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Blessings Abound
February 28, 2021
“To me, life is a gift, and it's a blessing to just be alive. And each person should learn what a gift it is to be alive no matter how tough things get."
Tony Bennet
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. The pandemic - into which we're about a year with likely another to go - well, it certainly has been a catalyst for deep thinking about what's important in our lives.
This past year I've had my share of days that could be categorized as "deer in headlights," "just want to cry," or "shake fist at sky." In some areas of my life it may appear that I have taken a step or two backward. But I don't feel that way. Taken as a whole, I look at the changes in my life - and my present life because of those changes - as blessings.
"This came to bless me" is a saying I heard in seminary that became a motto for my life. At times I trumpet, "This came to bless me!" Other times my tone is questioning or incredulous, "This came to bless me?" And sometimes I humbly acknowledge, "This came to bless me."
Recently I wrote that 2020 had me reinventing my practice (came to bless me), managing my late brother's estate (just want to cry), moving my residence (shake fist at sky), and moving my office (came to bless me, sneak peek below). The moves and most estate tasks were complete in November-December. Since then I have been revamping Inner Compass' offerings.
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New blessings, new directions
I am excited to announce that our signature workshop series, Spirit Speaks, is on the calendar in a new format that combines in-person and online classes with four sessions on non-consecutive Saturdays. I have been similarly revamping the Mediumship Mastery Program, our two-year certification program. The next Year One class will begin this fall, utilizing both in-person and online weekend sessions.
In the meantime, I am happy to share - officially - that we have a new co-director for the Mediumship Mastery Program, Chad Seibert. Since Chad stepped in last June, he and I have been co-teaching the Year Two class that will be graduated this spring, and I am confident the program will rise to a new level as we continue to collaborate.
You may have already heard that my former office partner, Rose Vanden Eynden of Light Journey enterprises, closed her practice last year. It was a difficult decision for her, coming after weeks of careful deliberation and prayerful introspection. And while her resignation was obviously sad news for our program, Rose has my love, my best wishes, my great respect, and my full support as she follows her new path. I am grateful for our fifteen-year partnership, and for our continuing friendship.
Questioning the blessing
I have to admit, when Rose first told me the news - two weeks before the current Year Two program was to begin - I wasn't exactly feeling grateful (more like deer in headlights). Self-doubt poured in. How can I possibly deal with this now...what can I do in this short amount of time...how am I going to I add yet another major task to my schedule....
After attending to my state of mind (thank goodness for life coaching tools), I turned my attention to address this apparent setback - because I would not disappoint the students who were counting on the program. Within the hour, a dear friend called "just to talk" (thank goodness for psychic friends!). By the end of our call, I was calm: "I'm not going to worry; I'm going to bed soon, and when I wake up I'll have a fresh mind to work things out."
I awoke the next day with an overarching sense of calm and direction. I waited for an intuitive nudge to contact Chad, who at the time was a guest instructor and mentor for the program. In every way Chad becoming co-director was the obvious solution - for years I had wanted to increase his involvement. Yet I knew how full his schedule was and how challenging it could be just to catch him on the phone. So I busied myself with other tasks.
By afternoon the nudge came. I texted, "Hi Chad. Do you have time to talk with me later today or tomorrow? It's about our Mediumship Mastery Program." He immediately responded, "Hi Joanne! Sure. I can talk now, actually." Within ten minutes he was on board as my new co-director.
Life with spirit
It was a miracle, it was synchronicity at work, it was divine timing. This is what life with Spirit is all about. When you attune to these energies, you experience the loving support that is there for you at every moment - through "Deer in Headlights," through "Just Want to Cry," through "Shake Fist at Sky," and through "This Came to Bless Me" in all its variations.
You, too, can learn to access this inspiration and wisdom. Through fun and interactive experiences. In a comfortable and encouraging setting. With expert coaching and support. Spirit may even be nudging you right now to begin your studies.
Simply tune into your inner wisdom and ask, "Is this program of study, or this workshop, or this circle, the right choice for me? Is now the right time to begin?" Your higher self will steer you rightly. And if the answer is "Yes," then you'll be guided in what to do next....