Reeling, Feeling, and Healing

 

Notice the signs…

Grieving and loss have been thick in the air lately. At least it has been in my therapy room. The big question clients have been asking me is, “How long do I have to endure this pain?” After sitting in silence and allowing the energy to settle in, I review what I have witnessed in the grieving process.

The first stage is Reeling. After the shock of loss settles in, we begin to stagger and stumble, not quite knowing where to grab on to life. Feeling lost, we reach for stability but nothing feels like it did before. We begin to wonder if we’ll ever feel sane again, happy again, and just plain want to live again. We may even feel guilty for having those thoughts, and yet, the pain overpowers the guilt.  Life as we knew it is gone, with no light in sight.

And then we begin to Feel. Reality of the loss drops in and we realize we’ll never have the old back. As we work through our feelings between the tears, anger, confusion, and bewilderment, a shadow of acceptance begins to crack through the tunnel. We begin to see the light, and then the roller coaster comes winding around again. One minute we feel like life is returning to our normal, and the next minute, the pain hits like a ton of bricks again. It is at this point that I remind my clients that the roller coaster ride is part of the process of grieving. We continue to work through those feelings until the span of peace is longer than the span of unrest. In time, as we work through all emotions the reality of what is now becomes the new normal. This doesn’t mean the loss is forgotten. It simply means the loss is accepted.

Once acceptance has calmed the roller coaster, we move into the healing stage. It is here we begin to have a new relationship with the loss. If it is a loved one who has passed, we may begin to connect with them on a spiritual level. I know when I lost my dad the reeling and feeling stages were excruciating for me. It wasn’t until the healing stage that I began to relate to him through energy, signs, and dimes. Yes, he leaves me dimes. I have a client who knows it’s her mother saying hello every time she sees a cardinal fly by. Another client’s rose-bush blooms in the middle of winter. It was his wife’s favorite part of their garden. A friend of mine sees her father with every butterfly that persistently follows her. Open your heart and notice these signals from your loved ones. They are full of love and light in their world and they want you to feel happiness in yours.

There are many different types of losses that happen in our lives besides losing a loved one who passes through the veil. We experience loss with employment, relationships, money, homes, pets, health, the list goes on. Everyone’s experience and length of time in the stages is different. It took me two years before I came to acceptance of my father’s passing. I was reeling for about six months, just trying to find my footing. And then I was painfully feeling for about a year and a half. It was a day of enlightenment when the light finally broke through the tunnel. I felt joy in the realization I didn’t have to pick up the phone to talk to him anymore, I could talk to him any second, any time of the day. He wasn’t only with me in human form, he was with me and around me always. And we were one. That’s the day my spirit crossed the veil with a new understanding of our spiritual connection. Way beyond this world. Way beyond our intellect. A beautiful dimension extension.

For those of you staggering through this process of grief, doing your best to catch your breath, I ask you to trust not only the grieving process but the spiritual awakening that is inside of all of us. There is so much more to us than these shells we habitate while here on earth. When we stop reeling and move through our feelings, it is our spiritual expansion that delivers the healing. It is then that we realize what we thought was lost never left our side.

Surrounded by Love

 

Your Soul’s Purpose

Find your peaceful place…

 

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.

Goddess of the Dawn

My glory days with Early Aurora, circa 1971

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.

My New Journey To Health

Join me on my new journey to health as we move into the second half of 2011…visit my fresh, up to date website at cynthiabrennen.com.

All my past, present and future writings, radio shows and musical videos will be posted on Cynthia Brennen, LMSW.

It has been a JOY writing, speaking and dancing on this blog!  Meet you on my new website!

Namaste, mes amis

SOULSHINE!

“All the darkness in the world can’t extinguish light from a single candle”

~St. Francis of Assisi~

Help, Hope & Healing Radio Show with Adam DeYoung; Self Realization, Yoga & Meditation

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! 

Namaste, my soul friend:)

https://cynthiabrennenlmsw.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wwlz-pgm_12-062.mp3

Help, Hope & Healing Interview with Adam DeYoung; A Path To Self-Realization

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.

Help, Hope & Healing Radio Show with Pam Brooks-Crump & Mia Inspired! A Caterpillar at a Crossroad

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!!

https://cynthiabrennenlmsw.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wwlz-pgm_12-061.mp3

Help, Hope & Healing; Mia Inspired! with Pam Brooks-Crump

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.

Help, Hope & Healing Interview with Adam DeYoung; A Yogi’s Way to Self-Realization

Join Adam DeYoung and I on Help, Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am, Saturday, April 16th, 12-1pm EST.  We will be discussing a path to self-realization, kriya yoga, karma yoga, meditation, Christ consciousness, the aum vibration, chakras, monastic life and more.  This will be an hour where you can sit back, relax and tune in to your own calming center.  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 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.

Adam also hosts his own talk radio show at www.blogtalkradio.com.