Author: Laura

Blog, Experience Series

Experience Series — Introduction

Laura

One Foot in Front of the Other

By Laura Palermo

 

My journey until this point has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. For me, it has been essential to look back on my experiences. Not to beat myself up about the “mistakes” I have made. Or, to consider how I could have done things differently. I look back to see how all these steps—however difficult—have been necessary for my self-growth and so that, through my work, I may support others on their journey.

 

If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would be doing the work I am doing now, I would have had trouble believing them. Over five years ago, a gifted healer told me that I was a healer myself (I feel everyone has this same innate ability in some capacity). She said there were situations and relationships in my life that were in the way of this. I had some things to work through before I could embark on that journey.

 

The thing is, it wasn’t until I started learning healing modalities, and taking psychic development classes that I was truly ready to heal and let go of the past. To do healing work, you don’t have to be fully healed. It is a constant process, peeling back the layers of the onion to reveal layers that you didn’t even know were there until it was time to let them go. As I continue my journey, every bit of progress I make towards my self-healing helps me in my work with others.

 

Now, regarding this “layers” business, some experiences leave an invisible mark that lays dormant until the time comes when another experience triggers it to resurface. Just because the effect is unnoticeable for a time, doesn’t mean that it is not there. What I feel is critical to remember is that you are not the person these traumas/issues have made you believe that you are; you are much more.  I am all for seeing a spiritual healer when you need a loving nudge forward (sometimes we need one). But ultimately, we’re all responsible for the steps we take forward. Otherwise, it is so easy to fall back into the same issues which in turn means we spend so much more time, energy and even money on trying to “fix” things.

 

I decided to write this series of blog posts in the hopes of inspiring others to take the necessary steps for their self-healing. These posts are not meant to spark sympathy or to toot my own horn; I write them to remind you that you are not alone and out of every situation, there is something you can take with you that can help you move forward.

 

I look forward to sharing these articles with you.

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Words Have Power — CHOICE

Laura

CHOICE

By Laura Palermo

 

Welcome to another of my monthly “Words with Power” posts. Here I take a word—or concept—I feel guided to discuss and look at the energy it holds as a catalyst for healing or change. The words we speak and the emotional response certain words evoke within us, have an impact on our reality. By becoming more conscious of this, we can be more mindful and see where we might be holding ourselves back. That is not to say that it is just about the words. But the words we send out and thoughts we have are all energy. The question is, is this energy working in harmony with you, or causing dissonance?

As with every word I have covered so far, there is a lot of ground to cover. We make choices on a day-to-day basis. Will I get out of bed today? Will I wear the blue or the pink one? Will I eat another piece of chocolate cake? It is interesting that I chose this word—or was guided to at least—and I have seen post after post about choosing to be kind or to make a difference. These are all important to discuss, but today I would like to focus on the fact that we actually have the power of choice, or free will if you like.

I speak from my own experience, and from what I have observed with others when I say that sometimes we forget the power of our choice. Life is a journey, after all. If we knew which turn, we should take at every single corner and whether to cut the red wire or the blue one—no, I do NOT mean literally—we would not truly learn the lessons we are here to learn. If we had a map to help us avoid conflict and discomfort, our experience would be much less involved and dare I say much less meaningful.

Seeking guidance and working with our intuition is one thing. Choosing to listen and take action is another. It all comes down to our choices. We can keep asking Spirit for a sign as to what we are meant to be doing with our lives and wait around too long for a definitive answer. In part, the answer will be the same—choose to live. Yes, we may have a higher calling. But how can we sum up what our purpose is here at this time in one sentence? We cannot know the ripples set in motion by each seemingly insignificant choice we make. What matters is how we choose, why we do, and what intent we have when we do so.

 

The cards in the above image are from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. I selected the ones I feel adequately reflect what I am trying to express.

 

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Words with Power

Words Have Power — LOVE

Laura

 

LOVE

By Laura Palermo

 

Love is such a broad subject to discuss. It certainly cannot be contained in one short post. And I won’t even attempt to do so. This post isn’t about all the different kinds of love we can experience—many of which I have yet to discover for myself. I wish for us to take a look at the energy that emanates from our heart-space; the love that touches those around us, without us necessarily being aware of it.

Lately, I have been feeling—quite strongly—this swirling energy at my heart chakra. It manifests physically as a warmth. When I tune into it further, it is not only emanating out for the benefit of others; it is also subtly directed inwards. If I had tuned in to this energy a few years ago, I would not have come to the same realisation. Do we not need a little love for ourselves?

I have seen so many posts that discuss the necessity of self-love. And while it makes so much sense, it is not until you begin to embrace this for yourself that you understand its importance. That is not to say that I am fully there yet myself. I can, however, recognise the potential within just waiting to be activated. I wholeheartedly believe everyone has this potential. It may be difficult to wade through all the muck—the pain and discomfort. For some, the journey may be longer. But, as they say, “Love knows no bounds”. Imagine the good we could achieve if we truly believed we were capable. We are so much more than we yet know. Our hearts are at the centre of our experience. Those of us that tend to be ruled by our heart can attest to this.

I propose a little exercise to recognise or reconnect to the love that is inside YOU:

Sit for a moment, quietly, taking some deep breaths. If you can, breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Breathe in peace and calm, and imagine you are absorbing soft, pink light. As you breathe out, release any tension and stress. Imagine letting go of all other conscious thought as you breathe out. Continue breathing in this gentle pink light.

Once you feel calm and light as a feather, draw your attention to your heart-space. Just observe what is there. You may feel some discomfort or sadness. Try not to linger too long on this. Breathe out what you can. What else do you feel? Keep focusing deep within the centre of your chest. Continue until you connect with the space that seems uplifting, makes you feel elated, excited even—that point of wonder that is inside of you.

Once you find that feeling, imagine it as a colour. You may see it as pink or green, or a combination of both. Visualise and feel this colour expanding throughout your entire chest and then filling your whole body with love. When you are overflowing with this energy, feel it radiating out through your skin, enveloping you like a warm hug. This energy seems to circle from within to without and back again. You are love, and you are loved.

 

Original Image is by stux on Pixabay.

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Words with Power

Words Have Power — CHANGE

Laura

 

CHANGE

By Laura Palermo

 

Let’s talk about CHANGE.

Some of us say we need a change, we resist change, fear change, expect to get the right change, donate our spare change and make the change.

It seems such a simple thing, something we can—more often than not—have some sort of control over. But is this really the case? For we, ourselves, are the embodiment of change. At a physical level, we regenerate, degenerate, age, adapt, grow and evolve.

The emotions we experience day-to-day can change according to our physical environment, interpersonal relationships and subtle—or not so subtle—energy shifts. As we work through the trials and tribulations, the difficult and even the enjoyable lessons, we grow on a soul level; we acquire knowledge that we carry with us through life and through lifetimes.

And so, the cycle continues, a constant ride on the waves of change. Sometimes we stay on our feet and move onto the next one. Sometimes we fall down and need to start again. While we might not be able to control the changes and how they come about, we can choose to go with it. We can choose to accept the inevitability of change as evolution and strive to rise up to something more meaningful. Our ability to adapt, grow, and transition stays the same.

 

Original photo by George Keating from Pexels.

 

#wordshavepower #thepenismightierthanthesword #inspiration #inspo#gowiththeflow #ridethewaves #strength #crystals #amethyst #reiki #reikihealing #reikimaster #crystalhealing #intuitivehealing#healingwithcrystals #wearethechange #selfmastery

Words with Power

Words Have Power — WORDS

Laura

Mon01.07.19FBPost

WORDS

By Laura Palermo

 

This month, I decided to focus on the power of words in general. I must admit that this is partly due to coming across one of my favourite quotes from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling (quote pictured above). I want to focus specifically on the way we use words.

We talk a lot about the words we say to ourselves and others. Positive internal and external talk has such a profound effect on so many aspects of our lives. I’m not talking about merely saying what others want to hear or using words to fulfil an agenda. By using them in this way, aren’t we doing ourselves a disservice? What about respecting the gift of language and meaning? What about the gift of voice? Words spoken with authenticity can hold magic, much more than those expressed for the sake of it.

As I am writing this, I remember one of my favourite movies starring Audrey Hepburn. Yes, I’m talking about My Fair Lady. There is one song, in particular, playing over and over in my head. Just a section of it: “Words! Words! Words. I’m so sick of words! I get words all day through; first from HIM now from YOU! Is that all you blighters can do?”

What got me about this song, wasn’t the fact that she has spent so much time reciting words to achieve the correct pronunciation. Or that she has a migraine. It was that a lot of the time, words are bandied about haphazardly. Words without action can be rendered meaningless. It’s the intent behind the words that is important. I, for one, can type and type and type some more when I am writing something about which I feel strongly. And also, because I love writing and working with words to entertain and elicit an emotional response from my audience. But, in conversations, if I don’t have something constructive or meaningful to say, I am happy to remain silent and listen.

Another point I would like to make is to do with listening. I have noticed—even more so as I have gotten a bit older—you can hear the truth about what a person is saying, even when they are using their words to mask it. There will be a contradiction and probably a lack of feeling behind what they are saying. Unless they are excellent method actors, of course. Listening is not just about discerning between truth and untruth; it is about respecting the value of others. It is about being compassionate and encouraging others to find their voice. We learn so much listening to others—about ourselves too.

We don’t need long fancy words to say something worth saying; we need authenticity and an open ear. Let’s use our words wisely, appreciate others’ voices and the gift (not awkwardness) of silence.

 

Image Credit: Original image by dOn niE from Pixabay.

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Words Have Power — FEARLESS

Laura

01.06.19FBPost

FEARLESS

By Laura Palermo

 

You don’t have to jump out of planes, climb to daring heights or swim with sharks to be fearless. So many of us think that coming face-to-face physical dangers is the real test of bravery. However, our fears are not born externally. While they may be influenced or fuelled by experiences and others around us, these fears reside within us. Thus, we must overcome them by going within.

Merriam-Webster Online defines “fearless” as being ‘free from fear’ or ‘brave’. This definition does not suggest the absence of fear, but instead not being bound by it.

That which is unknown can be scary—going outside your comfort zone, applying for a promotion, pursuing your dream career, dealing with past hurts that are holding you back. But are you prepared to let opportunities pass you by and be left wondering?

I’m not suggesting you put yourself in mortal peril. Perhaps try something not physically dangerous or life-threatening.

I, myself, am happy to continue wondering what crocodiles look like in person. And, I will never be able to go bungee jumping because of a knee injury (this is unnecessary jeopardy). I am stepping outside my comfort zone this weekend, however, by going to a Sound Healing workshop focusing on the voice. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

What does it mean to you, to be fearless?

 

Image Credit: Original image by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash.

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Words Have Power — TRUTH

Laura

TRUTH

By Laura Palermo

This month, the word we have chosen is “truth”. I felt compelled to start off with an affirmation to help us all remember to stay firm in our integrity and speak our own truth.

“I honour who I am. I do this with the words I speak and the thoughts and beliefs I hold to. I do this through every action I choose to take and the ones that I don’t. I honour who I am, by maintaining my integrity and speaking my truth, because I am worth it.”

I have seen many inspiring and thought-provoking posts recently. Some of which have emphasised the effect the words we speak have on others and ourselves. This is so important to remember. We are doing ourselves a disservice by dulling our sparkle. Yesterday’s reading reminded us of the need to stay true to ourselves. If we mask who we truly are—through thought, word or deed—we lose sight of who that is and what is important to us.

The quote I chose today reminds us that the truth never leaves us, no matter how much we choose to shy away from it. We aren’t always hiding “bitter truths”; sometimes we are merely hiding. So, this month, remember to be loving and kind to yourself and others. Be love and be light. Be you.

 

Image Credit: Original image by Maggie Zhan on Pexels.

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Words Have Power — PROOF

Laura

PROOF

By Laura Palermo

One way or another, we all find ourselves striving for proof in certain areas of our lives. We want proof that our family loves us. We want proof that we are doing the right thing, proof that our life has some meaning in the scheme of things.

Our need for proof sometimes stems from a lack of belief; we don’t trust our intuition enough to guide us. What do we feel? Yes, the evidence is necessary in some cases. For we cannot and should not try someone without proof of their indiscretions. “Innocent until proven guilty”. But just because there is no evidence, it doesn’t mean that something is or isn’t so.

Most importantly, if we can’t fathom something is real or true, how can we see evidence as a reason to counter that. Believe you are loved; believe you are protected and that you have something worth giving. The proof will come.

 

Image Credit: Original image by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash.