OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF DEATH

A few years ago, when my mom was of sound mind and independently living on her own, her cousin Ann passed away. They were very close when they were younger and my mom was really upset about her passing. So I took this opportunity to talk to my mom about my beliefs about death.

"My spiritual path has led me to believe that death is just a passing in which you leave your body behind, but your soul or spirit is infinite.  You are conscious after death and you have awareness. We are God-consciousness, love and light. This is who we really are. Heaven is within each of us. Hell is a concept that was created out of fear, out of the human mind. It is not a divine thought, a God thought - so it is not real.  And it is your beliefs, that will lead you to your next journey."

My mom listened intently and I believe was comforted by my words. And I also believe, that she never forgot them.

Mom, age 18, in 1944

On the morning of February 16th, I got a call from the assisted living that my mom had passed away. She wasn't sick. She fell in her room, regained consciousness, said a few words, then stopped breathing.

I was shocked to hear the news, but at the same time, I knew that it was her time, and 

I believe, she knew it too. She was 91 and was ready for her next journey. But nothing or no one can prepare you for seeing a loved one dead. Facing our own mortality is the biggest fear that we humans can face. We are terrified of death! We don't understand it! Yet it is inevitable for each and every one of us.

So here I was - about to face my own fear of death. I dreaded walking into my mother's room. I dreaded seeing her lifeless body. I dreaded thinking that she was dead and not breathing. Was this really happening? Was this a bad dream? A nightmare I couldn't wake up from? It felt so unreal. So  incomprehensible. My head was spinning as the fear encompassed every cell of my being.

I pulled myself together enough to be able to drive to the assisted living. The dreaded moment had finally arrived. I slowly and hesitantly tiptoed into her room. Mom was lying on the bed. She looked like she was sleeping, with the exception of being very, very still. I went over to the bed, and then something unexpected and amazing happened.

I could feel this buoyant, joyous feeling around her. Was this my mother's spirit soaring? Mom's soul singing? I felt this beautiful, loving energy throughout my body and throughout the room.  And I wasn't alone to witness this miracle. Safiya (the empathic director of the Memory Care floor) felt it, too.  And that wasn't all. 

A crystal clear vision of my mom popped into my head. It was as if she was trying to communicate with me. She was much younger, with shoulder length black hair, running through a field and laughing. I felt her happiness and light around me, and through me.   

I felt my mom's presence and sensed that she had awareness.  And at that moment,     

I knew that her spirit, her soul, would always exist.  What a relief! She would be ok. She would always be ok. And that's when I knew that when it was my time, I would be ok too.

I sat on the bed beside her and whispered through my tears:  "Mom, I love you - always have...always will.  Thank you for being my greatest teacher."

And as if a spell had been broken, the last vestiges of the fear, anger, anxiety, emotional pain and guilt of our difficult mother-daughter relationship completely melted away.  Our past drama, which was a huge part of my life, simply disappeared. My thoughts instantly became lucent as I witnessed the miraculous reward of my years of forgiveness work. My heart overflowed with love and gratitude. I was now free to choose the memories that made me feel good. I was now free to choose the memories that made me feel loved.

Mom and me on her 91st birthday.

Through my mother's passing, I learned that our bodies don't last forever, but out spirits do. We, as spirit beings, are eternal light and love.  I experienced her light and love,      so I believe it.

And I now believe that death is really a transition. Transitioning to the life of matter to the spiritual state. A new beginning and a new journey.  A journey of different experiences, self-discovery and higher awareness.  A journey of possibilities.

So who could be afraid of that?

Happy journey, mom!

HEALTHY LIVING IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

Back in 2015, I welcomed the new year with my post: 7 New Year's Resolutions for a Healthier 2015. Now that it's 2018, I would like to share new insights for living a healthier and more harmonious lifestyle.

Thankfully, I have recovered from chronic Lyme disease (MSIDS) and have been symptom-free for over 5 years. WOOHOO!! And the best part is that I consider myself HEALED! A big part of my recovery was changing the way I saw myself. And with lots of work and practice, I went from seeing myself as VICTIM to VICTOR! (Click My Healing Story for more detailed info).

So I would like to share what I have learned along the way to stay healthy in body, mind and spirit.

BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR THOUGHTS: Did you know that every one of your itty bitty cells has a consciousness? That means that each and every one of your cells is connected to each and every one of your thoughts! So be aware of your thoughts! Thoughts of fear, anger, worry, guilt, etc., wreak havoc at the cellular level as well as the emotional and spiritual level, too. Reading books by spiritual teachers, like Eckhart Tolle, Joel Goldsmith, Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay etc., can lift your consciousness to a more balanced and healthier way of thinking.

EAT FOR GOOD HEALTH:  When I was sick with chronic infections, I had to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, like The GAPS Diet. I was also ART tested by my doctor to find that I had to eliminate gluten, dairy, sugar, soy, white potatoes and corn from my diet. (Click Autonomic Response Testing for Chronic Illness for more info). Changing my diet was an important part of getting well. Now, even though I can eat everything,             I choose to stay on a low-carb diet and I feel great!

EXERCISE OUTDOORS: One of the healthiest ways of strengthening and stimulating your inner core is to be outside and move! My husband and I hike, walk and run outdoors all year round. We wear snowshoes for snow and crampons (metal spike attachments for snow or ice) for slippery trails and we're good to go! Exercising in nature (thanks to my hubby) is an essential part of empowering my body, mind and spirit and keeping my energy flowing.

My favorite walking/jogging trail in our local park.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE: The more you give thanks, the more you will feel blessed. The more you feel blessed, the happier and healthier you will be. I have learned that every problem in your life is an opportunity to shift from an ego thought (aka being a complaining victim) to a divine and loving way of thinking (being one with God and a Victor in light and love). Being thankful and feeling thankful creates good chi (life energy!) and brings more peace and harmony into your life.

BEING FORGIVING:  Did you know that forgiveness is the great healer? Forgiving others is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you forgive those who hurt you, you are releasing a past negative thought that is blocking you from your inner light. We are all connected. Therefore, you are also sending healing frequencies to the other person. When you forgive yourself from guilt, you are also healing your Spirit. Releasing past emotional trauma has helped me to be aware of false thought patterns that I had created for myself. Through forgiveness, I am learning to unblock these past thoughts (ego) and see the inner light and infinite love within me (God).

FINDING YOUR SPIRITUAL SELF: I am learning to believe that we are not separate from God. Therefore, God is within each of us. God is Spirit. Therefore, God's consciousness is in each of us. I am also learning to believe that God is Infinite Love. And Infinite Love is in each of us, too. This Love is what binds us and creates Oneness. Therefore, we are One with God. We are One in Infinite Love.

God (Infinite Love) does not punish. God (Infinite Love) does not create sickness. God (Infinite Love) does not cause accidents. God (Infinite Love) does not condemn. God (Infinite Love) does not kill. 

God (Infinite Love) is who we really are.

We are all part of the Oneness of Light and Love, which is God, the Universe, Jesus, Buddha, Allah, the Divine Self, or whatever other faith you may practice. Thinking with love, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and goodwill bring harmony to not only your life, but to those around you.

The miracle of Love is inside each and every one of us. You create your world with your thoughts. So create divine beautiful thoughts and re-create your world into something beautiful!

I wish everyone healthy and beautiful thoughts now and always!