Yes, I was a skeptic

On a recent episode of Menopause Chats, I was chatting with Anna from The Dreaming Otter. I have been working on and off with Anna since 2021, and I found myself reflecting on how, 10 years ago (maybe even less), I would have completely poo-pooed the work I am now called to share with the world.

It also shouldn’t be a surprise that many of my teachers have been former professionals who have found their way to energy work or mediumship. I’m naturally drawn to teachers who have walked the path of skepticism, as well as those who are deeply knowledgeable and experienced energy healers. I believe anyone can do this work with training and desire—you don’t need to be born with some special gift.

As a child, I pushed back on organized religion. In hindsight, I think a lot of that resistance came from my discomfort with blindly following rules that made women inferior. That never sat well with me.

I have always been curious. As a teenager, I read about various religions, faiths, and belief systems. For me, ONE dogmatic path never fit.

As an adult, I have attended Unitarian Universalist congregations and Methodist services, but overall, my spiritual practice has been much more personal than public. I believe in a power greater than all of us. I call it the Universe; others may call it God. I believe in angels and archangels. I believe Jesus was one of the first mainstream energy healers.

I tried to teach myself to meditate as a teenager (probably an outcome of reading Jack Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums). In my late 30s, while working in a stressful job, my doctor recommended meditation and enrolled me in a mindfulness-based meditation class.

That was rough.

Sitting still! Contemplating a raisin (I kid you not) for several minutes before putting it in your mouth to contemplate it some more. I went to one class and never went back.

However, around this same time, I found improvisational theater. I met David Razowsky, who spoke about being present and not efforting because everything you need is right there, right in your scene partner.

Improv became a meditation for me.

I was also introduced to Mike Dooley’s Notes from the Universe around this same time. Much later, I studied with him and made some very dear friends through his Infinite Possibilities community.

I went to the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA (before we knew) and learned mantra-based meditation, which turned out to be a much better fit for my brain. This helped me learn to be more present, calm, and relaxed.

I have meditated every day since—sometimes for only one minute. Trust me, it accumulates over time.

During an immersive leadership program, I was introduced to oracle cards by another participant. I loved them immediately (although I kept my love of them—and my use of them—hidden for quite some time). I bought several of Colette Baron-Reid’s decks and have studied with her.

Around this same time, a dear friend of mine was exploring Reiki and shamanism. Not going to lie—I love her, AND my thoughts were more on the skeptical side. I was firmly in the “I love this for you” camp, but it wasn’t my thing.

However, I could see how she was changing. She was radiating, growing, and living more and more in alignment. (Probably not shocking to read, but a few years into her journey, she took a package from her corporate job during the pandemic and hasn’t been back to the 9-to-5 since.)

I would say this is when my curiosity really started to pique.

She introduced me to Anna, who was starting a women’s circle working with goddesses. I went in curious but not knowing much. I had a Zoom tea date with Anna, loved her energy, and said yes to her circle.

I learned to journey.

What a gift.

I became Reiki-curious while Anna was still teaching. That curiosity eventually turned on something in me—the healing energy—and I have since learned other modalities.

And here I am.

I still work a day job in HR. Yes, this HR lady brings the magic. And I still work on my spirit every day.

I sit in the power. I connect to my guides. I ask for messages through automatic writing. I use my oracle cards. I do my own energy-clearing work on myself.

I love exploring how all of this helps me live more aligned.

I lead with energy and love.

We may have different beliefs, and I am not here to convince anyone that my way is THE way. I think there is room for it all.

I know the power of healing energy. I also believe it is not contraindicated—meaning, when practiced appropriately, it does no harm. I see it as an amazing complement to all the other ways we support ourselves: sleep, nutrition, movement, medicine, prayer, and so much more.

I only bring love and light.

When we work together, I protect my energy and yours so that only what is for our highest good comes through. I hold strong energetic boundaries. This work is always intended to support your highest and best interest.

If you are curious AND skeptical, I would love to talk.

If you think this is weird and way too woo-woo for you, know that I understand that, too.

And if you are totally onboard?

Let’s definitely talk.