New to Awakening? Three Books Everyone Should Read

New to Awakening? Three Books Everyone Should Read

In the beginning, reading was an important part of my spiritual journey. Often people early in their awakening process will primarily explore spirituality through intellectual and conceptual understandings rather than through experiences. Often devouring the writings and teachings of spiritual teachers and accepting them as truth. Both experiential and intellectual exploration is important, but having an understanding of basic spiritual themes and concepts can be helpful in seeking out or understanding our experiences. I read all three of these books early on in my own awakening. I would highly recommend checking them out, especially if you are interested in the energetic transformations that accompany the spiritual path.

The Kybalion

The Kybalion was originally published in 1908 by “Three Initiates” that convey the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. This book explores the principles and teachings that underlie the fabric of the cosmos. It discusses seven laws of the universe that are meant to give readers insight into the way the universe works and how to successfully navigate it. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their spiritual knowledge and develop their own philosophy of life.

The Seven Principles of the Kybalion:

  • The Principle of Mentalism – All is mind. The universe and everything in it is a mental creation of the infinite mind of the universe.
  • The Principle of Correspondence – As above, so below. The universe is a network of correspondences where everything that exists in the physical world is a reflection of something in the mental or spiritual world.
  • The Principle of Vibration – Everything is in constant motion and vibration. Everything from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy is in motion and vibrates at a specific frequency.
  • The Principle of Polarity – Everything has two opposing aspects or polarities. Everything has an opposite and everything can be transformed from one polarity to another.
  • The Principle of Rhythm – Everything has a rhythm and cycles. Everything in the universe moves in cycles and rhythms, from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy.
  • The Principle of Cause and Effect – Every action has a reaction. Every cause has an effect and every effect has a cause. Nothing happens by chance.
  • The Principle of Gender – Everything has masculine and feminine elements. Every person, object, and concept has masculine and feminine elements that work together to create balance and harmony.

The Celestine Prophecy

The Celestine Prophecy is a novel by James Redfield that follows the journey of a man named John as he embarks on a quest to discover the secrets of an ancient manuscript with nine insights. Along the way, John encounters various challenges and meets individuals who help him understand the insights and apply them to his life. It was written near the end of the last century but many of its teachings are more relevant than ever. The book explores not only the energy but the ways humans compete for power and are deeply entrenched in control dramas that go along with that. But, if we can learn to source power from Universal consciousness rather than from each other we pave the way for our true human potential.

The 9 Insights of the Celestine Prophecy:

  • First Insight – Synchronicities – Becoming aware of the meaningful coincidences around us that are meant to wake us up to the energetic and magical workings of the universe.
  • Second Insight – Taking the Long View – Putting our current awareness into a longer historical perspective. We are waking up to the idea that there is something more meaningful intended for us that blends both science and spirituality.
  • Third Insight – Everything is Energy – The basic stuff of the universe is vibrating strings of energy.
  • Fourth Insight – Competing for Energy – This describes our struggle for power. When we control another person, we steal their energy. You feel strong, they feel weak. This had led to every conflict, large and small, that humans face.
  • Fifth Insight – Tapping into Source Energy. Humans need to learn and experience connecting to the mystical consciousness or Source energy through experiences rather than taking energy from one another.
  • Sixth Insight – Understanding our Control Dramas. To act consciously and source universal energy, we need to understand the ways we were taught to take energy from another person. These were developed in childhood in response to our parent’s control dramas.
  • Seventh Insight – Intuition as a Guide –  When we have enough energy we are able to engage in conscious evolution. Truly become the co-creator of your experience – The next phase in human evolution.
  • Eighth Insight – Our Interpersonal Ethic – This insight is all about how we relate to others. It talks about parenting and how we try to dominate children and live out our control dramas.
  • Conscious Evolution – Our Human Potential – We are going to see a massive shift in culture as more people move through and live by these insights. We will move into a state of giving by giving energy, giving time, giving resources, and the natural consequence will be an abundant universe for all living beings and Mother Earth.

For a more in-depth look at the Celestine Prophecy, read Re-Visiting The Celestine Prophecy

 

Anatomy of the Spirit

Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss will change the way that you look at your body and energy field. Myss contends that illnesses and diseases are often caused by emotional or spiritual issues and that our thoughts and beliefs can have a powerful effect on our health and energy body. She takes the reader on a journey through the seven chakras, or energy centers, of the body, and explains how each one is related to specific traits, emotions, and organs. She also discusses how the different religious and spiritual traditions view the human spirit, and how we can draw on these traditions to create a more healing and holistic approach to our health and well-being.

The Seven Chakras:

  • The Root Chakra – Tribal Power – All is One
    The root chakra is all about our sense of belonging. It includes our sense of safety, security, and survival instincts. The root is also the foundation for our physical health and well-being.
  • The Sacral Chakra – Power of Relationship – Honor One Another
    The sacral chakra is all about our relationships with other people outside of our family. This area is our center of emotion, sex, pleasure, sensuality, and intimacy.
  • The Solar Plexus Chakra – Personal Power – Honor One’s Self
    This chakra is about our sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It is about getting to know who we are outside of group dynamics and relationships. Because of this, we deal with fear, anxiety, and our sense of self confidence. It is also associated with the further development of the self, ego, and identity.
  • The Heart Chakra – Emotional Power – Love is Divine Power
    This chakra is the connector of the lower and upper chakras, the physical and spiritual realms. The heart is our seat of love, acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness. This chakra is about our internal feelings and our emotional response to our thoughts.
  • The Throat Chakra – Power of Will – Surrender Personal Will to Divine Will
    This chakra is the seat of self-expression, communication, and will. Because it is located between the heart and the mind, it connects our mental/emotional bodies around our power of choice.
  • The Brow Chakra – Power of the Mind – Seek Only the Truth
    This chakra is about the development of the mind, and understanding truth from illusion. Our seat of inner guidance, wisdom, and imagination.
  • The Crown Chakra – Divine Power – Live in the Present Moment
    This chakra is the center of bliss and transcendental consciousness. Here we move into higher consciousness through beingness. It is where inspired thought and mystical experiences originate.

Want to see how the chakras can be seen as a framework for our personal evolution?

 

Each one of these books was a helpful guide on my path of awakening. Especially in the beginning as I was trying to understand some of the basic spiritual laws that govern the universe. Providing a framework to understand, and in some cases provide, the container for my experiential, energetic pursuits.

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What is Shadow Work?

What is Shadow Work?

Shadow work is a term used to describe the process of exploring and working with the aspects of our personality that we typically keep hidden or repressed. These aspects, often referred to as our “shadow,” can include our fears, insecurities, traumas, and other negative emotions and experiences that we have learned to suppress or ignore. While this process can be difficult and uncomfortable, shadow work is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness.

Origins of Shadow Work

The concept of the shadow was first introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that our conscious selves are only one part of our psyche, and that we also have an unconscious mind that is made up of repressed or suppressed aspects of ourselves. According to Jung, these unconscious aspects can influence our behavior and attitudes in ways that we may not even be aware of, and that the process of integrating our shadow can lead to greater wholeness and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Shadow work can take many forms, including journaling, therapy, meditation, or other forms of self-reflection. Some common techniques include identifying and exploring patterns in our behavior or relationships, uncovering childhood traumas or repressed emotions, and examining our beliefs and values.

 

READ MORE: WORKING WITH YOUR INNER CHILD

 

Benefits of Shadow Work

One of the main benefits of this work is that it can help us to break free from patterns of self-sabotage and negative behavior. By becoming aware of the aspects of ourselves that we have been trying to hide or ignore, we can begin to heal and integrate these parts of ourselves, leading to a greater sense of self-acceptance and empowerment. Shadow work can deepen our relationships with others. When we are able to recognize and work through our own shadow, we become less judgmental and more compassionate towards others, allowing for more authentic connections and deeper understanding.

Shadow Work is A Process

This work is not a one-time process or a quick fix. It’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. It requires a willingness to confront and acknowledge uncomfortable truths about ourselves, and a commitment to ongoing self-reflection and growth. It’s also important to approach shadow work with self-compassion and without judgment. It’s natural to feel resistance or discomfort when exploring our shadow, but it’s important to remember that these aspects of ourselves are not “bad” or “wrong,” they are simply parts of us that need attention and healing.

Shadow work is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. By exploring and integrating our shadow, we can break free from patterns of self-sabotage, deepen our relationships with others, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. While the process can be uncomfortable, the benefits are well worth the effort. So, take a deep breath, be gentle with yourself, and embrace the journey of shadow work.

Here is a guided meditation using the medicine of Crow.

Check out this article with 45 prompts that can help you explore your patterns of behavior. 

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Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

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What does the resurgence of the sacred feminine look like? How do we make space for both men and women to evolve? How does one have a courageous conversation?  In this episode, Jeanne Michele and Angela Levesque explore the messages that Mary Magdalene has for us as we move into spiritual equality and the Age of Partnership. We discuss moving out of resistance and getting out of the ‘fight’ mentality, and how to break through our collective molds and allow space for our evolution. Jeanne also shares stories from her pilgrimage to the ancient Mary Magdalene sites in France.

Receive your special gift of a sacred anointing rite that allows you to give and receive a blessing. 

You can find it here at https://drjmichele.ac-page.com/the-anointing-and-blessing

About the Guest

Woman by a treeDr. Jeanne Michele is many things: Part teacher. Part modern-day philosopher. Part change agent. Part Coach.

Her dynamic and engaging mentorship with individuals, couples, leaders, and so many others takes a departure from traditional counseling or marriage counseling in that she encourages people to identify what they really want in life and helps them design a plan to create it.

Through her work with people from many different spiritual backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to help them get in touch with the deeper truth of who they are and how they want to walk in the world. She then merges her passion for helping people create extraordinary relationships with her strong business background to deliver personalized programs to men, women, and couples helping them create and sustain dynamic lives, relationships, and business partnerships.

Dr. Jeanne believes in the power of relationships to help heal the past, and teach us about ourselves. Her relational work helps people deepen their connections with themselves and their partners, and to clarify and live more joy-filled and passionate lives.

Her personal spiritual sojourns have taken her to the heart of Bali, as well as explorations into France and Italy to explore the influence of Art and Myth in the reclamation of spiritual legends. From the small gypsy town of Sts. Marie de la Mer to the caves of Southern France, she has engaged in dynamic discoveries of the powerful legends of the Mary Magdalene Mysteries. She is planning on leading a group pilgrimage to France in 2022.

Links

Jeanne’s Websites

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Jenn Turnham on Highly Sensitive Extroverts

Jenn Turnham on Highly Sensitive Extroverts

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Have you been told your whole life that you are too sensitive? Could your sensitivity really be your superpower? How does being an extrovert change your needs as a highly sensitive person? HSPs notice things that the majority of other people just don’t see and experience their world in a more intimate way. In this episode, Jenn Turnham and Angela Levesque discuss the characteristics of HSPs, particularly looking at HSP-Es and how they are different. We also explore the unique challenges that HSPs and HSP-Es face. And we explore mirror neurons, self-worth, self-care, and how to move beyond a victim mentality.

About the Guest

Woman in black dressJenn is on a mission to educate the world about the unique, brilliant, often misunderstood, very tiny sub-section of the population known as Highly Sensitive Extrovert Women (HSP-Es).  She is also determined to unite all HSP-E Women out there and encourage them to see that they matter, they have a powerful voice that needs to be heard, and possess unique gifts that are in short supply in today’s world.

It’s time for HSP-E women everywhere to stop dimming their light, and shine their brilliant empathetic lights bright.

Jenn shares her passionate, quirky, eclectic personality through her blog, and in her Facebook Group for HSP-E women, Highly Sensitive Extroverts: Bright Sparks.

With a strong background in applied psychology (B.Psych, BWRT (Reg.), Jenn has been using her knowledge, training and experience in helping people use the power of their minds to overcome challenges since 2008.  She now focuses on helping HSP-E women thrive in a world that currently doesn’t quite understand them.  She does this by assisting them to own their uniqueness and see their sensitivity as their superpower.

 

Links

Jenn’s Website 

www.chaosandlight.com

 

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The Importance of Practicing Gratitude By Marla Goldberrg


The Importance of Practicing Gratitude By Marla Goldberrg


If you would like to know more about gratitude, self acceptance and forgiveness, check out this Chaos & Light Podcast with Marla Goldbergg.

 

I am often asked, “what’s the most important thing that you practice daily?” My number one, most important practice, is gratitude. I began this practice twelve years ago. I started stating what I was grateful for each morning as I walked my dog. My initial list was pretty short in comparison to what I declare in my practice today.

What began to happen to me as my gratitude practice grew was amazing. I realized that by the time I was done with my declarations, I was bursting with joy. I could barely contain my happiness. I would find myself singing and dancing around my kitchen.

No matter how I may roll out of bed, or how busy my morning is, I always say thank you to Spirit for all my abundance. I end my day the same way. When I close my eyes to go to sleep, I thank the Universe for a minimum of three positive experiences I had that day.

I use the word practice, for when you practice something, you perform an action over and over again until you gain proficiency over the item practiced. Practicing gratitude is no different than a golfer practicing their swing, or a yogi practicing the asanas. By doing something over and over again, you gain insight, appreciation, understanding, and proficiency of the universal law of attraction. The more you acknowledge your blessings and gifts, the more blessings and gifts you’ll receive.

When you begin your path of gratitude, you will soon feel your frequency shift. Your life will reflect your plentitude back to you, bringing a more positive impact into your life. Think of it like a boomerang; the more thanks you send out into the universe, the more abundance will come back to you. In addition, you will begin to see and feel the changes that come to you, you will increase your joy, happiness, positivity, optimism, improved health, heightened brain function, and an overall enhanced view of your life. It can be an absolute game-changer for you and your life’s circumstances.

Developing your practice of gratitude is one of the easiest skills to attain. As the Nike tagline states, “Just do it!” and If you’re not sure what to be thankful for, start with the easiest items such as being happy that you have your health, a roof over your head, food to eat, etc. As you develop your routine, you will find yourself appreciating everything positive you have and experience, and what might be perceived as negative. Each experience you encounter is another stepping-stone to your growth.

How do you start your practice, you might ask? You begin by purchasing a small notebook and journaling what you’re grateful for. You can state your thanks aloud while walking or driving.  Anywhere you feel like saying thanks, you can say it, whether aloud or silently. You can stand in front of the mirror as you’re getting ready for the day and look yourself in the eye and state all you’re thankful for. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

What’s more important than how you state your gratitude is the fact that you state them.  When you do, the universe will hear you and respond accordingly. It’s okay if you’re skeptical of this exercise, for once you start to make it part of your daily routine, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to incorporate this practice into your day.

 

About the Author

Marla is an Energy Healer, Intuitive, Speaker, Teacher, International Best Selling Author, and Host of Guided Spirit Conversations podcast.

Marla Goldberrg Head Shot

Her mission and purpose in life is to inspire, motivate and educate her clients and all that she connects with through her books and podcast, through the use of her tools and techniques to help them enhance or shift their life circumstances.

Marla began her spiritual journey during a very difficult time in her life she was forced to evaluate her choices and what direction her life was taking. During this time of evaluation, she serendipitously met her first teacher at a women’s conference.  As Marla sat through her presentation, she resonated with everything that she said. By the time her talk was completed Marla knew that she would be attending her school.

During her three years of attendance at Inner Focus Mystery School, she was trained in 14 different healing techniques.  Following my graduation of Inner Focus, she continued her education by learning additional techniques.  To date, Marla has been trained in over 20 healing modalities.

In addition to her practice with clients, Marla is a contributing author in 2 best-selling books, one becoming an International bestseller.  She has also authored her first solo writing endeavor: My F*cking Long Journey to Loving Myself: A Guide to a Shorter Path.  Marla also host a podcast, Guided Spirit Conversations.

Find out More:

Website: www.marlagoldberrg.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/marlagoldberrg/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mghealing/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarlaGoldberrg

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Casi Ari on Dismantling Illusions

Casi Ari on Dismantling Illusions

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Should we be afraid of our own darkness? How is creativity an act of freedom? How do our judgment and expectations become our teachers? In this episode, we explore why dismantling our illusions is our path to freedom.  We explore spiritual bypassing, participating in our collective shadow, and why creativity is essential to dealing with our trauma. We also talk about spiritual paradoxes and why listening to opposing positions helps us heal ourselves.

About the Guest

Cassandra aka “Casi” Ari (pronounced K-C-R-E) was born and raised in Nebraska. She attended Catholic school in one of the strictest Catholic dioceses in the U.S. from ages 6 to 18, where she was first introduced to spirituality and the nature of the Divine.

As a young adult, Casi was unconscious and created chaos in her life. Unacknowledged emotions and unconscious programs lead to circumstances with poor boundaries, violent partners, eating and exercising disorders and depression.

In the midst of her unconsciousness, Casi was granted a transformative and perspective-altering spiritual experience which changed the course of her life forever. After this experience, she quit her 9-5 job, started her own soul-based design business, and traveled throughout the U.S. and Asia studying the nature of reality through different perspectives, belief systems and practices.

Now, Casi works to uncover truth and dismantle illusions through words and art. Her purpose is to serve as a lighthouse to direct others “home,” even in the face of immense darkness. Divine Truth, Worthiness and Personal Power are key messages woven into the majority of her work.

Casi now resides in Miami, Florida. You can usually find her under a palm tree writing, designing, and dismantling illusions one day at a time.

Links

Casi’s Website https://www.casiarisoul.com

www.chaosandlight.com

 

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