WEBLOG OF MUSINGS

by Joanne Franchina | September 22, 2021 | Archives, Goldilocks, Dualism, Equinox
The fall equinox is upon us, with an equal amount of day and night, light and dark. Summer is light but too hot, winter is dark and too cold. Yet during the equinoxes, Goldilocks’ porridge is just right....
by Joanne Franchina | December 25, 2021 | Archives, Season of Light, Winter Solstice, Inner Reflection, Spiritual Retreat
No matter how busy I may be during the holidays, from an energetic perspective the change of seasons from fall to winter is ideal for inner reflection. So each year I carve out a few days....
by Joanne Franchina | September 22, 2021 | Archives, Goldilocks, Dualism, Equinox
The fall equinox is upon us, with an equal amount of day and night, light and dark. Summer is light but too hot, winter is dark and too cold. Yet during the equinoxes, Goldilocks’ porridge is just right....
by Joanne Franchina | August 28, 2021 | Archives, Ecstatic Laundry, Arhatic Yoga
I recently returned to my summer cottage in Lily Dale, New York, from a five-day workshop and retreat that was life-changing. But I'm not just basking in the afterglow, I'm doing laundry....
by Joanne Franchina | July 2, 2021 | Archives, Summer Camp, Lily Dale, Spiritualism
As I open my mind and heart to the fullness of summer on this lovely day, I think it fitting that I am ready to make my seasonal trek to Lily Dale....
by Joanne Franchina | June 6, 2021 | Archives, Spirit Adventures
"The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure...."
by Joanne Franchina | May 8, 2021 | Archives, Front Lines, Best Work, Life Coaching
“I am my best work - a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines...."
by Joanne Franchina | April 15, 2021 | Archives, Time Travel, Past Lives
Not only can a person experience events from a past life while simultaneously being aware of their present life, they can transform the present-day effects from that past life....
by Joanne Franchina | February 28, 2021 | Archives, Blessings Abound
This has been simmering on the back burner of my mind for months. Three times I sat down to share what was bubbling up, but the ideas needed more time....
Vessel of Light
by Joanne Franchina | December 20, 2020 | Archives, Vessel of Light | Solstice | Seven Rays | Theosophy | Aquarian Age | Balancing Masculine and Feminine | Mother Mary
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within....”
by Joanne Franchina | October 23, 2020 | Archives, Never Too Late
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June...."
by Joanne Franchina | March 14, 2020 | Archives, Tao of Toilet Paper, Advice from a....
"There's a deep underlying unpredictability to life that is thrilling. In China, my wife would say you go out to buy toilet paper, and you come back, and something interesting or revealing or funny happened on the way...."
by Joanne Franchina | February 10, 2020 | Archives, Spirit Speaks
Because I am a professional medium who comes from a long line of intuitives, mediums, and healers - five generations of Spiritualists before me - people sometimes think I must be....
by Joanne Franchina | January 22, 2020 | Archives, Untold Story, Journaling
I am so excited! I have just put the final touches on my latest workshop that is all about journaling creatively and collaboratively with your Soul....
by Joanne Franchina | January 7, 2020 | Archives, Creating Joy
I've been told I have a nice smile. I remember thinking that people said it only because my other features weren't so pretty...but hearing it made me smile more anyway....
by Joanne Franchina | December 2, 2019 | Stepping into the season, moving forward
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears...."
by Joanne Franchina | October 18, 2019 | Archives, A Thin Veil
"All is well, Halloween is here; souls come to visit, and the living world throws a party to mingle with the dead...."
by Joanne Franchina | July 13, 2019 | Archives, Smooth Sailing, Stale Rolls
I'm supposed to be at my family's summer cottage in Lily Dale, New York, but life events have delayed my travels....
by Joanne Franchina | June 4, 2019 | Archives, A Full Hour, Innovatively INNER COMPASS®
"Half an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed...."
by Joanne Franchina | May 12, 2019 | Archives, Spiritual Gardening
"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches...."
by Joanne Franchina | March 6, 2019 | Archives, Sacred Space
""Where do you live?" is a question I ask students in my workshops. But let me ask you the question differently today: Where do you feel alive?...."
by Joanne Franchina | January 25, 2019 | Archives, Advice from the Stars
As an amateur astrologer, I usually leave predictions to the pros. Until now. For the benefit of my readership while this New Year is still young, I have consulted the stars, and here's what they have to share in the way of advice....
by Joanne Franchina | November 26, 2018 | Archives, Grateful Hearts, Gratitude
The holidays have always held a warm place in my heart. I like to reflect on the passing year, and to consider what I intend for the year to come. Inevitably, the sheer number of blessings....
by Joanne Franchina | October 2, 2018 | Archives, Making Playdates, Inner Child
"Put a picture of yourself as a child in view somewhere, to remind yourself to be playful....
by Joanne Franchina | September 7, 2018 | Archives, Fooling Around, Baptism by Fire, Initiation
"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid...."
by Joanne Franchina | August 6, 2018 | Archives, Joyful Service,
""But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy...."
by Joanne Franchina | February 18, 2013 | Archives, Living Green, Being Breathing Bringing in Nature
"There is an evident relevance to the universally recognized need in our time for a general transformation of consciousness. The message here is of an actual age of harmony and peace in accord with the creative energies of nature...."
by Joanne Franchina | June 28, 2009 | Archives, Home
While walking in the park last week, a turtle crossed my path. To save it from careless drivers I picked it up and carried it to a nearby pond, then wished it well. As I continued my walk....
by Joanne Franchina | January 16, 2008 | Archives, Am I Doing It Right?, Meditation, Meditation FAQs, Spiritual Practice
Which meditation should I practice? How often? When is the best time? How long should they be? Should I meditate at the same time each day? What posture is best? What if I am interrupted? Am I doing it right?....
by Joanne Franchina | November 22, 2007 | Archives, Meditation, Mindfulness, Spiritual Practice
On the first day of meditation class, one of my students asked, “What’s natural about meditation? I tried it before, and stilling my mind was one of the most unnatural things I ever experienced.” Another chimed in....
by Joanne Franchina | November 25, 2007 | Archives, Perception
Have you heard a story from the Zen tradition called The Farmer’s Luck? There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away....
by Joanne Franchina | September 22, 2007 | Archives, Inner Peace, Meditation, Spiritual Practice
“If Squirrel has scurried into your cards today…the message could be to lighten your load if you have gathered too many ‘things’ that do not serve you....
by Joanne Franchina | January 8, 2007 | Archives, Blessing Bowl, Inner Compass Grand Opening
Looking back, I am amazed at all the wonderful things that have happened this past year. Two events were very significant: my ministerial ordination and the opening of my spiritual counseling practice....
by Joanne Franchina | October 11, 2006 | Archives, Meditation, Autumn Meditation, Spiritual Practice
The crisp crunch of leaves underfoot, the lingering scent of last night’s bonfire, the gallery of goldenrod, pumpkin, cherry, and plum on display along the lane. What I love most about autumn is...