra, over time, the mantra gains its own strength and momentum.  At this point, you shift from chanting the mantra to the mantra having an effect upon you. This is the space in which a mantra can be deeply transformative.  
Some say that mantras connect us to a universal archetypal energy field far greater than ourselves that reflects the nature and meaning of that mantra.  We then vibrate with a higher level of consciousness that purifies the body and mind. These fields have been strengthened over many, many years by those who have repeated the mantra in the past, and they have tremendous potential for our healing and development. So, it’s important in choosing a mantra that you do so consciously, whether it’s for spiritual practice or healing.  
  
 
I’ll share some guidance on how to use a mantra.
 

1. Take a few deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth fully. Focus on your breathing and let go of all other thoughts and distractions. 
2. Set your intention for doing the mantra. Remind yourself of the meaning and why you chose that mantra. 
3. Begin saying the mantra, either aloud or internally.  Some people find it helpful to coordinate the mantra with the breath.  Explore and see what works for you.
4. Stay connected to the meaning of the mantra as you repeat it. You may find that, with repeated practice, you experience the mantra in new and deeper ways and the meaning of it may shift some.
5. If your mantra is associated with a deity, then visualize the deity and the attributes of the deity. 
6. If the mantra is specific for healing or balancing a chakra, then place your awareness on that part of your body. You can visualize the associated color, if desired.  
7. Once you have repeated the mantra for a period of time, slowly let the mantra reach a whisper until it finally stops. Experience the silence and peaceful emptiness that resonates within you and touches the primordial wisdom within the universe.  

Mantras can be used anytime and anywhere when said internally.  When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed with your emotions or your thoughts, using a mantra can calm and center you.  Bringing you to a place of groundedness and peace.  
 
Not sure what mantra to choose to get started?  A good place to start is with OM.  Read about this mantra in my post here.  Then explore guided mantra chanting for the chakras in my Free Healing Library. 
 
Ready to dive in and bring this transformative practice into your spiritual practice for this unprecedented time in the world?  Check out my guidebook, How to Bring Life to Your Chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.  

​When you look back on your life’s journey, do you feel that you discovered your true purpose and were able to realize it in your life?  Or do you feel you missed your true calling in life?
 
Do you feel it’s too late to discover this?
 
Or maybe when you look back, you remember your childhood dreams and you realize that you never were able to realize those. 
 
Do you feel it might be too late now? 

​What if it’s not too late and you can bring life to these dreams? 
 
What if now is the perfect time to let your true calling blossom in the world? 
 
Whenever I’m in need of inspiration to birth a vision into the world, now, in my later years, I remember St. Hildegard. She lived to the ripe old age of 81 following her calling in a time where a typical lifespan was half that! 
 
When she was 52 years old, she felt called to leave her home of 40 years, the Abbey of St. Disibod, and take the bold step to build her own abbey where St. Rupert’s church on the Rhine River had been destroyed. The inspiring work of St. Rupert in the 7th century fueled her commitment to move forward with this project.

​And yet, she was faced with many obstacles along the way. The monks at St. Disibod strongly objected that she was leaving. Understandable, as several sisters leaving with her meant that the monks’ financial support would too. 
 
Yet, she continued to find her courage to do what she felt called to. And she moved forward. She built Rupertsberg, a place for her to manifest the Power of the Living Light.
 
The early years on the Rupertsberg were difficult ones. Some sisters even left. Still she persevered with the passion she had for the project.  And then at the age of 67, marching forward, she created a second abbey!
 
Then as she entered into the last decade of her life, she stayed active each and every day  - writing texts that would share with others her plant remedies for healing, developing her own forms of worship and dress at the new abbey, and writing letters to the Emperor and the Pope.
 
She even stood up for a revolutionary youth who, upon death, had repented and so she agreed to have him buried on her property, in spite of the consequences. The authorities were upset and her convent was placed under interdict.
 
Yet she fought against this injustice and won yet another battle, shortly before she died at age 81.

​What wisdom and experience, alongside determination, courage and action she displayed in her later years!
 
St. Hildegard is such an inspiration to me as I live my journey through this third phase of my life. We’re never too old to take up a passion, to find meaning in life, and to try something new!
 
Here are a few tips for finding the courage to thrive in your later years of life that I’ve learned from guides such as St. Hildegard in my life.  May they support you too! 
 
 

1. Have a purpose or a reason to get up in the morning – something meaningful in life. Consider where you can share your experience and wisdom gained over the years. Consider what you have longed to do in life and haven’t yet. Then take steps to begin it!

 

1. Celebrate and cultivate social connections – Loss of loved ones is inevitable as you grow older. Make new friends and not just ones your age.

 

1. Keep a rhythm and routine in your life – having rhythms helps to give you strength.  Wake up and go to sleep at the same times each day. Eat meals at regular times. Find some consistency throughout the week of time in nature, exercise, and social activities. 

 

1. Don’t be defined by obstacles – Remember how you crashed through obstacles when you were younger with idealism and eternal optimism? Maybe you’ve grown wiser since then but hold on to an attitude of positivity and gratitude, not bitterness, as you age.  Don’t let yourself be defined by an illness or your age. 

 

1. Try new things – it keeps your mind and body flexible! And you may discover a new passion!

 

1. Let go of the limiting beliefs of old age - There are numerous stories of people living their passions in their later years.  Read a few of them to inspire you! You’re never too old.

 
 
In this phase of life, when the busy time of raising children and building a career passes, we can begin to savor the moments of life in a new way and not let them rush by. Friends, family, new experiences, and nature can be more deeply enjoyed. Passions that have been dormant can now begin to blossom! 

May you discover the meaning and purpose of this phase of your life’s journey and find the courage to allow it to blossom in the world!
 
Want to move forward with your creative dreams, so matter how old you are?  Check out my upcoming course: "Master Your Creativity"

​Yet another spring snow has blessed us recently here in Colorado covering my blossoming flowers with a gentle blanket of white. While it was cold and blustery outside, I decided to warm my home with the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves by making a batch of one of my favorite recipes- Joy Cookies.  And it never fails….as the smell of spices floated through the air of my home, my two adult daughters appeared and gathered around me in the kitchen. Gone were the feelings of sadness, overwhelm and isolation we were experiencing in this time of sheltering in place, as we enjoyed these delicious cookies together.
Once again, St. Hildegard has touched my life. She’s always an enduring inspiration to me! 
 
In the mid 12th century, St. Hildegard recognized the health benefits of many herbs and spices.  It was then that she shared a basic recipe for ancient biscuits or cookies that are commonly called “Hildegardplätzchen” (Hildegard’s Cookies). Today we might call them "Cookies of Joy" as she said they lift any melancholia, open your heart, and bring you a sense of cheerfulness and joy. Certainly something we all could use in these challenging times! 

​In her book, Physica, St. Hildegard recommended the use of nutmeg for its healing powers and offered the following recipe. 
“Nutmeg has great heat and good moderation in its powers.  If a person eats nutmeg, it will open up his heart, make his judgment free from obstruction, and give him a good disposition. 
Take some nutmeg and an equal weight of cinnamon and a bit of cloves, and pulverize them.  Then make small cakes with this and fine whole wheat flour and water.  Eat them often.  It will calm all bitterness of the heart and mind, open your heart and impaired senses, and make your mind cheerful.  It purifies your senses and diminishes all harmful humors in you.  It gives good liquid to your blood, and makes you strong.”                              -Hildegard von Bingen, Physica -1153AD

​If we take this seed that was planted by St. Hildegard long ago into our current times within natural medicine, we see that nutmeg is known for many health benefits including the following:
·      Supports a Healthy Brain – nutmeg contains myristicin and macelignan, natural organic compounds that have a stimulating effect, supporting focus and concentration and also protecting the brain from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
·      Eases Pain and Swelling – the essential oil of nutmeg helps to relieve muscular and joint pain resulting from injury, strain, or chronic inflammation such as arthritis
·      Improves Circulation – the potassium within nutmeg relaxes blood vessels, controls blood pressure, and improves blood circulation
·      Boosts Immune System – the minerals in nutmeg such as potassium, calcium, iron, and manganese help fight against bacteria and disease
·      Cures Insomnia – nutmeg has a high content of magnesium, a mineral that reduces nerve tension and supports the feeling of relaxation
 
Here’s the recipe for St. Hildegard’s Joy Cookies that I use, based on her original ingredients, but adapted to our modern times.  I hope you find that they bring you joy within your home during these times of sheltering in place!  
The spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves have their own unique health benefits that will boost the immune system, reduce tension, and improve mood.  The sweet aroma that will arise in your kitchen will certainly bring you a sense of joy and well-being too! 

St. Hildegard made many contributions to the field of holistic health and wellness. The wisdom that Hildegard shared about natural healing, nutrition, and healthy living was a seed planted that continued to flourish into the future within the field of natural medicine.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to access my Free Mini Video Series: 3 Keys to Master Your Creativity inspired by St. Hildegard.  It’s only available for a limited time. Access Video #1  Access Video #2 Access Video #3

​Our journey through life can sometimes bring us surprises. Sometimes joyous ones.  But, sometimes challenging ones like the one we’re experiencing now with the pandemic.  
 
As the world has slowed down and it’s hard to see what will come our way in the next weeks and months, we try to calm our anxiety and accept the current circumstances the best we can. We also try to remember to take care of ourselves as well as the members of our community. What a grand opportunity to practice living in the present moment!
In this unusual time, we’re called to turn inwardly and find our inner strength, our inner power, to navigate our way forward. One step at a time.

You may ask yourself – But how do I find this inner strength?  How does it arise within me? 
An image of St. Hildegard holding her abbess staff comes to my mind.  Her strength and power from within radiate out to the world as she speaks, “God created me… God is also my strength… Through God, I have living spirit.  Through God I have life and movement.  Through God I learn, I find my path…” ​

We see how St. Hildegard finds her strength through connecting with the Divine within.  Great wisdom for us to consider now! 
To find our own inner power, we can first come to our center, that space that is still and quiet within the center of the whirlwind of chaos or turmoil.  
 
Take a few minutes in a quiet place during the day to find this place. Calm your body and mind.  Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.
 
Breathe in, breathe out. 
 
We often take our breath for granted. Yet it’s our source of life.  In a deep inhale, into your belly, you help your blood be nourished, fueling your whole body.  As you exhale, you let go of the waste the body does not need, detoxing your bodily systems.  
 
Now breathe normally, but try to do so slowly, bringing a pause at the end of the exhale and the end of the inhale. Try this for a few minutes. 
 
When you enter into this space of quiet and calm, you can access a greater wisdom within yourself and in the universe. You can access that great river of health, abundance, wisdom, and guidance for yourself.  The dwelling of your Higher Self.  In the present moment, not the past, not the future. This space is always within you.
There we can connect with the Source. We find our inner strength and power to carry us forward on our life’s journey.  Bringing us hope, encouragement, and power. 
As we find our own power from within, let’s not forget what a treasure it is to connect with a dear friend, even from a distance, in your journey through daily life.  Someone who supports and loves you.  Who encourages you and gives you guidance.  Someone who recognizes your greatness and lifts you up when you have anxiety or fear. Who encourages you to reach for that dream you have.
If you have someone such as this, open your heart to appreciate this person’s presence in your life during these challenging times.  Be grateful for this moment. ​

I remember one of St. Hildegard’s closest friends and confidant. While living at the St. Disibod Abbey, her friend, Volmar, was the first person to validate her visions as divine experiences. He recognized her rare spiritual gifts and became a good friend and mentor for many years in her life.
It’s clear that over the years St. Hildegard greatly valued and appreciated her dear friend, Volmar, who supported and encouraged her. She was not alone in navigating the unprecedented path for a woman to share her visions with the public. 
Let us remember today that the strength we need in these times is already within us if we just take a quiet moment to reconnect to it.  And the steps on our journey are a little easier to take when we have a close friend to call upon. Someone who supports and encourages us.  We can remember we don’t have to do it alone. 
Speaking of friends... how about encouraging a dear friend to take the Course: "Master Your Creativity" with you? Tell a friend to click here to sign up for the course!

​ 
Do you have a clear picture of what you are being called to birth into the world that’s part of your higher purpose at this time?  The reason why you’re here. 
 
Are you living a truly inspired and creative life, where you’re bringing that into reality in the world -  in the way that you dream you could? 
 
Envision how you could manifest this now. Imagine it bringing warmth and healing into the world.
 
What’s standing in your way? 
 
What often stands in our way again and again is FEAR.
 
You know how it feels to be full of fear. You’re paralyzed and can’t even take the first step towards manifesting your creative dreams.

​An opportunity will come your way and you say, “I can’t do that”… “I’m not available”... “I am not capable” or “I don’t have time for that.”
 
You feel lethargic. You hide, doing anything to not be seen.
 
Do you want to finally move out of this fear and into faith? 
 
Then, I invite you to learn a body prayer to support you in being filled with a knowing that you are part of the Divine… This knowing is called Faith.
 
In this state of faith, you will know that you’re whole and that you’re love. You’ll trust that you have everything you need to manifest the longings of your soul.

As we sing the sacred words while moving the body intentionally with the music in this body prayer, it connects us with the depth and truth of the meaning of the sacred text. This is a potent spiritual practice where you experience a sense of unity with the Divine. 
 
The sacred words of Kyrie Eleison (Creator of Life, Awaken Love Within Us) used in this body prayer will reverberate through your whole being and move you from fear into faith, knowing that you are a part of the Divine. 
 
Discover more about this body prayer here in the 3rd video of my series of 3 KEYS TO MASTER YOUR CREATIVITY.  

​The world is calling us to become truly inspired and creative beings in our communities in this time!
 
New and courageous ideas are truly needed.
 
Through birthing our creations, we become a shining and powerful healing force in the world. What in your life are you being inspired to create? 
 
Move out of the fear that is holding you back from this vision and move into faith that you are divinely inspired and your creativity is needed in this world.

Step into what it would be like if you were able to manifest your vision.  How would you feel? 
 
Picture yourself having already brought this vision into reality.  How do you feel now? 
 
I hope you can manifest that vision into the world!  I look forward to seeing it become a reality! 

​Is there something in your life that you are longing to create?  Are you wanting to finally write that book or go on that trip you’ve dreamed of your whole life? 
 
Or are you wanting to create your own vegetable garden or maybe take singing classes?  Or do you long to start your own business?
 
What is standing in your way from doing this?  Sometimes we can see only walls in our path, and we become stuck.  We think that what we want to create is unrealistic or impossible. Our fear stops us from taking action. 

No matter what it is that you’re longing to create, you can do it!  Whatever your creative dream is, I know you can make it come true. The truth is that there are as many beautiful things to create as there are people on this planet.
 
I remember the story of St. Hildegard, at age 42, when she heard a divine voice commanding her to speak and write about her experiences.  She shared what it said to her,
 
“… speak and write what you see and hear… according to the extent that you see and hear those things in the heavens above in the marvelousness of God…
Write those things not according to yourself or by the standards of another person, but according to the will of the one knowing, the one who sees and arranges all things in the secrets of His own mysteries.

​St. Hildegard didn’t want to act on this at all.  I can certainly understand.  She was frightened and anxious.  She felt insecure and inadequate. All of us feel like this from time to time. 
 
To share her visions with the world was going to be a big step. It was going against the culture and traditions of the time. Women weren’t part of the clergy in her time.  Women didn’t preach, speak publicly, or write.  Let alone on controversial topics such as visions from God. 
 
St. Hildegard had to muster her courage and hold on to her faith that it would be okay, since she was being guided by the Divine. 
 
“…. I put my hand to writing. Once I did this, a deep and profound exposition of books came over me. I received the strength …. and under that power I continued to carry out the work to the end.”  - St. Hildegard of Bingen
 
It’s time to listen to the quiet voice inside that’s nagging at you, telling you that there’s more to life.
 
It’s time to let go of any sense of limitation or fear that you’re holding on to that’s standing in the way of what you long to create.
 
As you begin to take the first steps forward in realizing your vision, you’ll discover the sweet nectar of the Divine is being birthed upon the Earth through you.  And where this divine energy flows, a powerful healing force can arise.  For yourself. And for the world.
 
You’ll have more energy and more motivation as you create a clear intention with which to move forward. Your life will transform. 

In the words of St. Hildegard:
 
 
I am the one whose praise
Echoes on high.
I adorn all the earth.
I am the breeze
That nurtures all things
Green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am led by the spirit to feed
The purest streams.
I am the rain
Coming from the dew
That causes the grasses to laugh
With the joy of life.
 
I call forth tears,
Th aroma of holy work.
I am the yearning for good.
 
 
I invite you to blossom as you bring forth your gifts into the world.  Become the yearning for the good that you can bring to others. 
To support you in this work further, I invite you to try out a guided mediation that I offer for free in The 3 Keys to Master Your Creativity.  At the heart of this technique, you will give voice to your inner beauty and come to love and appreciate who you are in powerful ways. You’ll find the strength and energy to move forward with your creative dreams. You’ll know that it IS possible.
 
This meditation will give voice to your unique soul’s purpose, helping you to focus on what you are meant to create and giving you the guidance to move forward with a clear vision. Give it a try! 

​In this time of the Covid-19 virus and sheltering in place, do you find yourself going into a place of overwhelm?  Sometimes we can read or listen to all of the news reports and our mind can begin to spin into fear and anxiety.  We worry about our health, our loved ones, and our community. 
 
Or what was once a simple task of buying our food at the local grocery store or farmer’s market now requires much more preparation and energy to keep everyone safe. 

​The joy of having fun with friends and adventuring out in the world around us is no longer possible, and the need to shelter in place with the same daily routine can lack the spark of life for us. 
 
In challenging times, I often turn to the wisdom of St. Hildegard and all that I’ve learned from her over the years. Recently, I recalled how she shares about the importance of not putting so much strain on ourselves. She tells us to strive for moderation or balance in our lives. 
 
As I contemplated how to find this in my life over the years, I often felt that St. Hildegard would lead me to the realization that creativity and PLAY are important in finding our balance. 
 
When we bring play into our lives, we can release our stress. We become totally present and can let go of our worry and sorrows. We also tap into this beautiful flow within ourselves called inspiration.
 
I encourage you to take this opportunity that we have been given to be at home at this time and explore your own creativity and just PLAY. It’ll help you to move out of overwhelm and into inspiration!

​As you move into the realm of experiencing your own creativity, a vibrant flow of energy flows through your whole body. You can feel that you’re part of something greater. 
 
A Divine flow moves through you and you sense that something new needs to come to earth.  To express itself in form through you, the artist and creator in that moment. 
 
Fueled with this breath of inspiration from within, you, the artist, may begin to paint or to sing a song.  You may move in dance, write words, or use other materials to express what is bubbling up inside of you. 
 
When you enter into this space, the outer world of daily tasks and the chatter in your mind disappear.  You can set them aside for this time and your focus comes to the creative activity before you.  
 
You can feel the call from within, and you know it’s time to dive in and play. 
 
What wants to express itself through you?  What wants to come to life from your activity? 
 
As you play creatively, you lose track of what’s outside in the world – the news, daily tasks, worries, and fears.  Your thoughts of that part of the world dissolve.

​This vibrant creative force infuses your whole being. You feel fully alive.  And joyfully engaged. 
 
Your creative process may be smooth and flow easily at times.  It may be bumpy and chaotic at other times.  It may move quickly. Or slowly. 
 
You get to move through it in a way that speaks to you.  It’s not time for judgment.  Nor for thinking. 
 
This is the time for presence in the moment.  Surrendering to the process and that which moves you from within.

​And when your creative moment is done for that day, you feel pleasantly fulfilled.  You feel complete. You are grateful. And now satisfied, you rest peacefully.
 
Such creativity, when focusing on the process and not product, can help us to access a meditative state, tapping into a deeper part of ourselves.  A place of inner stillness.
 
Here we can enter a feeling of flow and freedom, a space without limits and for self discovery and expression.  An opportunity for healing. 
 
Human beings are naturally creative.  It is part of our nature. 
 
And being creative brings us back to this state – our true nature. 
 
Our true nature that brings us to a place of balance and a place of health.