It sounds simplistic when I say it. That’s anytime I share in a reading, ideas about rituals for a client to try. To quote Joseph Campbell, “The ritual physicalizes the myth. All myths deal with transformation of consciousness, and the consciousness is transformed by trials, and tests.” Our actions are fed by our dreams or personal myth. To change or enhance your myth, your journey, requires a dance with ritual; an action. My Soul mapping was inspired in part by Jung’s work and drawing. In sessions he would draw with clients to alter the story or myth of the client. What is the story you tell yourself? What is the story others tell you about yourself? Does it serve? I have sent many “Sitting in the power” exercise. It heals and shifts from the inside out. You become owner of your domain. Less fatigue, less stress, and better health. Only 5 minutes in the morning can make a huge difference. I am actually more of a fan of the self made ritual. The ritual no one taught you, but rather the one you were led to by your heart. Ritual comes in all shapes and sizes. They are markers, moorings in a world of unpredictability.

Often in readings “past lives” come up. My view on “Past lives” is that our soul is a giant diamond. Every diamond has many facets. What if each life time was a facet on the diamond which is the entirety of our soul? Einstein would back me here. Time? Past life? Often in readings a characteristic of the soul of a baby will present as if in charge. Some souls come through carrying fears from another time. Will this round be different from what I’m going through the other facet over there? I feel the most important lifetime is the one we are focused on here and now. Unless a healing or teaching is needed to strengthen the current experience. Often there are dynamics in a family that seem strange, un called for, as if from another time when we were different as a family, as people. Just bringing it too light and speaking about it, loosens up resistance or agitation. Especially with the toddler clan. A daily reminder to them that mommy and daddy are in charge this time around will do wonders. I found the best time to talk to my little one was when he was asleep. I spoke to his higher self. I would share what was working for us and what wasn’t as far as behavior. I would share about any big changes coming up. Sharing soothed my nervous system. The next day I would be calmer and feel heard. I know it sounds simple, and aren’t the best things in life that which is simple? All the best! Now go play.

It was a huge birth journey for this family. Tests for us all. I have yet to see such a technician of a doctor at a birth. She was a young HMO doctor. My client nearly kicked her in the face while the young maverick, manually turned my clients baby during the pushing stage to correct for OP (back labor) in the birth canal. Had she not done that, and applied a vacuum as baby began to crash later in the push, it would not have been a vaginal delivery. It was the most gentle vacuum extraction I have seen in over 500 births. The doctor played bad guy. She bullied. I held the space. The midwives and nurse could see I was chaffing. They said watch and wait. They trusted this doctor and I trusted them. Once little one was born the doctor teared up. She checked in with my client gently, and the next day again she showed up to listen to my client. To check in. Good. When we were up against it, this doctor did it all and more to avoid a C-section for my client.

When I went to check in on my clients postpartum, baby, mama, papa, and Checkers the dog. I was surprised how well adjusted everyone was. It was a crazy ride at the birth. I expected to process with their baby some because during the pushing stage I saw baby (her soul self) pop out of her body and cling to my neck. She then asked if I would hold her for now. I said, ” NO, get back into your body!” I was surprised. I wish I had said yes right away because she then stood next to her mother, alone. I beckoned her back over. “Its ok for now. Once you’re crowning (I gave her a visual in my minds eye of crowning.) get back in ok?” She is what I call a Tephlon baby. She was very much earth side and confident post birth.

During my visit postpartum everyone was solid except the dog. As I was about to leave Checkers rushed over. I could feel his overwhelm and anxiety. At the end of pre-natal’s previous I shared messages from Checkers about his teeth and jaw issues. He had surgery weeks before and found his food difficult to eat. Unbeknownst to me he had had surgery and my client immediately softened his food. This time Checkers very clearly communicated that he keeps messing up, and is worried they are going to get rid of him. He shared that he takes his job very seriously as protector of the new puppy. (baby) . My client and her husband began to tear up. Checkers was messing up and got yelled at a few times when baby was first home. He was confused that some things were for the new puppy (baby) and not for him. He thought it was all his, as things had been before. He feared being given away. No one wanted him much to begin with, he shared. My clients confirm that Checkers was the runt of the litter, and the last to find a home. They also confirmed their fear of his germs and dog hair getting all over the babys things, so they have had less patience with him now. I reassure him that this is his forever home, and that the breast feeding pillow is not his to sleep on. My clients pet Checkers as well and give him reassurance. I loved this family. I loved how open and trusting they were at every stage of our meeting and work together. Birth and postpartum are fascinating when you peek behind the curtain of the physical.

My favorite validation this week was simple.  A deceased father coming through and showing me a rubber band he was playing with.  My client didn’t understand it but her sister later confirmed that their father always had jars of rubber bands and always wore one on his wrist and played with it constantly.  Simple but dear!