If you’re looking for a book to assist you as you navigate the ups and downs in life while you peel away the layers of worldly expectations, this read may be for you.
Have you ever wondered about your life’s dreams and what happened to them? Have you ever had dreams for your life? This book is a wake-up call. A reminder that it is never too late to fulfill that desire burning deep down inside of you. The piece of your soul that is ready to shine and light up your life! Inside the pages of Living, Loving, & Unlearning, I’ve created an easy to follow guideline for you to do just that. As you discover the purity of your own soul, and purpose of your existence here on earth, you will begin to feel the freedom to live your life, your journey, and your truth.
To listen to my talk at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA, please click here. This will give you an inside look into Living, Loving, & Unlearning, how it came about, and how it may help you in your own healing. As an added treat, my brother, Norm Weintraub, also performs a very special song about our Dad and his impact on our lives.
To order your copy of Living, Loving, & Unlearning, please go to my website at cynthiabrennen.com.
“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is often said that faith is the the opposite of fear. Both are unseen, created by our beliefs, and both have the potential to effect our lives in very different ways. My belief is that fear is afraid of faith, just as darkness fears the light. Fear cannot exist in the presence of faith, and therefore cowers in its presence. Reminding us of the strength that is realized in the letting go of illusion.
Faith is a surrender. A trust that all will be well. A knowing deep within yourself that what you focus on expands and boomerangs back to you. When you believe in yourself and trust the process of life, every step you take aligns with your desires. Even when your anxieties seep into the crevices of your mind, your recollections will remind you of how far you’ve come. Your worries of yesteryear never came to fruition, reminding you of this reality. It’s the falsehoods we tell ourselves that get us in trouble, paralyzing our momentum until we succumb to the imagined fear. What if we allowed our imagination to fly in faith and empowered our hearts to lead the way?
Many years ago, I heard an acronym for FAITH as Find Answers In The Heart. Moving into the heart of the matter where our intuition resides will open up the pathways to our universal connections, creating an opening for our desires. Will those thoughts be based on fear or faith? Be mindful of what you wish for as the mind is a powerful tool and will catapult those wishes extended from your inner self.
The final, and most important question is, do you believe it when you see it, or do you see it when you believe it? Believe in yourself and nothing will be beyond belief. It’s already created and just waiting for you to step into it. All you need is faith.
It’s amazing how fast six years flies. But then again, it feels like an eternity. So much has happened in those gut-wrenching joyful years that I completely forgot to write. I recently wrote Sacred Selfpartly to see if I would have the strength to push the publish button. Writer’s block? More like one big life block. I went through a divorce, moved from New York to Florida, closed up my practice and started over again; and then the whirlwind of March of 2020 began. That sent us all into a tailspin of sorts, but who knew it would manifest so many happenings in the way that it did. Almost like a tornado that spins out of control, and then when everything and everyone drops, the wreckage is so overwhelming you don’t know where to begin. Instead of waiting, I’m choosing to put my foot in the stirrup and begin again.
Interestingly, I’ve been preparing to write for the past few months. I even created a beautiful writing room decorated in pinks and greens surrounded by photos of all that I love. The room is certainly delicious eye candy but I couldn’t bring myself to sit in my lovely green velvet chair and peck the keys. My recently injured knee was even screaming at me to explore what the heck was holding me back, literally feeling stuck in the bowels of cement. A piece of this exploration led me to an amazing Shaman who so clearly directed me toward the center of my healing. The first words I spoke to him when I walked into his space filled with serenity and breathing crystals were, “I’m feeling stuck.” He looked at me and said, “You need to be writing.” Those five words shook me to the core. My soul screaming, “Finally, now listen!” More healing evolved in that session as I laid down on the warm amethyst crystal mat, my legs literally vibrating as we moved into sound healing ringing with tuning forks. With every deep breath, angels began surrounding me, especially Archangel Raphael who is the healer of spiritual and physical ailments. We then delved into a few of my past lives which opened me up to more healing, bringing me full circle to challenges and joys in this life. I left the session with a new perspective and understanding of my sticky stuckness.
There are times in life when we get thrown. As someone who rode horses in my younger years, I couldn’t have imagined how the phrase, “when you fall off that horse, you get back on”, would play out in my life. At 12 years old I took that very poignant phrase quite literally. Every time I fell off I did get back on that horse, fearing I may never get back on again. My memory brings me back to a time when I was jumping through a series of hurdles and my sweet horse, Early Aurora, tripped and threw me through the air, landing with a loud thud. It knocked the wind out of me, which was very scary. If you’ve ever had this happen to you, you know what I mean, you think you’ll never breathe again! Thankfully, I was at a horse show so they were prepared for these kinds of accidents. I remember hearing the whirring siren of the ambulance coming closer and I began thinking, “No, no, no, breathe and get back on!” My fear of giving up was greater than living in fear. What is life, after all, if we live it feeling fearful. Aren’t we here to experience it all, every risk, bump, and bruise? That’s what I was thinking as I lay on the ground. I caught my breath and stood up just as the ambulance reached me. My expression determined, I walked over to Aurora (who was patiently waiting for me), put my foot in the stirrup and got right back on. She was always my fellow warrior so it wasn’t surprising that with renewed resolve, we held our heads high, looked at the jumps once again with our focus clearer this time, flew through them and thrived!
And so it goes, we move forward in this world with the intention to thrive. We all have the ability, the only requirement is to live in faith and trust, knowing that first step builds the monument to your dreams. Every dreamer deserves that castle in the sky, and it is with love of ourselves and others, that that Light in the sky becomes a reality. What is your purpose here on earth? Take that first step; put your foot in the stirrup, focus, gather your strength, and jump! Your Spirit will thank you.
Aurora and I thriving at the Philadelphia Spectrum, circa 1973
*If you’re looking for an amazing heart opening, shamanic experience, click here to schedule a session with Don Reed Simmons at the Om Shoppe in Sarasota, Florida. More information can be found about Don on their website if you scroll to the bottom of the main page and click on “Our Staff/Team”. Happy inner exploration!
We all have a divine purpose deep within our souls yearning to be expressed. Some of us ignore it and create distractions to take us off course, some of us deny it, and some of us passionately embrace it, allowing our lives to flourish and flow with what we know to be our truth. We are all born with this innate knowledge of our personal purpose. The challenge is to stay in tune with your soul as the years and life experiences pile on.
It’s not unusual for me to ask a client what their life’s purpose is and they simply answer, “I don’t know”. What I suggest to them is that they do know, they need only sit long enough with themselves to feel what resonates within their life path. It often takes some silent soul-searching, mixed with meditation, before they see the light. And when the light hits, all chapters of that person’s life miraculously fit together like an artful masterpiece.
I’ve always known that my calling is in the field of mental/emotional health, but what I’ve come to realize lately bears a deeper meaning beneath it all. At times in my life when I felt I was taken off course I was actually experiencing the pain I needed to feel in order to help others heal. In hindsight, every painful choice was an act of courage so that I may fulfill my purpose here on earth. I am grateful for every challenging experience in my life for it has brought me full circle to joy, reminding me that I never fell off track, I simply rode among the mountains to become stronger. And in this strength, I continue to fulfill my divine purpose.
In the big picture, we are all here to love and be loved. That is an essential realization as you begin to explore your soul’s purpose. First and foremost, loving who you are, regardless of chirpings from the outside world of naysayers, will illuminate the path to your truth. Once that is clear in your mind and heart, you can then begin to explore your divine purpose. Sit in the quiet, connect to Spirit, and breathe in all that you are and have been. Accept it ALL without judgment and allow your chapters to flow. What is a common denominator for you? How have your experiences brought you to where you are today? What are you grateful for? These are a few questions you can ask yourself as you ponder your purpose. Be mindful of every question, practice patience, and it will come.
You might be wondering, why is there a need to explore any of this at all? All I can tell you is I know when I’m living on purpose, and I know when I’m not. The universe aligns with me and flows smoothly when I’m reaching for my meaning. And when I’m not, the universe lets me know that, too. Deep in your heart and soul you know what is right and true. We all feel happier inside when life flows and our hearts open up to the sky. Even in dark times our spirit sees the light through our difficulties. Our soul knows this truth, and when our minds catch up it is a powerful burst of love energy.
After all, in the big picture, we are all here to love and be loved.
I WOULD BE REMISS if I didn’t include the special bond I had with one very special girl, my horse, Early Aurora. In Roman mythology, the meaning of Aurora is “goddess of the dawn,” and oh what a goddess she was! A bright light shining into the dim of the morning. She was my guiding light, my maternal protector, my soul mate. She safely carried me through trails, over hurdles, and around arenas from the time I was 10 years young to the ripe old age of 13. Soon after, her time came to retire on our farm, soaking up the leisure life of pastures and blues skies, until she passed through the veil, shortly after retirement.
Barb and Early Aurora shining their Light.
Aurora has been shining her bright light on me, yet again, as of late. Forty-three years after she came to me, another shining light tapped on my soul. Aurora’s previous rider/soul connector found me on Facebook and asked, “Are you by chance the Cindy Weintraub who rode Early Aurora?” I replied, “Yes, she was very special to me. Who did you ride with?” When she told me she was Aurora’s previous owner, my body quivered in chills. She had kept a Christmas card I sent her those four decades ago, when Aurora came to me. A photo of Aurora and me, and my name, enclosed. Immediately, I felt bonded with this person who I knew loved Aurora as much as I did. Our connection has gone beyond my wildest dreams. Barb has become such a sweet soul sister to me, and, of course, we have more in common than I ever would have imagined. The bond we have, it all makes sense to me now. At 61 years young, she runs, swims, moves through nature walks, eats very healthy, and has more energy than a 15-year-old. Our spiritual beliefs are so in sync it leaves no doubt that Aurora’s spirit not only arranged our recent connection, but the passing of Aurora’s light from Barb to me many dawns ago. Barb is now a bright light in my life, with Angel Aurora in the middle.
The grace of meeting Barb was not only enlightening but cathartic in my own healing. As I was in the shower one morning, where most of my profound intuitive thoughts come to me, I realized the real reason I quit riding while I was so young. My excuse was that I wanted a social life with kids my age (and part of that was true), but the deeper meaning expressed itself through my stream of tears, washed away by the shower cascade. You see, Aurora retired young because she had cancer. I realized that morning, surrounded by the ease of water, that I blocked the pain of losing Aurora so deeply that I quit doing something I loved. At such a young age, I didn’t know the value of grieving, and moved on, hiding the hurts festering inside. For those of you who can relate, you know the bond between a girl and her horse. It’s stronger than many friendships throughout your lifetime. I am so very grateful for Barb entering my life, for she not only gave me the gift of a beautiful friendship, she unknowingly pushed me to feel the pain and grieve my long lost love. Not only Aurora, but the joys of riding itself. I know Aurora sent a spark through both of our hearts, creating a bond forever connected to her spirit.
When painful times come upon you, remember, “This too shall pass.” Spirit has given us the blessing of amnesia when it comes to pain. Allow yourself to feel and express, especially when you think you can’t feel anymore. The nights will eventually give way to the glory of the dawn.
To listen to my show on Self Realization, Yoga and Meditation with Adam DeYoung, simply click on the link below. This show will also be archived under the category, “AM WWLZ820 Talk Radio” and titled, Self Realization, Yoga & Meditation with Adam DeYoung.
Thank you so much, Adam, for bringing Joy and Light into the hearts of so many!
Join Adam DeYoung and I on Help, Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am, Saturday, May 21st, 12-1pm EST. We will be discussing a path to self-realization, kriya yoga, karma yoga, meditation, Christ consciousness, the aum vibration, healing through the 7 chakras, monastic life and more. Sit back, relax and tune in… Calls are welcome during the show at 607-732-4820 or 1-866-732-4820.
Have a beautiful day, my friends…Namaste…
Adam practices Reiki to heal others of any physical, emotional and spiritual ailments that may be blocking the person from manifesting health, abundance and the state of well being. He is a Reiki Master in the Usui Shiki Ryoho practice. Along with Reiki he also practices Kriya Yoga, which is the art of moving energy through the chakras for higher awareness. He is a devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda for over twenty years and has served in his Ashram for nearly two years. His spiritual practices are based on Yogananda’s teachings. In his spare time he enjoys gardening as part of his meditation practice. Throughout his life on his spiritual quest for Self Mastery he had many interesting life experiences that had led him to the Realization that life is just a journey to remember one’s divinity. Whichever path that you resonate with most is the one for you, no right or wrong, just that which will bring you bliss and helping others to find their own bliss as well.
To listen to my show with Pam Brooks-Crump and her very enlightening insights on inner guidance, transformation and following your soul’s purpose, simply click on the link below. This show will also be archived under the category, “AM WWLZ820 Talk Radio”, titled, “Pam Brooks-Crump; Mia Inspired! Following your inner guidance & your soul’s purpose.”
Thank you, Pam! This show was a ton of fun and full of light! Continue to give and receive JOY!!
Tune in to Help, Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am, Saturday, May 14th, 12-1pm EST. My guest will be Pam Brooks-Crump, author of Mia Inspired! A Caterpillar at a Crossroad. Join Pam and I as we discuss life’s stages, changes, and listening to your Inner Guidance. As always, calls are welcome during the show at 607-732-4820 or 1-866-732-4820.
Pam’s Story….
In 2008, I was at a place of confusion and uncertainty about what I wanted to do outside of being a mom, I asked for Inner Guidance and I received a message to “Illustrate the book!” This sounded familiar because five-years previous, I had heard the exact same message! My response at that time was, “Wrong number, call back another time!“ However, when I heard it so clearly for the 2nd time, I summoned my courage like Mia does, and decided to trust my Inner Guidance. We could have called the book “Pam Inspired!”, but that just didn’t have the same ring as “Mia”, since she is a magnificent Monarch! My Inner Guidance knew something that I did not know, that drawing and painting would bring so much joy to my life! I have been a writer for many, many years in the form of journaling my private writings. However, “Mia Inspired!” is my first published book. The writing of ‘Mia” was such an easy flow for me, it was as if I was taking dictation from my Inner Source.
I have always had a love for foreign languages and cultures. I graduated from the University of Georgia in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in French which included a study abroad program in Paris, France. I continued my studies and obtained a Masters in International Finance from Thunderbird, The Garbon School of International Management, Glendale AZ. which included two additional abroad programs, again in Paris and in Guadalajara, Mexico. The time I spent abroad is invaluable to me expanding my horizons, and it was in Mexico that I experienced the migration of the Monarch butterfly (read “Mia Inspired!: for more on this amazing journey)!
I worked in International Banking for 3 years in New York City followed by a short career as a real estate agent there in the city. In 1992, I began my career as a fulltime mother, and it was not until 2008 after seeking Inner Guidance that I was led to my current work of writing and illustrating children’s picture books. I currently live in Marietta, Georgia with my husband and 3 children.
Cynthia Brennen, LMSW 