I have long been aware of the benefits of inducing a trance state in both myself and the clients I work with.

When I inform a client we'll be working in various levels of a trance state there can be some apprehension. Some individuals fear that if they are in a trance state their free will will be compromised and they won't be in control of their thoughts or actions.

I then assure them that they are fully in control of the experience and the trance state they're entering is simply a deep level of relaxation where they are able to access both the conscious and unconscious parts of their mind.

At various times throughout our day we can all be in a light or deep state of trance. While we are driving, listening to music, meditating, exercising, watching TV or performing a task we've done countless times we can move in and out of a trance state without even being fully aware of it.

But magic happens when we accept our ability to move in and out of trance and use it to heal ourselves, manage our emotional responses and improve our lives in various ways.

You don't have to be an expert in hypnosis or the mechanics of the mind to work with the trance state. Just do a bit of research and determine what you would like to use it for. In a short period of time you, too, will understand the benefits of inducing a trance state.

I find myself, yet again, navigating the grieving process. Over the past few years I've been given the opportunity to learn much about grieving the loss of those I have loved but going through the process hasn't gotten easier.

A client who became a friend graduated from this plane of existence to her next adventure and, while I am grateful that she is no longer suffering, I am saddened that I will no longer experience her physical presence on this planet.

I loved and respected her and would often tell her that when I finally grew up I wanted to be just like her. She was a rare individual. Kind, loving, intelligent and the embodiment of all that is good.

I will treasure the beautiful notes and cards she gifted me with and I will endeavor to model the courage she often displayed when I am facing my own challenges.

I will miss her. So, for the next while, if I seem a little off, don't be concerned. I'm simply navigating the grieving process.

The other evening I caught myself performing a ritual by rote. For many years now, before falling asleep, I say the same prayers and do the same things before falling asleep. I find comfort in ritual and this particular one has served me well for many years.

But the other evening I just went through the motions and when I realized this it shook me a wee bit. Instead of falling asleep quickly, as is my wont, I stayed awake wondering if the ritual had lost it's meaning.

I did a quick scan of my body and my emotions to see if the answer could be found there.  I realized I was pushing myself beyond what was healthy for some time. Work and family obligations had brought me to the point where sometimes only sheer determination was getting me through the tasks at hand.

I was weary. And it was having an effect on what I held dear.

So, I took a big breath, asked the Higher Realms for help, and thanked that uncomfortable feeling for alerting me that something was out of balance. I resolved to do better.

I'm still working out the details of how to do better and I may have some missteps throughout the process.

But in the meantime I am focusing on being mindful as I go through my day. And I hope to never again find myself performing a ritual by rote.

I  believe that everyone is doing the best they can with what they've got .

You may question this and come up with examples that you feel prove the opposite. But if you take a breath and reflect on the individual and the circumstances you may see things in a different light.

I have learned to accept that no one wakes up in the morning with the intention of making things more difficult for themselves and those around them. Each of us goes through the day simply trying to get our needs met  the best way we know how.

Some of us hold beliefs about ourselves and the world around us that allow for positive outcomes.

Others have beliefs that lead them down a path of strife and struggle.

Does this mean we accept everything another does? No, actions have consequences and sometimes it's the consequence that will lead an individual to examine why they do the things they do. Then they embark on a path of doing better.

I don't expect you to accept this as your truth but I would ask you to just try this experiment. What if, even for a day, when faced with someone who is pushing your buttons you say to yourself, "Everyone is doing the best they can."

Perhaps things will get better.

I don't expect others to have the same belief system as mine but I am becoming increasingly concerned by how many versions of the truth are being offered in an attempt to sway public opinion and keep power in the hands of the few.

With 24/7 cable news programs offering provocative view points it can be challenging to discern what is true and what is false. We are being inundated with 'experts' who are seeking to sell themselves and their ideas in a manner that can be laughable and, sometimes, dangerous.

Too many unbalanced individuals are using the rhetoric they are exposed to as an excuse to commit heinous acts.

Too often we are offered biased information in an attempt to manipulate and influence what we will support.

So, how do we discern if something is the truth? We do so by knowing what we accept as our truth. Deep within each of us is a value system that allows us to recognize a 'truth'. We resonate in some way to what is truthful for us. And if we keep ourselves balanced and focused on the greatest good we will not be led astray.

In these challenging times it is important to understand our truth and to live it to the best of our ability. When we do this what is not true will fall away and become harmless.

We are at a crossroads in this space and time. What we do over these next few days, weeks and months will determine whether we will evolve or devolve. There is much at stake for Humanity and our earthly home. And it is time for each of us to ask ourselves and those around us the question, "Will you choose Love or fear?"

We've seen what can happen when those in authority choose to spread fear so they can hold onto power. We all lose in that scenario.

And even in the most challenging of times we've been witness to the miracles that occur when individuals and groups choose to spread a message of Love and unity.

Everything we do now matters. Every choice holds great weight. So, I'm asking myself and you, "Will you choose Love or fear?"

In Canada, this is Thanksgiving weekend. And while I acknowledge that we are living in challenging times there is much for me to be thankful for.

I woke up this morning with a greater awareness and a renewed determination that I would do everything in my power to do no further harm to myself, those I love, Humankind and Nature.

The events of the past several days have afforded me the opportunity to examine myself and the world around me. And I understand that if I don't like how things are, then I have a responsibility to do what I can to effect positive change.. while harming none.

Have I given myself an impossible challenge? Only time will tell.

But in the meantime I am grateful for this new awareness and I give thanks for the events that brought me here.

Before a Higher Realm Healing® session I ask the client an important question. That question is, "Will you accept the Knowledge and Healing that will come from today's session?"

Why do I ask this question? Because when the client answers in the affirmative their Soul, cells and DNA get excited and prepare to allow Healing and Understanding to unfold.

The client also becomes a full participant in the Healing process. Their saying "Yes" pushes doubts, outmoded beliefs and feelings of unworthiness away.

It gives permission for the Higher Realm Healing® energies to do what needs doing.

It creates a Sacred Space where miracles may occur.

Isn't it amazing what answering 'yes'  to that question will do?

If you are a sensitive and giving individual you have probably come across psychic vampires. You may even have a few energetic  scars from the encounters.

Psychic Vampires, or those who drain the energy of others, can be found anywhere and everywhere. And if you're empathic they will be drawn to you like a moth to a flame.

It took me many years to develop effective ways of dealing with these individuals. And I've found that I must remain vigilant. Countless times I've given a psychic vampire the benefit of the doubt and then paid dearly for it.

If you are dealing with a psychic vampire it's vital that you understand that they are unlikely to change their behavior. Draining others is how they get their energy and I guarantee you that their wants and needs will come before yours.

The best way of dealing with a psychic vampire is avoidance. If that is impossible then you have to strengthen your energetic boundaries. This can be a challenge if you are used to putting the needs of others before your own.

I have recently found two resources that I've had great success with. One is a wonderful book by Christiane Northrup called Dodging Energy Vampires. The other is a hypnotherapy recording by Anna Thompson called Power Shielding.

I wish you much success in dealing with your psychic vampires.