The Infinite Field Magazine February 2010 Issue

the
INFINITE FIELD MAGAZINE

Exploring the infinite field of possibilities that lies in each
of us...
Love and Relationships:

An Interview with Kimberla Lawson Roby
FEBRUARY 2010
ISSUE 7
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TH E ERV IN H Y P NO S IS C ENTER
The Ervin Hypnosis Center is dedicated to helping people succeed in reaching their
maximum potential through the use of hypnosis.
Each person is unique and requires individual attention. Hypnotist Richard Ervin consults
with the client to understand the issue and tailor the session to fit the individual's need.
Richard studied hypnosis while working on his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the
University of Memphis. His studies continued while pursing his Masters degree in
Management and Human Relations at Webster College. Richard later attended the Southern
Institute of Hypnosis to complete the course work required to gain his certification and the
title of Master Hypnotist.
the
Synolve Craft
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher
Milton Craft
VP, Business Solutions
Music Manager
Executive Producer
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Milton Craft
Assistant Editors:
Malene Bell
Amina S. McIntyre
Editors:
Jamie Fleming
Stephanie Vecchione
Terri Lee-Johnson
Alexzandria Craft
Teen Editor
Editorial Assistant
Evan Craft
Assistant Producer
Creative Team
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THEINFINITEFIELDMAGAZINE February 2010 Table of Contents
Feature
AMINA S MCINTYRE
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS:
AN INTERVIEW WITH KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY 19
SYNOLVE CRAFT
WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEBODY 56
19
Articles
REV. ALAN ROWBOTHAM
THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR HEAR 57
SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS
DENNIS MERRITT JONES

THE ART OF BEING KIND 77
THE ART OF BEING
SUSAN MAREK
DIVINE DETOX MEDITATION 79
MEDITATION
TERRI LEE-JOHNSON
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH 60
THE SPIRITUAL BOOKSHELF
79
JANICE GIRGENTI
FENG SHUI TIPS FOR LOVE 43
FENG SHUI
PETER C. ROGERS, D.D., PH.D.

SOURCE 81
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
KEN AND RENEE KIZER

TALK TALK 65
SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS
TERRI LEE-JOHNSON, MALENE BELL, JAMIE FLEMING, FATEEMAH WICKHAM

NATURAL HAIR 37
BEAUTY
NANCY A KAISER
BECAUSE OF LOVE 33
NATURE
ADEOLA FEARON TONYA PARKER
ONLY THE HEART 32 MATTERS OF THE HEART 61
POETRY CONSCIOUS LIVING - FOOD
LIARA COVERT, PH.D. BEN CHILD

LOVE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT 25 DEAR CHOCOLATE BLISS 64
JOURNEY INTO SELF CONSCIOUS LIVING - FOOD
DEBBIE RUSTON JEN ALY

HAVE YOU EVER DONE SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE 67 THE COURAGE TO OPEN YOUR HEART 47
BUSINESS ENLIGHTENMENT SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS
MIN JENNIFER HOPPER SHAUNA ARTHURS

LAWS OF LIFE FOR KIDS: SELF LOVE 9
A WALK IN THE PARK 13 MAGNIFICENT YOU
KIDZ
MIN VALERIE LOVE
MALENE BELL LOVE THE FOUNDATION FOR ALL PROSPERITY 30
GOOD FRIDAY 15 SPIRITUAL LAWS OF FINANCE
SHORT STORIES
DAVID BESLOW
EDWARD WILLIAMS
NO LONGER WILLING TO PAY 49
27 PROCRASTINATION IS A VERB 70
JOURNEY INTO SELF
POWER LIFE
REV DIANNIA BATY
SUE URDA AFFIRMATIVE PRAYER III 27
WHERE LOVE ABIDES GRATITUDE IS NEAR 75 AFFIRMATIONS
GRATITUDE
ELAYNA FERNANDEZ
SYNOLVE CRAFT PAGEANT 51
SACRED INTENTION AND AFFIRMATION TO ASSIST IN YOUR CONSCIOUS PARENTING
JOURNEY AS YOU FOLLOW THE GURU WITHIN 8
ALEXZANDRIA CRAFT
AFFIRMATIONS
LOVE 12
MARLA DURBEN TWEENS & TEENS
GIVE YOURSELF TO LOVE 84
GEMMA ABSON
INTENTIONS
2 AM 24
LAURIE MARTIN POETRY
JUSTIN O’BRIEN (SWAMI JAIDEV) 53
SMILE ACROSS YOUR HEART JENNIFER O’NEILL
47
RELATIONSHIPS IT’S COMPLICATED 45
SYNOLVE CRAFT INTUITIVE WISDOM
KNITTING A WEB OF LOVE 86
MAGNIFICENT YOU! 84
R The Infinite Field Magazine
E
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a message from spirit
Welcome to The Infinite Field!
I love February, although it's much too cold and way too short. It is a month that
is all about LOVE. You can even feel it in the air.
LOVE can also be felt on every page of this magazine. There is so much good
stuff in this issue that I can hardly contain myself. We've got an exclusive
interview with best selling romance novelist Kimberla Lawson Roby. Having
read many of her novels and admired her for many years, it's obvious she knows
a thing or to about LOVE! Kimberla shares a few "insider tips" on how to spice
up the romance in your life! Amina S. McIntyre caught up with Kimberla on her
book tour stop in Atlanta. It's steamy ya'll!!
Then Janice Girgenti takes it to the bedroom with Feng Shui advice on how to
bring LOVE into your intimate space...Oooh, it is HOT!
Marla Durden asks you to Give Yourself to Love, and Nancy Kaiser shares a
beautiful story, Because of Love, about a Quarter Horse foal named Wild
Women.
No matter what it is you desire to love - whether it's a pet, a spouse or a friend -
there's an article just for you! Once again, I'm amazed as TIFM's family of
contributors open their heart so wide to give you the very best to help you create
the life of your dreams.
Join the TIFM family as we share with you the many faces of love and offer
some humble tips on how to take care of you! Invite your friends and know that
you are always loved in this space.
Infinitely Yours,
Sacred Intention and Affirmation to assist in your journey as you
Follow the Guru Within
Each day I set the intention to follow the Guru within. This intuitive God-
voice is my teacher and my guide.
As you look in the mirror, whisper these words from Spirit in your ear....
I love myself.
I value myself.
I enjoy being with myself.
I appreciate the wise guru that speaks from within.
The Infinite Field Magazine page 8

SELF love by Shauna Arthurs
As the saying goes, you cannot give what you don’t already have...So if February is the month to give love,
perhaps it’s time to turn your loving thoughts to the person most deserving in your life (hint: look in the
mirror!).
Yes! YOU are the star of your life, and you are worthy of all the love you may be tempted to shower on
others this month.
The great news is love is expansive and will never run out. The more you turn inward and cultivate love, the
more it will grow and spill out - the more you will have to give others as well!
Let’s make sure you are full to the brim with love this month by discussing ways in which you can lavish
enough TLC on yourself that you have plenty to share. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Health
When we don’t have our health, we aren’t much good to anyone. Even if you haven’t been dealing with any
major health issues of late, there is always room for improvement in your daily regimen. Spend some time
thinking about your wonderful body, which moves you through this world and helps you accomplish your
goals. Combined with your senses and your incredible mind, your body is a remarkable tool, and you have
only one. Sure, we all know this, but often we act as if our behaviors do not have future consequences.
See if you cannot come up with some loving things to gift your fine self this month: eat more whole, natural
foods; make that doctor’s or dentist’s appointment you’ve been avoiding; perform breast self-exams if you
are female; look in the mirror and appreciate the wonder of who you are. LOVE YOURSELF.
Fitness
Part of overall health includes physical fitness, and often we value it intellectually but don’t take the steps to
actually achieve it. Remember that fitness is a lifestyle, not a goal. If, for instance, you recently set a New
Year’s resolution to ‘get fit’ – like millions of other people - you may already find yourself falling off the
wagon and feeling disappointed in yourself. This could be because you put enormous pressure on yourself to
be absolutely fit in a certain amount of time, and possibly, you’ve focused on exterior results (yay for tight
abs!) rather than the important physical benefits of fitness (yippee for a strong core that helps you in your
everyday tasks and for strengthening your bones to stave off osteoporosis!).
This month, re-set your priorities, and ensure that fitness is an integral part of your lifestyle. Even if it means
just walking a few times a week, take the time. No one can do this for you, and according to Seattle-based
research think-tank Sightline Institute, people who walk “keep off weight and exercise more, helping to
prevent chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease.”

Balance
Lots of us pay lip service to the concept of life balance, but in truth, it’s usually quite elusive. The perfect
balance between family and work, for instance, or between public and private time, or indulging and
sacrificing, does not necessarily exist, at least for most of us.
One way to put an end to all the pressure for balance and actually achieve a little peace of mind is to realize
that, as Oprah once said, "You CAN have it all. You just can’t have it all at once." This is brilliant advice, as it
releases us from the need to be perfect at everything NOW. Instead, we can acknowledge that there may be
other times when certain issues are better addressed, and we can let them slink to the back burner without
feeling guilty. Whether you’d like to be dedicating more time to your kids, your new business or yourself,
remember that YOU are in charge; consider life balance with a longer timeline in mind. There will be years
when the kids are gone, filled with plenty of time to write that novel or renovate the upstairs bathroom.
Future Plans
Depending on the nature of your habitual focus, you may

benefit from either widening or narrowing the lens. If you
are someone who keeps your nose to the grindstone,
always bent on some elusive future goal, it may be time to
look up, catch your breath and just gaze around to see
what you might be missing. Living fully in each moment
as it comes provides a rich, multi-layered existence that
just isn’t possible when you are stuck in scurry mode. The
same goes if you live in constant regret of the past. Take
some time this month to improve your relationship with
life, and with yourself, by turning your attention to the
moment at hand as often as you can remember to do so.
Life passes in little moments, each of them precious and
deep.
On the other hand, if you are consumed with your current situation and feel like it will never change, it may
be time for you to make some big, bold plans for the future. Breaking out of the doldrums requires you to
ignite and fan the flames of your passions. As authors James Collins and Jerry Porras reveal in their popular
book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, it is important to set what they call big, hairy,
audacious goals. You can incorporate this fabulous philosophy into your personal life by imagining and then
living into big, passionate dreams that keep you motivated and excited to be alive.
Love, life, passion, excitement - it’s all the same at the core.

Forgiveness
Bishop Desmond Tutu wisely said that forgiveness is the best form of self-interest. When you carry
resentment or bitterness in your heart, it hurts you both mentally and physiologically. Whether you need to
forgive another person or yourself, there’s no time like the present. Tell yourself that your precious moments
are worth far too much to allow negative, toxic emotions to rule them, and drop the resentment and regret
once and for all.
Often, we have difficulty letting go and forgiving because the resentment feels familiar – it’s comfortable –
and moreover, we’re right, darn it! However, someone wise once asked, "Would you rather be right or would
you rather be happy?" CHOOSE HAPPINESS.

Focusing on yourself is anything but selfish, or perhaps we could say it’s selfish in a good way. Without
your light, those in your inner circle would surely find their way dimmer. Perhaps the best gift you can give
them is a happy, loving you, and true, deep love always comes from within.
Shauna Arthurs specializes in sharing effective tools and resources to

inspire and help you to create the unique, magnificent life you were
meant to live. Get started at BreathingProsperity.com and
IncreasingVelocity.com, and for an instant boost of abundance, enjoy her
popular e-book 30 Days to Wealth.

L O V E LOVE <3
by alexzandria craft
Love is a tender passionate affection for another as a brother, sister, cousin, aunt, or uncle. Love
person. To love, you have to be willing to take comes from the heart. It shows your feelings for
chances. You have to take chances to either be that certain someone and who you are. We should
rejected or accepted. There are many different all love our neighbors, enemies and family. We can
types of love including familial, platonic, and all love and show love.
religious.
Companionate love
Loving yourself Companionate love is having good feelings
Love does not always have to be expressed to a toward a friend. Having a friend that you can talk
person of the opposite sex. It can be towards to and or can relate to. Without Companionate
yourself. Self-love is when you love and care about love, you would be lonely and not have anyone
yourself. Self-love comes from within you. If you you can relate to. To have a friend you have to be a
don’t love yourself, who else will? Self-acceptance friend. You can not go around talking about people
is one of the first steps to self-love. Eliminate self- if you want a friend. Remember "What comes
criticism, and replace it with a positive attitude. around goes around” and remember “The Golden
Also, become at one with yourself and others. Rule”. All these rules apply to being a friend and
Forgive others and move on. Love and accept who your daily life. Having friends at a young age
you are. Never underestimate yourself. teaches you to have tolerance for people when you
grow up and get a job.
Loving someone else
Loving someone can mean you bring them Love is a very touchy subject to talk about. Not
flowers, candy, or just being nice to someone if everyone knows or has experienced love. Even if
they are having a bad day. You can love someone someone is mean to you, you are supposed to love
as a potential mate or just as a good friend. You them. Somehow some way you will get rewarded
can love someone inside and outside your family for this action.
Alexzandria Craft is the

Teen Editor for The
Infinite Field Magazine.

Laws of Life for Kids
A Walk in the Park (The Law of Polarity)
On this particular day, Snuggles the Puppy was out for a walk with his father.
His father led the way to a park where they had never before been. A winter storm had
passed through town a few days earlier and the last dried leaves that still clung to the
few trees in the park had now fallen. As Snuggles looked around, he noticed this was
not a place he would consider to be beautiful. Not only were the trees bare, but the
grass was brown, stiff, and dry. Trash, left by humans, lay all over the ground. On one
side, he saw a large, concrete bridge almost completely covered in spray paint.

Snuggles wondered why his father kept going, why he kept following the path which
lead through this ugliness instead of turning around and going back to a place they knew
was more pleasant. But, Snuggles trusted his father and knew there was always a good
reason for what his dad did, so he chose not to ask any questions. Rather, he decided to
continue looking around and following his father’s lead.

After some time, the puppy and his father came across a bridge. Snuggles noticed
that the bridge also appeared old, run down, and rusty. As they came to the middle of
the bridge, Snuggles looked down. There beneath them was a very narrow, slow
moving stream. The water was cloudy with dirt. This stream was small enough that
Snuggles might have missed it had he not been paying attention. When they got to the
other side of the bridge, the path turned and they continued following it with a steady
pace.

A few more minutes down the path and Snuggles noticed they were entering into a
small forest. There were many more trees now, some had leaves, and a few patches of
grass were actually green. Squirrels were running and birds were chirping. Suddenly,
Snuggles realized what his father was showing him. Where there was trash, there was
also water. Water provided life to the plants and animals he now saw. Without the
water, there would be no life at all in the park. In the middle of the ugliness, there was
LIFE!

Now, had Snuggles tried to talk his father into leaving because he did not like the
first part of the path through this park, he would have missed the beauty of the forest
that lay just beyond the ugliness. Had he refused to follow his father, he would have
missed this lesson- that in every situation there is both “good” and “bad”. Snuggles
understood this was true in his own life. Whenever something happened in his life
that he thought was “bad” or ugly, he could remember there was also “good” in it.
Whenever he felt angry or sad, there was also happiness somewhere in him at the same
time. He could look for the happiness, pay attention to it, and then feel better!

Snuggles felt so thankful to his father for this walk in the park and what he had
learned, that he tackled his dad and began licking his face. His father loved all the
kisses he was given and began to feel happy, too. Together, they ran down the path
into the beautiful forest, playing with each other until it was dark. On the trip home,
Snuggles had a new feeling of gratitude for the ugly part of the park; he now knew
where it lead and it was beautiful!
Written by Min Jennifer Hopper
Min. Jennifer Hopper's mission is to promote

love, peace, freedom, and understanding on the
planet. Currently, she provides parents, teachers,
and children tools and information that supports
them in understanding themselves and one
another.

ay
ir d
F
In fourth grade at St. Mary’s School, saddle shoes were a girl’s best
friend. We’d nestle them square between the legs of any boy who told
od Be
ll
us we were anything less than powerful, wise sages. We were smart
girls with smart mouths and friendships sticky as gum. The class
o e ne
intellectuals were girls too, so collectively we had brains to match our
G al
brawn. Our battles took place on the playground and in the coatroom,
M which we transformed into a WWF ring, live with hair pulling, hollow
by kicks to meet the bone marrow of a shin, and body slams that released
lots of sexual tension.
Though we waged gender wars, boys and girls alike looked forward to seeing each other, to
joining hands in Mass where we’d pinch each other’s ears or stuff down our laughter at Ms.
Stafaroni’s pancake butt or Ms. Douglas’ deep-throated alto churning out “Jacob’s Ladder”. We
especially looked forward to Fridays, when we’d huddle into the Computer/Band/Community
room for serious moral talks and bite-sized liturgies. Our meanest teacher, Ms. Douglas, a short
African-American woman in her sixties with double bifocals, would ‘let her hair down’ and
delight us with secular comparisons between the Holy Bible and soap operas, a rare smile on her
face. I watched soap operas every day after school and never imagined she’d debase herself
watching women and men slobber all over each other like they do. And even though she was our
Religion/Science teacher, none of us imagined her religious, or scientific, for that matter. She
was pious enough and nun-like plain, oatmeal colored khakis and Dr. Huxtable sweaters, her
uniform. But she ruled, rather than taught, and her Commandment was that children were to be
seen, not heard, and it was within her right to set straight any child in breach of that Law. When
the entire middle school lined the four-story stairwell for morning Mass, Ms. Douglas was the
only teacher who could quiet the hallway from the first floor to the rafters. Whispers of her
movement traveled like wind and our silence spread like dominoes, her footsteps the push.
This day, we found ourselves crammed into the sacred Friday space with Ms. Douglas and
Father Joe --a deep voiced man with fluffy Tom Cruise hair and Michael Keaton all-American
goodness who would leave the priesthood to marry a curvaceous parishioner. He told us the story
of Adam and Eve. In the beginning, he said, all was right with the world. In the end, all was
wrong. In his version, Eve ate the apple and destroyed all that was perfect, including God’s
Love. In our 11-year-old-girl version, we were at fault, and we writhed like snakes at the
uncomfortable accusation we took as truth.

Candice and Edwina, the class intellectuals, who’d normally raise their hands with the most diabolical of
questions, sat quiet. This simple story stumped all of us girls, but left the boys giddy and superior.
By high school, I’d forgotten Eve and the need for saddle shoes. By college, I’d flipped a middle finger to
religion, and embraced the-revolution- will-not- be-televised- dogma of Black Nationalism. Soon put off by
its machismo and lack of originality, I discovered Womanism, where Eve & God showed up again in an
Alice Walker book called "Living by the Word".
Picking up where Father Joe left off, Walker points to God’s subsequent curse of women in childbirth. If
before I’d questioned the Bible, that day I’d become wholly disenchanted. Around the same time, my
boyfriend proposed to me.
Like little puppets marching onto a cardboard playhouse, my mother, my father, and my best friend, piled
into the living room of our apartment, one floor above my mother’s day care center. When my boyfriend’s
mother scuttled in, a few minutes later, I knew something was up, because she visited rarely. Video camera
in hand, bawling like a baby, my boyfriend got down on one knee, and popped the question. I was in the
middle of finishing a play about Lulu, a woman dying while the world held watched. Completing the project
would give me the final credits I needed for graduation. Unable to speak or look him in the eyes, I nodded
‘yes’ as he slipped the $5,000-tax-return-could-have-been-spent- on-rent-money-or- daycare-money-for-our-
one-year-old-child-ring on my finger. I excused myself and signaled for my friend to follow me into my
bedroom.
I held out my hand toward the mirror, not like the marriage-crazed women in the movies who race to altars
as if starved, but as a ghost, a woman fading into the background of an unwanted life.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I say. “I… I…,” she stutters.
“It feels so heavy,” I say. These are the only words I can find for the next ten minutes, before I make my
debut as the ‘blushing bride to be’.
The ring, itself, bore the weight of devastation. It was the same weight I felt when I lost faith in God and
myself, as a girl, in the second floor multipurpose room under the gaze of a teacher, a priest, and an amazing
group of girls and boys, who were taught that one knew better than the other, that one was more cherished
by God than the other; where I accepted the lie of “woman’s place”.
Two months after the engagement, India Arie’s “Beautiful” playing in the living room of our new apartment
with the 9ft ceilings and exposed brick paneling, I asked my fiancé to leave. I could give you reasons, words
he used to keep me, words I took for truth. Years afterwards, my daughters limbs lengthening, her choppy
words forming new sentences, I’d recite the reasons like Hail Mary’s to stave off the guilt that came with
being the One to break up my family, to destroy it. But the deeper truth is that I could no longer accept the
lie --the lie that convinces women that they should endure, rather than live; the lie that says women must
prove themselves deserving of love, over the truth of being unconditionally loved; the lie keeps women
shiny as silver on the exterior, while the interior unvarnished, dulls; and, the ultimate lie, that our knowing is
folly and our folly is knowing.
Twenty years ago, on a Friday afternoon, my Catholic school sisters and I sauntered through the doors of the
multipurpose room expecting communion; instead, we received a polite stoning. Just as we were coming to
know ourselves, to collectively connect with our feminine strength, to tap into the Feminine Divine, our
sense of place in God’s Heart was dismantled, and we, made refugees of Spirit. For when the Heart is
denied, so too is Spirit. And a Heart denied is a Heart divided.
At St. Mary’s we lit candles at the feet of Mary, sung ‘Ava Maria’, and devoted rosary length prayers to
Jesus’ mother, but as we were the children of Eve, while they – the priests, the sons, the boys who teased and
tortured us, the fathers who hit our mothers, the uncles who bloodied the lips of stepchildren--were the sons
of God, thus, we were indebted. We said Our Father who art in heaven, and crossed out the Feminine
Divine with an incomplete Trinity. So, we looked for Salvation in the service of others and forgot ourselves
or served the god of conditions until we grew in Love and found what we knew all along, that ‘God’ is of
the Mother and the Father.
I come back to Eve again and again and find I want different for myself, for my daughter, and for the
generations of girls and women who have come, gone, and will come again. I find myself ever the
conductor who must hear the whole of her symphony, knowing that harmony is a necessary chord, that
naming is Creation, itself.
In the name of The Mother, The Father,

The Son, The Daughter encompassed in
the Holy Spirit, Ashe.
Malene Kai Bell is a writer, poet, mother, and activist. A graduate of Morgan
State University (B.A. in English) and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A.
in Writing), her work has appeared in Mosaic Literary Magazine, The
Baltimore Review, Radar, 13th Moon, and Urbanite Magazine. For nearly a
decade, she has taught students and teachers in the Baltimore City
Public School System & the Washington D.C. Public School System.
Malene Kai is the creator of American Heroine Sessions, creative
writing workshops for women with an emphasis on personal story. She
is currently working on a memoir, Medusa Underwater. Malene is also
an editor for The Infinite Field Magazine.

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Love and Relationships:
An Interview with
Kimberla Lawson Roby
By Amina S. McIntyre
From Pastor Curtis Black to Jillian Maxwell, New York Times Bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby has
written memorable characters over a course of 14 books who deal with issues of their own relationships,
sometimes with a not-so-happily-ever-after endings. Kimberla, a Chicago native who started writing “late in
life” after never being “satisfied on a job,” writes books that explore issues of infidelity, insecurities, mistrust,
miscommunication, and the complexities of being a Christian despite human reactions to each situation. An
inspiration to book clubs and individuals all over, Kimberla will be one of the featured writers at the upcoming
Faith and Fiction Retreat held in Atlanta, Ga in June.
Between writing, book signings, and meeting with her many fans, TIFM caught up with Kimberla to talk about
love, relationships, and her latest book, Be Careful What You Pray For (Morrow).
* * *
ASM: Why did you choose to start really writing about love?
KLR: You know, I think because relationships, no matter who you are, it
always has some sort of affect on your life, whether it be in a positive way or
negative way. That’s why I started out with the first book, I thought “Well
these are the kinds of stories I would like to read.” And I would say it is more
love than I would say romance because sometimes my characters don’t always
end up living happily ever after. But you get to see what happens when things
are wrong and people make the wrong choices in their relationships whether it
be a married couple or even just are a couple who's been dating for a certain
period of time. But, I’ve always had an interest in that, and I’ve been blessed to
be able to see both sides of that. I was married, the very first husband I had,
and it was horrible. You know, there was no communication, you know, the
person just didn’t see marriage as the type of, you know, sacred entity that it
was supposed to be. Then I’ve been married now to a man, it’ll be now 20
years this year, and this is the way it’s supposed to be. And I think that’s why I like to write about it. I know the
bad, and I also know the really, really, really good side of it.
ASM: You say, “this is how it’s supposed to be.” Can you expound on that a little bit for me?
KLR: For me, I think why my marriage works with my husband is that we communicate. No matter if it’s good
news or bad news, we’ve always pretty much done that. You know, we have respect for each other. He’s always
first before anyone else. I always tell people, it’s God, and then it’s my husband. And for him, it’s God, and then
it’s me. And so I remember early on in the marriage he would always say, “We’ll be fine; we will never let
anyone else enter into our circle.” That includes family members, friends and any other outside people, and
we’ve just never ever, you know, given up on that particular mentality. And it has really, really worked for us. I
mean, we are each other’s best friend! And I think that makes as much of a difference because you can have this
person who you consider to be, “Wow, this is my lover, I am in love with this person,” but you also have that
person as your best friend that you confide everything to. You know, that makes a difference as well.

ASM: Tell me a little bit about what’s it like writing between the lines of romance and love and
spirituality, because there’s such a push for if you’re going to kind of do something that talks about
relationships to really go off push into the romance end. You kind of maintain a fine line.

KLR: You know, there is a very thin line when you think of when
you’re writing from an inspirational, you know, Christian
perspective. [I]n many cases, you’re writing about a relationship, and
let’s just say, for example, infidelity happens where, you know, that’s
really crossing the line when you’re talking about anything Christian-
related. But for me, I don’t have a hard time writing about the three
things at once - love, romance, and Christianity - and even the
problems that come with love and romance because even as
Christians we all fall short. You know, we’re not perfect people, the
same as non-Christians are not perfect people. And so, I think we
even learn and we grow from the mistakes that we make. You know,
mistakes and problems, they make you pray more, and they make
you become a much better person than you were before the issue
started happening in the first place.

ASM: So tell me about Be Careful What you Pray For.

KLR: Well, Be Careful What You Pray For is the 14th book that I’ve written but the seventh book in my Rev.
Curtis Black series. So it touches the Rev. Curtis Black’s daughter, his eldest child, and this is the second book
actually based on her life. [Alicia] starts out in The Best of Everything marrying for the first time, she just
graduated from high school, and she has such high hopes of being in love and living happily ever after. But
while she has a great husband, the kind of man that most women hope and dream about, he doesn’t have enough
money; he can’t give her the lifestyle that she’s become accustomed to from the time that she was a child, all the
way through her college years. She’s used to living very well. [Alicia’s] used to her father paying her credit card
bills, and she’s used to being able to shop at Neiman’s and any other top department store. And so she and her
husband immediately start to have problems because of it. She has a serious shopping problem: she spends way
beyond her means, she puts them in all kinds of financial trouble, and so the marriage can’t survive. It is
basically ruined because of it.
Now in this book, what Alicia believes – she didn’t learn anything in the last book, she learned absolutely
nothing - “Wow, if I can find a man with more money, I’d be happy, things would be good.” And so she finds
this, which is why the book is entitled, Be Careful What you Pray For because while she’s prayed for this very
wealthy husband, she gets that. This is a man, J T Valentine, who is the pastor of a congregation that has 5,000
members, he earns well into the 6 figures - the high six figures, in terms of his salary - and he does want her to
have the very best of everything. He gives her everything that she wants. The downside, and what she doesn’t
know right away, is that he’s consumed of money and power and lots of women, and he’s worse than her father
ever was in his terrible days. And so that’s how all of her problems with JT begin.

ASM: Do you feel like a lot of the things she ends up wanting for is based off her relationship with her
father and what she wants from him? Just basically her own perception of what men are?

KLR: Yes, I do. You know, she starts out, even in The Best of Everything before she marries the first time thinking
[...]she never wanted to marry a minister, and that was based on what she had seen with her dad. The way he had
treated her mother and the way he had treated her step mothers, you know, it was always in such a horrible manner,
and so when she meets Phillip, the first husband, you know, she likes him and then she falls in love with him. And
he is a good guy. This time around - not even really realizing that she’s marrying someone who’s just like her father
in the way he used to be and is not thinking that what happened between her mom and her stepmom - she’s not
thinking she’s going to be in that same position. She’s thinking, “I have finally found the perfect man and life is
going to be great,” you know, and she gets that rude awakening. But that’s not how she goes into the marriage, she
doesn’t believe that first off.

ASM: And it’s really funny how a lot of times relationships in our own lives are based off of the patterns of
our past. Whatever our parents do, sometimes we try to react against it, but we fall into some of the same
traps not knowing it. Either good or bad, sometimes it’s really good consequences, and sometimes they’re
not so good.

KLR: Exactly.

ASM: So what kinds of things have you had your characters do to
spice up their own romances?

KLR: Wow, let’s see. And I really gotta think now because I have to go
through all the books....I think this is one of my favorite scenes that I
have written. In The Best of Everything, with Alicia -- and I think it’s
interesting because sometimes women can be more romantic than men.
In The Best of Everything, Phillip is really trying. He knows that he
and Alicia are having trouble, they’re having lots of arguments, having
all these disagreements about her shopping and about her spending
habits, and she feels like she should always be able to do what she
wants to do, he shouldn’t tell her what she should or shouldn’t do. And
so all of this is going on, and so she’s gone out with someone from the
church one evening, and out of the blue -- it’s no special day, it’s a week day -- she comes back, and what Phillip
has been doing this entire time is planning. He’s gone and bought her this wonderful night gown, this beautiful
night gown, and he’s laid it across the bed and got the candles going around in the bedroom, all over their bedroom,
he’s got rose petals across the bed and across the floor. You know, it’s just a beautiful scene. And, I guess, in his
mind he’s thinking he needs to do something special for her that’s going to help. It won’t hurt anything, it can only
help our situation and our marriage.
So I think spicing it up, that means doing something different. That’s what married couples have to do because
once you’ve been together for a certain period of time, it can become norm. You know, the norm is like, this is an
everyday thing, you don’t have to do anything different, but you really do - if you want to keep your marriage, you
know, healthy and alive. You don’t want it to become stagnant or this monotonous situation. But you have to do
something differently, you have to really think about what would really make them happy.

ASM: What I’m hearing you say is that a lot of really making successful relationships is really considering
the other person in the relationship?

KLR: And that’s always what it is and just like I was saying early on. Just like with my husband and me that’s the
thing: always paying attention to what you say and do and how that’s going to affect the person that you’re married
to. For me, I don’t make any decisions without my husband being in the back of my mind, you know, because I
know that anything that happens, and any decisions that I make, it affects him completely, and he feels the same
way. But I really do believe that it has made all the difference, and it makes the difference for a lot of couples, not
being so much worried about yourself, but caring about that other person.

* * *

Kimberla also shared one of her most romantic experiences. For her husband’s 50th birthday, instead of a birthday
party, he asked for a shopping spree. As they went shopping to various stores, one of the gifts he purchased wasn’t
for himself, but for her! It is a watch, she says, that was expensive enough that she wouldn’t have bought it on her
own. Because of the thoughtful way she received it, Kimberla no longer wears any other watches.

Kimberla is currently working on another Curtis Black book, Love, Honor, and Betray. For more information on her
books, or to sign up for her reader mailing list, visit her website at www.kimroby.com.
Amina McIntyre is a writer at the beginning of her writing career. She has had productions of
her short plays, Point of View and In Those Jeans; a staged reading of her one-act Two Card
Table and a Clothes Rack; a cold reading of her play Doin’ The Work at the Indiana Theater
Association ITWorks 2008, as well as poems in various publications. Her full-length play,
Most Eligible Bachelor, was produced at Wabash College in April 2009. A native of Atlanta,
GA, McIntyre received a BA in Anthropology at Colby College, a MA in African American
and African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University, Bloomington and a MFA in Creative
Writing from Spalding University. She is a member of The Dramatist’s Guild, Inc and a Copy
Editor for The Infinite Field Magazine.

Souls divide and come back together again.
Hearts collide and fall away forever.
Things I hide are more from myself than from the world.
Lost to imagining the world I want rather than the one I live in.
I floated away one day to some far away universe without the chaos of middle aged life crises.
Found peace beyond imagining, something you would never believe to even try and conceive.
But when I returned to my present realm of this truth and life I found I could not return to that
peaceful place, that I had to make my peace with this world and learn to be okay with the
damned and the accused and innocence and the pure and the zealots’ alike.
I find that it’s truly much harder for me to find peace in this place.
I’m surrounded by those who are engulfed in the trumping up of “society”.
I need inner light to flow forth endlessly until this universe dies away to create another more
unique elemental universe.
I can’t imagine being without my other half.
Though, I’ve lived this way without him for so long now.
I feel temporarily split in two.
2 AM
Though this is how I’ve felt all my life.
As if I’m missing something crucial to my existence.
I feel as if I’ve found what I need to be better than okay, but there’s a lot of work
to be done before it can be kept or condemned or even conceived.
My heart aches so badly from this feeling of division.
Nothing seems worth having or knowing in this place I’ve falling to.
All things are somehow diminished greatly by these thoughts alone.
Desire for the natural and holy union of soul, body, and mind with that of “The One”
God how I need peace!
Gemma Abston
All this lonely in forever and I’m lost to this battle of chance.
What will come from this time I’ve so chosen?
Will anything be the way I feel it should be?
Or am I lost to the demands of Fate or Destiny???
And if so, what is this road you so desire for me to be on?
Why must I stare blankly at the stars unable to even make a simple wish because I know how I
am to be answered?
Why must the answers come so violently?
Is it to be or not???
I haven’t the vaguest idea anymore.
I guess I’ll float on as I’ve always done.
Deliverance is dashed away forever in my crazed lonely aftermath.
I no longer feel that I should acknowledge my own feelings.
Live alone, be alone, die alone…

love is what you
make of it
Dr. Liara M. Covert
Love emerges from within to speak without words. communication, attitude, sensations, and core truth. If
Love is awareness that flows through you. It is a soul- you sense love is lost, you miss not what you think you
level teacher that encourages you to recognize why you lose, but that it represents. The language of love
believe in separation, oneness, and stages in between. expands in energy vibrations and timeless
Each stage holds memory and a sense of identity, how consciousness.
you view yourself, your experiences, sexuality and far
more. In another way, love is viewed as a paradigm,
projecting ideas into your world from a movie reel.
The momentum of connection you feel from inside is What you experience is indirect from the view of the
different from what is projected outside. Your task is to mind and direct through the centre of the heart. You
remember the love that is truly you. As you permit hope to find ways to express. When you wish to
society or anything else to dictate what love is, then expand a sense of love, it is necessary to heal your
you accept external judgment, and turn away from perceived past. Little do you know, every moment you
what you know is embedded inside deep are a radio station, broadcasting a love frequency. You
consciousness. You selectively detach from inner draw situations to you that mirror the degree you
knowing about the core DNA coding inside the self. accept or reject your inner self. When you love
everything unconditionally, you know it. You bring
about a merging through love. The key is to love and
Practical experience offers insight into love. This value self and everything.
invites you to question your basic assumptions about
As you wonder about 2) When you reflect, whom or what have you loved?
people who do not 3) Who do you love deeply? How does hate teach you
seem to understand love?
love and compassion,
4) Where and when have you felt true love?
remember everyone
experiences life based 5) What awakens love energy within you?
on their choices. What 6) How does your body change through knowing
if these people exist to love?
help you move beyond 7) Why does love honor your physical journey?
your limited
8) What does it take to hold a vision of loving intent?
understanding? What if they exist to help you to
expand into other forms of consciousness? Your sense 9) Who do you know who needs awaken to love
of love is growing. Love is the answer, and the gently?
original question? 10) How does love permit you to stop fearing the
unknown?
At a basic level, love is a frequency, an energy
vibration that exists for a purpose that gives you what
you require. One perspective is the legacy of love you Ultimately, love is what you make of it. You draw
create is a combination of what you do and how you from experience, emotions, and perceptions. Allow
live your life. You are invited to reflect on how yourself to go within. Sense the energy current
thoughts and feelings shape the legacy you are swirling and flowing without judgment. The flow of
leaving. Allocate moments to rethink a legacy. energy communicates with you through vibration.
Consider how perceptions of love influence how your Love invites you to open to a deeper sense of peace
life evolves in its aliveness. and well-being. The beauty and serenity of who you
are flows through you. As you choose to be more
1) Make an honest assessment of gifts you have been familiar with who you are and how life truly is, you
given. let go of everything that is not love and remember its
limitless healing and renewing power.
2) Create a vision to channel energy and share your
gifts.
3) Decide to be self-directed and proactive in your

own way.
4) Choose to clarify your dreams and seek guidance.
5) Make it happen with trust, faith, love and

acceptance.
Large numbers of people have selective amnesia about

love. Awakening and remembering is part of a
process. Peruse 10 steps to help you recall how love Books: Self Disclosure: Changes from Within
is open-ended based on your intent and open (Strategic Book Publishing, March 2009) Excerpt
available on Amazon.com E books: Harness the
investment of energy. Energy of Your Dreams (expected completion
before end of August 2009)TOC can be provided
(includes astral, lucid dreaming, dream walking,
1) How does love guide your mission & how you treat exercises) http://blog.dreambuilders.com.au/bio/
others? Ph.D. in areas of psychoanalysis and international
relations.

AFFIRMATIVE
PRAYER III
I have been receiving some great feedback from those of you who are practicing affirmative prayer in their lives. It
takes very little time out of your life to do this and the rewards are greater than I can put in this article. Trust me, it
works.
The next affirmative prayer starts the same way as the last two and this one has only three words and it is…
“God, thank you.”

You can say just these three words or you can fill in the blanks for what you are thanking God for. Just thanking
God in general is enough but many times when you are practicing this prayer so many things come to mind that
you automatically start a list of all you are thankful for. I am thankful for many things throughout any given day. It
may be for beautiful weather or the flowers that I planted that are now blooming and thriving. I am thankful for the
crepe myrtle tree I planted that has new growth on it. I am thankful to be living in this wonderful house. I am
thankful for the birds that have made my yard their home. I am thankful for my friends and supporters. I am
thankful for you, dear readers.
I am thankful for each and every comment you send.
Every time I feel happiness for something I say these three words,

This prayer puts you in an automatic state of gratitude. Feeling gratitude is a powerful way to look at your life and
all your experiences that unfold. I am connected to the universal source of all things immediately.

One morning, about two weeks ago, as I was looking out the picture window in my family room, I was struck with
such gratitude just because I was alive and able to use this mind and free-will to create. I was grateful for no
reason at all except that I am alive. That is reason enough. One thing that stuck in my mind is no matter how hard
life may be for some they cling to it with the ferocity of an alligator. I have heard stories of people who were going
to commit suicide but after they took the pills or whatever they looked for help right away. Some people who have
jumped off bridges and survived were so happy that they did because they realized just how precious life is and
were grateful to have another chance at it. I hear stories of people who have survived against incredible odds.
Such is the will to live, strong and overwhelming. Brighter days are always ahead if you just hang in there. If you
are going to live do it with gusto and enjoy every moment and be grateful for it. Remember the three word
affirmative prayer,

Be thankful for no reason at all other than you can say these three words and mean it.
Sincerity is important. Say it from the heart and trust that you have been heard every time you utter it. This is the
case with all the affirmative prayers. They are said as a statement of fact. Below is a comment sent to me by one of
my class members, Laurette Tupper, who has given her permission to share it.
These affirmations are wonderful. I have noticed a difference in myself just since that powerful class we had last
week. I really enjoyed it. By far, it affected me the most out of all the classes I have attended. Since then I have
been feeling more peaceful and calm. I am also having more increased experiences with precognition moments
before the event. My dreams have been very busy and I wake up feeling like I've done more in my sleep than I
ever do awake. I feel that a lot is going on here and I am being prepared for something. Thank you for all your
insights, as I relate to them and look forward to finding out more and taking my spiritual life in a huge move
forward. It's time for me...NOW.
Gratitude has its own reward because it takes you immediately to a place where you feel good and hopeful. It feeds
upon itself and becomes stronger in time.
There is no room for negativity where gratitude resides. It is a sad commentary for our world where we seem to
concentrate on what we don't have, rather than being grateful for what we do have. Telling God that you are
thankful for anything at all is powerful beyond words. Gratitude is a spiritual muscle. The more you use it, the
stronger the mental muscle of gratitude gets. Pretty soon, you will be telling God through this short but intense
affirmative prayer that life itself is something to be grateful for.
Rev. Lady Diannia Baty teaches spiritual and life development classes weekly and holding
workshops and giving seminars throughout in NC. She wears many hats including artist, writer,
public speaker, life coach and intuitive reader. Rev. Baty is a fourth generation psychic and
wears it proudly. She is featured in an anthology book called Remarkable Women of Faith with
other powerful women such as Jennifer O’Neal and Ann Jillian. She is the author of “Spirit
Letters” a book of uncommon written dialogue between her and the creator. A lifetime member
of International Speakers Network and the spiritual leader of the P3 Group, a women’s
international empowerment organization, she has been interviewed many times on “Spiritual
Guidelines,” a Charlotte public broadcast station 21 and was the co-host for The P3 Boost Blog
Talk radio program. For more information, you may visit the following websites:
www.makeachoicenow.com
ladydiannia@makeachoicenow.com
www.myspiritletters.com

Synolve Craft Laurie Martin Milton Craft
INFINITE FIELD RADIO

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Join Us
Each week as we discuss current topics and

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Smile Across Your Heart And So It Is...

Call (347) 884-9853 and ask Laurie! March 9 – Home Schooling with Terri Lee-Johnson
March 4 – Laurie Martin and guest David Klein, Ph.D.
March 18 – Laurie Martin and guest Laura Alden Kamm
April 1 – Laurie Martin and guest Swami Jaidev Bharati
April 15 – laurie Martin and guest David Pucket Synolve Craft
May 6 – Laurie Martin and guest Vicki Wagoner TBA - Adeeb Shabazz
May 20 – Laurie Martin and guest Mia King

Love The Foundation for
All Prosperity
The foundation for all prosperity is simply this: a
prosperity consciousness. What does ALL IS WELL mean? It means we're
always and eternally resting in the palms of the
You've heard that before, I know. And you're Divine, and no harm can come nigh those who know
probably already working on expanding your this simple truth. Anything that gets to any one of us
prosperity consciousness, but let me share a story must pass across God's desk first.
with you that illustrates how you might deepen and
widen prosperity in your consciousness, and thus It means we have nothing to fear.
create a richer life.
It means all resources are provided instantaneously
My basement had water in it from rains that fell for for any demand that arises. Instantaneously.
three days. As a metaphysician, the first thing I
thought of was what this might represent for me in It means the "everlasting arms" spoken of in the
consciousness. Bible book of Deuteronomy are holding you up right
Sometimes, us metaphysicians get too deep, and a now.
situation is what it is without a deep and profound
meaning. In this case, it was water in the basement It means that you never again have to worry, wonder
that had to be dealt with. or fret about money. Wondering, worrying and
fretting about money are choices. You can simply
There were lots of thoughts swirling around in my choose to be still and know.
head: 'What' if mold starts to grow?' 'That would be
terribly expensive to address.' Back to my story. I worked my ALL IS WELL
remembrance on the inside. It felt good. Right away,
There was the thought of, 'How do I get this I could feel my energy shift.
dampness out of the basement ASAP! I just want this
whole thing to go away!'
After I realized that I was in resistance about the

whole issue and that my resistance had triggered
several lack and limitation beliefs (that were crying
out to be noticed and released), I remembered a
simple truth: ALL IS WELL.
ALL IS WELL.
So I chose to shift my thoughts. All shift happens by

choice. We choose to do something differently. In
this case, I chose to remember ALL IS WELL.

The next thing I moved to was loving the water in the The whole process was smooth and easy, like butter.
basement. I love water, so why not love the water in
the basement? What's not to love about water in the What does this story have to do with an expanded
basement? prosperity consciousness?
As I was applying my I LOVE YOU mantra to myself 1. ALL IS WELL. You are taken care of. You are
for the water in the basement, an enlightened thought provided for. We are sustained by an Infinite
dropped into my spirit about how to get the water out Intelligence that, thankfully, knows way more than we
of the basement. I heard clearly that I simply needed do in any given moment.
to channel the water that was being pumped out of the
basement farther away from the house. 2. I LOVE YOU is the universal acceptance factor that
removes resistance to conditions and allows us to learn
I ran to the garage. What could I use to get the water the lessons inherent in them. For me, in this situation,
farther away from the house so that the basement I was learning trust, faith, and I learned a whole lot
could empty of water? more about my homeowner's insurance policy (I asked
lots of questions in the process). So I'm smarter,
The glass that goes in my front stronger and better for the experience, not to mention
storm door was resting gently financially richer.
against the wall, as if waiting
for me to come scoop it up. I 3. The Voice will tell you what to do. Never worry.
still have the screen in my Never fret. You know what to do. You have The Voice.
front storm door, so this was Everyone does. The Voice is never wrong and tells you
perfect. We got the large sheet just what you need to know the instant you need to
of glass out back and laid it know it. Just trust. Listen. And act. (Centering myself
under the water flow from the sump pump. The water in love opened me to hear The Voice instantly and
began to flow away from the house. clearly.)
Within hours, the basement had emptied of water. The foundation for all prosperity is a prosperity
consciousness, and we develop it by knowing ALL IS
Whew! I felt good. WELL, applying unconditional love to all conditions
and listening closely to The Voice.
Then the question came up of how to completely dry
out the basement. May you prosper in all you do!
The Voice said to call the insurance company. I Min. Valerie Love
retrieved my homeowner's policy, but it clearly stated
that it does not cover flooding. Darn.
Valerie Love is an Abundant Living
The Voice said to call the insurance company. Enthusiast who teaches the simple
truth that we can truly have it all, by
using a proven 5-step simple system
I called. The insurance company took the claim and in each of the 7 major areas of life:
Faith, Fulfillment, Family, Friends,
sent an adjuster to my house. After looking at the Fitness, Finances & Fun. Valerie is an
basement and snapping a few pictures on her digital Author, Inspirational Speaker and the
camera, the adjuster wrote me a check on the spot for creative voice of the online blog:
www.LiveYourDestinyToday.com
several thousand dollars to have the basement dried
out, the wet insulation removed and new insulation
installed.

ONLY THE HEART
ONLY THE HEART
knows truth
accepts enchanting
stories
from the mind
as it attempts
to captivate
all else
in its beat
reasoning
sultry tales
of lucid moments
shying away
at times
the movement
of the will
ever dancing
gracious, exuberant
an exhibitionist
in the process

only the heart
knows truth
a combination
of melding
thoughts
images in ballet
bending into
balance
combining to bring
a crystal tone
POET - WRITER - ARTIST - ACTRESS - MAKER OF
SACRED GIFTS Myola_Creations@yahoo.com

Because
Of Love
By Nancy A. Kaiser
In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals; for Tirawa, the One Above, did
not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beasts, and
that from them, and from the stars and the sun and the moon, man should learn. Tirawa spoke to man
through his works.
In the spring of 1993 an old friend, Boots Cassie, spinal adjustments, while another friend offered
asked my husband, an equine veterinarian, for an TTouch, an innovative method of animal healing. I lent
opinion on a foal that had been born with scoliosis, moral support until I uncovered a hidden talent. This
curvature of the spine. The condition prevented her discovery became the filly’s greatest lesson for me.
from standing on her own or walking once helped up.
Bob examined the Quarter Horse filly and really My expertise surfaced when the filly was almost two
couldn’t recommend euthanasia, although several other months old. She’d been slowly progressing from spinal
veterinarians had. He didn’t feel she was suffering adjustments, TTouch treatments, and physical exams
inhumanely. Boots was willing to try whatever Bob by my husband. The filly was eating well and growing
suggested. like any Quarter Horse foal. She still couldn’t rise on
her own, but once helped up, she would drag herself
A horse’s attitude is a major factor when making around until she tired. Her increasing weight
these types of decisions. Are they willing to try? Are necessitated a hoist system to help her stand. The
they allowing us to help them? Do they want our help? strength in her front legs was amazing, but her hind
Our answers were based on intuition and years of legs couldn’t do much beyond hold her up. Her barn
experience. We had never seen a foal with this rare name was Wild Woman due to the antics she’d perform
condition, but she answered “yes” to all our questions. trying to play in a less than perfect body.
The filly displayed incredible determination and a
remarkably strong will. At two months old, Wild Woman grew depressed and
uncooperative. Bob examined her and found her
A team of experts gathered to contribute to the filly's physically healthy, except for her scoliosis. Our
healing. The group included her person, who was TTouch friend consulted with an animal communicator
willing to give her a chance despite no guarantees. (I who visited the filly the following weekend while
never use the term “owner” for no one owns another; teaching a workshop in the area. The things the filly
not person, animal, plant or land). Over several told her such as "she had come to teach", "she was
months, her person performed nursing care, which was starting to wonder whether all the suffering was worth
a 24-hour job. My husband contributed his medical it", and "she didn’t like people feeling sorry for her"
expertise and became a guiding, positive force were truly remarkable. Her last comment shook me. I
throughout it all. A veterinary chiropractor performed was guilty of that, and I felt awful.

The next day, we met the communicator at her By three months of age, Wild Woman could get up by
workshop. She said that Wild Woman had decided to herself. This was huge, since it meant she could nurse
try awhile longer, but we had to be more positive at will. Everyone was elated, especially her. She’d
around her. After watching her workshop, I knew this gained a little of the independence that I knew was so
was what I was meant to do. It was as though a cosmic important to her.
2 x 4 hit me in my consciousness. I’d communicate for
the filly. I’d communicate for all animals; their Her person registered her with the name “Because
thoughts, desires, needs, feelings, everything. This Of Love.” It was so appropriate; we were all involved
would become my life’s work, but first, I needed to because of love. Without love, this filly would have
learn how. But, from who? been euthanized long ago. I’d never called her Wild
Woman, because I knew her antics stemmed from her
I contacted a clairvoyant counselor that I’d met frustration, not youthful play. Now, we simply called
months earlier and told her about the communicator her Love, which was perfect.
and the filly. I drove into Manhattan weekly to work
with her. Remarkably, I began communicating with Love’s right hind leg started bending under the weight
Wild Woman fairly quickly. When something is of a growing Quarter Horse foal. Bob tried a series of
aligned with your soul’s purpose things get facilitated. splints, casts and braces to stabilize her leg. If she
The barrier that had frustrated me all my life was gone. damaged her hind leg, it would mean the end for her. I
Finally, I could know exactly what the animals were explained what we were doing and asked for her help,
thinking and feeling. I wouldn’t have to base serious which she willingly gave. Being able to communicate
decisions on intuition and experience. I’d just ask! what we were doing eased all our anxieties.
I could ask how the filly was feeling at anytime. I It is said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul.
added the use of healing energy, "laying-on hands" When I looked into Love’s big, soft, brown eyes, the
when I was with her and telepathically when I wasn’t. sense of understanding and appreciation, the sense of
I saw significant changes in her, which validated that I her soul was incredible. She was always cooperative
was having a positive effect both physically and unless we overstepped our bounds. She’d quickly, but
emotionally with her. gently, put us back in our place. Always the teacher!
To those who are thinking, “Oh no, another crazy,” My clairvoyant teacher came to meet Love. She said
I’d have thought the same a year before meeting this we had to build a gizmo like they used for dogs that
foal. Please open your mind and keep reading. What are paralyzed behind. We provided a million reasons
do you have to lose? Believe me, you have everything why it wouldn’t work with a horse. She wouldn’t
to gain. If a scientific, analytical, retired pharmacist listen, thank goodness. She was right, but our minds
like myself can make the leap…. were closed until Love, and love, forced them open.
When I started working with Wild Woman, she Our focus remained on her right hind leg, but nothing
didn’t know if it was worth trying anymore. I reminded was helping. One day while with the filly, we finally
her that she’d come to teach and asked if her lessons accepted that she’d never get out on her own. The
were taught. “No.” I asked if she would keep trying if cart’s time had come. I don’t think any of us wanted to
we could get her outside. She’d try if she could go out admit that the cart might be the best we could give her.
soon, she'd say. She’d never left her stall and none of We wanted more for this wonderful horse that had
us knew if it was really possible. She taught us that come to teach us, but it was time to get realistic. Our
possibilities are unlimited with a mind that’s open. job was to give her the best life experience possible.
She deserved no less.

My husband started to build a cart. He said that I had That weekend I went away for a workshop. When I got
promised her that we’d get her out and he wanted to home, Bob told me that Love had developed diarrhea
keep my promise. Bob helped Love outside for the first the day before. Until now, she’d been a very healthy
time at three-and-a-half months of age. I couldn’t be foal despite her spinal problem. Her person called to
there, which was fitting. Bob was the one person who’d report that Love was very bad, so we flew over. Bob
never given up. He deserved to share this special event treated her and drew a blood sample, which we rushed
with Love. She was so excited when I spoke with her home to run.
about it.
Love informed me that it was time for her to leave. Her
The cart broke from her weight, but her person knew lessons were taught or would be by the time she
someone who could build one in heavier metal. Bob departed. I could feel her running freely as she spoke
repaired his and went back the next day. He pressed with me. I felt wind in her face and grass under her
her, Love got angry, and then he got angry. She feet. It was what we’d wanted for her in this life, but
expressed humiliation at the way she’d been handled. couldn’t achieve. My tears flowed. I would miss her
Bob confessed they had kind of forced and manhandled terribly. I knew in my heart that my information was
her, i.e. disrespected her. The breadth of her emotions accurate. Being so inexperienced, I immediately called
continually amazed me. my teacher and the animal communicator for
confirmation. I reached two answering machines.
Love wanted so desperately to be independent. It
broke my heart to know she never would be, but I
wouldn’t let her sense that from me. The next day she
was very depressed about not going out. The new cart
was delayed, so we tried again with Bob’s. This was the
first time I saw her out. She was amazing! She flew as
fast as she could to the grass to graze. I was ecstatic to
see her out at last. My promise had been kept.
Her short time out had her sweating and breathing like
she’d run five miles. When I told her that I was
appalled at how hard she had to work, she said she
didn’t mind. I thought I’d be happier seeing her outside,
but knowing how many people she had to rely on was
disheartening. She’d never be truly independent.

The stronger cart arrived and was donated by the
generous builder. Love attracted the most wonderful
people. The cart could handle her weight and had
wheels that swiveled. She galloped out in it calling to
the other horses. She seemed so proud of herself. Later,
I asked her why she was screaming at the others. When
she told them we were going to fix her so she could go
out, they said we wouldn’t if it was too hard. The older
horses’ low opinion of people broke my heart, but I
certainly understood it.

Bob headed back to Love, who was in great distress. Her person
decided to euthanize her, but they’d wait for me if I wanted. Yes! I
hurried to her. As I sat with her head in my lap, those beautiful,
soulful eyes reflected such peace. They belied the severe physical
distress she was in.

At 4:35 PM on August 16, four months and one day from when she
entered this life experience, she departed. I returned home to
messages from my teacher and the communicator. Neither of them
felt she’d made the decision to leave yet, which didn’t jive with my
conversation with her. Love’s parting lesson for me was to believe
what my heart tells me. Believe in yourself!

Five days later, I talked with Love for the last time. I asked if I
could write her story. “You’re supposed to.” I asked what her most
important lesson was. “Take action through Love. If they keep love
as the basis for all their decisions in life, everything in life will
work for them. People need to let their hearts guide them for the good of all creatures, both human and non-human.”
I felt her moving away from me and knew I wouldn’t talk with her again until she came back into a new life
experience with a perfect, new body. (She does return, but you’ll have to read my book to learn more about this
incredible animal teacher).

While Love was not one of my own animals, she was as influential as those who have shared each day with me.
This exceptional filly helped me discover my purpose in life. She helped me recognize that I have an empathy for
animals that goes beyond that of most people. With this gift I’ve been helping animals and their people live
harmoniously for the past 16 years. Love allowed this remarkable foal to achieve what seemed impossible. With
Love as our driving force, everything is possible. I hope Love’s story will awaken within you unlimited possibilities.
“He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beasts, and that from them, and from the
stars and the sun and the moon, man should learn.” ~Pawnee Chief Letakota-Lesa
Nancy A. Kaiser lives in the healing Blue Ridge Mountains of North

Carolina surrounded by her family of dogs and a horse. She is the
author of Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of
Healing & Transformation, about her recovery from trauma with the
help of animals and nature. Nancy operates Just Ask
Communications, a practice devoted to healing the human-animal
bond through enhanced communication and understanding. Nancy
offers animal communication and healing consults via phone, in-
person and on Skype. Visit her at:
www.NancyKaiserAnimalCommunicator.com

NATURAL
HAIR
Natural hair seems to have become a hot topic in recent years.
Thanks to more websites, forums, and blogs devoted to sharing
hair care regimen and product reviews, more women with
naturally kinky and curly hair are embracing a chemical free
lifestyle when it comes to their hair. The surge in online videos
with demonstrations on popular natural styles, such as the twist
and curl or braid outs, and henna treatments have also made
wearing natural hair seem a lot less daunting for many women.
Yes, maintaining natural hair may take just as long or longer than
relaxed hair, but many natural-haired women report feeling more
in tune with who they are, experiencing more freedom and being
able to express their true selves .
We at TIFM thought we'd ask a few amazing and courageous

women who've gone au naturale to share their experience with us
in their own words.

Natural Sista
Why did you go natural?
Terri Lee-Johnson
For me, going natural was an option to keep my sanity. I was tired of paying a hairdresser to double or triple book
my time slot thus devaluing my time. Then one day, I just decided to chop off all of my hair to the "new growth"
and stop using relaxers. New growth is that hair at the roots that's not yet been relaxed. Well, at the time, I only had
about an inch or two of new growth so it was drastic. There was no epiphany or trend to follow, it was just me
going against the grain as usual. I soon learned that there were few products available for natural kinky and curly
hair. This eventually changed as a number of current products on the market were created by the women who
needed them, like Mixed Chicks and Curl Junkie, and what was available was not suitable for caring for curls of
any degree. Also, it was the mid-90's and not popular, so there was no community to reach out to for advice like the
forum on www.naturallycurly.com. No one has to feel alone anymore in this decision because there's now tons of
online community support for those currently wearing or thinking of transitioning to natural hair.
Once I did the "big chop", I heard every comment in the book from "you've got really pretty hair" to "what are you
gonna do when you get a job?". I never had some profound comeback; it was just me being me. My favorite
comments were those that included a reference to some neo-soul artist as though natural hair only belonged to those
who emoted positivity or a propensity toward the political through their craft. I love how Jill Scott dispelled that
myth in a concert asking: "Why is it every time we see somebody with a natural, we automatically think they're
positive?". I do identify positively with my heritage as a woman of African descent but, I don't think it's solely
through how I wear my hair, even if at all, and it's definitely not a political statement. I know some women may
feel hindered by what their natural texture is, especially when it comes to work or professional settings. Even if
working in a setting that has a specific culture or set of rules that employees should adhere to, there are many styles
that can be achieved to follow policy without jeopardizing healthy hair. Many of the same styles worn with relaxed
hair can be attained with natural hair. So, natural hair should be seen as a feasible option. More importantly, every
natural texture is beautiful and flawed.

It's been a long journey and one not without its mishaps like using all the wrong products and even, early on, going
back to the relaxer for about a year. Now, thanks to sites like www.tightlycurly.com maintained by my hair guru,Teri
LaFlesh, I have my curls in the best condition ever in this fifteen years of natural bliss. The mistakes are part of the
growing pains like anything else but, now I know my hair and what works for it and what doesn't. The best part is
the satisfying feeling knowing that I have created my own aesthetic simply by embracing my natural coils. So,
together through our stories and our power to choose we - the kinky, coily, curly, straight, fine, long, short - celebrate
all the beautiful textures of our hair as we define our own individual beauty and our connection to the Divine one
choice at a time!
Below are some key things to consider when transitioning to and/ or maintaining natural hair:
* Moisture is the key, above all else, to healthy natural hair. A good, rich moisturizing conditioner like Organix
Coconut Milk or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration along with shea or mango butter will do the trick.
* A smoothing and detangling brush like the Denman D4 will do wonders for natural kinks and curls.
* Putting little to no heat on the hair will also promote growth and less breakage. Most styling can be done without
the use of any heat--air dry instead.
*Sleeping with hair covered by a satin scarf or on a satin pillowcase will also protect hair from drying out which
leads to breakage. Also, avoid toweling dry the hair as this does not help retain moisture and can cause tangling.
For more tips on products and styles, visit BrownGirl RandomSpeak or the YouTube channel BrownGirlSpeaks.
Terri Lee-Johnson maintains a multi-blog website at www.browngirlspeaks.com.

Jamie's story
One reason I stopped relaxing is the history behind black women straightening their hair- so
they would be more accepted by mainstream society; knowing the history is one reason I
stopped. It's like reclaiming who I am and who my people are...my ancestry...my culture. Also,
I'd noticed that relaxers were making my hair thin, and I got tired of spending my Saturdays in
the salon, under the dryer for an hour, not wanting to get my hair wet in the rain and spending a
looong time trying to get my hair to 'lay right' only to end up frustrated. Natural hair has its
struggles, too, but I spend a lot less time on my hair.
When I decided I would be au naturale, I was at a point where I wanted to be who I am and not
who others thought I should be. I wanted to embrace myself fully and felt I couldn't do that with
a relaxer. I've been completely natural for two years, and I decided loc my hair in 2008 because
I began living my life the way I want. Locs are a way for me to symbolize the growth and
changes in my life. I love my hair!
Jamie is a Georgia-based freelance writer. Check out her loc journey at

mochalocs.blogspot.com.
Malene's story
Natural hair wasn’t the liberator I thought it would be. I still scheduled hair appointments
every two weeks to get double strand twists or to refresh my color, and later, when I grew
locs, loc maintenance. And, while it’s true that I could roll down the windows and let the
summer wind have its way with me, sleep without a scarf, and let the tips of my hair get wet,
it wasn’t until I cut off all of my hair that I felt the freedom I’d longed for since I was a girl,
pining over so-called “white girl” hair. But, my pining had less to do with wanting “white
girl” hair and more to do with freedom.
For me, freedom means to be unencumbered, it also means ‘swim’, ‘bike’, ‘hike’, ‘date’ all
in one day without spending the money and hours getting my hair did.
With an Even-Steven, I possess freedom; the freedom to stand directly under the
showerhead, the water massaging my scalp, the freedom to wash and go, to make love
without vanity; it let’s me be.
Now, I’m growing out my Even-Steven, so that I can get playful twists that will grow up to
be double strand twists, because it makes me feel sexy and, well, it’s what I’m in the mood
for. And ultimately, that’s all that matters.

NATURAL STYLES 101
Natural styles 101
So your going natural! Great, right? Of course it's great, as long as

your open to Playing with your hair. Try setting with large two strand
twist. First, wash and condition your hair. Rinse , towel dry and
apply a "glob" of leave in conditioner. Something creamy works best .
Then grab big 2 in sections, comb through with your fingers or a large
tooth comb and twist two pieces together. It will look like a puffy
cork screw. Let air dry. Once it's dry, spray a light oil then
untwist being careful not to tangle. That's it!! After a few days let
shower steam get to it and twist again. Remember it's hair, not a hat
meant to be molded down in a style for weeks at a time. Let it bounce
and be free! Love your hair.. Love your self!
Fateemah Nasir Wickham

Natural hair stylist
And more..
NATURAL
HAIR
TAKING TIME FOR ME
(My 10 Minutes Each Day)
2
minutes...
of Loving Me!!!
2
minutes...
of Meditation!!!
2
minutes...
of Being Grateful!!!
2 2
minutes... minutes...
of Prayer!!! of Dreaming!!!
Feng Shui Tips for Love….
Ahhhh love.. the emotion that occasionally evades us and yet supports our entire being.
Love.. the romantic notion that fills the soul and shines out through our eyes…
Come celebrate Valentine's Day, a time to celebrate relationships and those we love. Whether it is
a romantic relationship or a platonic friendship, it is a wonderful time to acknowledge our
appreciation and strengthen connections. It's been proven that social bonds do indeed improve our
health and well being. So take the time to send good wishes to those you care about. And don't
forget to give yourself a big hug too!! It's a great day to celebrate the love you feel for yourself
and others in your life!! Personally, I pamper myself with a long hot soak with sea salts and oil
essence, and relax with candlelight and Tibetan chants playing softly in the back ground. What
can you do to create a loving environment throughout your home?
First, create a warm welcome for guests at the entry. Soft lighting with a gentle appeal using
fountains, aromas like lavender and patchouli. The kitchen is all about love and what you have to
share with your family and friends. Warm cinnamon and orange zest on the stove to bring a cozy
loving feeling into your home.
The bedroom represents the love nest. Depict the “couple” with pairs of things including red
candles. Symmetry is important here offering balance. Two night stands, two step out rugs,
images that have two birds, two flowers etc. Make sure the images depict loving relationships. I
once had a client that couldn’t figure out why she and her husband were suddenly bickering. The
new painting she bought showed two birds fighting over one twig! Rose quartz hearts or
photos of you and your beloved will also enhance the space. Warm red tones (fire and
passion) blended with rich brown (representing earth) make for a lovely decorative color
combination and accents the passion of sharing in your
relationships. IF you are seeking new love, make room
for them by emptying out a drawer or two.
I hope these tips assist you and draw love into your heart
space. Only you can provide the energy to make the shifts.
Clear out the clutter and begin to adjust your space
accordingly. Begin in the far right corner of your bedroom
and/or the SW corner.

Thoughts for the Month:
Love is composed of a single soul
inhabiting two bodies.

~ Aristotle
We need to learn to set our course by the stars,
not by the lights of every passing ship.

- General Omar Bradley
In the end, nothing we do or say in this lifetime will matter

as much as the way we have loved one another.
~ Daphne Rose Kingman
Love is a gift of one's inner most soul to another
so both can be whole

~ Tea Rose
Janice Schneider Girgenti – Feng Shui Counselor/Educator and

Decorator. Red Ribbon Member: International Feng Shui Guild
Since 1996. For further information on consultations, classes or
seminars contact: Feng Shui Studios 215.572.1650 or email:
FengShuiStudios@verizon.net

Jennifer O'Neill
RELATIONSHIPS -
IT'S COMPLICATED
Why is it that so many relationships nowadays seem so complicated? I think that the
reason is actually very simple; it comes down to different levels of commitment.
Years ago, people dated - they dated to find a person that they would like to marry.
Dating was more serious, so when you were on a date, you were seeing if the other
one was a good fit, a possible spouse. Everyone was on the same page, because there
were only a couple of pages. Now, there is a whole book, so it is hard to figure out
where your date is. But if we think of dating in chapters, relationships transform
from hard to easy in no time.
Here are different levels of commitment in no particular order, it kind of goes like this:
Chapter One - Just Having Fun

Chapter Two - Want Girlfriend/Boyfriend
Chapter Three - Want Serious Girlfriend/Boyfriend No Marriage
Chapter Four - Want A Hook Up That I Can Call My Girlfriend/Boyfriend Only When I Want To
Chapter Five - Want To Keep You On The Back Burner, Just In Case Nothing Else Works Out
Chapter Six - Commitment Phobia
Chapter Seven - Dating A Person That Does Not Want To Commit But I Am Sure They Will
Change Their Mind
Chapter Eight - Want To Know Marriage Is In The Future
Chapter Nine - Looking To Get Married (For Some The Book Ends After Marriage)
Chapter Ten - Looking To Get Divorced
Chapter Eleven - Want A Girlfriend/Boyfriend, But Have A lot Of Baggage And A Million
Reasons Not To Get Married Again
Chapter Twelve - Dating Someone Much Younger Because They Are Hot!

The problem with this is that men and women are almost always in
different chapters. A lot of women are on Chapter Seven while men that
are somewhere between Chapters Four and Six.
Let's be clear - if you are looking for a long term relationship with a
significant other and they are not ready to commit, you cannot make
them commit, nor do you want to!!! If you have been dating for awhile-
and I mean several months to a year - if they are ready to commit to you
long term, you will have no doubt in your mind. Girls have a hard time
with this, but ask any guy you know, your man will let you know if he
wants to get serious with you. They will not let you slip away if they
think that you are the one for them.
On the other hand, if you have been dating awhile and your boyfriend's
or girlfriend's Facebook status is single or blank, or they do not like you
to go to parties with them, or they tell you that they just want to date for
ten years, leave! The chances of them changing their mind are about as good as you winning the lottery! If
they do change their mind and you are gone, they will come looking for you. Stop wasting your valuable
time dating people that are not a good match because you think that they are a good catch. If they do not
want to be caught it is kind of a moot point, isn't it?
Please date men or women in the same chapter as yourself. In order to do this, take a step back and see who
they are in someone else's eyes (or just ask your ever-so patient friends, with strong opinions about your
situation). In other words, stop dating Chapter Six thinking that Chapter Seven is right around the corner,
especially since Chapter Seven is a very long miserable one. If you insist on doing this, you will be wasting
more valuable time, and the next thing you know, you will be alone, your significant other will have most
likely moved on to Chapter Twelve!
Change your thinking. You deserve a great relationship! Accept nothing less! There are tons of people in the
world, they just fit together differently. Imagine that all of the women and men in the world are like puzzle
pieces. Just because one puzzle piece does not fit you do not throw it in the garbage and decide all of the
puzzle pieces are the same. You know that they are all different, so you just keep looking until you find the
perfect fit. Don't waste your time with the same puzzle piece trying to make it fit, it will never work!
Jennifer O’Neill is one of Hawaii's top intuitive consultants, a

metaphysical writer and radio show host. She has been reading
professionally for over 20 years and offers psychic readings and
spiritual guidance to people around the world. At an early age
Jennifer realized her gift and made a lifelong commitment to
sharing it with those in need of inspiration, guidance and healing.

The Courage to
Open Your Heart
By Jen Aly, M.S.
Living happily ever now means living in the moment

and experiencing life exactly as it is or is not. It
means acting from this moment rather than fear of the
past or trying to control the future. It means dancing
with the cycles of life rather than seeing life only as a
time line with now as a spot between the past and the
future.
Your dream of the past or future may be a more

exciting place to live than the present moment. You
can flashback to happier times from your past,
compare old and present relationships, and you can
imagine future possibilities for your life. Even when
you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes or are
in the middle of some other mundane task, you can
be in the Neverland of your memories or imagination.
In relationships, this happens when you focus on the

way the it was at the beginning and how you want it
to be that way again to the point of believing
something is wrong now because it’s not the way it
was. This longing takes you out of the moment, the
only place you can experience love and give love.
This also happens when you base the validity of

your relationship on the outcome. By constantly
obsessing over if you will marry this person, when
you will marry this person, or how many kids will
you have, you are taking yourself out of the game
and into your imaginary future.
Are you willing to rectify the timelines in your head

with the present moment?

This shift from the past or future to the present
moment is not only a shift in perspective; it’s also a
shift in your thinking. You’re cultivating a new habit.
When you change your focus and modify which
neurological pathways your thoughts are traveling,
you begin to change not only how you perceive
reality, but also how you create it. If you reduce your
thinking about the past, you stop living in the past.
Simply extract the lessons and the love and leave the
rest. If you release attachment to the dream of your
future, you can be more present in your life today.
Rather than living in the mental cycle of wanting
things to be like the highlights from your past or the
future you dream of, create your future from a place
of being that prepares you to actually enjoy your life.
So, how do you actually enjoy the moment? How do

you live in the moment and really be present? When
you find yourself thinking too much about the future or the past by regretting, worrying or trying to control life,
take a deep breath. Of those voices in your head, which is the loudest? Begin to distinguish the voice and
separate yourself from it. Since your body is in the present moment, tuning into it will also help you be more
present. Notice your breath. You can learn to turn judgment into compassion, control into surrender, and fear of
getting hurt into the courage to love. These are practices that become more graceful with time and are easier
some days than others.
It takes courage to love and to choose love for yourself and the world in every moment. Every moment you
choose to live with an open heart, you are taking a risk. You face the risk of your love not being returned, the
risk of losing love or the risk of your love not being received. You can’t control or change others, but you can
change your own reactions.
When you refrain from fueling perceptions of fear and drama from the past or future and choose love and
possibility instead, you create space for true connection and miracles. By focusing on a loving relationship and
communicating truthfully and compassionately, you create more moments of complete presence.
Enjoy them, one moment at a time…again and again.
Jen Aly, M.S. is committed to supporting women to live Happily Ever

NowTM. Author of Happily Ever NowTM For Your Love Life. She
facilitates international women’s groups via the web and phone from
her office in Maui. Jen has been a Certified Martha Beck Life Coach
since 2003. Visit her website at HappilyEverNow.com.

NO LONGER WILLING
TO PAY THE PRICE
n my 40+ years in this gift of With all the changes that have come
I life, I have had the pleasure of

witnessing the progress of the
about in the pass 40 years, the most
damaging, I believe, is our obsession
with the instantaneous. We want it now -
human race. We have come so
far with technology, medical research, instant coffee, instant love, instant riches,
human relations, and even space instant food, and instant health. We no
explorations. I also have the pain of longer believe in hard work as a way of
witnessing what I call the deterioration of doing a good job. We have been
simple moral values and good will, as condition to think we are somehow
well as the lowered value of life itself. entitled to a rich, happy life. A life with
Another disturbing trend I have little or no problems; if we do encounter
witnessed, we are a generation no longer setbacks and hardships it is of course, not
Edward Williams
willing to pay the price for success. In our fault. We are constantly told it's not
this day of "get it now, pay later" we our fault. No matter how bad you mess
have brought this concept into our your life up, don't worry someone will
everyday lives. We no longer feel we bail you out! The days of working to
need to earn our way. We no longer feel achieve our goals and dreams are all but
we need to learn our way. We no longer long gone. We want it now, not just now,
feel we need to make sacrifices to but with little or no work and no
achieve our goals. problems, please. This is why we play
the lottery, bet on sports, and sue
anybody for any reason.

NO LONGER WILLING
TO PAY THE PRICE
We are no longer willing to work through problems. If

things are not going well in the marriage, get a divorce or
just leave. If things are not happening fast enough or as
we planned, we quit and look for something better. We no
longer want to train and raise our children. We'd rather put
them in front of a T.V. for hours to watch senseless shows
and play video games, then when we can't get them to
behave and obey, we drug them into submission.
I say if we really want to achieve a successful life, we must pay the price - and it must be
Edward Williams
paid up front! We can not put true life experiences on a credit card. We must earn to truly
have. We must learn to truly know. The truth about this instant way of life is, by not paying
the price up front, costing us a whole lot more in the end. But do not to despair - all is not
lost! If you have been a participant in this wayward way of life, there is hope. There is still
time to take control of your life.
Life is a daily journey and each day must be lived within itself. We must work each day to
improve our mind and body and work on our goals. We must pursue our passions and most
of all fulfill our purpose.
Although life is an individual journey no one can travel it alone. We all must gain support
and strength from others who are traveling in our direction. We must learn to slow down and
enjoy our life. There is no prize in dying first; all the rushing in the world will not bring
tomorrow any sooner. Everything we hope to attain in life will have a price we will pay
either now or pay later. Choose to pay now while there is less interest and more reward.
Edward Williams is the President and CEO of PowerLife, a professional speaker,

success skills trainer, and creator of the PowerLife Empowerment Programs and
PowerLife Conferences. His programs, conferences, and workshops are designed
to propel people into action towards greater success. Born and raised in a small
town in North Mississippi and son of a minster, he learned at an early age to love
and care for others. Over the years, Edward found that loving and caring for
people wasn't enough, people need encouragement and direction in their lives. As
a visionary and speaker, Edward answers this call to provide people with the tools
they need to succeed. To learn more about Edward and PowerLife, visit http://
powerlife2010.weebly.com.

PaGeAnt by Elayna Fernandez
I once told a friend a story on how I co-organized a "beauty pageant" with my class mate
when we were barely 13 years old. The concept was simple, we would be judging inside
beauty: knowledge, values, and talent. The age groups are a little fuzzy to me now, but I
know we had girls as young as 7. We would find sponsors in the community - the rich
people in town - to cover for the cost and even make a profit.
Indeed, we did. I typed up a letter explaining the nature and purpose of the event, including
the type of contribution sought. My friend and I then went door to door until we talked to all
the most influential people in town and got their support. My town was not at all big, but we
did have to walk a lot under the burning sun.
The event was a hit. We hosted it at the Town City Hall, gave generous prizes to the winners
from the contributions we raised, donate some books to the local library, and collected some
profits for ourselves. We were the talk of the town and got "media coverage" from some
U.S. tourists who attended. I loved it.
We believed we could do it, and we did. We worked really hard. It paid off.
When I finished the story, my friend asked: "So what did your parents think of all this?" I
never really gave them any credit. "They didn't really contribute to my dream," I thought.
I looked at her kind of confused. She explained: "Well, didn't they try to stop you or tell
you you were crazy?" I never really looked at it that way. The obvious answer is, "No, they
didn't." My friend was really surprised and happy to learn this. Had it been her, she
explained, she would have been put down or laughed at for having "silly ideas".

As I looked back over my life, I realized I had been having these "silly ideas" since I was 7. I went through
each one of them. I was very determined and self-motivated. I would create a business literally "out of
nothing all". I did it all by myself, or so I thought.
The truth is my friend opened up my eyes to something I had taken for granted. My mom and my dad were
certainly too busy to sit down and plan a "change-making strategy" when they had bills to pay and three
kids to raise (at the time). But you know what, they never laughed at my multiple business models, always
encouraged me to do more and be more.
I realized I was self-motivated for a reason. I had a pretty good support system. I believed in myself, and
my parents believed in me. I allowed myself to achieve, as did they, allowing me to follow my dreams.
Even though being positive is definitely an inside job, being

surrounded by people who believe in you, who value what you do, who
support your cause, who want your happiness is essential to the plan.
As incredibly talented, skilled, positive, energetic, enthusiastic, active,

hard-working and simply marvelous as you are, reaching your highest
potential occurs when you join forces with an ally, seek mentorship,
support and direction. It is as important that you give it back.
Throughout my life, no matter what the circumstances, the criticism,

the environment, the obstacles and tragedies, I often kept positive. Was it difficult? You bet. I've cried,
worried, and was scared. Mark Twain once said "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence
of fear." We all hurt and fear sometimes. It is our disposition to go beyond that fear that makes us positive.
Being positive is a conscious choice.
I'm not sure whether my mom and dad think I'm "being nice" when I thank them for being positive role
models in my life. Their teachings and example gave me the courage to overcome obstacles, adapt to
changes, and prepare for success by making positive choices. They also give me comfort, support and
acceptance when I've been less than imperfect.
In my somewhat short life, I've achieved a lot of things I wanted. I'd like to say I did it alone. It sure felt
lonely at times. But of course, there is just no way. I think of angels of permanence like my siblings and
my best friends who were all strong collaborators in my life. I think of seasonal angels whose name or face
may not be clear in my mind but whose actions forever touched my life.
I am grateful for all of you, I support you, rely on you, and celebrate you. We need
each other to keep positive and inspired and to succeed beyond our dreams.
Elayna Fernandez is a proud mom, a

recognized marketing professional, and
Founder of http://PositiveMommies.com.
LaurieMartin,
Justin O’Brien (Swami Jaidev)
“IN meditation, you leave all
sorrows behind to understand the
understander.” Justin O’Brien
Superconscious Meditation
Justin O’Brien, also known as Swami Jaidev Bharati, is the author

of Superconscious Meditation, a phenomenal, user friendly, and easy to
follow meditation book. Justin wrote this book after a full twenty-four
years of living, working, and studying with His Holiness Swami Rama
of the Himalayas in India and the United States. Justin now resides in
Saint Paul, M.N. where he is the spiritual director of the Institute of the
Himalayan Tradition.
I was curious as to the actual definition of a swami, so I asked Justin for
his definition, and he replied, “A devotee of transcendence and God”.
He took his vows of renunciation in 1999. Justin explained the process:
“In India there are ten swami orders and subsidiaries- such as helping
the poor, hospices, lecturing, traveling, and others.”
Justin was invited by his teacher, Swami Rama to join the ‘scientist’
order. This order is involved with such things as testing food out on
their body, sleep studies, bio feedback studies and other studies. Justin
was asked by Swami Rama to remain in the “world” instead of
remaining in India as the monks do.
Justin wrote this book after thirty-five years of teaching meditation. He purposely put this book together using
practical easy to understand language. Weaving in examples of our everyday life scenarios and outlining how
meditation helps us navigate through our busy mind into our Truth. Justin’s practical definition for meditation is “an
inward journey to self-discovery.”
He writes, “Who and what I make of myself is first and foremost a product of my mind. It’s easy to forget,
overlook, or deny this elementary truth. How one regards oneself flows directly into every action that one does,
personal or business.” He also writes, “The act of meditation is a choiceful act, allowing your attention to become
uninvolved and very still.”
Superconscious Meditation is vastly rich with spiritual philosophy and easy to follow techniques for beginners who
want to learn how to meditate and how to relax the mind and body! It has a great rhythm, each chapter explaining a
little more, from breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing and alternate nostril breathing, using mantras
such as So-Hum, a Sanskrit word meaning “I am that”, is a combination of words that correspond to a particular
energy frequency, and progressive relaxation techniques all to help one calm the mind and get in touch with truth,
peace, and inner awareness.

I was curious to know about Justin’s mystical experiences so I asked
him if he ever felt “God”. And, he laughed, putting me at ease, saying,
“during meditation I wrestle with my mind most of the time.” He
suggests letting go of those preconceived goals such as: “I’m going to
see auras, I’m going to have outer body experiences, and I’m going to
lift myself above the ground”. In meditation you become the witness,
the observer and disassociate from using defining labels and self
imposed restrictions.
When Justin sat down to write this book, he sourced his diary which
he kept for thirty-five years. This diary was filled with questions that
people asked him – so when he wrote this book, he was able to answer
all of the questions people he had encountered throughout thirty five
years of his life. He geared Superconscious Meditation for the United
States leaving out Sanskrit words - converting many terms into
American jargon so that people can really grasp it.
Justin proves there is hope for over achievers and type A personalities
to relax the mind! Swami Jaidev spent time in England with a group of
many over achievers. He noticed they were breathing in the upper part
of their chest, and when you do that, he says, you immediately release
adrenaline into the blood. Now, the body is in a high state of alert, and
in this state, digestion is more difficult, and cells have a challenge
dividing therefore the body is aging more rapidly. He taught this group Superconscious
of what some would call “type A” personalities the effect their Meditation
lifestyle has on their bodies, and began teaching them meditative
breathing practices. These practices were integrated into their daily By Justin O'Brien
life, so they had a balance of renewing through breathing exercises (Swami Jaidev Bharati)
and working.
Meditation is for everyone. If you are upset, need encouragement,

more creativity, more balance, or a connection to your inner guidance
– this is a great time to meditate. Instead of reaching for answers from
someone else, build upon your self-reliance and go inward for your
answers - become inner lead versus following others.
Swami Jaidev says “Mediation gives him a sense of peace, can’t live
without it, and has given him a better approach to appreciating other
people.”

I found this very interesting: in the book, Justin wrote, “Deep
meditation is possible only when both nostrils are equally flowing.” He
says, “The easiest way to shift your energy is to shift your breathing.”
When you are depressed or withdrawn, your left nostril will be
dominant and your right nostril will be almost totally shut down. To get
back to balance, you need to open the air flow in the opposite nostril.”
He recommends fifteen minutes of alternative nostril breathing which is
explained in detail in his book Superconscious Meditation.
Having never read that information before, so I asked Justin, “How do

you know this to be true?” Justin responded, “Through several decades
of counseling and receiving feedback I has found that the mental state is
directly related to which nostril is flowing more dominantly. When you
are a driver the right nostril stays open and overrides the left nostril.” I
quipped with him adding, “I’m now going to pay attention to my
nostrils.” He says he does alternate nostril breathing daily if he’s stuck
in an idea and needs the creativity to flow.
Justin said that his annual meditation course is helping others experience breakthrough relaxation and peace without
alcohol, drugs or any outside external dependency. Meditation gives people hope that they are managing their stress.
In his book, he states, “you are the thinker, not the thought; the feeler, not the felt emotion; the experiencer, not the
experience. You remember but you are not the things remembered. You are much more than your ideas and feelings.”
Justin O’Brien is highly intelligent and philosophical, yet very approachable and humble. He has his doctorate in
Philosophy of Consciousness and a Doctoral in Theology from Nijmegen University in the Netherlands; he authored
six books, some of which have won national awards, and is the Director of Education at the Institute of the Himalayan
Tradition. He and Ma Devi, another long time companion of Swami Rama, teach a meditation course all year long and
hold an annual summer retreat late August in Saint Paul, M.N.
For more information, or to purchase his book, visit http://ihtyoga.org/ or call (651) 645 - 1291
Laurie Martin is the author of an inspirational book, Smile Across Your Heart:
The Process of Building Self- Love. Laurie is passionate about helping people
live an authentic, empowered life through the heart.
Laurie is a speaker, certified life coach and writer for several magazines,
including a bi-monthly “Ask Laurie” advice column in a city wide magazine.
Laurie conducts weekly Inner Wisdom interactive gatherings, and telephone
classes. A large part of her message is to help others awaken to their divine
essence. http:// www.SmileAcrossYourHeart.com,
LaurieM@SmileAcrossYourHeart.com

When You Love Somebody....
I didn't realize truly how much I loved my husband Deciding that I would have my dream to stay-at-home
until he got sick two weeks ago. Although he hadn't with our children, he took on extra hours at work to
been feeling well since the end of December, it wasn't feed us, clothe us and to keep a roof over our heads.
until he physically just couldn't go any further that my He worked the night shift just so he could be home
world came crashing down. I thought in one moment during the day when our daughter was awake and so
my world would end. On the way to the doctor, I he could to work as many hours as possible to make
honestly did not know what I would do if the ends meet - even when this meant working 14, 16,
prognosis wasn't something that was closer to a and sometimes 18 hours straight. In the middle of the
nightmare instead of a dream. My husband is never night when he would come home off his late shift, he
sick. As I sat there watching him in pain, I wanted to would hold our daughter and sing sweet spirituals so
take the pain and could not help wishing it were me. that I could catch a small nap before morning. When
So many times, my husband had stood beside me, my son came, he taught him to catch, play ball, run,
comforted me, held me, and now it was my turn. It is potty, play well with his sister and love his mother
what you do when you love somebody.... because...Yes, it is what you do when you love
somebody.
It is what he has done for me time and time again.
During the first year when we became a couple, he Our story has been poetry in motion and perhaps, in
paid my school fees so that I could attend the my opinion, one of the greatest love stories to ever
University of Memphis. I had no more money and no have been lived and one that we are still living. Fast
family that I could call. There was only him standing forward to today and my husband is at my side loving
there with an open heart full of love extending his me and supporting me here in this sacred space called
hand into mine folding the remainder of the money the infinite field. When you love somebody, it is one
that I needed to enroll in school. He bought my of the purest forms of love that you can ever feel.
books, food and even called to make sure I studied. A How do I know? I feel it everyday and every morning
couple of years later a doctor found a lump in my that I rise. I thank the creator for this blissful joy that I
breast during a routine exam and he said to me, "Even get to experience.
with no breasts, I'd still love you." Why? It is what
you do when you love somebody. My life is heaven on earth because this is what you
feel when you love somebody.....
On the day we married, he cried. The tears were
streaming down his face and at that moment, I would Namaste
have gone to the moon with him, if he had only asked.
Years later when our children were born, he smiled at
me and held my hand as the nurse not so gently
forced the epidural into my spine. And when I pushed
and cried out in pain from the small child who was
more than ready to make an appearance, he comforted
me as I squeezed his hand into numbness. It's what
you do when you love somebody.

THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR HEART Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
A man sat by the window in the young minister had quoted when he some language of your heart that
late afternoon, the rays of the sun told a story of the apostle Paul in would be spoken to you to define
slanting through the blinds. He Athens. It seems that the city was God for you? Would you not come
reflected upon a story told by the full of idols, which provoked Paul to know God as love, since in your
minister during church service that no end. So he argued in the life and experience you would find
morning. synagogue and in the market place love the supreme power?
and wherever people gathered.
The story was about a teacher who During your reflecting would you
asked her class of very young Standing in the midst of a crowd in not think of some source of life
children to draw a picture of the central square, Paul then spoke within you in back of and beyond
anything they wanted each other to out: “Men of Athens, I perceive the physical life of your body?
know about. After awhile she that in every way you are very Would you not come to know your
wandered around the class, looking religious. For as I passed along, own indwelling Spirit as the very
and smiling, asking questions and and observed the objects of your Spirit of life?
sharing words of encouragement as worship, I found also an altar with
the children became engrossed in this inscription, ‘To an Unknown Would this realization not bring
their drawing. God’.” Then it seems he told them, you to the feeling of your oneness
in effect, “I’m here to tell you with this Spirit, your utter inability
She looked over the shoulder of about that unknown God.” to live apart from it? Would you
one little girl who was deeply not come to the realization that you
engaged in her drawing and asked The man recalled again the words would know more of this Spirit
her, “What is it that you are of Paul quoted by the minister, within you through knowing more
drawing?” words which had stuck in his mind: of life?
“They should seek God, in the
“I’m drawing a picture of God,” hope that they might feel after him The Truth Would Dawn
replied the child, her hand half and find him. Yet he is not far from Upon You
shielding her drawing. each one of us.”
In thinking of God in this way you
“But no one knows what God looks The man thought to himself, “If all would gradually come to see that
like!” exclaimed the teacher with a the works on theology had been your higher thoughts brought you
smile. destroyed or were no longer into a closer relationship with God.
available to me, if I had no teacher The truth would dawn upon you
“They will when I’m finished!” to give me his or her personal that your higher level of mind has
said the little girl as she continued opinion about religion, what would some connection with God. Your
on with her drawing. I do?” thoughts of peace, love, joy,
beauty, and life would seem
An Unknown God So What about You? strangely akin to that which your
heart would seek to present to you
The man chuckled as he Do you not believe that you would as the truth of God. Would you
remembered the laughter of the gradually evolve some religious come to know God as Divine
congregation. Then he let his philosophy of your own? Do you Mind?
thoughts rest upon something the not think that there would be
If you had times where you experienced disease or The right understanding of what God is and of your
physical distress you might also have the experience of relation to God is the working principles you need in
feeling that deep within you there was some presence or solving your problems, whatever they may be.
power that had nothing to do with the disease. At some
time such as this you might have had the experience of This working principle may heretofore have been
giving your whole thought to this inner presence, only unknown to you. In thinking and studying about God
to find that as a result of that action of yours the disease you have been given something like that which is given
or physical distress disappeared. Could this inner to the one who studies a science. You have been given a
something, this presence and power of life, be also a working principle: God.
presence of power and health?
Is God principle? God is that reliable, constant, and
You might discover that God was being revealed to you dependable something which you can work with, just as
in countless ways in your day-by-day experiences. At a the student of science who knows its principles has a
time when you needed food or supply, you might in reliable, constant, and dependable something.
thinking about God find an idea dawning in your mind
that would disclose to you the way or the place where Learn to Feel After God
bountiful supply could be found. You might come to
know the indwelling Spirit in your heart as something At first you may have difficulty in defining God. Let
you could depend on to lead and direct you to supply the language of your heart be sufficient at present.
whenever it was needed. Define God in your own terms. Learn to build up your
own conception of God and your own philosophy of
God is Altogether Something Good life, as long as these are confirmed by the prompting of
your heart. Learn to feel after God, to seek God’s
Any former impression of God as living in the distance presence and your oneness with God.
and in the future would give way to the teaching of
your heart. Any old conception of God as an arbitrary Now that you have this new idea about God, in what
judge would be replaced by a new and revealing way will you make use of it? In how many different
knowledge that God is something altogether good, in ways can you prove God to have the nature you have
which there is no trace of evil, revenge, or malice. conceived Him of having. Taking a new start in life
with this new interpretation of God, you are promised
A new life opens to the individual who gets this God as your help in every need as long as you can
changed conception of God. He or she feels reborn and prove Him to your own
enters into a new world. satisfaction to be such in your
life.
Approaching life by way of an understanding of God is
but a method of assuring ourselves that something of God is Blessing You, Right
God’s Spirit goes before us to smooth our path of life Now!
and to make life easier for us. Taking with us the
realization that God is with us is in itself an assurance Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
that all is well. We may need to approach unknown and
unfamiliar situations, but we will carry with us the
confidence that these will be mastered in our behalf. Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a native of England, moved to the United
States in 1967. An ordained Unity minister for over thirty-seven years,
he is now retired from full- time ministry. Rev. Alan publishes a blog
and a free inspirational e-mail newsletter,
The Infinite Field Magazine page 58 www.spiritualsolutionsblog.com to which he invites you to subscribe.
Please feel free to share this article in its entirety with a friend.
"TIME'S GOLDEN ARROW"
by Vandorn Hinnant
there are a hundred million ways to tell stardust "i am yours".

yes... let every one of our moments be this telling.
9 November 2009
Vandorn
(image: "Time's Golden Arrow")

THE SPIRITUAL bookshelf
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH
By Mitch Albom
Albert Lewis had lead a life on the straight and narrow and was very willing to be
of service to others. Henry Covington had been a selfish criminal most of his life
until he felt he was being given his last chance by God to get his act together. The
author is inserted in their personal lives for different reasons. Albom is asked to
complete what seems for him a very intimidating task: eulogizing Lewis, his
rabbi. Covington is the pastor of a Christian church that Albom, at first, visits to
hopefully make a financial contribution to its homeless shelter.
Even in own faith, we have questions and answers, interpretations, debates. In

Christianity, in Catholicism, in other faiths, the same thin--debates,
interpretations. That is the beauty. It's like being a musician. If you found the
note, and you kept hitting that note all the time, you would go nuts. It's the
blending of the different notes that makes the music...Of believing in something
bigger than yourself --Rabbi Albert "The Reb" Lewis
From start to finish, this story is moving. Albom is gifted at endearing his
subjects to the readers. Rabbi Lewis is a sweet, humorous man so devoted to
others and selfless in a way that's rarely seen. Meanwhile, Pastor Covington is
close in age to Albom, and their backgrounds are sometimes compared. The
differences are at once apparent: Albom is from a Jewish middle class family
from New Jersey, and he went on to college and has had a successful writing
career. Covington is black and from a working class family in New York. He
turned to a life of crime at an early age, then became a minister of a crumbling
inner city church in Detroit.
Both Lewis and Covington's journeys are presented in short, effective vignettes.
Albom captures the essence of both of these extraordinary men. Albom
absolutely leaves the reader questioning what faith means to them and concluding
that religion is not the big deciding factor. Faith transcends religion. Have a Little
Faith is a great, heartwarming story that everyone can gain something from, no
matter what their belief system may be.
Terri Lee-Johnson is an editor and book reviewer for The Infinite Field
Magazine.

MATTERS OF THE
HEART
As we approach Valentine’s Day, our attention focuses on matters of the heart—
the emotional heart that is. However, research shows there is a link between the
physical heart and the emotional heart. There is an actual condition called Broken
Heart Syndrome (the medical term is stress cardiomyopathy), which results from a
weakening of the heart muscle after an emotional or physical stressor such as
anger, surprise, fear, or the death of someone close. Although doctors do not fully
know why this occurs, a widely held belief is that the condition is an unusual
response to the body’s release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, after
emotional trauma. Researchers note this condition primarily affects women and
occurs most frequently in women who are middle-aged and over sixty. However,
we know men are affected as well, such as when a husband dies soon after his
beloved wife has passed on.
The symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome include shortness of breath, abnormal

heart rhythm, low blood pressure, a heavy feeling in the chest, and congestive
heart failure. Emotionally one may experience sadness, decreased concentration,
and difficulty sleeping. Although stress cardiomyopathy is life-threatening, the
good news is that those with it survive with the right care, and the condition
disappears.
Information is plentiful on how to improve heart health in general, including

getting regular cardiovascular exercise, and eliminating smoking and excessive
Tonya nurtures Mind Body & alcohol. Natural health proponents also espouse the use of essential oils that are
Spiritworks, the vehicle for her
natural health ministry, providing touted as heart tonics, including Ylang-ylang, Holy Basil, Jasmine, Rose, Rose
massage, Reiki, aromatherapy, Otto, Rosewood, Cardamom, and Lavender. These essences are used to treat heart
conscious catering/personal chef
services, holistic wellness issues on the physical level—high/low blood pressure, cholesterol level, heart
consulting, and training attack etc. However, they also are indicated for emotional concerns of the heart,
workshops. She currently is
working on a book based on her and opening up the heart chakra (energy center).
Natural Sistah adventures, and is
completing her first e-cookbook,
Natural Sistah’s Recipes for Finally, one of the most well-researched interventions for heart health is eating a
Healthy-As-You-Wanna-Be heart-healthy diet. This includes foods low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol,
Living. Visit Tonya at
www.mindbodyandspiritworks.co yet high in fiber. The following recipe, Heart-Healthy Minestrone, can be
m and www.facebook.com/ lovingly prepared to comfort the physical and emotional heart on a cold winter’s
NaturalSistah. Tonya is also the
author of the Tonya Parker day. When we consciously address heart health both physically and emotionally,
Collection. Visit http:// we are more likely to help get to the heart of the matter in addressing matters of
theinfinitefieldmagazine.com/
publishing/the-tonya-parker- the heart.
collection/
HEART-HEALTHY MINESTRONE TONYA PARKER
INGREDIENTS:
· 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

· 1 large onion, chopped
· 2 stalks celery, chopped
· 2 carrots, chopped
· 3 Tsp minced garlic
· 1 32-oz carton vegetable broth
· 2 cups water
· 5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed
· 2 cups frozen green beans, thawed
· 1 15.5-oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 15.5-oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 28-oz can crushed or stewed tomatoes
· 2 cups uncooked brown rice penne pasta
· 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
· Add sea salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
· 1-2 packets of Stevia natural sweetener
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat olive oil and then
sauté onions, celery, carrots and garlic until soft.
2. Add broth, water, spinach, beans, tomatoes, garlic, herbs and
spices. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove about 2 cups of the vegetables to
a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stockpot. Puree the
vegetables until smooth and return them to pot to thicken the soup.
4. Stir in pasta, covering fully.
5. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, until pasta is
cooked, and adjust spices as needed.
6. Serve as a side or main course.

This heartily delicious soup is my take on anItalian minestrone. I created it for a conscious cooking class
I taught at a women’s center. Modifications have been made to make it heart-healthy, including use of
vegetable stock, olive oil, brown rice pasta, Stevia natural sweetener,and loads of fresh and frozen
veggies! Choose low sodium or sodium free ingredients when you can find them.

Guided Meditations: 10:30am
Sunday Services: 11:00am
5420 Kimmerly Glen Lane
Charlotte, NC 28215
704.393.5157
Welcome to C.O.L.O.R.S.!
We honor your path on your spiritual journey. We offer love, support, Rev. Claire A. Middleton
fellowship and affirmative prayer (Spiritual Mind Treatment). Founding Pastor
The Center for Spiritual Living, C.O.LO.R.S., is a member of International

Centers for Spiritual Living and we recognize that all there is, is God. We
understand that our beliefs out-picture as people, places and events in our
lives.
We have the ability to examine our belief system and come to a clearer
understanding of the truth and operating from this greater truth change
our lives. We know that we are always supported, connected and guided by
our source, God. We are always supported and guided to our greater good.
James Renford Powell

Publisher
IAMPress – The Turn Key Approach to Publishing

You do not have to hire an editor, proof reader or formatter to publish a book! You do not have to know where to
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Dear Chocolate Bl!s,
I have a confession. For as long as I choose to remember I have been lead to believe I had found you on
various encounters. I remember my first kiss, only it was wrapped in foil, her first name began with an
"H", but still I thought, "Something about this, I can get used to." Throughout many years I was drawn
to other chocolates, and, with each of them, I had a sense that maybe there was one out there which
might complete me or accelerate my growth and really turn me on.
Some chocolates were sweeter than others. Some were very dark, deep, and seemingly more intriguing;
luring me in with the temptation for a taste, just a taste. Who was melting into who was a fine line to
distinguish as seduction can hinder ones inhibitions. Of all chocolate relationships I somehow found
myself repeating the same pattern which eventually lead to heart-felt dissonance. Desire was there, and
certainly attraction, leading to seduction and sinful obsession. All the while beneath all the adornment
and sweet vocabulary were short-lived thrills bringing me up only to drop me down with a crash. I
remember thinking to myself, "Why even bother if they all leave me feeling worse off in the end?" I
sensed there was one out there to nourish my heart and potentially live with continuously. One with the
true essence of electricity being synergistic with everything I am made of, transforming me to my fullest
expression.
Then one day, when I wasn’t even looking, you Chocolate Bliss, came into my life. No fillers nor
misleading wrappers, but in your most natural-state - and most humble - delivering your true sensuous
brilliance. You are food for my body and spirit, and it’s as if you have the key to unlock all the doors.
Here is a poem for you Chocolate Bliss, thank you for being my one and only heart food.
Awakening through you as you turn me on

My cells are open for evolution.
You nourish my heart and my dormant DNA
Adventures of true magic, the only way.
Continuous natural state into a state far beyond
what alive once felt like, with decadence moving on.
I’ve heard there’s nothing like a first kiss,
But for ever expanding health
I love you Chocolate Bliss.
~ Ben
Ben Child is a Raw, Vegan Chef focusing his energies as Team

Lead of True Life Synergy to assist people bringing their
health upscale through healthy education and supplying
Pristine Quality Super Foods. If you feel inspired to learn more
please visit http://www.truelifesynergy.com

talk talk by ken & renee kizer
Conventional wisdom suggests communication is a vital

component of thriving relationships, and there are some
subtleties to the art that may not be immediately obvious. There
is a difference between listening and hearing. Listening includes
filters such as our history with this person, our beliefs about this
person, and many other influences and thoughts going on inside
our heads. To actually “hear” someone means putting aside all
the other influences and focusing our attention on what is
actually being said, without judgments or interpretation. This
takes practice because it is a learned skill.
For instance, there is such a thing as being too honest. Information used to demean, manipulate, or
dismiss others is simply not appropriate. Your current lover simply doesn’t need to hear that you
had better sex with another person. On the other hand, withholding information can be very
destructive to the trust levels; a foundation piece of solid relationships. Either one- withholding or
dumping- often masks a desire to hide from intimacy and keep the other person off balance so that
they don’t notice. These styles of communication can be very successful in keeping our fears under
the illusion of control. They also keep us separate, unheard, angry, and hurt.
Often, though, both parties are making a pretty honest effort to convey their thoughts and feelings,
and the information is just getting lost in translation. We all use the same words (at least if we’re
speaking the same language) and sometimes they have very different meanings. “Ready to go” can
mean two entirely different things to men and women. For men, it often means “I’m walking out
the door now.” For women, it can mean “Let me tell the babysitter the rules, get my purse, and
check my appearance first, and if I don’t like it I’ll be changing my clothes, hair, make-up, then I’ll
join you.” Neither is right or wrong- it’s just learning to accommodate each other’s style. Much of
our work with couples is, in fact, refereeing similar breakdowns in understanding and translating
each person to the other.
There are some other common patterns that contribute to difficulties. Perhaps the most common
challenge, aside from just a general unwillingness of one or both partners to be forthcoming, is
recognizing and understanding the difference between “monologue” and “dialogue” modes of
communication.

The “monologue” phase is when one person has a strong desire to be heard by the other. There is
often heat in a particular situation and a need to express those feelings. It’s important to allow the
person to express themselves until the tension or pressure is gone. It is a time to just hear the other.
This means not interrupting, questioning, fixing (or attempting to fix), or defending oneself. Self-
defense can be a huge temptation; however, it only disrupts the clearing process. Even if you are
upset, it is important to not interrupt until the other person feels they’ve expressed what they need
to say. Only then is it appropriate to ask if they are ready to hear your understandings and opinions
on what’s been said. In other words are they ready for your own monologue or is it time for a
dialogue between the two of you?
Here are some reasons to stay quiet during the other person’s monologue. First, A Course in
Miracles says we are never angry for the reasons we think. What this means in practice is that the
other person’s upset is almost certainly part of an old pattern that’s been going on longer than this
particular conversation or even the current relationship. So, you’re just the latest iteration of their
old pattern, and you have been, in effect, set up to be the bad guy. On the other hand, it’s also
probably an old pattern for you, and you still get to clean up your own side of this, so that this
ancient upset stops spoiling the fun.
Another reason to allow the monologue to run its course is that as much as 80 or 90% of the
problem gets resolved by simply being expressed. In other words, most of it doesn’t require a
dialog to fix anything. Once both of you have calmed down (the other person is no longer angry
and you no longer feel defensive or guilty), then and only then can there be a dialog about what
needs to happen next. It will typically be a much shorter and more direct conversation than in the
past, if there’s actually anything left to work out.
These two ideas- learning how to translate what the other person means, and utilizing the
monologue/dialog technique- can foster a huge shift in the quality of a relationship, when people
choose to stop tuning out what’s said to them and using words as
weapons. Communication is the way we stay connected and one very
important way we express love.
Ken and Reneé have been married and working together since 1989. They are
conscious connected breath and spiritual life coaches, and senior faculty with
Inner Visions Institute of Spiritual Development, created by Iyanla Vanzant.
Ken is also a trained astrologer. Ken and Renee offer telephone or in-person
consultations and group sessions, and can be reached at (804) 320-6958 or
kizer@mindspring.com. Visit their website at http://
www.centerforawareness.com.

HAVE YOU EVER DONE SOMETHING FOR
SOMEONE YOU LOVE -
AND YOU GET
THE REWARD?
by Debbie Ruston
Last April, I joined a gym for the first time in my life! making to myself, and that definitely helped me get
I did not join the gym for the reason that most people into the groove of going to the gym 5-6 times/week.
do though. Yes, I had thought about getting into better
shape, but I joined to help our son who was just When I started, I was clumsy in the classes. I was
starting to work there as a sales rep. His first sales probably the weakest in the class in terms of physical
were - yes, you guessed it - my husband and I. Don't strength, and I had no stamina. I even showed up for
you find that often, as parents, we do things like this my first cardio dance class in sandles since I didn't
out of love, but really have no intent of it having a big even own a pair of sneakers - much to the eyebrow
impact on us personally? raising of the instructor! So this was not an area I had
expertise in or was a born natural at! I also felt
This has been a really interesting learning experience somewhat inadequate and my self-belief was not of a
for me! I have been an entrepreneur for almost 25 person that thought I would become "good" at the
years, and at the time I didn't realize how my exercises, or even "like" going to the gym for that
entrepreneurial skills would help me reach my fitness matter. I had a self image of being "a weakling" in
goals. One may wonder, what does being a successful terms of physical strength.
entrepreneur have to do with going to the gym?
This can be comparable to becoming an entrepreneur
To the average person, there would be no connection. for the first time. Many people experience this "fish
But, to be successful at the gym, just like anything out of water" scenario. But, there are some specific
new, we have to push ourselves to do activities that we strategies I have learned being a successful
are not good at, don't know how to do, and in many entrepreneur that I have applied to the gym as well:
cases, just don't "feel" like doing. When I started this
fitness commitment I signed a 1 year contract. And to
me it was exactly THAT, a COMMITMENT I was

massage as a reward for doing the workout. It is
• I put all my class commitments in my daytimer like the icing on the cake! When I first started
prior to each week and I work around them. going, THIS was what kept me going - knowing
that I had this reward every time I went. Now, I
• If I have to miss a class due to a commitment, I am self-motivated to go, and I LOVE the classes
find a replacement time to get an extra workout and the results, so I don't have to dangle the
in to replace it. incentive to get myself there - Now it is just
something I do for myself as a fun treat!
• When I was new and felt clumsy while all the
class knew the routine - they were going left Here I am 1 year later. I never felt better or healthier; I
when I was going right - I just kept with it until I lost a ton of weight, have more energy, and have really
got the routine. I was willing to make mistakes, taken control of my body instead of letting "aging" take
even look somewhat foolish, and learn how to control of my body. What an empowering feeling this is!
get better.
I recognize the growth I experienced in my physical
• When I started, I literally could not lift my body fitness and how connected this is to the disciplines I
weight off the yoga mat; I was too weak, have applied to become a successful entrepreneur. It is
physically. But I pushed myself to do what I important to recognize that we cannot become good in
COULD do and by October, I was able to hold one area of our lives, without it rubbing off positively in
my body up in a push up position on ONE other areas of our lives as well. It all comes down to the
HAND AND ONE LEG! The strength came power of our minds, and removing the limitations and
because I kept showing up, doing things to the past conditioning we have around our thoughts. When
best of my ability. This lesson in business, I you learn to do that in any area of your life, it will
have learned, leads to breakthroughs! transfer great results into other areas of your life as well!
I thank my son for this gift; because we wanted to help
• I push myself to keep doing better each time I someone we love, both my husband and I have
go. I don't worry about what others are doing, I absolutely become addicted to the gym and totally love
compete against myself. the experience and the results. It has been a beautiful
surprise payoff that neither of us expected! Ah yes, it is
• I had a committed attitude right from the start - truly a beautiful thing when you do things out of love; it
not "I'll try this for a month or two and see how always has a payoff, even though that is not why we do
it goes". This was a commitment I was making them!!
to myself.

• And finally, I reward myself after each workout.
There are wonderful full body massage chairs
(like you see in the malls) and after every
workout, I sit for 15-30 min and have a full body
Debbie Ruston has been a successful entrepreneur since 1987,

specializing in personal development, the law of attraction and
creating successful home businesses. She is passionate about
teaching people success strategies they can apply to improve
results in every area of their lives. Visit http://
www.debbieruston.com for more information.

PROCRASTINATION
PROCRAS
TINATION
Procrastination is a Verb
by David Breslow
Did you know that procrastination was/is a Verb?
It is and today’s note is about one of the most heinous personal crimes we can commit. It can be
summed up in one simple word:
PROCRASTINATION
Geez…even writing the word - seeing it on paper and having the vision of it in my head - causes
me a pain in my gut. Many people procrastinate; I know I have and still do at times. I don’t think
I’ve met anyone who hasn’t experienced this personal crime against our own humanity at some
point in their lives.
When you really look at it though…procrastination is actually a verb.
Why? Because you actually have to do something in order to do nothing. I know that sounds
funny but human beings are well known for this one. Oh yes…yes…yes…it’s true. We may have
the greatest per person ratio of procrastinators to non procrastinators of any living group I know
of. Ok, this is not a scientific researched piece of data; it is my opinion based on talking to many
people in many walks of life over a 25 year period. It’s worse than the flu because at least the flu
ends at some point. But those who procrastinate…well, it can be a lifelong habit.

PROCRASTINATION
**************
BREAK IT DOWN
**************
The word PROCRASTINATE is a funny word isn’t it?
The prefix—“pro” means “active”. Look at some other words that have the same prefix.
Procreate
Protect
Probation
Proceed
Procession
Proclaim
Profess
Prolific
Procure
Proctologist (ouch!)
Producer
Production
Proclamation
Procrastinate
Why do I PROvide such a list?
Did you ever notice that the word procrastinate begins with the prefix ‘pro’ which is most often
used in words of action and activity like above?
This means that in order to procrastinate…we actually have to ACTIVELY MAKE THAT
HAPPEN!
We usually think of procrastination as an act of doing nothing or being lazy and driven by fear
and so on (which it is)…the point here is that you actually ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN
PROCRASTINATION.
That’s right, you are actively participating in doing nothing! Crafting some wonderful excuses
and beautifully rationalizing why things aren’t the way you want them to be or why you can’t do
anything about it.
PROcrastination takes effort…takes energy…takes work.
Procrastination is a verb.
Well, if you’re going to put that much work, energy and effort into doing nothing, you might as
well put that same effort, work, and energy into something more useful, don’t you think?

PROCRASTINATION
************************
PROCRASTINATION IS A VERB
************************
So…while most of us look at procrastination as a word that means laziness or “to do nothing” and
“put things off”…
It takes time, energy, and effort to keep putting things off, to make excuses and all that stuff,
doesn’t it? Sure it does! Just think of how much mental energy you are using right now to come up
with these creative ways to do nothing!
So many of us are great procrastinators, we really are.
I know many people who tell me they want a better career, or to make more money or to be happy
“someday”. “Why aren’t you those things?” I ask. This 5 word question uncovers Pandora’s Box -
an entire drawer full of reasons, rationalizations, and excuses as to why they can’t “do it” now.
Don’t get me wrong here. Obviously there are legitimate reasons we have for not doing
something “right now” but overall, I must say, the majority of the reasons I hear (and the one’s David Breslow is
I’ve given as well at times) are nothing more than procrastination playing out in a big way. a Speaker, Author
and Performance
Consultant. His
To put it succinctly, they are one big pile of BS. clients include
professional
athletes (PGA,
Procrastination is a verb. LPGA, other
sports) as well as
The folks who “make it” (meaning get what they want) are the one’s who understand that the other Business
Organizations.
side of procrastination is another important word: PERSISTENCE. He brings a fresh,
direct, no-
You can be a persistent procrastinator or you can be persistent at something better - doing the right nonsense
revolutionary
things - but that’s another topic altogether. You can be persistent and still have nothing happen, so approach to
it depends on what you are persistently doing or being. Human
Performance
helping people
Beyond the reasons, rationalizations, and excuses: you get to choose! make quicker and
more powerful
shifts in attitude,
All The Best! behavior, action
and impact on
David Breslow others. Visit:
www.theflowzone
.net or email:
david@theflowzo
ne.net for more
information.

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Life With Clarity
Assisting in the journey of life
Allow Dorothy to help you push past the fog in

your life – the things that impede you from
reaching success – and help you clarify your goals Dorothy Gourdine, MA
and your authentic life path with clarity. Certified Life Coach
For more information:
717.649.6647
lifewithclarity@gmail.com
Playing with Life

sue urda
Where Love Abides Gratitude is Near
Poets and philosophers speak of love as being the highest and most revered of all human emotions. Without
love, there would be no heaven on earth and no heaven beyond our earthly realm. Love is the springboard
for every other emotion that exists and at the same time it is the antithesis of all other emotions. Love stands
alone and, at the same time, love is everywhere.
In the classic words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, we get a sense that love is the equivalent of “ideal
grace”:
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.”
What is grace, if not eternal bliss?

If not immense goodness and
beauty? If not a fullness and
thank-fullness? What is love, if
not ideal grace? Grace is a state
of Divine influence. Grace is love relationship is, “what do you
where all that is good and true believe you deserve”, and more
abides. And so, grace is where specifically, “do you feel you are
love abides. deserving of true and pure love?”
When we “fall in love”, it would Another popular belief is that

The love relationships that we
imply that we have no say in the “Love is a battlefield”, a song
have observed or participated in
matter. Falling implies that sung by Pat Benatar in the 80’s
throughout our lives, have
something has happened to us, and more recently by American
prepared us for what love looks
and indeed, there are those who Idol Jordin Sparks. In these
like. We unconsciously seek the
would attest to this as truth. songs, as in life, many individuals
relationships that we observed to
These same people would say equate love with angst, bitterness
be happy and “working” or we
they fell in love with “Mr. or Ms. and pain. Are these dark souls
specifically and consciously seek
Right” or, on the other hand, that correct in aligning these
the exact opposite of the
they fell for the “wrong” person, emotions? Does love exist in the
relationships we observed to be
and it was simply beyond there midst of negativity and pain? Is
painful, “hard” or lacking. Our
control. I would suggest that it even possible? Indeed, it is
unconscious mind guides us to
falling in love or feeling love is possible. Some would even say
the exact people who we feel we
not something that happens to us; that we must experience the
are worthy and deserving of. It
it is something we allow. contrast of these opposing
could be said, that we fall in love,
emotions in order to even
based on our unconscious beliefs.
Indeed, love is a choice. recognize the presence of the
So the real question of your own
other. I don’t necessarily agree.

Where Love Abides Gratitude is Near
I am, perhaps, a true romantic. I believe that love, in Can you share time with a tiny, perfect baby or a
and of itself, is the basis and lifeblood of all passion beloved smiling grandmother and not feel a warm
– for people, for things and for life. I believe, and rumbling deep within you? Can you look at a
have experienced, the depths of love and of despair. magnificent rainbow in the sky above or watch the
I have been wholly and completely in love, and then waves of the ocean lap on the sands without your
when my father passed on, I felt a profound sense of own heart expanding? Can you smell the sweetness
loss that is unparalleled by anything I have felt of a rose or touch the silky coat of a beloved pet
before or since. The hole in my spirit was the loss of without a warmth creeping through your body?
his physical presence and my longing to have human What are these feelings? Some would call them
contact and interaction with love; I also call them gratitude.
him.
Gratitude is a deep sense of
Is it possible then to know true appreciation for what you are focused
love in the absence of pain? upon. Gratitude is not a thought,
Yes, and yet, the pain serves to instead, it is a product of our
remind us of the depths, thoughts, and it is a deep, abiding and
importance and frailty of love. sometimes overwhelming feeling of
love. I ask you, is it possible to feel
As we have been told, and grateful without evoking deep feelings
know to be true, all things of love in your being? Is it even
happen for a reason. The possible to separate love from
reasons for love may be gratitude? I think not.
unknown to us, and yet, we
know we must have love in our lives. Without the I believe gratitude and love are one and the same.
giving or receiving of it, our hearts would shrivel and
so would our existence as we know it. As you contemplate the interconnectedness of these
two most perfect feelings, gratitude and love, reflect
And, as for me, I am grateful for love. gently on the words of Kahlil Gibran,
I am grateful for the joy that naturally accompanies “Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. To melt
an “I love you”. I am grateful for the swell of my and be like a running brook that sings its melody to
heart and the smile on my lips when I experience the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and
love in action. I ask you this, is it possible to feel give thanks for another day of loving.”
love without being grateful for that which you love?
Sue Urda is the Co-Founder of Powerful You! Women’s Network and the Women Living
Consciously Conference, Award-Winning Author of Powerful Intentions Everyday
Gratitude and an inspirational Speaker. Sue’s vision is to contribute to a global
consciousness of women helping women succeed in business and in life.
Websites:
http://powerfulyou.com
http://womenlivingconsciously.com
http://powerfulintentionseveryday.com

The Art of Being Kind
So many gods, so many creeds,

So many paths that wind and wind,
While just the art of being kind
Is all the sad world needs. ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I have recently been witnessing in my own life how powerful an act of

kindness can be and how much fun it can be. I take my garbage cans out
to the curb every Sunday night because the trash collectors come early on
Monday morning. For the past few months when I go out to the curb on
Monday to put the cans back alongside my house, they are not there.
Someone has mysteriously and very stealthily moved them back by the
side of the house where they are stored. Now, I have heard about people
in the drive-through line paying for someone else’s coffee at Starbucks,
or the fare at a toll booth, but never have I heard of acts of “trash can”
kindness! I suspect it is one of my neighbors and I must admit it’s really
got my attention. What his or her motivation is I don’t know, but I am
interpreting it as a generous and selfless act of kindness. There is
something very empowering about extending kindness to others,
especially when it can be done anonymously.
This simple act of kindness has me thinking a lot lately about how we as
human beings coexist together, not just as neighbors, but as passengers
on this ever-shrinking “spaceship called planet earth” as referred to by
Buckminster Fuller. Our differences are so vast in so many ways.
Between cultural values and traditions, nationalities, religions, politics,
and so on, we can feel very isolated at times. Kindness can be the bridge
that connects us because it is something to which every human being on
the planet can relate. An act of kindness is easily understood and can
supersede any language, religious or cultural gap. In that regard, kindness
can be thought of a universal language we all can speak--with our
actions.

The ancient philosopher Philo of Alexandria (20 AD - 50 AD) said,
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It seems
some things in the human realm never change. Times have never been The Art
of
tougher than they are right now for the majority of people, and the
“normal” tendency in tough times may be to withdraw from others
because we are so consumed by our own fears, concerns and
problems. However, when we withdraw, that’s when a sense of
isolation comes flooding in. And, yet, if we think about it, a simple Being Kind
act of kindness to another can instantly reconnect them to life in ways
we may never know. Just think about that. Your act of kindness could
be the bridge that another needs at that moment to get them through
the day. And, irrespective of the simplicity of the act you may think you are extending to others, universally
speaking, there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect which
reaches out far beyond your act. That’s the empowering thing about kindness--when we receive kindness we are
naturally inspired to extend it to others.
Perhaps Ella Wheeler Wilcox was right. The world needs more kindness, but with whom and where does it
begin? Perhaps by practicing the art of being kind you might just be the one to change the world. It could be
while standing in line at the grocery store by inviting the person behind you to go ahead of you. It might be by
holding a door open for someone. It could be as simple as a welcoming smile...or, if you really want to see your
neighbor go a bit batty, try the stealth “trash can kindness” maneuver. <smile>
Any way you slice it, a deeper experience of kindness is what we all inherently desire. We are hardwired for
kindness because it is in our spiritual DNA to treat one another with reverence and loving kindness. We just have
to be mindful of the spiritual beings we really are and the acts of kindness will follow naturally with grace and
ease, not because we should be kind, but because we can. To this end I close with one of my favorite quotes by
the Dalai Lama: “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
I rather like that philosophy. How about you?
Peace,
Dennis Merritt Jones
Dennis is a universal speaker who is equally comfortable speaking to an audience seeking spiritual
inspiration or to those seeking a purely secular motivational message that moves people toward
specific goals and fulfillment of their desires. He has a deep understanding of universal principles
and draws on wisdom from both eastern and western philosophies.
For more information, please contact Diane@DennisMerrittJones.com

MINUTE MEDITATION
by Susan Marek
It takes only a minute to read and breathe.
Divine Detox Meditation
This meditation may be used at any time to assist you in detoxifying your energy body. I
encourage you to first call on your angels and guides to be at hand and to provide a
comfortable, loving presence during your meditation. You may also find it helpful to
record these words in your own voice and play it back during meditation. I recommend
you perform this meditation sitting comfortably on the floor or a chair.
Close your eyes. Rest your hands gently on your lap in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath. Inhale
through your nose, letting the breath flow easily and effortlessly into your lungs. Exhale slowly, allowing
your breath to gently flow upward and out through your mouth.

Relax deeper into yourself as you take another breath, Breathe. . . . . . . .
again letting it effortlessly flow in through your nose and
out through your mouth. You notice how much lighter you feel and can see the
toxins exiting your cells, your body and floating in a light
All around you is a brilliant white light. It fully gray mist around you. Thank the light for its help. The
encompasses you and permeates your body, going within mist now drifts upward and away from you, releasing all
every cell of your being. You notice how your breathing toxins from your physical body.
is effortless and energizing. With every breath, the light is
cleansing your cells, repairing your DNA, and releasing With your body much lighter now, you notice how the
toxins. You can feel the gentle buzz of energy as it runs white light has moved from within you to all around you.
through your body, renewing, rejuvenating. It swirls around you, and you can feel it gently brushing
your body as it removes negative energy and toxins from
your etheric body. These toxins look like small black
dots floating in the swirling white light.
Breathe. . . . . . .
The light now swirls upward and out away from you. It
moves, up, up, up and carries the negative energies and
toxins away from you.
Surround your self in emerald green light and breathe it

in deeply. Allow the light to move through your body.
As you exhale, the light exits through every pore and
fills your etheric body. It then floats gently upward,
leaving you refreshed and energized.
When you are ready, take one last deep breath and feel
the energy flowing through your body as you gently
come back into the room and continue with your day.
Enjoy!
Susan Marek is a life-long intuitive who uses

her gifts of claircognizance, clairvoyance,
clairaudience, and clairsentience to be of
Divine service. She works with angels,
ascended masters, and elementals to
provide healing, guidance, and insight to
earthly issues. A trained Reiki Master and
Angel Therapy Practitioner® and medium,
certified by Doreen Virtue, PhD, Susan uses
her knowledge to be of service to others
through readings, speaking, and writing.
She is the author of “A
Children’s Guide to
Chakras.” For more
information on Susan,
please visit
www.susanmarek.com.

SOURCE
When we talk about the Source, there are many connotations that can
be attributed to It. For instance, we know that as the Source, It is the
cause of all there is. All things flow from a Source, but how and
where did the Source Itself originate? It’s interesting to note that
while many world religions debate on the topic of who or what this
Source actually is, none of them debate on the issue of where It came
from. Most all religions agree upon the fundamental truth that this
Source is self-created and that all else was created by It. That being
the case, some would argue that the Source must be outside of the
manifested Universe as its Governor. But how could it be a part of
that in which it created if It already existed prior to Its creation? The
creation would have to be an extension of Itself or Its offspring.

Science suggests that around 13.7 billion years ago, a The Source will become the only teacher you will ever
singular moment occurred causing the Universe to need. Being in balance allows the Source to
emerge through a phenomenon known as the ‘Big communicate with you more effectively through your
Bang.’ This scientific theory is widely accepted as the sensations. Once you get in tune with your vessel and
beginning of time and the Universe start to raise your vibration, you
as we know it, which is defined as will be able to commune with
everything that physically exists: this Source much more readily.
the entirety of space and time, all This is why your level of
forms of matter, energy and understanding of the Source
momentum, and the physical laws and its involvement in your life
and constants that govern them. is vitally important to you as a
Based upon this analogy, it is safe spiritual being.
to assume that the Source or the
Universe is one consciousness You, as well as everyone else
ever evolving by way of diversity. on this planet, are a unique way
The Source of all is not stagnant, it i n w h i c h t h e S o u rc e i s
is continuing to grow through an expressing Itself here on Earth.
inner awareness to become more This is exactly why what you
expansive and more of its own are and where you are at this
self. It is collectively a part of very moment in your life is
everything and yet It is still a force unto Itself. It seeks tantamount to your process. What
to gain greater experiences through the process of you are is beautiful and you are of extreme importance
materialization and it expands not only into the past, and value to the Source because each and every second
but also into the limitless future. Your evolutionary of your existence is an even greater and more
goal is to identify and become one with the Source of expansive extension of Itself. And with each lesson,
which you are made. This will allow you to expand you grow all the more closer to becoming one with
your purpose so that you are able to appreciate the your only Source.
enormity of what you are. The first step is to
acknowledge that you are the Source through the
living spirit within your being.
As a spiritual being, you are not your earthly body but

rather the energy of The Source manifested into human
form. Once you have adopted this mindset, you will
slowly begin to rise above having a limited viewpoint
of your life. Your existence will take on a whole new
meaning; you will find yourself living so that you will
have more enriching experiences and what you once
thought as ‘right or wrong’ takes on an entirely new
meaning. Once you accept your union with The
Source, your life will become a process of attunement
and awareness to things that before never even Dr. Peter C. Rogers, D.D., Ph.D
mattered. Your values will change and your perception Author/Motivational Speaker/Life
will shift into a higher frequency that allows for you to Coach Ultimate Truth: Book I
live at ease no matter what the circumstances may be. www.ultimatetruthbooks.com

On Love
by Khalil Gibran
When love beckons to you, follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep,
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.

Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire,
that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that
knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.
But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all
of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,

'God is in my heart,' but rather,
'I am in the heart of God.'
And think not you can direct the course of love,
for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Give Yourself to Love
I made a decision one day. At the time, it seemed pretty small, something I could do easily, like brushing my
teeth or washing my car. Casually, I decided that I would never close my heart to another person; I would allow
love to be my teacher, my guide. You probably know where this is going, huh? Well, as life would have it, I got
my opportunity in the most exquisite way. Be careful what you ask for.
Enter an amazing, sensitive, deeply spiritual, intuitive, empathic and flawed man.
This romance, this man, our love, broke me open - heart splayed for all the world to see, I could feel myself
being cooked alive in love’s sacred fire. And I liked it, at first. You know how it is. All nice and warm, like a
cuddly blanket or hot bath. But love’s fire cooks us until we are done, not until we think we are ready.
My naïve commitment to love, to keep my heart open became my spiritual practice, and what a difficult one it
proved to be. This man, this amazing man laid waste my heart ‘as the north wind lays waste the garden’. Barren,
vulnerable and open, my friends called me crazy as I kept saying, "Yes!" to love - not to romance, but to love.
My ego strained under the load of this commitment. Though my pride shattered and my façade cracked, I
persisted. I was determined to ‘know my heart… Life’s heart.’ So I followed love. And love brought me more
than I could have ever imagined. I found myself anew. A deeper sense of worth emerged, a profound sense of
being held by the Love that is Life. God - the Universe - was felt. Layers upon layers of synchronicities seemed
to happen all at once. It is almost as if I could see love orchestrating my life. By allowing love to love through
me, I was born anew.
Though the relationship did not work out, we remain friends as love would have it.

What is love, really? Love inspired a friend to lay possibilities and gives us
aside the wounds from a lifetime courage.
Love is powerful. Love pressed of neglect, abuse, and theft from
Mother Teresa through the In this season of love, I invite
her estranged father to help save
garbage ridden streets of Calcutta you to allow love to love
his life and manage his affairs
to bring love’s bread and love’s through you. Be the vehicle for
with fairness and integrity after a
sweetness to the indigent and the love’s grace. Allow love to
sick. stroke. She found more strength
‘knead you until you are pliant…
than she knew she had and
then assign you to his sacred
Love inspired Nelson Mandela to healed their relationship. fire.’
hold a vision for his people
through 27 years of incarceration Love gives us the power to do May [you] become sacred bread
and abuse, to maintain his dignity more than we think we are for God's sacred feast… and
and lead his nation to a new age. capable of. Love teaches us, know that you are in the heart of
shows us our weaknesses and our God.
Love kept millions of people strengths. Through the tenderness
focused on dreams of dignity and of feeling, through vulnerability All is well.
worth, helping them stay the and hearts broken open, we live ***
course in the face of violence and more fully. Love informs our
hatred during the civil rights decisions, reveals unseen
movement.
Marla Durden’s passion is serving as a transformational catalyst and guide

for individuals and groups. Founder of New Story Institute, Marla supports
people in turning change into transformation and living the lives they are here
to live.
New Story Institute changing the world, one story at a time http://
www.NewStoryInstitute.com

Knitting
a Web of Love
Q&A with Evelyn Bourne
Today, I sat down with Evelyn Bourne to talk about a passion that I've long admired: knitting. While the only
thing I can knit is Jacob's ladder, a childhood creation made with a piece of string tied on one end, Evelyn make
highly sophisticated and elegant creations filled with love.
Synolve: Tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Evelyn Bourne, and I learned how to knit when I was a little girl. I loved to watch my mom and my
grandmother knitting and I begged them to teach me. It was hard in the beginning but I was determined to learn.
Knitting is something that has been with me throughout my life. It is a creative pursuit that has brought me a lot of
comfort and peace, while also allowing me to express myself and create special gifts for my loved ones.
As a teenager, I learned firsthand about the sweater curse, and I even knit professionally for awhile when I worked
with a San Francisco knitwear designer. When I became a mother I knit beautiful, delicate layettes for my babies,
and these days I am discovering the joy of knitting prayer shawls for a local hospital that gives them to women
battling breast cancer. My new knitting blog can be found at: http://knitahat.blogspot.com
Synolve: When you knit, do you feel like you are sharing love with every gift you make for your friends and
family?
Evelyn: Yes. One of the beautiful things about knitting is that you can hold the person that you are making the
item for in your heart and mind, so each stitch becomes a prayer and a blessing for that person. When they receive
the gift it is infused with positive energy and love.

Synolve: Why did you begin knitting?
Evelyn: I started knitting when I was six years old.
Synolve: What types of yarn do you use?
Evelyn: My preference is to knit with natural fibers which are also good for
the environment. Wool is my favorite, but I also love Alpaca, Mohair,
Cashmere, silk and linen yarns.
Synolve: Why do you use these particular fibers? Are they better for the
environment than other fibers? If so, why?
Evelyn: Well, all of these fibers come from natural, renewable sources.
Wool, once it's sheared from a sheep, grows back each year as does Alpaca,
Mohair and Cashmere, which all come to us from animals. Silk is spun for
us by silk worms, and linen is plant fiber.
The animals are an integral part of the environment. They graze keeping the
grasses down and their waste in turn nourishes the soil. I have a special
affinity for wool because we raised sheep for their wool when I was growing
up in Oregon. Linen is a plant fiber, which grows, is harvested and then
planted again for the following season.
There are other synthetic, man made fibers such as Acrylic and polyester. I
even saw some yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. But I prefer to knit
with natural fibers because they are beautiful, they wear better, take color
better and they feel luxurious against the skin. Natural fibers such as wool
are excellent insulators against the cold it will keep you dry (for awhile) in
the rain.
Synthetic fibers are created using chemicals in big factories that spew
pollutants, they feel icky and I don't see them as suitable substitutes for
natural fibers.
Synolve: In many ways, knitting is a love song to the environment. Do you

feel this connection to nature and the environment when you are knitting?
Evelyn: Yes, I do feel a connection more to the animal and then I guess if
you take that to its fullest extent to the environment. Because I raised sheep
and learned to shear them, I feel the immediate connection to the animals
when I work with wool. I am working on a hat using yarn that I spun myself.
When I spin I feel even closer to the creative essence of nature. The sheep or
the Alpaca or the Cashmere goat graciously gives up their fleece, which
actually helps them to stay cool in the hot summer. We spin up that fiber into
yarn and create garments that keep us warm in the winter. We're all
connected.

Designs by Evelyn Bourne
Synolve: Do you also sell your items or are do you mostly make
them for your family and friends?
Evelyn: At the moment I do not sell my hand knitted items. In

addition to the charity knitting I do, I knit mostly for my family and
friends and occasionally for myself.
Synolve: Is knitting cathartic or a form of release or catharsis for

you?
Evelyn: Knitting for me is really more meditative. By focusing my

attention on the movement of my hands and my breath, it becomes
a relaxing, meditation that centers me and relaxes me.
I love the feeling of the luscious fibers as they move through my

hands. I enjoy the whole process of matching the right yarn with the
right pattern, or simply designing something on the needles as I go.
Synolve: What type of items do you knit? (lunch bags, socks, scarfs, etc.)
Evelyn: I knit a wide variety of items, but lace shawls are my favorite thing to knit. I love to knit baby gifts, I
make hats, socks, scarves, gloves, mittens, bags, facecloths and dishcloths.
Synolve: Where do the ideas for these creations come from?
Evelyn: One of my favorite things to do is to visit my favorite online knitting community called, http://
www.ravelry.com, and browse through the patterns, and look at pictures of other people's knitting projects to
gain inspiration.
Synolve: Tell me about your Valentine's care package that you made.

Evelyn: When my eldest child was a Freshman in college, I made her a
Valentine's Day care package because I was missing her terribly and I was
still adjusting to not having her home with me. The package included a
knitted pink facecloth with a lacy heart shape in the center, some body wash
and lotion, a package of her favorite trail mix, a candle and some gum.
As I packaged up these simple items I knew that she would appreciate the
sentiment behind each item. My daughter and I are very close. She is nine
years older than her younger sister, so she was my only child for a long time.
Letting her go away to college was like breaking off a little piece of my heart.
It's bittersweet to be a mom because our children don't come from us they
come through us. We get to hold them for just a little while before they take
their place in the wider world. We get to look on with pride as we see them
accomplishing wonderful things because we remember when we held them in
Evelyn Bourne our arms for the first time.
So, on that Valentine's Day, I wanted to make sure that my beautiful, strong, intelligent young woman felt loved and
appreciated and missed as she was taking her first steps into the world on her own.
One of my favorite verses from the Bible is from Psalm 139: 13-14, which says, “For YOU created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works
are wonderful I know that full well.” I adore that image of the Divine thoughtfully and carefully knitting me together
in my mother's womb. So, as I set about knitting my gifts I can reflect on Him and be grateful.
Synolve's Thoughts:
Knitting is such a beautiful way to tell the people you love how much you care. It's
such a creative and personal way to share a part of yourself with others. As Evelyn
shared she's uses knitting to give the gift of love to her friends and family members
who were giving birth, going to college for the first time, and to cancer patients by
knitting prayer shawls. Evelyn is taking a pro-active approach to helping the
environment by using only natural fibers. She's using her time and her creativity to
create a loving space for the environment and for the people she loves. Evelyn's
knitting blog can be found at: http://knitahat.blogspot.com.
This article was written by Synolve Craft. Synolve is the Editor-In-

Chief & Publisher of The Infinite Field Magazine.

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THE INFINITE FIELD MAGAZINE

A New Thought for A New Day
AUGUST 2009
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Playing with Life
Manifesting
Abundance

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