By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

When I look at the world (locally and globally) I see an environment of conflict and separation, while I believe in oneness and unity. There is a great need for mending fences and finding connection, but the problem(s) feel way too big for me to make a significant impact.

When my clients have expressed similar sentiments to me, I point out that we do what we can. Sometimes that is donating money or time to an important cause, but when those are not manageable you can still add light and peace to our world by smiling and connecting with everyone (including complete strangers) that you encounter in lines, behind store registers, or even while passing them on the street.

This small act can brighten another’s day, lift their heart and put a smile on their face. A colleague recently shared that saying “Awwwww” in your mind (like you would when seeing a cute puppy), will allow for the opening and sharing of your heart space, without saying a word.

Me? I do what I can. I donate, I smile, I share my heart space, I pray, and I meditate. And like you, I question if it is enough. These actions, over time, have proven to be a bridge for an incredible experience.

A few weeks ago, I was approached by a couple of Muslim therapists, to meet with Jewish therapists, so we could discuss the importance of maintaining the therapeutic alliance in our work when we encounter clients of different faiths, nationalities, and beliefs particularly during these difficult times. (I’m writing this in November 2023.)

Due to our desire to initiate this quickly, and challenges of availability during the holiday season, we started small. Four of us sat for a nearly 2.5 hour conversation at our first meeting. It was impactful. We talked about our families to create connection and commonality, and then with intention we led with our hearts. We asked each other gentle questions and probing questions. We answered honestly and authentically. We looked at our common beliefs and core values as well as our seeming differences. We sought to understand where these differences came from and what holds us to them.

What was our secret? We approached everything with curiosity and the intention of holding a sacred space of radical acceptance — that same quality that we each regularly provide therapeutically to our clients (patients) who have differing viewpoints.

We cried, and we hugged, and we talked. We thanked each other for coming to the conversation and for holding the space for each other.

This experience filled my heart and gives me hope. We will be repeating it soon, and then we hope to add more people.

I found that as I have been discussing this conversation with others, each person has expressed delight. They hope it demonstrates that any of us can have peaceful conversations, and that connections really can occur. They feel hope, as I do. And they have also suggested that I write it down and share it with others. It’s amazing how one example might encourage others to do the same.

How can you participate in similar dialogues?

• Approach everything from an “isn’t this curious” mindset.
• Find your shared humanity.
• Look at your own potential biases – we all have them, and it is helpful when you allow yourself to see your own.
• Set an expectation for authenticity and honesty.
• Open your heart (“Awwwww”).
• Seek any and all commonalities between you and the one that you have previously seen as ‘the other.’
• Bring in humor where appropriate and LAUGH together.
• If you find that you are making an assumption in your mind, take a breath and consider asking permission to check it out. “I find myself thinking that you mean this….. Is this accurate?”
• Express gratitude for their participation in this (potentially) difficult conversation.

There are so many opportunities to cross divides. And there has never been a more important time. Might you find one small way to reach out, open your heart, and establish connection with another? I thank you in advance, and I would love to hear about it.

Sending each of you bright blessings. The spirit in me acknowledges the spirit in you.

Namasté,

Judy

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.JudyLipson.com for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

One of the things that really concerns me right now is how fraught with fear we are becoming. Fear has always been a prominent emotion. After all, our nervous system is wired to look for cues of danger.

For most of us, our ability to rise above this tendency, as well as our resiliency, are reduced. I write this so that we can each be reminded of the importance to keep our nervous systems as calm as possible, even during these incredibly challenging times. Regardless of our faith or ethnicity we have had difficult histories – some more challenging, some during certain times. Even though we did not live through those histories personally, we are affected. This is referred to as ancestral, or generational, trauma. We carry these traumas and wounds within us in addition to the intuitive need to look for danger. No wonder we have such a tendency to be anxious, worried and even fearful.

The current world events are frightening. Yet, we cannot respond most effectively if we do not stay grounded and calm. (Looking for proof of this concept? As examples, reflect on surgeons in the operating room who encounter a medical crisis, or the pilot Sully Sullenberger who landed his plane safely on the Hudson River. If they had responded in panic, the outcome would not likely have been successful.)

I’m not going to pretend that it’s easy to calm our panicked nervous systems, but I do encourage you to continue to learn ways to do so. Each time you practice a technique, you are reinforcing your parasympathetic system’s ability to calm yourself down, and each time that offers the potential for it to be a little easier the next time.

Why should you do this practice? Well, it’s really hard on the body to be in fight and flight for long periods of time. Also, it feels really awful!!!

And here is another important reason: The opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of love is fear. When we are in fear, it is very difficult to feel safe enough to open our hearts to adequately connect with others, and this includes our closest loved ones; and that is not a good thing.

An important aspect of what makes our nervous system feel safe is the act of feeling connected to others. We are actually wired for connection in order to feel safe. It’s knowing that we can reach out and the other will be there for us. If we are in fear we are less able to reach out and to achieve that. This makes us more fearful, and also makes us less available to connect with others with whom we may not have familiarity.

As a result, we see the world as me versus you and us versus them. This experience of separateness and polarization breeds contempt, resentment, hostility, and more fear. And the cycle goes on and on.

Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” You may only feel like one person, and wonder how you can really make a difference, but it is important to remember that you are not really the singleton that you think you are. There are many of us who believe in peace and love [with just a side-note that way before Marianne Williamson even thought there might be a time that she would run for president, as a spiritual teacher she taught that “sometimes the loving response is no”.] Realize that you are not alone in this quest. There are many of us who long for peace and unity, but that message does not (currently) sell advertisements on the news, so it is not broadcast or printed.

Be the peace you wish to see in the world. Start your practices (or delve back in) so that you can calm your nervous system and respond from your more grounded, peaceful place. Your mind and body (and your heart and spirit) will thank you for it. I know that I do (thank you).

Please remember to take care of yourself even while you are taking care of others, personally or professionally. Remember that you must “put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others”.

I thought it might be helpful to remind us all of strategies to help calm our nervous systems as we continue to experience these difficult times, whether that is personally or vicariously.

• Keeping busy is an effective tool for mental distraction (in the short-term), but provide enough quiet time so as to not stress your physical body.
• While it is important to be informed, and even to bear witness to the stories, you only need a small amount of information to achieve that goal. Please turn it off or stop reading when it’s time. (Even before it’s time.)
• Focus on movement, hydration, and healthy nutrition to take care of your physical body.
• Re-visit your creative endeavors.
• Get out in nature.

May we all know peace! Namasté

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.JudyLipson.com for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

A little over two years ago in March 2020, much of our world came to a screeching halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during this frightening time many observed clear skies and quiet roads, and soon there was a renewed appreciation for educators, health providers, and the many folks who kept supplies in our stores and provided services to us all. There was gratitude for the efforts we took to stay connected to each other. I even appreciated the unique opportunities to enjoy theater and concerts online. During this time I found myself seeing, and seeking out, even the smallest ways to appreciate what was good around me as I found opportunities to support those who had greater need than myself.

I found that during this time there was a quietness within, and many took advantage. I certainly did. That first summer (and honestly since then as well), I have found myself undergoing massive personal transformations that have led to more subtle changes in my professional work. During this time, I have also witnessed the transformations of so many others: clients, colleagues, strangers, friends, and family. This has been a time for transformation, and it wasn’t just for us personally.

This has been a time of forced change and in that first summer of 2020 we saw the additional challenges of a society undergoing great transformation as racial, religious, gender, and cultural prejudices and bigotry became more apparent to us all, providing the opportunity for systems to be adjusted. New and renewed fears embraced us even as the concerns about COVID-19 continued, creating an increased sense of separation and separateness.

As we learned more about these injustices and inequities, I saw citizens come together for goodness and growth.

Unfortunately over time, this opportunity seemed to be lost because as individuals and as a society we have the tendency to focus on fear and its corresponding hate, judgment, and separation and once again that became the focus for those who try to sell news, products, an idea, or a person.

As this third summer awaits us, we have the promises of easier times together for connecting, enjoying warmer weather, and for working on the many societal and global challenges that are before us. Yet this does not appear to be the focus. Rather, the collective focus is now fatigue instead of transformative opportunity. The collective verbalizes being tired – of waiting, of fear, and of people with differing opinions who are perceived as impinging on their own rights and opportunities.

I know that you are tired. I am too. I never expected to see all these challenges especially since I witnessed so many of this in the 60’s and 70’s and know the stories of my own ancestors and others’ lineages. I thought we were past this. But the truth is, we are not. And my fatigue or frustration only serves as apathy. And apathy will NOT get anything resolved. So, I urge you to join me in waking up and showing up.

Please join me now to take a full breath with a prolonged exhalation to help you, and our collective, to shift away from long-standing ideas, beliefs, and processes.

I urge you to think back and feel back (place your hand on your heart please as you do so) to that time when:

• the world felt quieter.
• you had that deeper recognition of the problems that still are before us, and you were willing to see the possibilities that would lead to societal improvement
• you wanted desperately to help us reach the resulting outcome of these changes
• you believed in the possibilities of who we are (Who We Really Are) as one collective, and not as a group of individuals out for themselves

And as you feel that memory stir in your heart, gut, and soul ask yourself what is needed by you to truly Remember (and Maintain) Who You Really Are so you can dig-in to address these societal and global problems. To minimize future fatigue, be sure to take the time to support yourself. For me it is finding regular time, even during the many possibilities to feel despair and frustration, to return to my heart-space and remember my soul’s purpose. To do this I regularly:

• meditate
• view, or go into, nature
• read or watch inspiring stories
• connect with those who lift me up
• find ways that I can help others

Still, I look for ways to support those people or concerns that I know still need improvement with charitable donations or the offer of my time. And if you are in a personal situation where donations of money, services or time are impossible or unavailable that’s okay. Find every opportunity to share a smile when you see friends, family, or strangers. You can never underestimate the power of connecting with another, with your smile, in appreciation of their presence.

Please take one more purposeful breath with me now to assist this transformational shift and to join your heart with the heart of everyone else who feels as we do. It may take time, but we’ve got this!

Namasté (the light in me acknowledges and honors the light within you).

If you are interested in reading more articles by Judy Lipson on transformation, check out these articles from May 2020 on Opportunities and Resilience, and listen to Transformation: 2020 Vision. 

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.JudyLipson.com for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC 

It seems that everyone I was talking to, or reading on social media, was focused on the completion of 2020 and the hopefulness for better days! In December, I had a conversation with a client about navigating the unknown. She pointed out to me that there can be a myriad of possibilities of outcomes (that can be viewed through the lens of acceptance, curiosity, and even willingness). At the time I don’t think either of us imagined that we would see such a stark difference of possibilities within the span of two weeks in January.

Like you, I was glued to the news (print and TV) on January 6 when the insurrection at the Capitol in DC occurred. I was frightened not only for all those in Congress on that day, but also of the realization of how our democracy had become so fragile.

There was a lot of news in the next days, but let me jump ahead two weeks to January 20, Inauguration Day. Everything related to the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris filled me with hope:

• Their demeanor
• President Biden’s speech
• The presence of three previous presidents and a vice president, representing BOTH parties
• The outgoing vice president’s participation in the United States’ democratic process of the peaceful transfer of power
• The many entertainers who honored the events
• THAT SPEECH by our youngest poet laureate, Amanda Gorman
• The many firsts: South Asian descent, female, Jewish, Second Gentleman, etc.
• The virtual celebratory inaugural activities that included messages of hope, inclusion, science, caring for each other, and amazing and pertinent lyrics
• Those in attendance following the necessary protocols to minimize the spread of COVID-19
• And the fact that it all occurred safely!

Now let’s talk about the entirety of this time. As I read metaphysical blogs and journals, I am reminded of a concept that I have shared with you in previous articles: In order for us to achieve Oneness and compassion for all, we need to make visible all that is not aligned with those concepts so that those issues can be revealed and addressed. Boy, were they ever revealed on January 6! In those intervening weeks leading to the inauguration, the news shared stories of arrests, the involvement of many individuals of varied social and political significance, and the misinformation and disinformation of the previous years.

As the truths were being revealed, there was a significant contingent of followers who still thought that everything would be dismantled at the inauguration. After the inauguration I read articles quoting tweets and comments on social media that these followers were writing during the event. It was quite fascinating. They still thought that there would be arrests of all the presidents who were present that day. They still believed that violence would reign on the event. As these things didn’t happen their social media messages changed. They were shocked and aghast. They had believed the promises, and they thought the promises were for them. They were frustrated, hurt and angry. They expressed feeling lied to and betrayed, and as I read their responses, I could hear their disorientation.

As I acknowledged their disorientation, I recognized a new possibility, re-orienting! Now is a great opportunity to orient them (back) towards hope, optimism, empathy, compassion, Oneness, and the Light. If this is of interest to you, and you know some of these previously disillusioned folks (a family member, colleague, neighbor, etc.), I encourage you to read the blogs of author, social science researcher, and empathy pioneer Karla McLaren. She has been writing specifically about cults – how they happen, how to support your loved ones who have gotten hooked, and how to potentially bring them out.  Everything that I read, and even stories on the news tell of the importance of trying to stay in contact with these folks so there is less likelihood of them being drawn back to their previous group, or into a variance of what they currently seem willing to leave. Maybe we can help them to see hope in a different type of outcome.

For guidance in this process read the aforementioned blogs by Karla McLaren and watch this four minute video with Dr. Dennis Tirch, founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy. He explains that “compassion is the sensitivity to the presence of suffering and the willingness to do something about it”. He additionally suggests the following belief: “I wish for their suffering to cease and I wish for the suffering that they are causing to cease.” He goes on to point out that there is nurturing compassion and there is also strong, protective compassion.

I believe in Hope! It was so lovely to feel hope on Inauguration Day. As I watched the last event on Wednesday evening, and saw our new leaders at the Lincoln Memorial looking out toward the Washington Monument with fireworks illuminating the sky, I breathed in the day’s events and felt relief and hope wash over me. I openly cried tears of relief and spoke aloud, “It’s been a really long four years!!!” You may have felt similarly.

During my life I have fought against all kinds of prejudice, bullying and inequities. In these last years they were not only visible but supported. I’m glad that those who tried to take down our democracy no longer have representation in our highest office, but this mindset is still in our government and they are in our midst. So now though I feel hopeful, I will be mindful to not become complacent.

I will BE hopeful AND vigilant.
I will BE hopeful AND insist on respectable behavior in my presence.
I will BE hopeful AND have my own voice and actions stand for integrity, authenticity, and compassion for all.

How about you? What will you BE?

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.JudyLipson.com for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

My writings here are intended to wake people up. Today I especially want to awaken your heart and soul. As I share some of my observations later in this article, I hope that you will listen with your heart and spirit.

It is never my intention to write politically. For me, it’s about love and gratitude and safety and acceptance and empathy and oneness and diversity and inclusion. It’s how I view and define humanity, and most importantly it’s the compass that I use to identify who and what can help us to become the best that we can collectively be. So if you see political overtones with my comments seeming to lean to one direction or individual or another, please know that it is not my intention to be political, but rather to describe my personal experiences and musings.

Let me share some personal reflections over the last 15 years, which are meant to be descriptive and not political. When President Obama was elected, I was not alone in feeling this great sense of hope, and sensing an opportunity for great change and the increase of communal Light. Then in 2016 I was very excited when I thought that we would have our first female president. It should come as no surprise then, to hear that these past four years have been very challenging for me, as I have witnessed the prominence of fear, hate, prejudices, and worse.

As I’ve talked with my friends, family and clients the question of what’s happening in our society comes up, and I can clearly hear these questions (voiced or not):
What’s missing?
What happened?
How can we achieve global oneness and goodness?

I thought I’d offer a small lesson on morality. Not for you to assess yourself, but to understand how morality develops. This may also help you to understand things as you listen to or watch the news.

When I studied for my master’s degree, we learned Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development:

1. Pre-conventional: Morality is externally controlled and the individual conforms in order to avoid punishment, or to receive rewards.
2. Conventional: The individual tries to support rules set by others in order to win their approval. They also want to maintain social order.
3. Post-conventional or ‘principled’: The individual is more aware of social contracts and the importance of trying to take the perspective of all individuals.

Children begin in the pre-conventional stage and move upward as they age, but there is no guarantee that just because an individual has reached adulthood that they have reached the post-conventional stage.

Recently, as I watched The Democratic convention and listened to Vice President Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris as his vice presidential candidate, and the many speeches that others made, I clearly detected Kohlberg’s post-conventional/principled level of morality. And I once again felt hope.

As I looked at Joe Biden, I saw heart and empathy and compassion. And then I watched Kamala with her paradox and juxtaposition of softness and strength. She also holds compassion, empathy and vision. I believe that Joe and Kamala are each the embodiment of the (sacred) masculine and (sacred) feminine. They are each soft and strong.

And this is why I started this article to talk about your heart. Yes I believe in the messages that Joe and Kamala are promising. But more importantly they speak to my heart. They speak to what my soul and spirit know about people and who we are and who we can be. So once again I am hopeful.

With the recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I felt an acute awareness that others seem to share: Who are the current bearers of the torch of morality and goodness? Who do I now look up to? Who/what provides my moral compass? If you are asking these questions of yourself (and I hope that you are), don’t just look outward! Besides the individuals who are your role models, what inside of you has established itself for that role? Ultimately and optimally our moral compass comes from within.

I love how psychic medium John Holland described this in a recent newsletter: “While your outside world is full of uncertainty, there is one resource you can always rely on, one constant force that will throw you a lifeline and keep you afloat during these chaotic times—your Soul! Your soul is always connected to a Higher Source. (When I talk about “Source” I mean God, the Universe, or a Higher Consciousness – call it what you will.) This is the power that will move you beyond feeling trapped, constrained, unfulfilled or alone. Your soul is the most powerful force in the Universe. It’s your inner GPS system that leads you to your true purpose. It’s the wisdom that guides you through life’s biggest challenges.”

As you read posts and comments in your social media feeds and have unprecedented access to others’ beliefs and truths – let your heart process the information rather than from your mind and fear! Allow for that deep deep knowing that comes from the center of your chest – your heart space. And this heart space knows what your soul needs and will help direct you to next steps.

As Kamala Harris said in some of her final words of her candidacy acceptance speech,  “We won’t just tell our kids how we felt. We will tell them what we did!” In other words, take what you know in your heart and turn it into action. What can you do to change our societal trajectory? What can you do to return hope, compassion, empathy, and protection to all people?

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Are the generations evolving?

Who are these young people who are changing paradigms?

I’m technically part of the Baby Boomer generation. As teens and young adults many of us were called hippies. Though I was aware of hippies during my teen years and wore a few hippie-type outfits (although a true hippie would have scoffed), I know I was not a hippie. But I did agree with many of our generation’s mottos, particularly: “Question authority”, and “Make love, not war”. We were very proud of ourselves for seeing the world differently, and not bowing to the establishment’s pre-conceived notions. We really believed things would be different and that we were the ones to make that happen.

Fast-forward to the subsequent generations. The Center for Generational Kinetics believes that “generations are not cute stories or catchy memes, but groupings of people who help us to see them and the world differently – and more clearly. They make their mark on society and history.” According to the Center:

• Baby Boomers were born 1946-1964
• Gen X was born 1965 to 1976
• Millenials (also called Gen Y) are currently the largest group of employees and consumers and were born 1977 to 1995
• Gen Z was born 1996 to the present.This group is recognized by the fact that 9/11 has always been a memory to them.

Unfortunately, Gen Z seems to have another tragedy in common as well. As I listen to today’s children and teens, one key component of their life is that they all have been affected by the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School. These students’ school experiences have not only included annual tornado and fire drills, but intruder drills as well.

WHEN CONVENTION MEETS METAPHYSICS

Since the Millenials are identified as the largest group born to the previously largest population – the Baby Boomers, it seems apparent to me now that many of those hippies of generations past were likely the early waves of Indigos (see box for additional information).

I have been referring to the amazing students who organized the March for Our Lives as Indigos. I now believe that this name is not sufficient for this amazing group of youth. This new group has the same compassion and empathy as the Crystals (see box), coupled with the fire of the Indigos, and the desire for societal change that was initiated by the hippies. This new group also has stamina, persistence, and of no minimal importance, a superb ability to connect with each other. They are the full package, and they are getting it done!

An example: I spoke with an 8th grader (from Connecticut) in Washington DC the day after the March For Our Lives. We were all in line to visit the Holocaust Museum in DC. We noticed in conversation that she demonstrated maturity far greater than her years (we assumed she was a high school senior or early college student). She was eloquent, articulate, and passionate. She told us: You think my generation just sits on our phones, but we use these phones to connect with each other and to communicate. This is why in only 40 days there were 800+sister marches across the US and the world, including the continents Canada, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Those numbers speak to the ability of social media and the power of these kids.

A further example is her explanation of why she was in line to enter the Holocaust Museum. Although only 14, she realizes that those with first hand memories and knowledge of the Holocaust are nearly gone. She has decided that she should experience the knowledge so that the lessons are not forgotten!

This was not the only type of communication that was happening. I felt it at the march, and I’ve talked to others who participated in various marches, or who watched them on TV. We could feel the palpable connections that were being made between each of us, and with the speakers. We were each connecting to each other around a common theme. We were experiencing Oneness – across a crowd, across the airwaves of television, across hundreds of thousands of people, and across vast distances.

EMBRACE CHANGE

The oneness that we experienced at the march is just one example of what these Star Children (see box) can offer us. There is no coincidence that many of these kids’ grandparents are the baby boomers, creating a generational bookend for these amazing children. We thought WE invented the word change. Seems that THEY are the change we have been waiting for.

And with this recognition comes the potential for a new way of looking at this amazing young generation. Many of the current paradigms and systems that we have may actually be inappropriate for them. For instance, I’ve noticed when working with the children who have Crystal characteristics that the trends of parenting and guidance seem different. The parents’ and teachers’ roles have traditionally been to teach the kids in the ways of the world, but things seem different with this new generation. They have a much stronger sense of self. They are not afraid to have a different opinion as if they know its importance in creating change. As I work with families I observe how the children and teens are frequently teaching the parents a new way of being, of understanding, and of relating.

Be cognizant that it might be time for teachers and parents to take on new roles. I often tell kids that they (the child) have very important information, and new methods of inter-relating. Yet their parents know best the ways of “this” world and “this” society. The kids are here to create and guide us through massive changes, while adults can mentor the youth to navigate the existing currents.

A new shift may be at hand. If the adults sitting in power positions aren’t going to adequately help our youth to navigate our society towards the changes that they are here to develop (peace, oneness, compassion, etc) then they will go around us. The kids seem to have the stamina to play the long game, though it needn’t take long. The process may feel harder for adults who traditionally practice resistance to change. So please, if you are a baby boomer (or member of any other generation) I encourage you to embrace the change that is upon us with the memory that THESE CHANGES ARE EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED!

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Doreen Virtue, a teacher of metaphysics, has identified the following groups:

• Indigos, born 1975 to 1995, have a masculine energy, with warrior traits of willfulness and natural leadership. They are often sensitive to chemicals, including their own body chemistry. Because of their anger and angst, they need outlets for their great energy, and often result in an ADHD diagnosis. As a group they hope to rid the planet of corruption and greed, and usher in cooperation and integrity. I describe them this way: I know I’m here for a purpose. I know that the way we treat each other and our Earth is supposed to change. I’m tired of waiting. Let’s get on with it!
• Crystals, born 1995 to 2015, have a feminine energy – calm, sweet, and quiet. They are often so quiet that they are diagnosed with autism or Aspergers. Crystals prefer to communicate telepathically or through music to convey their deep and complex feelings. They are often even more sensitive to chemicals than Indigos.
• Rainbows, born 2012 and later, have a perfectly balanced male and female energy. They are wise and serene with a greater recognition of the collective consciousness. Like indigos and crystals, they are psychic and can read people’s feelings. Whatever loving thoughts, feelings, and actions are sent to them are magnified and returned a hundred-fold.
• The term Star Children can cumulatively describe all these types of children, and can also refer to those who sense a connection to other worlds. Star Children are seen as having the abilities to tackle issues in non-traditional and unconventional ways. Their skills often include: telepathy, pre-cognition, telekinesis, remote viewing, intuition, energy healing, and channeling.

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Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

Hate is not the opposite of love. Hate is a manifestation of fear.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Looking at something metaphysically includes understanding it from a broader perspective than we are accustomed to doing. The interesting thing is that we often recognize the metaphysics internally, at a place that is hard to access with our thinking mind. And even when we do recognize it cognitively, we tend to only be able to use the words that we know from this three-dimensional existence in which we live.

I, and others, have already written about hate’s inability to see the commonalities of seemingly different people (gender, ethnicity, faith, etc). When I look at hate from a metaphysical approach, I see a deeper misunderstanding that each of us is also experiencing.

THE PAST: AS PERCEIVED IN THE PRESENT

Our past. We used to be one – with others and with the Divine. But then separation occurred, and this separation is a very uncomfortable sensation. Most of us are aware of this separation only subconsciously, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t unconsciously remember how it felt to be connected with the energy of All That Is. This connection felt (and feels) wonderful. Whole. Complete. In fact, it feels like our gestalt (which means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts) becomes complete.

We are actually evolving to return to Oneness, but some of us don’t realize that yet. And some who are attempting to achieve Oneness are misdirected. As a result of separation we generally follow two paths: Abundance Seeker or Scarcity Follower; and scarcity followers might be inclined to follow Opportunists.

Abundance-Seekers

Some people experience separation and seek ways to connect with the Divine by seeking goodness, love, and true connection with others. They seem to always see abundance.

Scarcity Followers

For others, separation creates a different path. Rather than seeking the Divine connection as the abundance-seekers do, they get bogged down in the continued experience of separation. They then find themselves seeking connection with anything that in the short-term feels valuable. But these connections never fulfill their Soul’s need and so they continue to feel separate, becoming ever more desperate, and thus seeing and focusing on scarcity. (Scarcity is the belief that there is not enough for all of us, so one had best become competitive to protect one’s own assets.)

The Opportunists

Opportunists achieve their own quasi-connection by rallying others to follow them. Opportunists thus prey on those who see scarcity, maintaining the latter’s focus on separation, and making it even more difficult for their followers to see the light.

When people continue to experience separation without the emphasis on abundance, they can be drawn into fear, which can then manifest into hate.

FUTURE

Unity and oneness will return for us all. The question is how soon we will usher it in. The choice and the speed of delivery is given to each of us.

There is a Cherokee parable about a man with two wolves inside of him. He is asked which is stronger: The wolf of goodness and love, or the wolf of fear and hate? His answer: “The one that I feed.”

Each of us has the opportunity to change from scarcity-follower to abundance-seeker. Reflect on your own attitudes and behaviors. Which ‘wolf’ do you feed? Have you focused on abundance or scarcity?

When you encounter people in your day, greet them with a smile. Smiles are contagious and, like love, what you send out you get back in return. The Beatles understood this when they wrote, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” (The End, Abby Road) As you identify all that is good in the world and in your day, write them daily into a gratitude journal.

THE PARADOX

If you are already living with a focus on abundance, it is easy to fall into an “us vs. them” framework when you interact with or observe someone who is mired in fear and hate. But this generates more separation. Instead, hold compassion for those who focus on scarcity and understand how difficult it is for them at this moment to make the shift toward abundance. In life and in meditation, reach out with grace and compassion. As you avoid judgment, it is perfectly acceptable, if needed, to respond with boundaries. As Marianne Williamson says, “Sometimes the loving response is ‘no’.”

During these challenging times, it helps to see the metaphysical perspective of what is occurring. In order for us to individually and collectively achieve oneness, we must first recognize separateness. When hate and fear are this apparent, we see what can no longer be hidden behind the smoke and mirrors. Instead, it is made visible, front and center, to observe and address which is a necessary step for change. Now is the time for compassion, for grace, and when necessary for boundaries. Now is the time to create this change.

Namasté (The light in me acknowledges the light in you.)

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties, work or school related anxiety, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those who wish to Remember and Become ‘Who You Really Are’. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www.SpiralWisdom.net for more information. 

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care.

Remembering and Becoming Who You Really Are

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Lightbody, Lightworker, Ascension: My goal is to explain these trending concepts for individuals who have never heard these terms, as well as to provide more extensive information for those who already have familiarity.

Remembering….

LIGHTBODY describes the awakening to Awareness that so many are experiencing at this time. It is the process of bringing more Light, in the form of Divine Intelligence, into your physical form, thoughts, energy field and your life experiences. Light is Goodness, Divine Knowledge, and Harmony. This Light floods our whole being and begins the effects or sensations that may be experienced as a result of the physical body trying to Shift into Lightbody. You will read more about this later.

It is no coincidence that many are following a more spiritual path with a focus on community, love, peace, harmony and compassion. You may find your source of Spirituality from Divine Intelligence or within, in prayer, meditation or in nature. Nothing is outside of nature. Nature is the Divine; Divine is Nature; it’s all part of the natural workings of the universe.

I offer harmony as a potentially new concept for your consideration. Many strive for peace. Yet peace often refers to the absence of conflict and is a term used in a world where we perceive Separation. Even the synonyms of peace include: reconciliation and ceasefire. In contrast, here are the similes for harmony: accord, synchronization, congruence and coherence. Harmony means even when you are not in agreement with others you are willing to work together to make it so. Peace often includes tolerance. Harmony is acceptance.

Did you resonate with the synonyms of harmony? You are likely on the path toward Lightbody. Here are other signs of Lightbody: Your students, children, grandchildren and you may be having more intuitive experiences. You may be questioning commonly held personal or societal beliefs. You may feel a quickening within. You may notice that you see things from a higher perspective. You may have a sense that our humanity is destined for something much different than what you are inundated with on the news – war, hatred, conflict, FEAR. You sense that there is something wonderfully significant coming for yourself or for humanity. And you may even wonder if what you are personally or professionally doing is sufficient. All of these are signs of increased Spirituality that opens you further to the Wisdom of the Light.

Have you noticed that many of society’s previous beliefs are now being questioned? Societal relationships used to be understood through separateness and fear, but more and more of us are now realizing that we are all One. In fact, each of us is helping to create a new paradigm. Some will emanate the Light (harmony, compassion, Oneness) while others will illuminate the Shadow (fear, separateness, conflict). Both Light and Shadow are required in this journey that we are on as we – our bodies, Spirit, Soul, Earth, and even our Galaxy and Universe – evolve.

Light/Shadow is one of many contrasts that you know. Additional contrasts include day/night, Divine Masculine/Divine Feminine, yin/yang, individual/community, and separateness/unity. These contrasts, and the paradox that recognizes the importance of both sides, are part of your life experience. The paradox of Separateness and Unity is an evolution that began when the Soul explored Unity through Oneness. Then at some point, to more fully understand Oneness, our Souls recognized the paradoxical need for contrast and chose the experience of exploring Unity through Separation. The time is now to come full circle and to again make our connection to Source. This Unification does not replace the knowledge and information that we have attained during our period of separation. On the contrary, the knowledge that we have accumulated has brought us the ability to prove the esoteric Truth that so many of us Know and that will bring us fully to the evolved state of Oneness. It isn’t “either/or”, nor is it separation vs. oneness. Rather it is “both/and”, as well as unity and individuality. We can feel Oneness while fully appreciating individuality. These are significant paradigm shifts!

LIGHTWORKERS are helping individuals and society make these shifts, using the principles of Light to heal themselves, others, the planet and other dimensions.

One of the hallmarks of Lightbody work is bringing Balance to the seemingly paradoxical contrasts in society, and within you. Many previous generations have lived with the focus on the Divine Masculine essence: a belief that one thought and action is correct and that all others are wrong; doing and fixing; perceiving the world in a rather black and white manner; dominance over others in personal relationships and even governments. As so often happens when change occurs, there’s a tendency to move to the opposite side of the spectrum. We are now moving in the direction of the Divine Feminine: to live and work cooperatively; being rather than doing; allowing various shades of gray to peacefully coexist. The Divine Feminine nurtures, heals, comforts, motivates and manifests. The Divine Masculine allows us to do, take action and move things forward. Both are needed for optimal living and co-creating. Balance of the Masculine and Feminine is necessary for systems, relationships, and within you as an individual.

Shifting from Separation to Oneness and establishing the balance of the Feminine and Masculine may not be as easy as one thinks; and these are only two of the paradigm shifts that we are undergoing. The challenge in Lightbody work is shifting your many facets – thoughts, emotions, intentions, energy and your physicality – and moving from the old paradigm to the new.

Becoming…..

ASCENSION is this evolution toward full Lightbody. It involves the shifting of many different paradigms and takes time. The speed and duration vary for different individuals. Willingness and proper support appear to ease and sometimes speed the process.

The process will include shifts in thought, emotion, energy and physicality. Yet this is not linear.

ENERGY is the easiest to shift since energy follows the Light and your own inner Truth. It may seem as if the Awakening began when an idea was read or heard and you noticed a deep resonance of Truth within. But Truth is not recognized by your mind. The recognition comes from the hologram of Knowledge, carried within your energy/Soul, of the time when you were Unified with Source. Thus, your energetic hologram was reminded of Who You Really Are, and your energy then directs your thoughts, emotions and physicality.

THOUGHTS can be relatively easy to shift once you give yourself permission to accept an alternate belief. Your logical mind will replace an old thought with a new belief, especially when it is recognized as part of a Truth that was temporarily lost. If you find yourself resistant, it may be coming from your emotions, as opposed to beliefs.

EMOTIONS – There is a tendency to get pinged by your Ego when you try to see differently and move to Oneness. The Ego is not a fan of different or change. The Ego, and its cousin the Inner Child, thinks that change will place us in grave danger. This is paradoxical because Separateness is what has kept you from feeling safe, and Unity is what brings you to security and wholeness.

Though the process of shifting the emotions can seem messy and feel scary, the deep Safety that is experienced is well worth the journey. In fact, it doesn’t take a long time to experience your inner Safety. As Eckhart Tolle wrote in The New Earth, the pain-body fears and runs. The pain-body is nearly tangible and is full of fear and emotional pain. It is actually your fear of looking at what is in the pain-body that causes the distress. When you finally stop running from your own fear, and instead turn to face what you thought you were running from, you realize that it is not very scary at all. Even considering this possibility may have you ‘quaking in your boots’. I had that same response when I read about the pain-body in Tolle’s book several years ago. I could not imagine that he was speaking Truth. But one day, months after, I was tired of the Fear and decided to try. It is truly amazing! I hope that you will try this yourself to know that it is indeed accurate. And once you turn to face yourself, you recognize a strength that you have never known before.

PHYSICALITY – Everything, including your body, is ascending at this time. From the first holographic memory of Who You Really Are, your body was infused with Light and began its ascension. Since the body is dense it has difficulty comfortably shifting with this infusion of Light. The resulting Lightbody effects are often experienced with what our societal model calls Symptoms. This is most disconcerting when you don’t understand what is happening.

Allow me to provide a different paradigm model for what is happening, as well as how to minimize the symptoms and ease the process:

Your physical body is now, quite literally, trying to move at the speed of the Light with which it has been infused. Shifts happen more easily when Light moves Light, but we believe our bodies to be solid. Though the physical body is carbon-based, Dr. Candace Pert and Dr. James Oschman have explained that we have an inner matrix of liquid crystals (i.e.: fascia/connective tissue) that allows for extraordinarily fast and complete communication throughout your entire system. Not only is your body becoming more crystalline, your body is trying to bring all the parts to equal expansiveness. This is the Ascension to Lightbody within your physical body.

What does this process feel like? When you bring your thoughts into a new paradigm, which may even include reading this article, or release old emotional patterns, or come in contact with new or rapidly moving energies, you may feel the response of your physicality trying to shift. In the old paradigm, these were called symptoms; in this new paradigm, it is known as processing, and may include the following:

• Fuzzy thinking, memory issues, distractibility, not thinking straight.
• Exhaustion (a sleeping body can process much more rapidly when the conscious mind gets out of the way).
• Increased sensitivity of the five senses.
• Major toxic releases – odors, hives, excrement changes, rashes, itching.
• Frontal headaches due to pituitary gland changes.
• Back of head (occipital area) headaches due to changes to the pineal gland.
• Nausea, fever without being sick, palpitations, anxiety.
• Pain or rashes that move without explanation.
• Evaluations by physicians without finding a cause.

You may even note different reactions to medications, lack of responsiveness to former treatment modalities, or changes in dietary or exercise needs.

Thankfully there are many things that you can do to support your body:

• Limit caffeine and sugars.
• Rest, hydrate, move (exercise, dance, walk, etc).
• Receive energy work: Reiki, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Quantum Healing.
• Get bodywork: massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, acupressure.
• Stretch and shake the body to realign the liquid crystals.
• Replenish electrolytes (i.e.: EmergenC, Airborne)
• Epsom salts baths.
• Flower essences (i.e.: Flower Essence Society; Bach Flower Remedies).
• Reduce stress, balance time, delegate, release control, empower yourself.
• Set proper verbal, physical and energetic boundaries – See Energy Cleansing and Setting Boundaries.
• Be present, live in the now.
• Detoxify your body with the 5 elements:

Air-movement through air, oxygen therapy, slow deep breathing

Fire–heat, sun, sauna, observing candlelight and fireplaces

Water–bathe, hydrate, observe water

Earth–mud or Epsom salt bath, herbs, healing with crystals

Ether-essential oils, flower essences

Use all 5 simultaneously: i.e. Take a hot bath with Epsom salts (with essential oils sprinkled on them) and breathe deeply.

The following will support your entire self as it shifts to Lightbody:

• Look at recurrent emotional patterns symbolically and deal with them.
• Address your triggers, issues and fears, and remember that Grace (the helping hand that lifts you up) will help ease your process.
• Practice unconditional love and forgiveness of yourself and others.
• Ask Spirit and your Highest Wisdom to guide you.
• Trust your innate wisdom and embrace your intuition.
• Follow a daily spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, art, music, communing with nature – anything that puts you in the zone).
• Practice a nightly review to identify WITHOUT JUDGEMENT AND WITH COMPASSION what you did right as well as how you could respond differently in a future time.
• You are more than your body, so ground more expansively by multidimensional grounding: Become aware of your whole energy field, and from that expansiveness ground down to Earth and up to Source.

Living authentically and in congruence with your truest Self is the essence of Being Who You Really Are. You will joyfully exhibit honesty, compassion, and integrity. Additionally, you may notice the following:

• An awareness of multiple dimensions at once.
• A greater ability to heal self or others.
• No fear; less attachment to emotional hooks; an ability to face the old fears more easily.
• Awareness of Sacred Geometry and energetic body changes.
• Increased intuition.
• You can feel your energy “go out” to others without feeling personally depleted.
• You are more willing to set aside judgments and be in harmony.
• You can dwell in unconditional love during conflicts and stay out of judgment and fear.
• Others will see your Light and be Awakened.

This is a journey that each of us with Awareness is taking now. Each has a different role in the Multiverse and may experience the process of ascension differently, but our bodies, Spirit, Soul, Earth, and even the Cosmos are ascending.

Though this is a rewarding journey, there can be moments of uneasiness as you struggle to understand the larger context, may be resistant to healing old wounds, or don’t know how to adequately support your body’s changes. Consider journaling, reading, attending workshops, and joining or creating a group of like-minded individuals.

It may be essential to seek a professional who understands Ascension to Lightbody to help you clear old patterns and triggers. This person can hold an energetically safe place while you process your more challenging personal issues. This may be a Lightworker who understands the process of evolution into Lightbody, and who has expertise in spiritual guidance, energy work and/or bodywork. Consider the following as you do so:

YOU DON’T NEED TO REMEMBER, YOU JUST NEED TO RELEASE.

YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW, YOU JUST NEED TO LET GO.

It is no coincidence that you are alive now. Be Who You Really Are and joyfully embrace your place in the Multiverse.

This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to replace medical care. Product names are offered as descriptive examples and are not intended as endorsement.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield, MI. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

In author Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, he describes the mindsets of scarcity and abundance.  Abundance is the recognition that there are enough resources and successes for everyone. He contrasted this with the scarcity mindset, which focuses on not having or being enough.

When scarcity is your mindset, you believe there is not enough to go around. Scarcity is founded on the idea that if someone else wins or is successful in a situation, another loses. There is little consideration for the possibility of all parties winning. Scarcity, therefore, often results in destructive and unnecessary competition.

Compare this mindset to those who see life as abundant. Individuals with an abundance mentality are able to celebrate the success of others rather than feel threatened by it. Abundance is the realization that there is always enough and that we need not worry about quantity and opportunity – for ourselves or for others.

You may believe that you live in a mindset of abundance, but it may surprise you to know that you sometimes fall into the scarcity mindset. To determine how well you stay in abundance, look at the small experiences in your life:

• Do you save items to be used later rather than enjoying them now?
• Do you worry that others are ahead of you in life?
• Can you fully applaud the achievements of others, without comparing your own? Or, do you wonder if there will be an opportunity for you to reach others’ achievements?
• Do you focus on what you have, or is your focus on what you lack?
• When you see what is lacking in your life, do you find yourself in Fear?

One belief that creates scarcity thinking is the assumption that we are all separate; but when you realize that we are all one and that there is no difference between us, you can gain a better appreciation for the happiness and accomplishments of others.

An aspect of abundant thinking is recognizing the difficulty that others may have achieving this mindset. Have compassion for those who you perceive as angry or narrow-minded. They are actually filled with fear. Fear and scarcity frequently go hand in hand. Fear fosters the belief that if you have something, you will keep me from having it and you therefore must be the enemy.

The best way to combat your own fear or the fear that others direct toward you is by using its opposite: love. When you demonstrate a loving countenance, people will respond positively to your words, your actions, and your energy. Your loving, unconditional acceptance of them is what helps lead them away from their own fears and scarcity beliefs.

Imagine if all of us focused on the adequacy of our own lives – there would be less competition between individuals or between groups. As I think about this possibility, I wonder, would people still be so divided over politics? Would countries and cultures be at war? Would people of faith accept that there are many other ways to worship? Would families and coworkers engage in petty arguments?

I hope that peaceful coexistence and the abundance mindset will be the norm in my lifetime.  We each hold the possibility to create this reality. Developing an abundance mindset creates optimism and joyful thoughts for ourselves. As we subsequently interact with others, we radiate this positive energy of acceptance and unity. Oneness replaces separateness, promoting societal changes and ultimately greater peace on earth.

Thinking with abundance brings possibilities for peace and acceptance for us all. We change our planet one person at a time, and it begins with ourselves. As you strive to bring more abundance and peace into your life, consider author Doreen Virtue’s affirmation: I accept good graciously into my life; all of my needs are met abundantly for me now and always.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.

Avoid separation from others and within yourself

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Keeping up with the Joneses. It seems like human nature. You look at others and compare. Unfortunately you judge yourself to fall short. But what are you really looking at? You are comparing that in-depth knowledge that you have of yourself to the superficial information that you have of others, as well as to an ideal that doesn’t exist.

Be aware of this unconscious tendency to compare and judge which can put the other on a pedestal, leaving you to feel inadequate and resentful. Rather than seeing what is real, you perceive an illusion. This illusion creates a separation between yourself and others, and between the self that presents to the world and your authentic self. (More about authenticity later this year.)

When comparing, you evaluate the completeness of what you know about yourself to the superficial awareness that you have of others. You really only know what is observed or what has been verbally shared. This can be inaccurate, incomplete or untrue; in fact it often is. There is a tendency to take a small bit of information and to create a complete story around it. Do you really know if that co-worker or acquaintance has it all? Might they have depression or anxiety, problems with their kids, marital discord, financial problems, weight or health issues? Don’t assume that everyone else has the perfect life, family and body.

Acknowledge and accept all aspects of yourself, including your shadows. The shadow includes the aspects of your personality and actions that you pretend don’t exist. Sometimes it’s a behavior that you exhibit, but won’t admit; other times it’s a behavior that you won’t allow yourself to act upon, but unconsciously wish that you would. When these behaviors are seen in others, you will most likely feel anger or annoyance.

Ironically, the most effective way to stop judging others (and the self) is to take care of your own needs. This is not selfishness.

There are three choices to this first technique. Strive to respond from choice one or three most frequently.

DO IT, SAY IT OR ASK FOR IT: Express what is needed and do what is necessary for the self to provide mastery and empowerment. Unfortunately, most people don’t do this enough.

DON’T SAY, ASK OR DO: This option is chosen too frequently. You are afraid to step forward and ask for what you need. You also don’t say no when you should. This is especially true with women who believe that they must be good girls and not rock the boat, but it is not just a women’s issue. Besides feeling like people are taking advantage of you, this option is disempowering because you separate from your authentic self.

PURPOSELY DON’T SAY, ASK OR DO: When the decision to not verbalize or do is based on choice rather than avoidance and fear, empowerment is maintained. It is okay to choose to not express your needs when it is the wrong timing or the greater good will not be achieved in doing so.

Another great technique to respond authentically is to ask these three questions:

WHAT DOES MY MIND KNOW?

WHAT DOES MY HEART KNOW?

WHAT DOES MY SPIRIT KNOW?

THE MIND REACTS FROM FEAR, JUDGMENT AND/OR SUPERFICIAL NEEDS. Your heart brings you clearly and lovingly to what’s important. Your spirit will set you free from any remaining concerns as it responds from the highest awareness and brings freedom and peace. The spirit’s perspective is like looking at a tapestry: on the back are knots and crisscrossed threads, yet when you see the front you only see the beauty and perfection.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN NEEDS AND EACH OTHER. Avoid self-judgment and the you-versus-me mentality that lead to unhealthy relationships, a fractured, competitive society and separation – duality.

DUALITY IS A RELATIVELY NEW TERM RELATED TO SEPARATION. It fosters resentment, anger and hatred and can lead to aggression toward self or others. Its opposite is unity. Unity means that you are one with everything; that you don’t feel separation – from others or within yourself. Unity brings peace, acceptance and oneness.

EACH OF US IS PART OF THE CURRENT GLOBAL SHIFT FROM DUALITY TO ONENESS. Treat yourself and others with compassion and acceptance. Avoid judgment. Be present in your own life. Continue to take care of yourself, each other and our planet.

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.