Spirit is alive!

Even as an energy therapist and hypnotherapist, I still struggle to be grounded. Being in and experiencing the present moment is something that I work towards and I have to admit, the more I practice, the easier it becomes; just like second nature.

During a meditation, I was able to observe how instinctively and subconsciously my spirit strives to be present. My career choices, including that of being a hypnotherapist, makes me focus on the present moment. I work one-on-one with clients. I focus on their experiences and help them achieve the necessary changes to improve the quality of their lives. This requires me to attentive, inspired and be aware of events that occur in present time. My meditation brought this to my awareness.

Spirit always serves your highest good. Trust in your spirit and honor the process that it takes. Even when all seems to be bleak, reevaluate your choices, those that are permanent and those that can be changed. By doing so, you will begin to notice patterns. Through these patterns spirit gives you what you need. Can you observe how spirit tries to serve you?

Lets use my friend as a quick example. He was laid off a year ago and has not found a job in his field but has managed to find part-time work that he doesn't connect with. He has 2 part time jobs. Now, the ego might put pressure, and express disappointment that his career has not flourishing. It might even beat him down and cause him to be stressed, ashamed, and angry. Spirit, on the other hand, created a situation where his essential needs are met (food, shelter) and yet he is carefree. In his previous career he was always worried about performance. Now, in his current jobs, he doesn't worry at all about it. He doesn't have expectations, "shoulda, wouldca, couldma, musta." It's a blessing in disguise. For the first time in his life, he is actually stress free!

Maybe not all our situations and experiences are ideal, but if you change your perspective, you change your life! I welcome you to trust that all is always well. Listen to your spirit. It will lead you to a life of happiness!

Adriana Kugman is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Energy Therapist, practicing in Walnut Creek, CA.

The Dragonfly brings emotional clarity, the opportunity for change, and reawakening. It encourages meditation as a support system for all the upcoming magical transformations.

Spiritual Emergency versus Spiritual Emergence

A spiritual emergency, commonly referred to as a crisis, is the moment in time when you are just not functional. It happens to all of us, whether in the form of a meltdown, break down, whatever type of down. It isn't contagious but we all experience it during our lives, at either seemingly meaningless moments or those so traumatic that it is expected.

The moment of crisis has at it's core the trauma of spirit. It is the nature of spirit, true, free, loving, purposeful, confronted by an adversarial force, a loss, an attack. Spirit does not identify with these "negative" experiences and ego immediately comes to the rescue. Ego will try to fight back, take flight, think through in the most logical of ways, confer with societal values, all to understand, integrate and respond to the situation. Then the miracle happens. Spirit kicks back in and says, this is not the way, you are not like that. Spirit brings you back to source energy, the God within, true, honest love. Now the conflict between ego and spirit begins. Little do we know at the time that spirit always, ALWAYS wins. Just give it time.

This time is referred to as the spiritual emergence. It is the rediscovery of the soul, the rediscovery of spirit. This process is the not generally the shortest or the easiest but it is by far, one of the most rewarding things in life. It opens new doors and opportunities for us. It makes life livable, even enjoyable. During this time we learn new ways, we open our hearts and our minds. We come to terms with our lives and ourselves--in a good way.

Briefly jot down your own moments of crisis and recovery. Create a side-by-side chart labeled spiritual emergency and spiritual emergence. This chart can become your go-to when times get tough because it reminds you that you are a survivor. You have passed through moments of crisis and are recovered (or better yet, in the process of recovery, which can take a life time). Wow, your spirit is so strong and gaining strength through each spiritual emergency/emergence. Pat yourself on your back. Enjoy your day!

The Cherry Blossom tree holds much symbolism. In Japanese culture, it represents the transience of life, mono no aware. For the Chinese, it signifies power and love. We can all appreciate the beauty of this striking, silent blossom.

Energy hand exchange for the New Year

Happy New Year!

In 2012 may you live joyfully and abundantly!

My resolution begins with blogging once again. After a challenging 2011, I now welcome the breath of fresh air that 2012 brings. To start off the new year, I invite you to ask your spirit what it desires. Note to reader: spirit, not ego. What warms your heart, puts a smile on your face or simply brings you comfort and peace?

Some might say love, friendship, gardening, working or even money. You decide what your spirit really needs. Now the big question comes: What are you willing to exchange or give up for your desire? Think about that.

Do some soul searching, take honest inventory, and notice your energy (where and how it flows). Think of your needs/desires as fitting into the palm of your right hand. Now place in your left hand all the characteristics/situations that stand in the way of your needs/desires . You'll be surprised as to how easy it is to recognize what stands in the way of your needs. Once identified, take a few deep breathes and whenever ready, symbolically exchange your hands. With open fingers and outstretched hand, release all the negative characteristics from your left hand. Simultaneously, grasp your right hand, retaining all your needs and desires.

Repeat this as often as you need to remind yourself that all your needs and desires are attainable, as long as you let go of those characteristics/situations standing in the way. This simple visual energy exchange keeps you focused on your goals. It also makes you aware when your goals change. For an even greater impact, do this exchange verbally, out loud, in front of the mirror. The visual impact, as well as the physical, combined with your spiritual connection can bring about miracles!

Happy New Year!

The penguin, as an animal spirit guide, depicts power and durability. It reminds us that we have everything we need inside to manifest our desires. To learn more about animal spirit guides please reference the book, Animal Spirit Guides by Steven Farmer.