Shamans tend to be men {Women have more of these abilities in their natural state and require less altered consciousness.}, though women also can become shamans; some women shamans are extraordinarily powerful. In some cultures, shamans are involuntarily chosen by the spirits; they realize their calling in a transformational experience, often a serious illness that brings them close to death {For example Damion Brinkley of today.} and is self-cured. In other cultures, persons with natural shamanic gifts are selected at a young age, trained and initiated.

Those of you who are unemployed, or desire a career change, or perhaps, like me, want to expand the work you already have, may notice things are not happening as fast as you had hoped. Take heart! You are not a failure and there is nothing wrong with you! To find your way stop pushing and let God (as you understand Him) lead.

“Faith is an openness and trusting attitude to truth and reality, whatever it may turn out to be. This is a risky and adventurous state of mind. Belief in the religious sense, is the opposite of faith - because it is a fervent wishing or hope, a compulsive clinging to the idea that the universe is arranged and governed in such and such a way. Belief is holding to a rock; faith is learning how to swim - and this whole universe swims in boundless space.” - Alan Watts

There are three laws of the Magi and this is the short version of one of them.

Life is full of ups and downs, trials, and tribulations. They are called the storms of life. Whether it’s losing a job, the end of relationship, death, divorce, financial problems, sickness, homelessness, peer pressure, etc…. everyone is going to have some type of storm that they must deal with.

Too many days can be spent alone. Too many days can be lost to failure or fear. Too many days can be lost in pity. Finding your meaning and direction in life, living your life purpose, will change that forever.

Man is extensively ignorant of the evil that lurks within. We are not cognizant of all the dirt and filth and meanness that reside in our hearts; the supreme deceiver.

To a shaman a kachina isn't really a doll or a child's toy. Also, it isn't a collector's piece of art or a decoration. However, it is often used that way, and that's ok too. There is a place for that approach in our lives. They do make a powerful addition to any home's decor, and make a great conversation piece.

What matters most is our trust and obedience in God Almighty.

when life isn’t fair, disappoints arise and things don’t seem to make any sense remember Jesus is our comforter

The words you use, to yourself and others, can make a tremendous difference in both your experience of life and results you generate. Kabbalah explains that G-d creates physical reality with words, and so do we.

Physical illnesses in my view result from an individual's reluctance to feel feelings such as sadness, hurt and disappointment that live inside them and that are trying to warn them that something is wrong. Without feeling these feelings and taking appropriate action any other approach to healing is only temporary and symptomatic.

Life is like an obstacle course in which we run like an Olympian athlete and at times getting nowhere.

An article about anxiety that took another turn...

There are always three voices in every ones head at any given time; God's voice, the devil's voice, and the voice of our own flesh. So, how are we to be sure to hear from God with all the noise going on?

God has written into divine providence a kind of payday-someday theology.

Make no mistake about it, change is challenging whether it is conscious or unexpected. Viewing adversity as change, not loss or failure, is part of empowered and positive thinking.

Do you believe in random coincidence? Or, do you think that there is some destiny involved when things magically 'come together'?

Those living on the highest levels of life have learned to accept life on its own terms. There are some realities about life that we must accept. This is the key to living joyfully in communion with the heavenly while abiding here on earth.

While the majority of people do at some time or another worry about something in their life whether major or trivial, there are some people who worry constantly on a day-to-day basis, week in and week out. If you are one of these people then you have what is classed as a generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is classed in those who feel anxious or fearful on the majority of days. The feelings they have with the fear are varied and the depth at which they feel the feelings can be different from one day to the next. The feelings associated with generalized anxiety disorder are the same as those anyone who suffers any anxiety disorder feels. The most common are a fast heart rate or beat, palpitations of the heart, a sick feeling in the pit of the stomach or stomachache, sweating, a dry mouth, chest pain and a feeling of not being able to get enough breathe.

Many people find stress healing by using basic meditation techniques. Meditation is where your body and also your mind are both consciously very relaxed and well focused. And people who practice mediation on a regular basis report heightened focus, awareness and concentration, plus a much more positive outlook in their lives.

Stress plays a huge part in all of our lives now, we all face challenges (good and bad) and obstacles, and when it gets too much, when we are past our comfort zone, then stress manifests. It can be good sometimes, personally I work best when I am slightly stressed, it pushes you to work faster and stay focussed on the task at hand, but too much stress can have detrimental effects.

Taking time out to recharge your batteries is just what you need. So, what's stopping you? Leave your chores behind, just for a little while, and give yourself permission to take a much needed time-out. Here are just a few of my favorite Stress-Busters!