

### COMPASSION:

### In My Own Words

Linda Marsanico Ph.D

Published by Linda Marsanico Ph.D  
Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Linda Marsanico Ph.D

## Smashwords Edition  
License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to your favorite ebook retailer to discover other works by this Linda Marsanico Ph.D. Thank you for your support.

## Table Of Contents

Introduction  
1- ON BECOMING A COACH – A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE THROUGH COMEDY AND PLAYFULNESS  
2- WHEN I FIRST CLOSED MY EYES IN A THOUGHTFUL WAY  
3- WHEN THOUGHTS WON'T GO AWAY  
4- CHARLIE SNOW AND BEING IN THE MOMENT  
5- WILL YOU BE MINE?  
6- ODE TO FEBRUARY  
7- HANGING OUT NEAR GRAND CENTRAL  
8- WARMTH AT 14 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT  
9- THREE TO FIVE MINUTES  
10- SPRING BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL SPRING  
11- MOVING ON FROM GRAND CENTRAL  
12- WEDNESDAYS IN BROOKLYN, NEAR THE F TRAIN  
13- BUMBLE BEES, FORSYTHIA, AND THICH NHAT HANH  
14- THE WAVELENGTH OF LOVE  
[15- THE CHALLENGE OF LETTING 'STUFF' GO  
](tmp_0c36758be62866337c122d2db2f2ac2c_jarM_E.ch.fixed.fc.tidied.stylehacked.xfixed_split_018.html#B15)16- A JOURNEY FROM MY PRIMITIVE BRAIN TO THE EVOLVED BRAIN  
17- THE RIPPLE EFFECT  
18- "GOOD VIBRATIONS"  
19- COMPASSION AS MUSIC OF THE SOUL  
20- WHICH IS IT – BATMAN OR SUPERMAN?  
21- FROM SEDONA TO BROOKLYN, NEAR THE F TRAIN  
22- DO OR DO NOT, THERE IS NO TRY  
23- "FEEL IT IN YOUR HEART AND FEEL IT IN YOUR SOUL..."  
24- I GOT TO THINKING...  
25- OMEGA  
26- "PEACE TRAIN"  
27- A MIND AT PEACE...  
28- THE WORLD IS A MAGICAL PLACE — MERLIN  
29- ALBERT, MARY AND MERLIN: ON IMAGINATION  
30- JOHN, YOKO AND PHIL  
31- THE INFINITE WEB OF CONSCIOUSNESS  
32- MANIFESTING YOUR DESIRES  
33- CONSCIOUS MANIFESTING  
34- CREATING A NEWLY-DESIGNED SOFTWARE PROGRAM FOR OUR BRAIN  
35- THE ALCHEMY OF BAKING...LOVE  
36- "THE POWER OF LOVE"  
37- SIMPLICITY...COUNTERPOINT  
38- INFINITY TO THE INFINITE POWER  
39- WHAT DO CONFUCIUS, ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS HAVE IN COMMON?  
[40- I LOVE JAZZ. I LOVE ROCK 'N' ROLL  
](tmp_0c36758be62866337c122d2db2f2ac2c_jarM_E.ch.fixed.fc.tidied.stylehacked.xfixed_split_043.html#B40)41- COMPASSION AND HACKING  
42- LESSONS FROM WATER  
43- MY SOFTWARE CHANGE  
44- MY EXPANDING MOLECULES?  
45- A SENSE OF HUMOR — DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT  
46- DEEP CHALLENGE IN TIMES OF JOY  
47- THE FIELD REVISITED  
48- JUMP FOR JOY  
49- DIMENSIONAL RESTRUCTURING  
About Linda Marsanico Ph.D  
Upcoming Titles by Linda Marsanico Ph.D  
Connect with Linda Marsanico Ph.D

##  Introduction

Wow! I'm so excited to have completed 49 posts during my first year of blogging -- from January to December 2013! This e-book, "Compassion In My Own Words," is the result.

These offerings have not been professionally edited, and so I consider them to be perfectly imperfect, a huge spiritual concept to describe us as humans 'being'! At first, in 2009, I resisted the idea of creating a website, when Stephanie Golden, my first editor, suggested that a new author looking to publish a first book usually writes about ideas surrounding its philosophy. No way, I thought! I had no interest in making this commitment. It was hard enough to write the book, let alone compose additional stories around its topic... That was five years ago when the idea of my memoir was in seedling form. The embryo must have taken root, because in 2012 I contacted Nick Johnson, a web designer, who constructed the word press site. We launched in 2013.

My first attempt, "On Becoming A Coach -- A Change In Perspective Through Comedy and Playfulness," introduced the notion of fun, which now permeates my blog. Writing each week actually helped me develop my sense of humor, and I've actually grown to love, love, love my new compositions! I hope you can tell. The posts have evolved, as I began to dabble with music to illustrate a feeling or mood. Everyday challenges are described with a compassionate spin. Why not look at the world in this way?

I embraced humor slowly, because as a child, I was quiet and thoughtful. As an adult, I was very serious. Married at a young age with three children, I worked on my undergraduate and graduate degrees and completed post-doctoral studies as my children grew and developed. This took more than twenty years. By the time I got to post-doc...I worked seven days each week, and took to jogging around the family home so that I could oversee my two daughters, as they got ready for school. (My son had been launched at this point.) This morning ritual conserved minutes, which were precious (as are my children). At around that time, my brother said to me, "With every degree you get more and more serious. Chill out!" Thank You, Anthony.

By the way, I no longer work such long hours! Rather, I'm more influenced by Tim Ferriss' description of working less ("The 4-Hour Workweek" 2007, 2009, Crown Archetype, division of Random House, NY). I'm in process on this concept...

It took years for me to allow a sense of humor, giddiness, and hilarity to emerge. (By the way, both my father who is 94, and my brother, Anthony are known in the family as jokesters.) By the time I worked with Corey Mints to create my psychology-practice brochure, I had developed the notion of 'play' where we, like actors, reach into our center, our experience, for the child-like innocence, which is our genius because our naïve, unaffected 'self' knows few limits or obstacles. (Corey, who knows my youngest daughter since childhood, is a graphic designer extraordinaire). I pull up this aspect of me whenever I can, and it's present in my weekly writing. We, as ingenuous, see the magical world, which is made up of the same stuff as we are. We are quantum too! I introduce my e-book so that my genius kid communicates with your genius kid. Yes, I mean our internal younger selves. Writing the blog has helped my innate sense of humor come out of the closet (LOL). I hope it helps yours...

Laughing and playing are alternative medicine for the immune system and soul. Let's listen to Buddha who says, "Don't attempt. Just do" and Pink who says "Raise Your Glass" (2010, ©LaFace Records, Sony Music Entertainment). Let's have fun and do it!

Warmly,

Linda Marsanico

April 6, 2014

lindamarsanico.com

##  ON BECOMING A COACH – A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE THROUGH COMEDY AND PLAYFULNESS

January 8, 2013

A skit on Saturday Night Live about twenty years ago depicted a man and woman standing outside of a THERAPIST'S office. One actor asks the other if this is his office. He answers 'Yes' and she slaps him across the face. He acknowledged being THE RAPIST.

In my mind a light turned on! I was shocked by this new perspective. Really?!! I had been calling myself the rapist. Clients have been calling me the rapist. I had been practicing as a psycho the rapist for five or more years at this point, asking people to trust me. What was I thinking?

What does this title mean? Does it mean psycho is the rapist? Or, there is a rapist of the psyche? I ask these questions because the words we use have energy, and the word psychotherapy seems violent, or it suggests that one person is doing something hurtful to another. Also, the word suggests a hierarchical relationship. After this late-night television watching, I wanted to call myself anything but the rapist. I didn't know how to reconcile the implied aggression in this widely used title.

The delicate and personal practice in my office didn't jibe with the notion of aggression and so I began to call myself a counselor, and now a coach or spiritual psychologist. Carl Rogers' work and philosophy provided a stance, which was equal, gentle and respectful. Rogers was 'with' his clients and not distant from them.

Over the years, these initial notions percolated into a flavorful blend as I later developed my own philosophy: creating a model of facilitation and collaboration which rests '...upon a compassionate, nonhierarchical approach..."The doctor/patient dyad becomes the facilitator/client dyad, and the dialogue encompasses the giving and receiving: the learning, the teaching: the relational process of therapeutic change for the client as well as the facilitator" (Marsanico, 2006). This implies the continuing emotional and spiritual development of the counselor. Furthermore, in my collaborative stance, the client is the 'expert' on self, while the facilitator is the 'expert' on theories and strategies for psychological and spiritual change. The two individuals then brain storm and work toward the best possible resolutions, which emerge organically in the process, and are felt to be appropriate by the client.

In this compassionate environment, healing is possible because the client develops an intention, and an attitude of responsibility for the journey toward transformation of self and the development of a satisfying life. Healing refers to the removal of the cause of a symptom through a shift in attitude and a transmutation of the negative energy associated with particular physical symptoms.

Playfulness is important! As adults, we often forget how to 'play' – and the work of DW Winnicott, the English pediatrician-psychoanalyst reminds us of the beauty of playing. It involves fantasy, creativity and the flow of spiritual energy. We bring the unconscious to the conscious mind with the specific goal of moving toward desired changes in our lives as we nurture the healing process.

Additionally, in my writing and the workshops I am continuing to develop, there is attention given to a relationship with our heart, which allows us to access the unconditional love of our Higher Self. Through childhood traumas and disappointments, we, protectively, felt the need to block access to our heart. Now, as adults, our challenge is to pursue the truth of who we are, and accept what we feel about ourselves. Self -love develops. With our pursuit of the truth, through our intention to truly know ourselves, our unconscious will become apparent through dreams, daydreams, and memories. Here, we are able to face, consciously, the information we tucked away from ourselves as children. We become lighter, brighter and freer to restart development. We are able to realize our full potential. (Of course, our growth is an ongoing process – we are learning and changing all the time.)

Through this process of acceptance we learn to love ourselves. This internal communicative process, together with every-day-acts of kindness, brings us to compassion. Once we develop self-love and compassion, we send this to others in our collective consciousness by way of our every-day actions, and our energetic vibrations. A life compassionately lived is an inspiration to others. We become the true movers and shakers because as we heal ourselves, we heal others. Simply stated, we become the change we wish to see, and increase both the vibration and light on this planet.

Quan Yin's message is for us to take in and then share enlightenment energy. We can set an intention in our meditation to give '...enlightenment to all beings at all times in all experiences.' This ignites power in our body as it sends that power out to all beings on earth. Sending (i.e., sharing it) out enlightenment energy dissolves our traumas (Lizak, 2012).

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  WHEN I FIRST CLOSED MY EYES IN A THOUGHTFUL WAY

January 28 2013

When I first closed my eyes in a thoughtful way, I was doing yoga at home sitting on the wood floor of my living room. In that instant, I knew Universe is all around me, and that we are all connected. In an instant this connectedness became clear to me. I hadn't known this before. It seemed to arise from dormancy, springing from seed to flower once I was ready to explore my spirituality. I say the sense of connectedness was dormant because I believe the knowledge was in my consciousness but out of my everyday awareness.

My moment of epiphany reminded me of Dorothy's transition from her black and white existence to the world of Technicolor. Oh how the world shifted, becoming multidimensional, complex, interesting and bright! Meditation is an amazing activity, which takes us out of our logical mind – the brain – to allow us to explore our multidimensional capability. This allows us to explore love and compassion as we touch our true nature, which is Divine.

After my initial experience, there were stretches of time when I didn't meditate. Afterwards, I began to meditate occasionally. Later, I participated in a spiritual group, which met weekly, and then monthly for meditation. Currently I meditate for 20 minutes almost every day. When I don't have time in the morning, I'll close my eyes on the NYC subway for 5 or 10 minutes. This refreshes me. This steady practice develops what I call the muscle, the discipline of shifting into Technicolor. Meditation is a wonderful time-in to our deeper self, and a time-out from thinking and internal chatter.

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  WHEN THOUGHTS WON'T GO AWAY

February 04, 2013

There are times when I have difficulty shifting into a meditative frame of mind – when thoughts do not give way to a quiet ocean of peace, or waves of color, mostly deep blue for me. This is usually early in the morning. My meditation space is darkened and quiet as are the phones, and I set a timer for 20 minutes. My fertile environment for this purpose is created, yet thoughts predominate, robbing me of the tranquility I seek. At this point it is very tempting to judge myself, or to feel bad because I am unable to do 'the spiritual thing.'

Why does this happen? Thoughts get in the way when I am preoccupied with tasks e.g., a dinner party or a project deadline; or when something is unresolved and feels troubling; or for a reason I don't understand. What's a meditator to do? There are likely to be many strategies to use at this point, but let me suggest two approaches, which work for me:

1. Saying a mantra. I recite 'I AM' or 'I AM LINDA.' I like the 'I AM' because it electromagnetically connects me to my Higher Self; also known as the 'I AM PRESENCE.' Any mantra can be used. I repeat the mantra for the duration of the meditation.

2. Continuing the meditation, labeling thoughts as 'thinking,' and coming back to center, which is the heart space in the middle of the body.

When thoughts won't go away I think of it as a choppy meditation. It allows me to show compassion for myself. Through this, I am able to see myself as imperfectly perfect. When I love myself I can accept this variability. It's an example of the variety of who I am and what I accomplish. And anyway, tomorrow is a new day, and another opportunity to shift into that quiet ocean of peace!

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  CHARLIE SNOW AND BEING IN THE MOMENT

February 11, 2013

A snowfall of 12 inches visited us this weekend; the snow with its silent and relaxing energy feels like a meditation.

Two-year-old Charlie is staying with me while my sister and her fiancé's ski in Colorado. Charlie is a handsome Labrador mix. We have a strong connection as he touches my heart deeply. Charlie gives me kisses frequently and endears himself in so many ways. At this very moment he is napping on the left corner of my bed. Previously, as I meditated, he tried to get my attention. When this failed, Charlie chose to lie on my bed, perhaps because he feels close to me while there.

Having Charlie visit causes me to go into a different gear. He got my attention at 5:45 am, and I let him out into my rear garden. Charlie romped in the snow on the first level and barreled up the stairs to the community garden like a child in a novel situation. He was playful, happy and showed heightened sensitivity to the air and snow-covered greenery. Charlie found a rock, which he guarded with his might. As he passed through my back door, I thought the rock was a ball of snow and ice. Charlie allowed me to examine it and I quickly returned it to him, later finding the rock on his bed.

At 6:45 am, I, with hat, coat, gloves and boots, walked Charlie who was in his birthday suit, around the block. He bounced upon and over the snow, met a canine friend, pooped in a now favorite spot, and graciously allowed me to wipe him down when we returned.

My sister and her fiancé show Charlie a lot of love, and provide the right amount of discipline. I can tell by being with him that he comes from a loving home. Charlie can be fierce as well as gentle. His needs are simple, and he's been an inspiration.

Let's take a leap from canine to human. We need and can't live without love. We can love ourselves and choose loving relationships and situations. As we consciously guide ourselves along the spiritual path we feel in our heart that our choices are appropriate when love and compassion are present.

Both the snow and Charlie remind me to remain in the moment. You know: the present moment where all things are possible, and where we are able to find peace and love amidst the chaos around us.

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  WILL YOU BE MINE?

February 18, 2013

Valentine's Day was celebrated last week. Red paper hearts, candy replicas and cupids floated from ceilings or were pasted on store windows. Red boxes of chocolate candy were displayed to entice us toward purchase.

In a restaurant for dinner, a father and adorable 3 year-old-son gave a long-stem red rose to 'mommy.' On this day, women brought flowers for their men. One shop had their salesperson on the sidewalk, flanked by brightly colored flowers of rich variety.

I do enjoy this festivity as an opportunity to acknowledge romantic and familial love, and to help the business economy. However, there's more to love than candy and flowers. So, how do I truly show love, really demonstrate that I care to my special loved ones? And, are they the only ones to whom I show love? Will I make room in my heart for those who share consciousness? And, what will this look like?

Showing love and compassion is a spiritual act, not an act of the ego. When I reach into my heart 'where compassion resides' there is alignment with my Higher Self where highest wisdom is found. A kind of bliss comes over me as I write this because my heart is speaking. I've come to know the peaceful sensation that accompanies this harmony, this place in my being which is more spiritual than physical.

As I move toward love and compassion which comes from my spiritual self, I view the people in the world – my immediate community as well as other states and countries – as connected and one. I am interacting all the time and so there are countless opportunities to show love and compassion in my daily life. It's often a challenge!

Let's visit my ego for a minute. Currently, I have a business relationship where repairs were necessary. I fulfilled my responsibility, paying for the repairs promptly. Soon after, an additional request for money was made in a sort of gray area. When the text came through, my first reaction was anger, as I feel I've done my part. More is being asked of me and I'm having a hard time complying. I'm searching for my feelings, because I want to respond with love and compassion for myself as well as she. I'm not sure about saying 'Yes' or 'No' at this point.

Sometimes it's hard to know how to show love and compassion. What I do know is that I need more time to decide on an appropriate response, one that will reflect my heart, not my ego.

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  ODE TO FEBRUARY

February 25, 2013

February, at one time, was a dreaded month for me. I visualize the seasons on the face of a time clock with January in the number twelve position and February at one o'clock. As we swing down the clock, we descend into the cold, even frigid temperatures of the Winter. The wind chill greets us and causes the bones to shiver in the exchange. With this in mind, my body tenses in apprehension and alarm. The cold can be unfriendly. While keeping me warm at home, my heating system dries my skin.

My thoughts about February have shifted this year, and I think this has something to do with my being in the flow, more joyful and in the moment, more often. My resistance to the cold is lifted. In the metaphor, I'm not swimming upstream like a salmon that dies after spawning. I am moving with the water, buoyed by the momentum and available support. By moving with consciousness, it is possible to remain connected with others in wholeness.

Currently, there's more of an adventure to February where I expect the cold and frigid days, some snow and wind. My clothing reflects this reality: several layers beneath a down coat, earmuffs or hat, scarf, gloves and boots. In my home I feel cozy. I use cream to lubricate my skin. On the 14th I like to give chocolates to loved ones and smile at others. In fact I like to smile at others on every day of the year.

As I write this, a long-stem-red rose graces my table. Life is good. I feel warm in February.

lindamarsanico.com

##  HANGING OUT NEAR GRAND CENTRAL

March 4, 2013

For over twelve years of Wednesdays, I have hung out near 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. Among my three offices, the Grand Central space is my favorite. The area is vibrant, convenient and has beautiful architecture.

Late last year, in a complicated series of events, plans were made for a new landlord to take over the lease. The thought occurred to me that I could be asked to leave but I didn't dwell on it. Early this year, my dear friend Grisel, a clairvoyant, told me she saw me in only one office. "I have three offices. How could I possibly decide which office(s) to eliminate," was my response.

Upon awakening one morning in late January, I saw that the door was open in a cabinet where I keep fine glassware. As unusual as this sounds, Universe communicates with me by opening the door to this cabinet. When this happens, I think "an opportunity exists." The open door alerts and prepares me for change. Right after noticing the open door, I went downstairs to turn on my computer. An email announced: the new landlord wanted my Wednesday; I had three months to find another space.

My heart was broken in an instant! I felt the loss in the pit of my stomach. My favorite office has a brick wall with a covered fireplace and tall ceilings, reminding me of a townhouse where I once lived with my family. There are many warm feelings associated here and I wanted to hold onto these, and what has worked up until now. I didn't want to leave my treasured cove.

My first challenge was to acknowledge the angry feelings toward the two landlords, old and new, for creating this situation. (Of course, this is irrational but I was angry.) Choosing compassion over anger is the second task. I am keeping my feelings in the moment, letting go of judgment; and acting from my unified self (i.e., not being pulled by emotions). What is helping me move into compassion is the knowledge that leaving this space helps me move forward on my spiritual path. I know I needed a push, which I received from the landlords. I couldn't have cut back on this office on my own. What is important for me to remember is that Universe gave me gentle warnings through numerology (numbers representing change were appearing), the open cabinet door, and Grisel's vision. I knew change was coming and I had time to ready myself.

To make the situation more interesting, in middle February, a new email announced that I might be able to stay in the office because the landlord had acquired new space for expansion. Another email arrived around March 1 stating I can remain in the space. Between late January and March, I placed an ad and scouted for an office unsuccessfully, just to explore the possibilities. I'm remembering what Grisel shared with me, and I feel in my heart: I won't hang out near Grand Central on Wednesday. I will be seeing fewer clients, and working from home on that fourth day of the week to give voice to my other passions: blogging, and planning workshops. I'll learn more about social media.

This new shift is quite a challenge because I am grieving the loss of what was comfortable. As often as I am able, I remain in the moment, the right now – curious, a little scared and somewhat excited about this new opportunity to share my voice.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  WARMTH AT 14 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT

March 11, 2014

Early on a frigid Saturday morning in late January, I was food shopping at the Co-op in preparation for a dinner party. Six-forty-five a. m. makes sense since we have 16,000 members: it gets crazy crowded as the day progresses, plus I am a morning person. I took Betsy, my 11 year-old Saturn, as I live more than one-half mile from my food source. By 7:30 a.m. food choices were made and checkout complete. Betsy wouldn't start. The car was dead silent!

My cell phone was at home, so I made some quick decisions about how to proceed. For the telephone, I could go back to the co-op, or ask the owner of the candy store, which was visible from my car. Would he recognize me? I hadn't been in that shop for a very long time. Not only did he allow me to use his telephone, he was okay with my holding on for 30 minutes while Better World (my roadside assistance firm) found a local company to service my car.

With all negotiations complete, I waited for the serviceman. Bought coffee. Stayed in the car, on the street or at the candy store. A sense of quiet came over me and it morphed into clarity: I am taking my life for granted! In this fourteen-degree moment everything stopped and my focus shifted. I was filled with love for the people in my life. I appreciated my health, my relationships, my work, and my home: all that I have.

Being stalled by my car's dead battery allowed me to view my life through a filter of love. Nitty gritty annoyances fell away to reveal calm, order and connectedness. I felt supported by connected others: the candy store owner...Better World...the serviceman. I wasn't alone, nor was I cold. I felt joy!

I drove rehabilitated Betsy for 20 minutes as the serviceman suggested, and subsequently parked the car in my garage. Later, when I prepared to pick up the birthday cake, Betsy wouldn't start once again. I calmly called my mechanic who sent two men to start the car and follow me back to his shop. The diagnosis was loose battery cables. Betsy was good to go. Once at home, I reached out to my daughter who picked up the cake.

I continued to be filled with peace and serenity in my connectedness. It's a warm feeling on a frigid day! My dinner party was a success.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THREE TO FIVE MINUTES

March 8, 2013

Three-to-five minutes whiz by quickly. In this short bit of time I can text, check phone messages, read an article in The New York Times. Or, I can choose to meditate – to find myself on the road to different dimensions, and to build what I call the 'muscle' of meditating. Once developed, this 'muscle' allows me to get into the zone of mystical experience more quickly, and into my higher dimensional bodies more deeply.

At the beginning of developing a practice, the three-to-five minutes can be restorative, like a power nap, or an oasis in a desert. The prize is getting into the zone, beyond thinking: being in the moment, and visiting my spiritual self!

This three-to-five minute segment emerged with my clients as a kind of 'let's try it out' – sampling a beneficial, free and relaxing activity we can take anywhere. Meditation is more manageable in this short segment while it can seem overwhelming in long periods. Let's call this short segment a power meditation: I develop 'muscle' as I sit...on the train...in a waiting room...at my desk. As a beginning all it takes is three-to-five minutes.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  SPRING BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL SPRING

March 25, 2013

I have always liked spring. It arrives after the coldness of winter, bringing longer days where we bask in the light. Two weekends ago, we were asked to 'spring forward' in time: to put our clocks one hour ahead. I felt tired with this shift, but it is in the service of having brighter days and that I do prefer! Last Wednesday was the first official day of spring. The weather will soon catch up and we will be launched into temperate days with chirping birds and budding flowers and trees. The flora and fauna come alive. The air will brush our skin gently while the sun nourishes us.

Let's look at this metaphor. As the days expand, in my emotional, spiritual spring, what will I plant? What do I want in my garden? With love as a context, I want to develop relationships and be authentic in my social. I want to nurture my book, which needs a publisher, and requires some editing (like weeding). I'll continue to write my blog honestly. Its akin to planting and fertilizing a garden.

I'd like to share an example of my challenge to plant compassion. On Wednesday in my office, workmen were drilling on the building's façade. I could see them on the scaffolding where they could look into my office, and see me, and my clients' backs. Late afternoon, during two sessions, the drilling, periodically, was so loud my clients and I had to yell to be heard. I'm not exaggerating! At certain moments I felt flashes of anger because the noise seemed like an assault and intrusion into my usually, very quiet space. When the anger flashed, I said to myself: "They're doing their job." and the anger left me. I repeated this mantra every time anger flashed and I was able to keep from feeling or feeding the anger. I replaced the anger with a reality for which I feel compassion. This reality worked better than anger because it kept me where I want to be, in compassion.

As I was packing up to leave the office, one of the workmen looked up from the scaffolding, into my window and warmly smiled at me. I smiled back. This was a joyful and loving moment. Had I been huffing and puffing about the drilling, I do believe he would have felt the negativity. His smile confirmed to me that I had stayed positive and shared loving energy.

On this first day of spring there was an opportunity to show compassion and fertilize it. There will be many opportunities to share it again. I want my garden to be peppered with love, compassion, connectedness, and expanded vision; to nourish and feed me and connected others.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## MOVING ON FROM GRAND CENTRAL

April 2, 2013

I spent my last Wednesday near Grand Central:  
Protected by the high ceiling;  
Embraced by the brick wall;  
Touched by the wood floors;  
Graced by my clients who bared their souls to my confidential  
ear and compassionate heart;  
Supported by colleagues who figured out a solution for  
removing a cabinet;  
Nourished by the delicious food I brought for snacks, breakfast  
and lunch;  
Disappointed that the landline had no dial tone;  
Grateful for my cell phone;  
Saddened by the loss of my beloved space;  
Excited...rather, learning to be excited for the new experiences  
awaiting me;

An interesting thing happened on Wednesday: the window looking out onto 41st Street was almost completely covered by a tarp that, of course, darkened the office. I spent the day without natural light. My colleague who shares this view in the next office had no tarp on her window. I wonder about this? Is there a metaphor for me to decipher? Was I becoming blocked from the light (in the spiritual sense) in this office?

I wonder about my Wednesdays where I'll have time to write, edit and study social media. This is a work in progress as I create my path.

lindamarsanico.com

## WEDNESDAYS IN BROOKLYN, NEAR THE F TRAIN

April 8, 2013

On Tuesday night I felt apprehension. I had no definite place to be on Wednesday because Grand Central was no longer my destination.

I awoke in the morning and evaluated the possibilities for my schedule, as there was no structure imposed on my day. Here's something. Because my week was so hectic there had been no time to do my practice billing. Now I had the freedom to delve into it. Three hours later, a local coffee shop was my next stop.

For a moment I caught myself imagining my 41st Street office, but I quickly brought myself back to the reality of now... today... Wednesday... post GC era. I'm staying local...The Red Horse Café in Park Slope.

India tea was my choice of beverage to nourish and hydrate me as I combed the Internet for blogging sites and places unknown. Doesn't this jibe with exotic Indian tea? There I was – quite the writer-researcher, playing hooky from school, I mean work. This agrees with me! 'I think I like it.'(a line from a Donna Summer song) I felt liberated...

After a short time, Oliver, a screenwriter, sat next to me and asked questions about the café's Internet password. A friendly conversation led to my sharing my profession; that I have a blog and have written a book. Oliver showed me a site that he felt I had to have because it combines blogging and book promotion: www.fourhourblog.com hosted by Tim Ferriss. It's very interesting.

I do believe that Universe led us to meet so that I would have this link. I hope you agree that this is an auspicious beginning to my Wednesdays in Brooklyn, near the F train. With my new direction, I feel guided by spirit and encouraged in my writing. A blogging I will go...feeling free.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## BUMBLE BEES, FORSYTHIA, AND THICH NHAT HANH

April 15, 2013

Returning from yoga class two weeks ago, a first bumblebee of the season buzzed before me, and around the flowers in the front garden. I saw another bee this week. When I see these amazing creatures I feel hopeful and happy since scientists indicate that the bee population is dwindling due to various kinds of pollution.

Forsythia, one of my favorite sightings, bloomed seemingly overnight, to intoxicate me into spring. Forsythia sprout yellow flowers, which are quickly replaced by green ones. So short lived is the burst of yellow that we must enjoy it while we can.

John Paul Sartre philosophized that we get meaning from life because it is finite (death occurs). I would say that life in the physical form doesn't last forever (it's our spirit that is eternal). Relationships are like that too. There are so many opportunities to move a relationship forward by confronting an issue. We don't know how long people will be in our lives. Appreciate them. Being genuine and present, we can foster these important connections.

Lean into the important connections, being genuine and present.

We are truly alive when we remain present. A spiritual saying is that all things are possible at all times. It is wise to be awake (not in the past nor in the future with our thoughts) for these possibilities. Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that when thinking occurs in meditation; send the thoughts away, coming back to center. I spoke to a friend about the youthfulness of this Buddhist master who is in his eighties but looks sixty or so. "He has happy thoughts," I said. My friend replied: "How about no thoughts." There is clearly a boost to our physical, emotional and spiritual health when we are present.

In my mind, our center is located in the heart up to the Higher Self, also known, as the 'I AM Presence.' This route takes us to the higher dimensional aspects of ourselves, which hold our highest wisdom. We are electromagnetic, and we get an electromagnetic boost when we say I AM. I feel the flow of energy when reciting this mantra: 'I AM loved, I AM calm.' We can use it on its own or add a constructive phrase or word.

Being in my center, in the moment, in compassion is my goal. In compassion I am in the now, detached from outcome, and centered in my unified self (Gregg Braden, 1997). It is no easy task for me. I make decisions as I go about my day whether to act with love or its opposite, anger, disrespect, etc.

Life is to be cherished. It is finite like the bee and the yellow burst of the forsythia. In Eastern philosophy, each in-breath represents new life (inspiration) while the out-breath represents death. Why not enjoy the process? We must 'think' to be competent in our work and social interactions. Yet, we can be present as we move through these commitments.

Of course, we need to function daily in our work and other activities where we think; but we are more than our thinking. There is other time to focus on our spiritual self. Call it a discipline.

I love being in the moment. It feels light and easy. There is no past or future, just the experience of now. Being present represents a small part of my day but I am working to increase it. It greatly benefits my health, and I remind myself that a present is a gift.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE WAVELENGTH OF LOVE

April 22, 2013

At fifteen feet of glory, a most magnificent, pink magnolia tree grabbed my attention on Monday morning after Yoga class. I had a complete view of it from across the street. There I stood admiring nature's fine work when a woman came up to me, commenting on my tree gazing. She told me that I was a woman after her own heart, adding that the tree was, indeed, beautiful. As she walked away she said: 'I like you. Have a good day.' Warm comments like these feel like a burst of love, and I embrace them. Have you had someone smile at you for no apparent reason on the street, on the subway or in a shop?

On my ride home Thursday night, a tall man dressed in Buddhist garb, replete with beads at his wrists, bowed for me to go first onto the train. I smiled and boarded the car. Near the doors, he bent down to pray (I think), stood up and squatted once again. Eventually the man took a seat directly across from me and read a book. As I neared my stop, he warmly smiled at me, and I smiled back. Another burst of love. I was fairly tired after a long day, yet the smile invigorated me.

It's Friday morning now and I sit in my living room gazing at ornamental pear trees whose white flowers dance in the breeze. A bird swoops in and then out of my sight, followed by a graceful squirrel scampering up a main limb. Oh, there he goes, down the same path. I have an epiphany. It occurs to me that nature's vibration is love. To feel the love energy, my receptors must be poised to receive it. My mind needs to be clear. It's like adjusting the dial to a particular signal or frequency. There's no static and the message can be heard distinctly.

Potential bursts of love encircle me. When receptive, as in being on the appropriate wavelength, I reap the benefit of this essential energy. In the last seven days, I have experienced the commenting woman, the magnolia, and pear trees, the Buddhist man, the bird and squirrel embracing me. I'm so glad I tuned into this wonderful wavelength and these bursts of love.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE CHALLENGE OF LETTING 'STUFF' GO

April 29, 2013

Two close family members who are relocating to Italy asked me to store their household goods in my 10X10 storage space. What I didn't realize at the outset is that some of my 'stuff' from this room would have to find a new home (given away or recycled).

My apartment is a duplex with the lower portion measuring one third of my upper floor. This lower room was piled up with my extra 'stuff:' papers, trunks, an upholstered chair, etc. Mama mia! We put things outside for neighbors and passersby to take. As this continued, I happily and sadly saw my history being carted away by an assortment of people unknown to me including a chair from my first home in New Jersey. I felt free from the weight of these unneeded goods and nostalgic remembering old times.

Doctoral research papers as well as clinical notes and articles from my three-year postdoctoral training still remain. It will be difficult to let them go because they represent so much of who I am. I remember the hard work, the search for knowledge, the conferring of a degree and, later, the training certificate. As I review these files, my heartstrings are plucked as a harp is played. The tones bring up an aria of feelings.

Trunks held clothes, pictures and notes belonging to my children. The tucked-away old photos spoke of good friends, memorable events, and sentiments of love. Letting go of the past challenges me like a mild heartbreak. As I write this, my heartstrings are reverberating yet these feelings are less strong as my healing progresses.

Giving these possessions away is really an opportunity to grow. Although parting with these is a test, there is a prize at the end of this road: an acceptance of who I am today rather than yesterday. This is another new beginning where I feel lighter and unencumbered. The Buddhist metaphor of breathing is apt here. The out-breath is like a death, which allows for the in-breath –permitting life to continue.

I am reminded of one of my favorite books, "The Journey Home," (Carroll, 1997) See www.Kryon.com the protagonist, Michael, learns to face his fears, to travel lightly, and to choose life. Michael feels jubilance for his efforts. I'm getting there...I'm on my way.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## A JOURNEY FROM MY PRIMITIVE BRAIN TO THE EVOLVED BRAIN

May 6, 2014

To the best of my recollection, it was during the warm months of 2003. I was driving around a traffic circle in Park Slope with my daughter. My desire was to enter the gas station, which was at the top end (a 2 o'clock position), but a man in a car blocked the entrance. A red light stopped him even though he had room to move up, closer to the signal.

My car windows were open as I gestured, without speaking, with my shoulders and arms to ask him if he could move up in his line so that I could enter the station. The man yelled and cursed at me (you know, the female dog in heat one) with such aggression. It shocked me that a mildly frustrated request from me could produce such a hateful response. His negative energy, carried by the warm, summer air, slammed into my body. I think of this as a defining moment: "I'm a lover not a fighter." ("The Girl is Mine" sung by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, "Thriller" Album)

I felt hurt. I felt misunderstood. It was not my intention to spark rage in this man. Rather, I wish to share lovingness not angriness. What became crystal clear is that we have an effect on others. Of course, they affect us too. We are all connected and there is a ripple which moves the collective consciousness like a pebble dropped into the water. Remember the one about the butterfly fluttering its wings in the Ukraine affecting the weather in the U.S.? This is the same principle.

Of course time has passed; it's 2013, not 2003. I've done considerable soul searching and emotional work. Two weeks ago I, with others, sat with my laptop at a high counter in a coffee shop. No tables were available. The manager pushed a covered cookie plate onto the counter into the space of my computer, and said: "This is important." I had to move my beloved device toward me, out of the path of the moving cookies. I said nothing. Mildly angry feelings sprang up. My first thought was "And I'm not important?" My next internal prompt became "Linda, you are important." With that, I let go of my negative perception of this interaction. Her statement did not shift my reality that I love myself. I had no hurt or angry feelings because the resiliency of my self-love withstood my initial perception of this interaction.

The process of moving from my hurt self (childhood ego) to my loving self (heart ego) was a journey from my primitive brain to my evolved brain. (D'Onofrio, 2006).

As I acted from my heart-ego, I thoroughly realized that our Creator loves us beyond our imagination. Some of us have more earthly position and wealth while others have less. Yet, it is essential for us to remember that we are all equal. And, it goes like that...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE RIPPLE EFFECT

May 13, 2013

We make decisions all day long. Since we decide how to think and act toward others, and ourselves as we go about our day, compassion is a continuous possibility. When we choose love (compassion is composed of this) over fear, we use an effective cognitive-emotional-energetic strategy, and there is so much to gain: our love energy attracts similar energy! Our 50+ trillion cells carry this information, which results from the aggregate of our moment-to-moment reactions. Our energetic vibration is broadcast outward for all to feel. This is energetic social media in action!

There is research about our internal environment. Water changes on the molecular level when exposed to a loving, or angry sound (sound is vibration). Since our makeup is approximately 70% water, this is so for us as well: our inner environment (the water in our cells) feels this loving or negative vibe (Masaru Emoto, 'Hidden Messages in Water,' 2004).

Our beliefs (the environment of our inner dialog and its effect on our cells) create either levels of health or levels of disorder (Bruce Lipton, 'The Biology of Belief, 2005) within the body.

Positive changes in our attitudes and behavior lead to levels of health while a 'negative world view' over time, leads to illness (David Hawkins, 'Power vs. Force,'1995).

I was awakened to the fact that we are capable of being in charge of our health on all levels when I read the above listed books, and Braden's 'Awakening to Zero Point' (1993). The key is developing compassion, a process involving our cognitive-emotional-energetic capacities. However, our cultural milieu rallies against this potential, relying on the notion that someone else can restore our health by curing symptoms. This medicinal remedy has its time and place, though.

If we are willing to explore a different level of understanding, healing is possible. (see Hawkins). The decision to cure a symptom versus heal the disorder resides on two different levels of experience and possibility. I am awed by the complexity of our mind body spirit multidimensionality. We can keep this design in mind, even if we're not ready to embrace it for ourselves. No worries, we can remember that if we are not ready to implement 'healing' presently, the choice is ahead of us.

Let's get to the ripple effect. Throw a pebble into the water and see that the stone creates concentric circles. I believe the ripple-water effect mirrors in our bodies at the molecular level: when we are angry our 50+ trillion cells carry this anger; when loving, our cells reflect that, too. Our vibration broadcasts this message for all to feel. Might we say that our anger or love is the pebble inside of our body, which creates our energetic, vibrational signature (sent to all) — our external pebble? The internal ripple becomes the wavelength of the consciousness.

Gandhi urged us to "be the change we wish to see." This water-ripple phenomenon allows us to accomplish this. Creating positive internal AND external energy has this effect!

I'll be writing more about this as we go forward. 'Till next Monday.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## "GOOD VIBRATIONS"

May 20, 2013

—Beach Boys, circa 1960s

My former hairdresser, who is clairvoyant, commented on my vibration. He said something like "You're really feeling good today; I hear your chakras." (He was referring to seven cone-shaped, dimensional portals, which extend down the middle of the body spinning outward) Isn't it incredible that we inherently possess a musical scale from A through G – the seven sounds of the chakras? And that it is heard clearly by clairvoyants, and felt subliminally by all. These sounds are vibrations, our vibe that goes where we go.

This becomes part of our connection to the collective consciousness. Perhaps this is one reason why music is a universal language: we feel the music and the lyrics have energy, too. The African-American community knew about vibe miles before I understood this level of communication. My elementary school, located near to where Malcolm X once lived, was racially integrated so I must have heard about vibe from my classmates and friends. I understood it superficially then.

The sound and beat (vibration) of positive music balances the chakras, making us feel good; moreover, the vibe is beneficially felt by the water in each of our cells (see blog 5.13.13).

Vibe (associated with soul) is exemplified by many musical artists from mid-century (1950) to the present: Otis Redding and the Isley Brothers stand out. Later, Michael Jackson sang, "...Share the beat of love..." ("Rock With You," 1979); Sixto Rodriguez asks us to "...Climb upon my music and my songs will set you free..." ("Coming From Reality," 2010 Album – originally released in 1971 – see the film "Searching For Sugarman"). Vibe is an example of our multidimensional voice, distinctively held by each of us. Of course, we are all unique, and we have our 'vibrational tonalities' (Michael Beckwith, 2007, on The Oprah Show). They represent our spiritual signature. I want to call them a particulate of our spiritual expression. Vibration is our interpersonal calling card – representing our state of being – right here, right now!

Here we are — broadcast journalists — whether people hear or sense our message. We can become attracted to, or put off by others because of their vibe. Others do the same with us. As for me, I'm attracted to the love beat...and I "Gotta keep those loving good vibrations a happenin..." (Beach Boys) for all to hear or sense. In the metaphor, as well as literally, it's a song and a dance, and I'm lovin' it.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  COMPASSION AS MUSIC OF THE SOUL

May 27, 2013

How do I go with the flow? The flow is a journey, without resistance, in the NOW moment...where we feel a gentle music...realize an inner knowing... I think of us in the medium (which is the ether – see "The Divine Matrix," Gregg Braden, 2007) of this flow which is air...music...energy... it is metaphysical and ethereal rather than physical.

I recognize the palpability of the NOW moment because I am learning that it is peaceful, quiet, subtle yet powerful and expansive...it is a connection to All That Is!

What assists me in reaching this frequency is self love (which includes self awareness), music, connection with Higher Self, a sense of humor, good friends, meditation and mantra. We tune into the NOW wavelength like an old-fashioned radio dial tunes us into the station of our choice.

Presently, there are two major levels of experience and focus. One level is filled with what is positive and joyful, due to our focused efforts in compassion and love, while the other plane is consumed with chaos and negativity. It's our choice to decide which reality we will feed, something like our view of the glass being half full vs. half empty. Our worldview is key here because energy attracts like energy – a law of physics. I want to attract good things into my life, and so a positive worldview and positive outgoing energy will accomplish that. Life will always present us with challenges, though. Buddhists tell us that both joy and chaos come into our lives. When joy appears, celebrate it. When chaos arrives, acknowledge it and let it go – don't add suffering to the pain.

Music and dance are helpful here, both in the metaphor and literally. When we dance we move in the medium (the ether) that supports our electromagnetic makeup. We are energetically predisposed to music with our A through G internal scale (see blog 5.20.13). What we are exposed to in the external environment greatly affects our biochemistry, our homeostasis: external sounds (this can be the vibration of people and situations) change the water in our cells (see blog 5.13.13). What we say to ourselves (our internal dialog) has a similar effect.

We have decisions to make about the kind of vibe we choreograph. We can be loving rather than angry and there are 50+ trillion reasons (the number of cells in the body) to choose the vibe carefully. Music can be a teacher, a pied piper of inspiration, which, of course, touches us at a very deep level. Let's not forget that the music of our inner dialog...our worldview...the words of our friends...the work we choose...the food we eat – feed the internal chords which connect to, and create the heart and harp of the person we wish to become! Let's play well.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## WHICH IS IT – BATMAN OR SUPERMAN?

June 3, 2013

As I write this morning, I am sitting in The Field (a name inspired by a Rumi proverb), a café/restaurant in Sedona, AZ, my second favorite place in the world, next to Brooklyn, NY. This coffee shop sits on N. State Highway 89A, the main road in this tourist town of approximately 19 square miles, nestled in the beautiful red rocks where John Wayne filmed his cowboy movies, mid-century.

Sedona, founded in 1902 and named after Sedona Schnebly, is a two-and-one-half hour drive north from Phoenix. There is a lushness about this town even though it is a desert: its flowering cacti; elevation of 4,500 feet; a big sky with very few clouds; the monsoons in July and August. The vortexes, found amidst the red rocks, have an intense flow of energy that assists in meditating, and the veil of separation between our earthly dimension and other dimensions is thin! On my first trip to Sedona in the spring of 2002, the effects of this energy blew me away, which is like an UNENDING good feeling similar to the zone of a successful yoga class finale. The difference is that the Sedona energy encourages emotional issues to emerge for understanding, clarification and healing. Whoa!!! It isn't easy...

On my arriving flight I sat next to Susan, aka July, a woman who learned to bend metal with her concentrated focus. She said the metal softened like butter under this force. (She kept the bent, metal bar on her desk to remind herself of this accomplishment) WHAM!! POW!! Batman comes to mind until I realize that it is Superman who 'bends steel with his bare hands.' I am reminded of the prelude to the mid-century, Superman TV program, which featured George Reeves, the second actor to play the role:

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive;

Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound –

Look up in the sky. It's a bird; it's a plane; it's superman!

Superman bent steel, and fought for 'truth, justice and the American way.' Growing up, I looked to others – sometimes superheroes – to protect or save me from harm. They were endowed with special abilities, which we could admire and wish to possess. (I still feel like a kid when watching Andrew Garfield's Spider-man scale buildings, and Christian Bale's Batman race around Gotham in his Batmobile. Recently, Halle Berry portrayed the power of Batwoman. These figures offer a way for us to feel powerful through the exploits of comic book characters as though we feel incapable or ill equipped to face, ourselves, what is feared.

At the beginning of "The Journey Home," (www.Kryon.com) Michael, the protagonist, is frightened by the presence of something or someone following him. I read the book twice and felt scared, too, as Michael sets out on his journey. With the help of his guides, he learns the most important survival skills – courage, faith, self-defense, and more — to face his dreaded fears. This is one of my favorite books because Michael represents all of us. He inspires us to walk through fear. Nelson Mandela has said that when he is afraid, he acts boldly.

Boldness can take many forms. As we prepare to take action, it is no easy task to interpret the many nuances in the challenges, which Universe presents. Kryon says that there is a spiritual solution to each situation; that we know the answer, but have forgotten it – thus the challenge of life, as we know it: to remember!!! In challenges, sometimes I choose assertion; other times I say nothing as silence can speak loudly. Action can take many forms. I think of Mahatma Gandhi, who with his 'passive resistance' moved India to independence from English rule. Nelson Mandela's ideals under fire led him to spend 27 years of a life sentence in a South African prison. (Talk about courage) Later, this led to an end to apartheid. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus and stirred a social revolution in the American South. Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King organized peaceful demonstrations, which led to changes in our laws around racial segregation and discrimination. Eleanor Roosevelt (I would call her an early feminist) was bold and out-spoken: she told us to "scare yourself at least once every day." Her words help me when I prepare to do something that frightens me. John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you –ask what you can do for your country."

Gandhi, Kennedy, King, Mandela, Parks and Roosevelt inspire by their actions. They are flesh and blood people – not fictional beings – who accomplished great things through their passion, intention and focus. I am describing all of this to remind us to look within for our strength because incredible power lies here. Susan told me that during her metal-bending process, as soon as she started to think about what she was doing, she lost the ability to bend the rod. The feat is accomplished by a connection beyond our 'thinking' mind where we harness our connection to energy, which is amazingly powerful. We are much more than our thoughts — a reminder that we have so much ability to explore.

Let us return to the beginning — it is neither Batman nor Superman...but the boldness of the self loving us...the WE...the I AM... In the direction of love and compassion we are connected to all that is...where we co-create and find empowerment. "May the force be with you." — Yoda to Luke Skywalker (Star Wars Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back, 1980)

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## FROM SEDONA TO BROOKLYN, NEAR THE F TRAIN

June 10, 2013

The nighttime temperature around Phoenix airport was 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Although Arizona has a dry climate, this is still very hot! Taking the red-eye on US Air, I landed at around 5:10 a.m. in a sleepy, rain-washed city – refreshed from torrential showers, which had lasted about 24 hours. I was told we had a month's amount of precipitation in one day.

This was a working vacation with lots of time to play! I created an oasis to see confidants. I met a friend for tea and delicious muffins (freshly baked for our chat), had lunch at Picazzo's 'where pizza is an art', and Redstone where we overlooked the mountains near Cathedral Rock; had a delicious salad at Pisa Lisa, a newly-opened, trendy eatery. I love Heartline, a serious, organic restaurant, but it was closed for a private party. We talked, non-stop, at these meals, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to feel loved and nurtured.

I always find it hard to leave Sedona; it's a really good thing that I love my life in New York City, as it anchors me so. Back at my East Coast home, I feel comfortable in the city of my birth, returning to the work that is my passion. I also get back to Yoga, bicycling, and the gym.

Right now, I am exhausted for the best of reasons: good food and company; meetings of the heart near the red rocks (whose vortexes have extraordinary energy) as a background. The juxtaposition of New York City and Sedona offers varying sensibility, cultural perspective and weather. The experience brings joy and peace to my life.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## DO OR NOT DO, THERE IS NO TRY

Yoda to Luke Skywalker, "The Empire Strikes Back, 1980

On Thursday night, I meditated for almost three hours, through teleconference, with Laura Lizak who channels Quan Yin. QY tells us 'to demand excitement in this world!' and further that it is 'easier than ever to jump for joy!'

I am reminded of jumping rope, especially double Dutch, as a schoolgirl. Who taught me? I likely learned by watching schoolmates before class and during yard play. Right here, right now (as QY often says) this fills me with joy and anticipation of fun! Schoolyard play was so important in my youth. The timing involved with double Dutch – entering the ropes in motion was no easy task – we had to be in the moment and DO, that is, GET IN THERE. The entering process was precise, and my girlfriends had impeccable timing.

For a while now, I have been writing that as adults we forget how to play. I am a prime example. Some years ago my brother scolded me: "Linda, with each, new degree, you get more and more serious. Chill out." Chilling out causes the body to respond accordingly. Smiling uses fewer facial muscles and encourages the ripple effect where people respond to our smile with their smile.

Recently, my daughter, upon returning from Greece, told me that Americans work too much. This is true – and we don't play enough. This pattern begins in school where many American school children have less outside playtime than their European counterparts. Too much work and no play make Abigail a dull girl.

In 2007, Timothy Ferriss presented "The 4-Hour Workweek," (now published by Random House) which earned the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Seller List. He turns assumptions about work upside down and shows how he plays far more than he works, while earning more money than he needs. He is now a member of the 'New Rich,' as he calls it.

Feel free to dream and create goals out of your imagination! Be prepared for the work. The task is to DO..."there is no try."

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## "FEEL IT IN YOUR HEART AND FEEL IT IN YOUR SOUL..."

June 24, 2013

Lionel Ritchie ("All Night Long," Motown, 1983)

Here I am, writing about playing again...

Curtis Mayfield, a Chicago native wrote a soulful song in the same year that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The country was heartbroken –a beloved, genuinely charismatic leader was snuffed out and snatched from our lives. We had had Camelot and now there was chaos. Jacqueline Kennedy, whose pink suit got splattered with blood, was sitting next to her husband in the open car when his skull was shattered. She was traumatized, and so were we...

Curtis Mayfield's poem organically emerged, offering solace, soothing me then and now: "Cause it's alright...Give yourself a chance...have a good time." ("It's All Right", released on a 45 in 1963).

Over the years, the lyrics remained, vaguely, in my consciousness...On Saturday, I researched a link from someone's twitter profile. The Impressions popped up. I had no clue that Mayfield, one of my favorite singers, was part of a trio, which also included Fred Cash, and Sam Gooden.

This past Thursday night, I ate at Guido on Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn near the 3 train) –a fab, authentic, Japanese restaurant. On my right was the owner's graffiti wall where diners scribble their thoughts...'Peace through music' jumped out at me. Ummm, I thought. Of course...music, the universal language...a vibration that changes the water in our 50+ trillion cells. The words of A.J. Muste, an American peace activist, are apt: "There is no way to peace, peace is the way." The Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, explains that in the present moment, we create internal peace with kindness, joy and our smile –with each step we take. This inner experience reflects outward and peace is shared ("Peace is Every Step," 1991). I would say choose love over fear in your daily thoughts and interactions...and compassion grows, touching everyone through our connection with All That Is.

Returning to Lionel Ritchie:  
"...Come join the fun, it's a merry-go-around  
Everyone's dancing their troubles away  
Come join our party, See how we play!"  
In closing, I want to add a further thought from the Impressions, 1965, ABC –Paramount:  
"People get ready, there's a train comin'  
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board.  
All you need is faith...no ticket, you just thank the Lord."  
A further thought from me:  
I say that the train is finally here."

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## I GOT TO THINKING...

I got to thinking about the actual meaning of love versus compassion. It's similar to the quandary of which comes first: the chicken or the egg; or the observation that it is possible to separate the yolk from the white of the egg – but do we still have an egg? Is it possible to separate love from compassion?

If I were a university professor teaching a course on the differences between love and compassion I don't know what I would say to my students...the analogy of the white and yolk of the egg helps. The yolk can be separated from the white, yet they have not been created autonomously. One would not exist without the other even though they can be described independently.

As a psychologist, I have learned about the many feelings that humans experience. One can find a list of these on the Internet or in one of the reams of books on the subject (causes/roots etc.).

As a person on the spiritual path, I believe that love is all there is. So why does Spirit have a separate word for compassion, gratitude, forgiveness? Perhaps...together... these words-energies all make up the hugely vast vibration of love? And, why are both love and compassion located in the heart chakra, which resides near our physical heart space? Why not just love? Why not just compassion?

Love is all there is, but fear exists. Fear is said to be part and parcel of our experience on earth (on the earth school, so to speak); fear is part of the illusion of the ego and it's our soul's mission to work through and tame the astral body, the locus of our accumulated feelings over lifetimes; this working-through and taming leads us to love. Now, that's a mouthful!!! Glad I got it out. I've asked a lot of questions, but provided few answers.

Questions...answers...from this perspective I journey and continue to wonder: can love exist without compassion? I don't think so! Love is everything, and its soul mate is compassion! The marriage of the two is essential, as we cannot live without these. And, we're in search of love and compassion if it is absent from our lives (we feel a deprivation when we have a disconnect with our Higher Self). "Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living..." (From the song, "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing," The Four Aces, 1955, from a film of the same title). I highly recommend the YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0xJRYU738 "Moulin Rouge — Elephant Love Medley." It takes my breath away!

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## OMEGA

July 8, 2013

I am sitting on a handmade, wooden bench in the partial shade on the beautiful grounds of Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. Here for a weekend seminar on giving a masterful workshop, I didn't anticipate how wonderful my experience would be. Michael Craft, an expert for experts, provided a creative environment where we thirty participants bonded, and shared our creativity and passion for the work we wish to show the world!

We formed a foundational group for support and collaboration. So, we'll be tweeting, emailing and planning to work together. I am truly excited about the possibilities.

Surprisingly, this is only the second time I've been to Omega. In September of 2011, the Brazilian healer, John of God, prompted me to take the Amtrak train from Penn Station. The trip is fairly easy, taking almost two hours, plus the train to Penn, and a taxi to the Institute.

For my recent trip for the Craft workshop, I arrived late afternoon to a warm, almost hot Rhinecliff and taxied to Rhinebeck. By the time we arrived at the bed and breakfast, I felt weary. I had been awake since 4:30 a.m. and had been partying (no, not all night long) with my family on July 4th in Connecticut. Driving the 100 miles or so added to my fatigue. I quickly recovered.

Omega...what a perfect environment for me, right here, right now (as Quan Yin says); a respite from the density and seriousness of Brooklyn. I feel as if in a meditative state...a Buddhist walking – sitting – trance...as if... Or am I in an altered state...of bliss which feels integrated into my total being, inter-dimensionally?

As I type this blog at my computer, I feel happy to be back home. Of course, I am immersed in fond thoughts of Michael Craft, and our group that feels magical, even from Brooklyn near the F train.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## "PEACE TRAIN"

July 15, 2013

"Now I've been happy lately  
thinking about the good things to come  
And I believe it could be something good has begun  
Oh I've been smiling lately  
dreaming about the world as one  
And I believe it could be, someday it's going to come  
...peace train sounding louder  
Ride on the peace train  
Take this country  
Come take me home again  
Oh Peace train sounding louder  
Ride on the peace train"  
"Peace Train," (Cat Stevens, 1971, "Teaser and The Firecat Album")

Forty-Two years have come and gone since this important song hit the charts! Along with many of us, Stevens waited for peace that has eluded this country. The U.S. was still fighting in Vietnam despite protests in the streets and in the press.

Energetically, a lot of work had to be done between 1971 and 2013 for this peace train to pick up speed. In 1987 there was the Harmonic Convergence in Sedona, AZ where thousands (perhaps between 1,800 to 4,000) of spiritually minded people came together to usher in a new era of spirituality.

Currently, there is something truly important to note: something we all witness: a level of chaos, negativity and despair in our world. We do not have to focus on this darkness because there is also a level of love, compassion and joy abounding within our hearts. Love and compassion have reached the critical mass, which means that they are the predominant valence. We still must continue to manifest this essential energy so that we create what we wish to see in the world.

In the third dimension, we might say that we are waiting for the train. However, in the other realm, all time is happening now. The peace train is already here. Just as in quantum physics (string theory, I think) we will need to continue to choose the PEACE option, so that other possibilities wither away. We co-create peace. We manifest peace. Peace is the choice of our consciousness.

All eyes are on this country.

"...Peace train sounding louder Ride on the peace train  
Take this country  
Come take me home again  
Oh Peace Train sounding louder  
Ride on the Peace Train"

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## A MIND AT PEACE...

July 22, 2013

...A mind not wishing to harm anyone is the most powerful force in the universe (Wayne Dyer, Hay House).

A feeling of peace starts in the heart (which is said to have more neurons than our brain) travels to the brain and gets transmitted to each of our 50+ trillion cells. Let me add that the heart beats to the pulse of the earth. Gregg Braden has been reporting this heart-earth connection for years. We radiate this peace energy through our energetic broadcasting equipment to our connected brothers and sisters: that means all of us!

We find wonderful examples of peace in the perfect balance, and infinite variety of nature. We see peace in the potential of our body to be balanced and healed...in the gaze of an infant...in the wave of a gentle breeze on grass, and on our face and hair...in cooperation and collaboration amongst people...in the movement of the sea or ocean. I would say that peace is the natural, unadulterated state of our nature and environment. Peace is a lotus flower. Peace is beautiful. Peace is quiet. Peace is the road to enlightenment and ascension. We are happy when we are peaceful. Oh! What a lovely state of being peace is.

Our state of peace has our immune system in a very healthy position where it is poised to protect us from infection and disease. Peace comes from a deep part of who we are, and gets communicated outwardly through our 'vibrational tonalities,' the phrase authored by Michael Beckwith. The Italians call it pace; the French say paix. Intuitively, we each know the sensibility. In any language, peace is the road...the way... and the life: the direction to take...everywhere...

-Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE WORLD IS A MAGICAL PLACE — MERLIN

July 29, 2013

"If you see aspects of yourself that you feel  
are not very pretty, and you lovingly allow them,  
heaven knows your beauty grows.  
Appreciate those aspects of self  
Depreciation holds little worth.  
...As you lovingly allow that which you would

rather not see, you will find yourself seeing

less and less of it." Merlin on Self Love–

Merlin (Marelin the Magician, 1998,

Serious Comedy Publ., Tujunga, CA,)

I sort of forgot all about Merlin, until Anita, the former leader of the Long Island spiritual group who now lives in Sedona, emailed me verses of his poems. Merlin is one of my favorite Masters. He was, and is, a powerful presence since the days of King Arthur, and Camelot.

He is lyrical and child-like:

Merlin says: "The physical realm is a plentiful playground."

Linda: I love that he is playful.

Merlin: "You are the physical connection to matches made in heaven."

Linda: We are in integral liaison with Universe, where we co-Create with Source.

Merlin: "Give your sole (soul) attention to the current of joy from the unseen dimension."

Linda: He directs our attention to the other side of the veil where wonderful gifts await us.

Merlin: "To resonate with joy, allow yourself to become one with your desire."

Linda He points to the singleness of intent that is essential for us to manifest our desires. We will need to unify our conscious and unconscious mind in preparation for this important skill.

Let me conclude with his words about manifesting:

"You hold the key to ultimate bliss. My message is clear, so hear me here: Your feelings are the vibration that brings forth your creation."

Back to Linda: Merlin's message is one of passion and joy. I am so happy to share it with you.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## ALBERT, MARY AND MERLIN: ON IMAGINATION

August 5, 2013

"Imagination is funny, it makes a cloudy day sunny

Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you."

(Released separately by Glenn Miller; Tommy Dorsey, in the same year -1940)

Einstein told us that imagination is more important than intelligence.

Merlin awakens us: Know that your imagination creates all things you call 'real'. When you fully sense the unlimited power of your imagination, you recognize that you are truly living your dream. The more consciously you experience this dream, the more your dreams become your conscious experience (Merlin The Magician, 1998)

Jean-Yves Leloup writes: "For the creative imagination is not so named with some metaphysical intent, nor in a spirit of fiction, but in the full sense of the term: The imagination creates, and is universal creation itself. ("The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Inner Traditions, 2002).

Leloup further shares: "...those who desire to understand nature and world events must learn to dream before learning to think..." Also, it has been suggested that the "...imagination is the sympathetic resonance of the invisible and the visible, of the spiritual and the physical."

Let me say that imagination is infinite. We tap into this vastness because energy is in a constant state of flow to us and from us. It is how we 'surf these waves' that determines what we bring into our life. What we send out on these waves of energy comes back to us riding on the same, like energy waves. Positive comes back positive while negative attracts negative. For positive fulfillment, we'll surf these waves with self-love. Self-love develops (with compassion) as we complete our daily work on the spiritual path. Self-love allows our message to be clear: we send a high vibrational wave that is not intermingled with confusion, fear, doubt, anger, etc. This high vibrational wave attracts other high vibrational waves. Universe can work its magic on our desires when we announce them clearly.

When we possess self-love and compassion we attract love and compassion because we 'energetically experience them within.' Merlin emphasizes: "NOTHING HAPPENS TO YOU. EVERYTHING HAPPENS THROUGH YOU."

We can enjoy the gifts that we have. Merlin commends us to point the magical wand only in the direction of our desires! We can do this with love and compassion.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## JOHN, YOKO AND PHIL

August 12, 2013

...Imagine all the people  
Living life in peace...  
You may say I'm a dreamer  
But I'm not the only one  
I hope someday you'll join us  
And the world will be as one  
...a brotherhood of man  
Imagine all the people  
Sharing all the world...

("Imagine," one of the most important songs of the 20th Century. Written and performed by John Lennon, 1971; co-produced by Yoko Ono and Phil Spector.)

We are in peace, which is abundance! Our national and global resources are available to provide a basic quality of life —- for all people — everywhere. A favorite saying of mine is: where the children and water run free.

When we imagine, we create energy through our thoughts! (Here we imagine peace) The ability to create is one of our most powerful gifts, and we have the option of manifesting and co-creating. (More about the difference between these two processes in later posts)

Listen to Merlin ("Merlin's Message, 1998) on the subject of creation:

"You are constantly sending energy through emotional tones. Always you are humming the tune of either 'having' or 'not having' what you desire. It is best to refrain from seeing the absence you desire or the presence of things that are undesirable. When you first focus on a desire for something you do not have, you may resonate with the prospect of not having it. You can create an energy shift to bring that which you desire into your experience by waving the wand of your limitless imagination. When you imagine that you are already experiencing what you desire...you are drinking from the Wholly Grail (pp. 57-8)." (Einstein's words are apt: "...all matter stems from thought.")

Here, importantly and essentially, Merlin describes the process of shifting our focus from lack to abundance. HOLDING THE ENERGY OF ABUNDANCE IS THE KEY – this aspect is essential because it is the way we manifest like a laser. Our frequency needs to be on point for our message to be efficiently delivered and received: for universe to work its magic on our 'vibrational tonalities' (the phrase used by Michael Beckwith).

We can move from lack to abundance in a nanosecond, through our intent to change the frequency; we then internally experience the energy of that which we seek. We hold the energy of having it –together with love and compassion.

Fulfillment lies here.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE INFINITE WEB OF CONSCIOUSNESS

August 19, 2013

"Climb upon my music and  
my words will set you free  
...jump off with me"

Rodriquez, "Climb Upon My Music," 1971,  
2009, "Coming From Reality Album"

If ever there were an invitation to play, this is a fine example...to use imagination to soar beyond the third dimension...into the clouds of fantasy!

I am reminded of childhood: friends coming to my front door to ask if I would like to play: on my front stoop, on bicycles, or in my room. It was an invitation to leave the world of adults, to enter the realm of children. The mind of a child is that of a genius, unencumbered by rules, obstacles of movement or possibility.

Play involves beauty, fantasy, creativity and energy flow (Marsanico, 2008). Adults often forget how to laugh (this uses fewer facial muscles than does frowning) and we forget how to play.

Dorothy, once she enters her dream, moves into the world of Technicolor and dances forward on the yellow brick road...so do Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. Gene Kelly tap dances in the rain. Julie Andrews sings, "...The hills are alive with the sound of music." Steven Tyler sings that the past is gone, '...dream on, dream on, dream until your dreams come true..."("Dream On," the debut album, "Aerosmith," Columbia, 1973)

Creative play, which utilizes other abilities, allows us to tap into our higher mind. We explore more of ourselves...when we are willing to take, what I would call, a leap of faith, into the unknown of our being, our potential, our birth right: because we are, each of us, a cell in the fabric of our Creator. This is quite a heritage, don't you think? To explore this...spiritual, metaphysical, evolutionary line brings us a Technicolor which is physical, emotional, mental as well as multidimensional, electromagnetic...outright magical!

As I sit here, right here, right now (as Quan Yin loves to utter) or in the NOW as Eckert Tolle professes, these musings are not 'just my imagination' (The Temptations, "Sky's The Limit" Album, Motown, 1971) but within the scope of my imagination, which Einstein says 'encircles the world'. I say that the imagination spills out into, and travels the galaxies; as we co-create, we access the infinite web of consciousness, jumping off with our Creator into the vastness of possibility.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## MANIFESTING YOUR DESIRES

August 27, 2013

The art and science of manifesting has been written about recently by many including Rhonda Byrne, ("The Secret") and Jerry and Ester Hicks, ("The Law of Attraction") both in 2006. This concept has been around for eons, and has been harnessed by many powerful people.

In manifesting, we use the law of attraction to bring desired attainments into our lives. We reach into the energy of Universe with our thoughts and feelings (with strong intent) and visualize the desired goal. The law of attraction links our energy to the energy of Universe: we send our positive yearnings and these attract similar energy – more positive energy – and the desired goal. Of course, when we send out negative thoughts and feelings, we attract negative energy, lack versus abundance.

For the positive experience, we visualize our desire: a new job, a home, some kind of abundance, and hold it in our mind with strong thought, feeling and intent. We thank our Creator, in advance, for it is already ours. Remember quantum physics. We lock into the option of the desired goal, eliminating other options. (See "Peace Train" Blog, July 15). In our imagination, we have the object we desire, and we persistently hold this scenario in our mind. Through the law of attraction, thought becomes matter, and brings the goal into our life.

If I am looking for a new job, it is up to me to complete the necessary work. I update my resume,' send the resume' to job offerings that match my credentials, while holding the most wonderful job in mind. I make myself available for interviews and prepare for them.

The plot thickens. If I am not clear about my goal; if I feel unworthy; if I stay in lack, I cancel out my efforts, muddying the water of creation, because I send out mixed, unclear messages. Universe will not know how to respond because I am communicating: I want this. No, I don't want this. I feel worthy of this. I don't deserve this.

If I resonate with the lack of what I want, I will manifest this lack rather than the abundant choice I have in mind. When I first think of the situation I desire, I long for it, but it is essential to shift from this longing to a stance of visualizing the desired situation. In this way, through this shift, I step into the abundance of having the situation. Let me emphasize that we put this positive energetic vibration out to Universe to attract the same energy. Let us remember that our energy output will attract energy of the same vibration.

A caveat: I frequently caution myself about my attainment of materials things. While they can and do create comfort and security, happiness enters our life as a byproduct of a compassionate journey. "Enjoy the journey, for the attainment of the goal is short-lived"(Merlin, 1998). Our journey involves our day-to-day internal and interpersonal actions.

Manifestation can be linked to our spiritual journey when we balance our desired goals with love and compassion, using the heart-ego (see "From My Primitive Brain To My Evolved Brain" – May 6th Blog) as we make decisions. Let us be mindful that our decisions build the tapestry of who we become. Our decisions create the path of our journey... More about this next week...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## CONSCIOUS MANIFESTING

September 2, 2013

Our day-to-day mindset (internal dialog) as well as our interactions with family, neighbors, and co-workers – all comprise the process of our journey. It is on this playground that we, as broadcast journalists of our unique vibrational signature, manifest our desires, whether positive or negative.

Compassion (moment to moment and in the aggregate), or the lack of it – on the negative continuum – is an everyday experience. What do we wish to broadcast interactionally and vibrationally? And, will it be love? Yes, it is a decision, a series of decisions.

Let's put manifesting under a magnifying glass to emphasize the potency of energetic communication. If we are unaware of our communicative abilities, we still manifest and attract 'whatever' into our lives because when we unconsciously send out negative energy, it attracts similar energy. Negative thought becomes matter and we, literally, attract it into our lives.

I don't know anyone who truly wants to attract negative situations into their lives, yet this happens if and when we operate unconsciously. We make decisions without our conscious approval, so to speak. The lack of alignment within our personality keeps us back from joyful attainment. And, we can lose faith in our ability to make appropriate choices when we consciously want one thing, and unconsciously create something that contradicts what we feel is appropriate.

What is a broadcast journalist to do? (Psst...that's all of us...) We make an intention to do something different by paying attention to our thoughts. How? By stepping back and observing (psychologists call this the observing ego). Staying in the NOW, the present moment, allows us to observe our thoughts. This is a major accomplishment because we are onto ourselves at this point: we become aware of the 'tape of chatter' (this originates in our childhood unconscious) which internally speaks to our 50+ trillion cells, and externally communicates with the collective consciousness!

Through meditation, we understand that we are much more than our thoughts. Our access to our heart, and Higher Self, occurs in the space of the higher mind. Acknowledging the 'chatter' acquaints us with the very dynamics we need to get beyond. Our 'stuff' is on the table, and we can replace this silt with the flow of our newly designed, creative software program for our brain.

Just to reiterate, the intention to be mindful of our internal 'chatter' is a very big step in clearing the way to consciously manifesting, because this 'chatter' is usually negative, muddying the water of our sending clear messages to manifest our desires. Once we are aware of this phenomenon, we can change it.

More about this next week...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## CREATING A NEWLY-DESIGNED SOFTWARE PROGRAM FOR OUR BRAIN

September 9, 2013

Can you believe I'm writing about manifesting again? And, what does a newly designed software program have to do with manifesting? This will soon be revealed!

We function in the third-dimensional world with our body and ego, but there is more to us... We are more than our physical body and psychological, thinking ego. Our body is essential because it houses our spirit; and keeping ourselves healthy makes very good sense because health brings physical comfort and ease.

Some groups would disagree with me, but I do believe we need our ego – a developed ego that can work hand in hand with our heart. The heart-ego is a well-developed tool for compassion. (See my blog, "A Journey From My Primitive Brain To The Evolved Brain, May 6th)

In last week's blog ("Conscious Manifesting") I mention "The lack of alignment within our personality keeps us back from joyful attainment." What is a broadcast journalist to do about this? We cultivate a relentless pursuit to get to know ourselves well. How?

We are reminded to lovingly allow ourselves to see what we prefer not to see; we then see less of it (Merlin, 1998). As children, we bury the painful, what we consider, unacceptable parts of ourselves, into the unconscious mind. Our mirror (our conscious mind) is incomplete because of this burying tactic. Through this selective mirror, we see only a part of our selves. Our task is to view our whole self as we truly are, through a filter of unconditional love. We are the ONLY ONES who can accomplish this. No one can do this for us!

We can begin the process of increasing self-knowledge by observing our thoughts (with the observing ego). Once recognized, our thoughts will show us what needs our attention. We also will want to speak to ourselves, internally, as a loving parent would; as we would want our parents to speak to us, thereby replacing critical self-dialog with nurturing words. This takes work. (I know from experience) We are now in a position to design our new software. How?

These are a few strategies:

Recite Quan Yin's enlightenment meditation:

Take the enlightenment energy in through your crown

chakra, bring it through your body and into the core

of Mother Earth (Gaia) sharing it with all beings on Earth

at all times and in all situations. In this sharing, we receive

great spiritual benefit!

\- Meditate for guidance (how to proceed) from Universe

\- Keep thoughts on a positive track, replacing negative ones

\- Stay in the NOW

\- Surround self with positive friends; the energy is uplifting

\- Keep balanced and centered

\- Remember that spirituality is all about us on our journey

\- Remember that compassion is an every-day experience

\- If an issue comes up where help is needed, consult with a

licensed professional for a time-limited period (remember that

we are our own 'expert')

With conscious awareness of who we are we are able to change (unhealthy) habitual behavior patterns. We choose new ways to react to old situations. In this way we replace behaviors we find to be unacceptable, with a newly designed software program (a new series of behaviors) for our brain. We are now poised to manifest our desires clearly, sending Universe consistent messages, becoming successful broadcast journalists!

There is unlimited abundance in the Universe. When having material possessions is an expression of my love and compassion, I am part of a much greater process that is based on a loving energetic structure. If, for example, I manifest a home, I will feel good once I reside in it because it comes from a loving foundation.

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## THE ALCHEMY OF BAKING...LOVE

September 16, 2013

Last week I felt like having a decaf Cappuccino and I remembered that Cousin John's creates a pretty good one. Located on Seventh Avenue near Berkeley, this bakery-coffee shop has existed in Park Slope near the 3 train for over twenty years. When I moved to the 'nabe, this uncommon eatery greeted me, and I have many fine memories of brunch, lunch and quiet, intimate talks with my dearest friends.

John Barricelli, a native of Brooklyn, generously gave to our community (donations, school tours) that lovingly supported him. He moved on to cook with Martha Stewart, and now operates his own SoNo Bakery in Norwalk, Ct.

I am sitting in Cousin John's at 12:59 p.m., sipping my delicious coffee, observing two artists — a man and woman in their early twenties – decorate a cake for a baby shower. It's light pink with rigid candy ribbons set to stream from the top tier. Other candy trinkets – a safety pin, baby bottle, teething ring, duck, and rattle – were pressed with sugar glue onto the cake. A baby shoe rests on top of a tread on the first tier. It's a work of precision and awe. The female baker now decorates the platform (on which the two-tiered cake rests) with "Thank heaven for little girls."

I am reminded of my father's baking. He was in his early thirties when he put together what I now call 'scratch cakes:' made with flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder/soda, real cream for the frosting...and love...nothing more.

One particular cake stands out. My brother was two or three. For his birthday Dad's production had a music box that produced the Happy Birthday melody. A rod was attached to the box. Magically (remember I was a child) my parents knew where to cut, making a circle that probably encircled the box and locating the rod...Voila!!! The birthday songs played as slices were cut perpendicular to the circle.

My father will be 94 in October. There were other confections that he baked for our birthdays, but this one stands out – vividly in my mind. There was a beautiful, blue-green cowboy set atop. This memory...the creativity of my Dad; the love my parents shared...was palpable that day in March quite some time ago. CJ's has a berry cake with real whipped cream which reminds me of Dad's work: not too sweet, just plainly, deliciously reminiscent of simpler times.

Observing the bakers at CJ's create their magic is a special treat for me. (One can observe them from early morning until two or so) I feel the love in the simplicity of the baking...so many simple acts to produce the alchemy...this demonstration of love.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## "THE POWER OF LOVE"

September 24, 2013

Last summer, my goddaughter and her husband-to-be asked me to read the Psalm, "If I do not have love, I gain nothing" at their wedding ceremony (1.Corinthians 12:31-13:8a). This is oft recited as couples celebrate a union of marital love:

"...Love is patient, love is kind.  
it is not inflated, it is not rude,  
it does not seek its own interests,  
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood  
over injury, it does not rejoice over  
wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.  
It bears all things, believes all things,  
hopes all things, endures all things...

This poem encourages partners to reach toward compassion. Love doesn't maintain itself; it is developed through the intention to communicate...love is deepened through compassionate efforts with a desired, like-minded partner. At the beginning of the bond, love is often intense... Sustaining these special feelings is the challenge, and I believe the foundation to sustainability rests in the love we have for ourselves. This intention requires that we look within and know who we are. Truly loving ourselves is the foundation for attracting a partner who has a similar love of self. Remember that we are radiating who we are at all times because we are broadcast journalists! Once we attract a partner with a parallel vibe, we are in a solid position to discover further understanding within ourselves and in our relationship. This propels us into an exciting adventure that creates intimacy on all levels, allowing the relationship to be genuine, and fresh — lasting in the long term. We embark on a journey that Celine Dion refers to in the "Power of Love:" "We're heading for something. Somewhere I've never been, sometimes I am frightened. But I'm ready to learn of the power of love." (Epic, 1993).

Bryan Adams sings:

"I'm finding it hard to believe we're in heaven. Love is all that I need, and I found it there in your arms, it isn't too hard to see we're in heaven." (co-written by B. Adams, J. Vallance, A&M, 1985)

Let's take a leap from the apparent fantasy of these three poems, to the reality of achieving a relationship that takes our breath away. (This is an example of using dreams to infuse our reality) Here are my suggested ingredients: a cup of love with our appropriate vibrational partner \+ a cup of a loving.compassionate and communicative friendship + flavoring (to your taste) of sexual attraction + a cup of relentless pursuit of self truth. Add trust as needed. Let the mixture rest (coddle as you would a soufflé); and let solidify at a warm temperature. The concoction is ready...Voila! We have heaven in his/her arms.

As spoken by our most impressive poets – Paul in his letter to the Corinthians; Adams; and Dion...the alchemy of love emerges...and I can now say that the power of love is all that I need...

For the frosting I defer to the Beatles (Lennon-McCartney, 1967, Parlophone): "All you need is love, All you need is love, All you need is love, love, Love is all you need...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## SIMPLICITY...COUNTERPOINT

September 13, 2013

From the frosting of last week's blog ("The Power of Love," final paragraph), the focus is on the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love." I have listened to this song countless times and am struck by the simple words and the complex music which accompanies. Were John and Paul conveying that the simple chorus belies the counterpoint of the musical message? The demonstration of love is supported by intricacy, so that what seems simple is grounded in the intricate.

Lennon – a revolutionary artist – wanted to move people through this song. The music is radical, innovative, even rebellious. During the soundtrack, the beginning influences are French; during the elongated phase out we hear what is classical (J.S. Bach), Big Band USA ("In The Mood"), and the Beatles' own hit "She Loves You." The Beatles employ asymmetrical time signatures and make compound changes in the recording. With Lennon as lead singer, McCartney sang (backup), played bass, and double bass, adding his influence over the other instruments. Ringo Starr played drums and percussion. George Harrison played a guitar solo, violin and sang backup,...Keith Moon,...brush drums...George Martin,...piano and more,...David Mason, piccolo trumpet. The Beatles were also supported by a studio orchestra conducted by Mike Vickers with hand clappers, and friends the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Keith Moon, Graham Nash, among others. They get by with a little help from their friends (pun intended) Wikipedia®, 2013. Creating love takes a village, shall we say, takes a critical mass?

Even though Lennon focused on world love and peace, it is our individual, small acts of kindness which create the foundation to carry worldwide change. Think of the phrase "Think globally, act locally. The multifaceted presentation of "All You Need Is Love" respects and follows this philosophy.

Lennon had his pulse on where he wanted to move us, and he was spot on when he declared that love is everything. Spiritually, love is all there is! The Lennon-McCartney team uses lyric and music, the universal language, to urge us to love each other, in a local and global sense. I'll buy that.

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## INFINITY TO THE INFINITE POWER

October 7, 2013

I've written about manifesting in my blogs dated July 29, Aug. 27, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, 2013; now is a good time to expand that discussion to include co-creating. Manifesting is the art and science of focusing our feelings, desires and thoughts for the purpose of attracting what we want, in concrete form, into our lives. As far as I have learned, co-creating adds a different dimension because we acknowledge the Universal Plan in our request.

What I mean to say is that when we co-create, we partner with Source... In co-creating, we coincide with the Universe... We acknowledge that we work with a power greater than ourselves. What I believe to be important is to develop a focused request which is flexible enough to expect a response which may come in differently from what we expect. The request will come in when it is in our best interests, or it will be different from the original directive. With co-creating, we work in tandem with Source...and it takes faith to know that we are heard.

I've used the term broadcast journalists to describe our innate ability to send our waves of energy outward into the collective consciousness, the Universe. The way I see it, when we manifest, we act alone, within the confines of our ego, even our heart ego. With co-creation, we act with the wisdom of our Higher Self, and our Creator... We are more powerful when we co-create because there is infinite possibility when we are in the flow of All That Is...

With co-creating, we reach into our higher mind, remembering that our peaceful, loving mind, not wishing any harm to others, is the most powerful force in the universe. ( See Blog, July 22, Wayne Dyer).

Let's be playful. Have you ever heard children say that something will occur X infinity? Let's be childlike and think of Superman and Batman (See Blog, June 3) or, importantly, the superhero within us, joining force with Universal power...WHAM...POW...MOVEMENT ...FLOW...REVERBERATION... Our peaceful, loving mind X infinity to the infinite power. Co-creating. Now, that is super cool...

As we co-create on our daily, spiritual path, we partner with this infinite power to transform our efforts to share compassion with all beings on earth, at all times, in all situations. It is in this sharing that we receive great benefit. (taking Quan Yin's urging from her enlightenment meditation).

Remember the sentiment that life is but a dream? Let's add that life is also a meditation, because with this discipline, we climb above our ego-mind into the cadence of our heart and higher mind, enlisting our Higher Self (whom Kryon calls our Golden Angel). Here lies our greatest wisdom. This is a direct connection to the infinite. The grand view from here and there is where I want to kick up my heels...This is where I wish to play...

Until next week...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## WHAT DO CONFUCIUS, ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS HAVE IN COMMON?

October 14, 2013

All things come to those who wait is my paraphrase of Confucius. A rephrase of a song I like very much is that I am moving like Jagger ("Moves like Jagger,"Maroon 5, Adam Levine, with C. Aguilera, 2011) I'm just playing...Mick Jagger is one of my all time favorite artists, and I really like Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera, too!

My version of the Confucian saying is: All things come to those who work at it, and wait. Work, patience, play and timing are essential efforts when we plan a goal. Sometimes, what we manifest will come in quickly, other times, not.

A few years ago, I manifested fresh flowers. I focused on someone giving me the flowers, and a distant relative brought me two, beautiful, Gerber daisies a day later. In a more complex situation, in 2005, my manifestation did not materialize. My stance was to will a project to happen, and to my great disappointment, the project did not budge, as we did not get the necessary funding. Raising our own monies would have been piecemeal and labor intensive. I decided to pull back. The project still has not happened, because, I realize, the timing is off. It may become a possibility as we go forward...This remains to be seen.

Have you seen Savion Glover tap dance? Or, Mick Jagger move about the stage for 2+ hours, in concert? Have you heard Jack White play his guitar ("It Might Get Loud," 2009, Sony, Directed by Davis Guggenheim)? Performers like Glover, Jagger, and White f-e-e-l the timing. And we can be moved by the sight, the sound:... the vibration...it can stir us if we tune in...

Artists and musicians (remember they 'play' and we do the same with our own gifts) show us that timing is of the essence. Remember the complex time signatures in The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love." (See my Blog, Sept. 30)

In comparison...let us imagine the complexity of universal timing...

After learning, through pain and disappointment, to let go, I very much want to share what I've come to know, so that you, I and everybody else will have an easier go at 'timing.' In planning a project, or making a decision, when the pace is not flowing, I call upon our forefathers and foremothers — Native Americans. I (in the metaphor) put my dampened finger to the wind. Then, spiritually, through the wind blowing on my face...the sound of the water's flow in my ears, I comprehend that I'm on the trail of my soul's mission. I hear my Co-Creator speaking to me...wait up, be patient, re-evaluate...I remember that my heart beats to the pulse of the earth, and I – choosing to partake, forming the intention – reach up to Father Sky and connect below, to Mother Earth – thereby totally connecting to powerful Source energy. I have adjusted my 'timing.'

Now, I am back in the flow and able to HEAR the wisdom which guides me on my spiritual path. Here, I have compassion for myself, and once I have this, I am poised to touch the infinite.

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## I LOVE JAZZ. I LOVE ROCK 'N' ROLL

October 23, 2013

I love Jazz.   
I love Rock 'n' Roll,   
...put another dime in the juke box baby

(written by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker, originally released by Arrow, 1975, RAK; later sung and released by Joan Jet and the Blackhearts,1981, Boardwalk).

Each of these music genres developed in American Culture.

Jazz has its roots in slavery, and the blues. If jazz is good, it sounds like the blues (Wynton Marsalis, speaking in "Jazz, A History of America's Music, Knopf.Borzoi, 2000).Billie Holliday sang like an angel, while Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, and others innovated the sound of their instruments.

Rock 'n' Roll, too, began in the Black community at a time (of segregation) when White Americans did not tune in to this music. It was Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, who took the beat and gyration, presenting it to mainstream society. Later, Motown brought soul and pop music to our ears, keeping the country alive through difficult times.

When Louis Armstrong and his colleagues toured the United States, they either traveled by train, or packed their car with food and bedding, as they were refused lodging on their travels. They slept in their car (personal conversation, from beyond the green fence in Luxton Lake, NY). Before Berry Gordy Jr.'s Motown label (1959), it was difficult for Black musicians to get recording contracts. I highly recommend the film "Cadillac Records" starring Beyonce as Etta James and Adrian Body as Leonard Chess, (Sony and Parkwood Entertainment, 2008) who sold records from his Cadillac and launched the careers of Chuck Berry, played by Mos Def; Little Walter played by Columbus Short; Muddy Waters, played by Jeffrey Wright; Eammon Walker as Howlin' Wolf.

Both elder Jazz, and adolescent Rock 'n' Roll grew from agony and discrimination much as the lotus flower emerges from mud! We now have Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, and can still listen, live, to Sonny Rollins. Rock 'n' Roll, too, continues to evolve. We had Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

Both genres tell a story. In listening to Jazz, I am reminded of the complexity of the blues, the genius of the musicians, as they play with a complexity of style that speaks of anguish, freedom, spirituality and liberation. Jazz improvisation is in the NOW and it is never the same.

Rock 'n' Roll kinesthetically moves me through that BEAT starting from my chakras out, to every muscle in my body (see blog, May 27), through yearning, hope, aspiration...I feel playful, and I love that!

Until next week,

Linda

PS: I missed my deadline this week due to technical difficulties...Stay tuned...I can't wait to tell you about it next week's blog!!!

lindamarsanico.com

## COMPASSION AND HACKING

October 28, 2013

October 14th was a Monday. After publishing my weekly blog post, I met with 0scar, my friend and web designer, to work on our social media project. Also, I wanted to show him an email (that I didn't understand) from my management system host, saying that a user had been locked out of my admin site. Upon seeing the communication, Oscar knew immediately that a person or group had attempted to hack into the admin portion of my website. Why, we couldn't answer, would someone want to disrupt a website on love and compassion?

0scar urged me to protect the website with an advanced security system. I knew he was right, and we proceeded to develop this modus operandi. Rather, he worked it out while I observed.

Monday, October 21st was my father's 94th birthday, as well as the time to post my blog entitled "I Love Jazz. I Love Rock 'n' Roll." I couldn't remember the complex (to me, not to my web designer) multi-step process to use the new security system. I repeatedly called Oscar to get his expertise, but we could not figure it out over the phone. I still couldn't gain access. If I did not figure it out, I asked if he would come to my place later in the evening to demonstrate, once again, the correct procedure. 0scar said that he wanted to help, but he wasn't feeling well, and didn't want to go out that night. Because of our mutual scheduling, we could meet on Wednesday, the 23rd if I still needed his help.

I was presented with several challenges:

1. I was unable to communicate with my computer, and with my readers. Computer language is like a foreign, unlearned tongue to me. I struggle with the words. The discomfort I felt was huge, and this situation pushed buttons from my childhood when I couldn't communicate effectively.

2. Being a person who values deadlines, I didn't want to disappoint my readers who know I post on Mondays. (I never would have finished my Doctor of Philosophy degree without adherence to completing work on time.) Deadlines, I understand, and I was missing my date with my readers. How can I describe my feelings? It is like an identity crisis...I could not live up to the way I see myself, a person who keeps a commitment.

3. Oscar is a friend, as well as my web designer. When he told me he didn't feel well and couldn't make an office visit, I felt upset and unsupported. Why couldn't he help me when, to me, this was an important deadline? Why didn't he understand my predicament? My challenge was to see his viewpoint as well as mine: to simultaneously hold compassion for myself and for him, letting go of angry feelings.

Also, I was due to meet my siblings and parents at Manducatis, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Long Island City by 6 p.m., to celebrate my Dad's birthday. I felt s-q-u-e-e-z-e-d for time, but resisted further attempts to figure out the new security system.

On Tuesday night after work, my daughter (who was visiting) and I tried to figure things out, but failed. Because of multiple attempts to log on, I was LOCKED OUT of my own admin site. What a powerless feeling!!! Again, I felt unable to communicate with the computer, and my readers... I wondered if I had made a mistake by employing such a complicated login process.

During the interim, I realized the error, and was able to explain this to my daughter. She guided me to the correct procedure, and we were successful at logging in on Wednesday morning. The post was finally published and I felt great relief...

When I texted Oscar to alert him that I was able to publish the post, I learned that he had been running a fever, but was feeling better. My compassion and understanding of him and the Monday-night dilemma grew.

In retrospect, the attempted hacking of my site was a spiritual challenge from which I learned so much. Why? As I worked through the reactions to my inability to communicate with my computer, and my readers; my resistance to Oscar's unavailability, I pushed through the obstacle of limited thinking. Now, I feel more compassion for myself, Oscar, my readers and, yes, even the would-be hackers.

I feel at peace...I let go of the fear, and there is more love in my heart...for everyone.

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## LESSONS FROM WATER

November 4, 2013

Tuesday, October 29th was the first anniversary of super storm Sandy which devastated so many communities along the Atlantic Coastline. That Tuesday was a day I will remember, like the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated (see blog dated June 24th), and September 11, 2001. I remember where I was, and what I felt upon hearing the sad news....

After September 11, I felt the need to connect with a group bigger than I am, an organization that is collaborative. I joined the Park Slope Food Co-op which has been in existence since 1973 (the oldest food co-op in the United States). I wanted to feel connected, and I DO. Prior to, and around the time of this membership, I had also begun to meditate, being part of the Long Island spiritual group.....which gave me great comfort.

We can learn about connection from Hurricane Sandy according to Jill Lauri, a good friend of mine. Jill, an animal intuitive, receives messages from the animal kingdom, especially from whales and dolphins who are highly evolved beings. She writes about spiritual communication in her article which was published in "The Wave", a newspaper for Rockaway residents.  http://www.rockawave.com/news/2013-10-18/columnists/Its_My_Turn.html

I remind myself to consider the spiritual perspective for potential explanations during times of challenge. These situations are part of my personal tutorial which helps me reach a kind and loving understanding – on my path to compassion and enlightenment.

Jill's article soothes me as I continue to make sense of Sandy's devastation. Check out her website http://www.HealingWithAnimals.com Reminding us to be upbeat, she says '...let's adopt a spirit of play in everything we do...' This is sound advice...

Until next week...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## MY SOFTWARE CHANGE

November 11, 2013

I am a changed woman. After reaching compassion for Oscar, myself and the would-be-hackers (the subject of my blog of October 28) I feel different...more clear...more present. Let me explain.

A few days after this incident, getting off the F train at the Broadway/Lafayette station, walking along Houston, left on Broadway and right to Prince, I made my way easily to the Apple store to replace my wireless mouse. I've made this trip before, yet this time it seemed different. My spatial sense was further developed. As I walked by the many, interesting people, it would be too strong to say that I walked into Technicolor as Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz", but the route was lucid, and I was very much part of it. I believe that the clarity in me was reflected outside of me. I was connected to the energy around me...The experience was more real.

How do I make explain this to myself and to my readers? I let go of an habitual response (psychologists would call it a defense) and its associated emotion when I let go of the meaning of the DEADLINE. In letting go, I changed the software in my major computer – MY MIND, and its constituents in my BODY. To understand the intricate communication between mind and body, I highly recommend Dr. Candace Pert's book, "Molecules of Emotion"(Scribner, 1997). In her over 250 articles on neuropeptides (which make up amino acids) she and her teams describe the emotion-led communication which courses through the body. These various peptides are found traveling through virtually every network of our wonderful, bodily system.

Let's get back to my habitual response: my fear of missing the deadline to post my blog on Monday, October 21st, and for that matter, missing a deadline in general. This attitude somehow upheld a notion of reliability and integrity; a rigid stance which I seldom compromised. The deadline, for me, became etched in stone. I lost part of my emotional spontaneity — my range of motion — because the end justified the means. Before thinking this situation through, and changing my response to it, I wanted Oscar to make a house call late Monday night, without regard for his 'not feeling well' so that he would support the way I saw myself. Hidden beneath the rigidity, lay what I did not wish to acknowledge – vulnerabilities which have their tap root in 'I won't be loved!'

There was a human cost to my enforcing a 'deadline,' because the deadline became more important than the people involved in the project — an example of valuing things before people. Letting go of this outdated habitual response, I feel more receptive. Life is more spontaneous and nuanced. I will continue to honor my commitments because I value them. Yet a change has come over me, allowing me to go forward with my goals while maintaining a degree of flexibility.

There is a metaphor which is apt: being supple enough to bend, rather than break, with the winds of change. (In this case, my being faced with a spiritual challenge) When we bend, we conserve energy, and go with the flow of the prevailing current. This gives us time to re-evaluate our values and beliefs, devising our appropriate comeback.

Fear has lifted...I am lithe as I dance with this new freedom...

Until next week, and the next challenge...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  MY EXPANDING MOLECULES?

November 19, 2013

Some Buddhists embrace chaos and become one with it. This seems like a variation on the theme of connectedness. (Let's remember, we are all connected...) In last week's blog I wrote about feeling more lucid after I found compassion for myself, Oscar and the would-be hackers. My inner clarity was reflected outside of me as I walked in Soho, NYC.

A few days later, Elyce, my yoga teacher, spoke of the boundary between us and not us...the outside of us, and the 'I.' As she spoke the words, I felt an ever so subtle sensation near my heart, as though my body opened up; or that something in me expanded. What happened?

Gregg Braden believes that with the discipline of compassion we are able to tap into the upper reaches of our DNA ("Walking Between The Worlds. The Science of Compassion, Radio Bookstore Press, 1997) What would Gregg say about how we experience these changes in the physical body?

We are in an expanding universe. All energy is eternal. Did I expand something......because of the work I did to reach compassion? Did my energetic vibration shift to more light?

Laura Lizak weighs in. When I meditate with Laura who channels Quan Yin, 'dimensional restructuring' occurs within the body because of the process of enlightenment energy streaming through the body. With this restructuring, I wonder if my molecules spread out. I'll have to ask Laura. (When the enlightenment energy courses through the body, we ground the energy into the core of Gaia, sharing the energy 'with all beings on earth, at all times, and in all situations.' It is in the sharing that we receive great benefit. This is the process.)

Did my vibration shift as my compassion grew. My understanding is that this does, in fact, occur. Perhaps the boundary between me and not me blurred or smudged so that I've become more 'at one' with the collective 'us.' If this is true, what bodily changes occur with this shift? If there are any physicists in the house, I would really like to hear your take on this!

This is the first time I consciously remember this faint occurrence. And, since I perceived it this one time, will I be more aware of the physical sensations which accompany this phenomenon? Have others felt this? I've really asked a lot of questions today. I think I like it......and I will keep you posted......as I make my way.

You can see that I've expanded my usual 3 dots to 6......

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## A SENSE OF HUMOR — DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

November 25, 2011

With a sense of freedom that a day without commitments can bring, I set out to do a number of errands in Brooklyn and Manhattan last Wednesday. Off I went to Atlas Bank on Fifth Avenue (21st St.) to make a deposit, planning to take the F train at the Bartel Pritchard Square (15th Street) station into Manhattan. It is rare that I depart from this station, and thus I am not familiar with its layout!

I swiped my metro card. Don't know where my conscious mind went (to Sedona?). Before I knew it. Before I could say Abracadabra...I had EXITED the 'paid for the train' area. I realized this quickly as I surveyed what looked like a maze of steel gates which prevented me from descending the stairs to take the train. I swiped my metro card once again to get back in. JUST USED appeared on the turnstile prompt. I swiped at several different turnstiles. I was locked out. What is a spiritual traveler to do? Luckily I had time to spare. Trains came in...and left without me.

I spied an intercom for 'lost travelers' like me and pressed the button. (I've lived most of my life in NYC, and many years in Brooklyn.) After the sounds of digital dialing projected from the wall (loud enough to reach Australia), a crackling disembodied voice could be heard. If I could find the person in the booth, they would help me override the 18 — minute hold on further traveling and send me off. I'd be on my way.

Now, I am not kidding. I climbed upstairs to ground level at the Square where there are no less than 4 entrances. I asked 2 people if they knew where the MAIN entrance with the real person resides. No one was sure. Well, I got plenty of gym-like exercise without a stair master. Up and down I went, and it finally occurred to me that I had 2, simple, regular, very desirable (even golden) $2.50 per ride metro cards. I prayed that one of them had enough money on it. The first swipe brought up 'insufficient fare.' I could always have a cup of tea to wait out the remainder of the 18 — minute hold on my travel. This nurturing thought was a saving grace as I swiped the second, simple, metro plastic. "2.50" registered, and I was in like Flynn. Whew!!! Off to Canal Street and Design Within Reach (DWR) to look at some really cool flatware I had salivated over.

711 Canal Street here I come. Easily accessed from the East Broadway stop, I made my way on Canal when I noticed that the numbers – 40, 50, etc., were very low and that 711 was quite far from where I was. The store catalog was in my purse, and so I called the 1.800 number to get the lowdown. OMG! 711 Canal was located in Stamford, Connecticut, not Manhattan. I internally giggled at myself to realize the colossal error. With my NYC myopia, I never looked past 711 Canal to see the out of state address.

Now, at lunch time, Canal Street was bustling with people, and I didn't want to make a spectacle of myself. Had I been with a friend I would have doubled over and laughed until I cried. I checked the DWR store locations to find one at 76 Montague Street (one of my favorite roads) in Brooklyn. What is a lost traveler like me to do? I decided to visit a jewelry shop on Bowery which runs sort of perpendicular to Canal to chill out. All was not lost.

From Bowery I made my way back on Canal and embarked from the East Broadway station to Borough Hall for Montague Street and DWR...Looked at the flatware, salivating some more. The staff treated me so nicely, allowing me to take a place setting home with me (I could decide without time pressure whether I wanted to order additional settings.).

There was enough time to take the R train to Park Slope for my last errand – TD Bank on Fifth Avenue/First Street. 5:45 p.m. and I completed my last transaction of the day. (They close at 7 p.m.) I felt very satisfied. All had been accomplished. I had even gotten quite a bit of aerobics as I took the stairs in and out of train stations and walked to the shops...

At home I relaxed, feeling well-traveled and exercised for one afternoon. With compassion for myself coupled with an expanded sense of going with the flow, I turned a challenging afternoon into an adventure. Missions accomplished...with hilarity and ease. I couldn't help but think that Chris Rock might develop a very funny routine from this material. My saving grace was my sense of humor – don't leave home without it.

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## DEEP CHALLENGE IN TIMES OF JOY

December 2, 2013

Fall is an enjoyable season in New York. As my eyes take in the colors, I feel comforted and happy: November encompasses my birthday, and my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

On a recent weekend, I found myself engaged in a seemingly routine, even mundane task. My clothes were washing and drying as I 'puttered' (my favorite expression for doing just what I please, when I please) in my home. This has occurred countless times, but on this particular day I consciously understood my mood: there was joy from the nurturance and self love I felt. This is especially wonderful because I have co-created this! (See blogs Aug. 27, Sept. 2, Sept. 9)) Life is good, and it holds promise for the direction I have taken, personally and professionally!

Since April of this year, a challenge has developed in my family. It has continued to unfold before our eyes: our eighty-eight-year-old mother has been rapidly declining in health. Subtly, it began with her mild confusion in thinking a granddaughter was a niece. We noticed unsteady gait and additional fears and sadness. We accompanied her to physician appointments, for tests to rule out definitive diagnoses, so we could guide her to the best possible health and outcome...Currently she is more likely to be in bed than not. Her appetite comes and goes, as does her ability to be talkative and lucid. We began with daytime care (an aide), and now we have twenty-four-hour assistance...At present, she's in hospice in her home where she has lived with our father for forty-five years.

We are processing our grief in the midst of our abundance, enjoying our time with the matriarch of our family. We are slowly saying 'adieu.' We realize we've been so lucky to have our parents for all these years. Yet, leave-taking is terribly difficult – Mom will neither be with us, day-to-day, nor present for our family gatherings (which are frequent in our Italian-Russian-Romanian family). It is typical for us to make decisions over a home-cooked meal, where we share our varied opinions on the matter at hand. When we are too busy to cook, we are known to thrash out ideas over Chinese take-out, as we barter over the spare-ribs. (I'm not joking. Dad loves these.)

Literally, we break bread, and share ideas; brainstorm despite our differences, with a huge sense of loyalty steeped in a "whole lot of lovin.'" We may not agree, but we strive for consensus (We are four children + our parents.) From our sibling perspective, our mother whom we have known all our lives, will not-too-much longer be part of this family time. This is our reality: a deep challenge in times of joy and abundance. How will we interpret this emotional pain? The figure-ground, metaphor comes to mind. The photographer decides to create the focus, say, on the foreground with the background out of focus. For imaginative purposes, the artist then changes the focus to highlight the backdrop, and so the clarity shifts to the milieu, as the foreground becomes blurred. This can repeat.

It is our choice to emphasize the view of our lens, in this case, our eyes and heart. In the focus is our mother's life in which she has cared for us all. The background is the afterlife into which she will pass when she leaves us. We can shift our focus at will. Make no mistake that this transition is fraught with deep loss and challenge. But also know that the Marsanico clan is connected to the collective 'us' where we gain strength and support. A single candle has a fragile flicker, but when we share the light, it becomes a giant force of nature.

Let's resonate with this because we all have, or will have to face this goodbye......

Until next week...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

##  THE FIELD REVISITED

December 9, 2014

Once again I am sitting in The Field, one of my all time favorite coffee joints, restaurants in Sedona. It is very cold. After all, it is the first week in December. What do I expect? This is my first late Fall trip, and I love the crisp cold, the rain which lasted almost all morning. Also, the pace is slower as there are fewer people everywhere. It's actually quiet.

I'm on a cushioned chair without arms, oh so comfortable! – with a circular, wood table for my prized laptop. From three sets of doors/windows, the outdoor beauty this town is known for: red rocks and gorgeous sky can be seen.

I am still exhausted, what with caring for my mother (who's in hospice), writing my blog, and my usual work tasks. I take an US Airways afternoon flight, a kind of new experience for me as I usually leave with the dawn. They treat me to what is called pre-TSA check-in which means that I go through security with my shoes and jacket and luggage in tact – Yes, remember 'in the day' when boarding was civilized? I sail through the scanner and am on my way. At the gate, I am asked to check my bag because the plane is full, with no room left for carry-on. Upon deplaning, this delays me half an hour. It is already dark as I get into my rental car for the two+ hour drive north to Sedona. I am fatigued, and it is a challenge to pull up the necessary energy at this late hour (New York time is two hours forward.) to get myself to the Sedona Lodge in the Village of Oak Creek!......Oh, the bed feels so comfy!

It's early Tuesday, and I'm sipping hot chocolate; getting ready to edit my book. I really need total, well almost total concentration. And, my usual, laser-sharp, early morning focus is gone because of my over-the-top schedule back East. Beside me, two women begin what sounds like a business conversation, and it interferes with my flow. This is a great example of my right here, right now inability to let stimulation roll off my back...as I am tired, and more sensitive in the rarefied air in Sedona. I think: don't curse the darkness, light a candle – and I put on my ipod to hear Enya. I concentrate once again.

This trip feels different: I am more a part of the flow here. I'm on the love beat...with my friends, shop keepers, tourists...This town begins to feel even more like home...

"...out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." (RUMI)

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## JUMP FOR JOY

December 16, 2013

"It's easier than ever to jump for joy." (Quan Yin through Laura Lizak)

So why don't we?

  * we don't know how

  * we throw ourselves into one of the 'isms: work, alcohol, etc.

  * we add suffering to our pain

  * we're afraid

Any of these non-joyful responses keep us embedded in a kind of dulled experience because we turn away from our personal mirror through which we can view 'who we are.' This is opposite from maintaining a 'relentless pursuit' of self-truth, the necessary ingredient for self-love.

Our personal mirror reflects for us –all of us, and soon the so-called negative aspects fall away. (See blog, July 29, "The World Is A Magical Place" for Merlin's words.) Here, viewing ourselves wholly, we conserve our energy because we are not invested in tucking away information (Freud called our hiding: repressing, denying, etc.). We have more energy for creation.

Let's remember that light is more powerful than dark. When we enter a darkened room with a candle, we light up the space. The choice is ours to focus on illumination! (See blog, Nov. 11, "My Software Change," for a description of clarity inside and outside of me.) Likewise, we can choose the compassion.love wavelength over the chaos-negative one. Yes, in our daily decisions we can choose love over fear. (Poets have written about this for years.) In this process, we have the capacity to grow love, love, love. "All you need is love," (The Beatles, 1967); "Oh, what a feeling,"(Irene Cara, Flashdance, 1983). Yes, bliss emerges..."I'm hooked on that feeling," (B.J. Thomas, 1968, re-recorded by Blue Suede, 1974).

"No one is immune from the effects of enlightenment energy." (Quan Yin through Laura Lizak) This powerful force is flooding the planet, and it illuminates our issues so that we can work through them. (At some point, we may decide to consult a licensed counselor.) When we go with this momentum, this flood of light, we have help from Universe to tackle, grow, let go — If we resist, or pushback rather than flow with it, we feel the sting of resistance, (i.e., adding suffering to our pain) and we may go into crisis.

Light is flowing. People everywhere are talking about time speeding up. Speed up...Time...Light...Flow. Is it any wonder that our world is in tumult? Whoa! Let's slow down for a minute! We have a choice here. If we choose the quickening pace of light and time, there is a place of joy and excitement! "There is a place...I'll take you there," (The Staple Singers, 1972, writer Al Bell). Now, we are opting for fourth dimensional experience, kind of like surfing the electromagnetic wave.

I'm headed for the beach......

Until next week,

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

## DIMENSIONAL RESTRUCTURING

December 23, 2013

As I sat in The Field one day during the first week in December, the weather in Sedona was rainy and gray. It lasted all morning, and was conducive to my task of re-editing my writing. I could still view the beautiful red rocks in the distance.

I had planned a healing session with Quan Yin for two important reasons:

1. Her powerful sessions provide 'dimensional restructuring.'

2. I had questions about the effects of this restructuring on the physical body (See blog, Nov. 19, "My Expanding Molecules.")

Wow! The two-plus hour session was extraordinary. We began with my posing the question, and I recorded her response. Dimensional restructuring softens the heart area, expanding it open, creating a portal for other people to carry these powers into the world. The heart beat becomes stronger, seeping to every pore and cell. Energy, like a vortex, comes through the feet; the eyes, hands and feet have more energy. Creation is circulating in the body.

Levels of consciousness are upgraded. We are changed by the energy systems. With a softening heart we let go of hardships and want to help people; we have more time for others. When individuals who know how to use this energy come together, they GROW this force which is circulated into the earth. This is a powerful experience which leads us to compelling creational abilities. (Talk about co-creating!!!)

It is not necessary to fully understand the specifics of what happens. In fact, Quan Yin does not really focus on the science of this powerful experience. She does say that sometimes it is transmuting (i.e., shifting negative energy out of our system) while at other times it is empowering us.

I am told it is easy and exciting to use this power which is developing in everyone's body...to circulate this into the earth...to create enlightened support...which increases in the heart of other people. We nurture this vigor, together, from our heart space. The enlightenment energy (e.e.) meditation is a fine example. Take the e.e. in from the top of your head, bringing it down through your body, grounding it into mother earth (Gaia) where you share the e.e. with all beings on earth, at all times, in all situations. (I can feel the e.e. flow as I write this.

Let's remember what Quan Yin tells us: there is no one who is immune from the effects of enlightenment energy. I think this is cause for celebration. Let's put our boogie shoes on! "Celebrate, Celebrate, dance to the music...Celebrate, Celebrate, dance to the music......Come to the Celebrity Ball" (Three Dog Night, lead singers — Danny Hutton, Corey Wells, Chuck Negron; Jimmy Greenspoon, organ; Joe Schermie, bass; Michael Allsup, guitar; Floyd Sneed, drums; written by: A. J. Preyan, R.M. James, D. Carter, Talib Kweli Greene,1975).

Here is Laura Lizak's website information:

www.quanyincenter.org/private_sessions.htm OR creation@quanyincenter.org

My next post will be on January 6th. Talk to you next year...

Linda

lindamarsanico.com

About the author:

Linda Marsanico, a spiritual coach, was educated in the United States and England. Her doctorate in social psychology is from Loughborough University, England. At Postgraduate Center, NYC, she clinically focused on psychodynamic work with children, adolescents and families.

Linda's philosophy is referred to as facilitation and collaboration which rests on an equal relationship: the client as the 'expert' on self, and the facilitator as the 'expert' on theories for psychological change.

With the notion of play taken from the work of D.W. Winnicott, the English pediatrician and psychoanalyst, Linda utilizes the beauty and function of playing: involving fantasy, creativity and energy flow. The task is to align the conscious and unconscious, with the specific goal of moving toward desired changes, nurturing the healing process.

For eight years Linda worked with a spiritual group on Long Island, New York where she learned chanting and meditation techniques. Linda studied Integrated Energy Therapy,® and Vortex®. She is a Reiki Master.

Her paper "Change, Transformation: in other words, Compassion leads to Changes in DNA", citing the work of Gregg Braden, and David Hawkins, was presented at SEPI, The Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, on May 6, 2006 in Los Angeles.

Since 2008 workshops have been conducted on the blending of our mind-body-spirit at the Sedona Creative Art Center in Arizona, the META Center, NYC as well as in her Brooklyn and Manhattan offices. http://www.sedonacreativelife.com/pre1000.html

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