Has someone ever said something to you that felt like a sharp, penetrating prick? We all have aspects of ourselves that are pushed underground - shadows. Some are the negative pieces that we would rather not look at, and frankly are in total denial that they even exist, like the obnoxious self, or the overindulgent self, ugly self, etc. Just as many are the beautiful parts of ourselves that we've forgotten about - strong, talented, attractive.

You can tell when someone has stepped on your shadow because you either feel strongly offended (if it's a negative piece) or inspired and envious (for the positive.)

Enlightenment begins with healing - integrating these detached pieces of our whole being back into awareness. You know this:) Looking at it stinks. Integrating it is downright uncomfortable.

But hear this - any negative piece has a positive flip side, so to make it less painful and more fun and challenging, simply focus on integrating the positive and the rest will come naturally.

Each piece of yourself that you integrate makes you more luminous, radiant and light-filled. Soon, I'll have to wear sunglasses in your presence!

My brother-in-law Kevin sent me a gift song from iTunes called "Where is the Love" by the Black Eyed Peas with a note, "I thought you'd like this - Love, Kevin."

It took a few moments to download - once it was ready I clicked on it. Immediately I started to dance because it has a great, soulful beat. After a few moments of elated grooving the tears started to flow.

The song opened me up to some feelings that hadn't been processed. I find that whenever I have sadness about something it surfaces in the most unusual ways - a song, a yoga posture... An open heart means flowing feelings - good and bad, happy and sad.

Thank you Kevin - when I look around I find that the love isn't very far away.

Surrendering is not easy, in fact, it can be downright terrifying. Surrendering to the will of life is like jumping into a flowing river - it can take you places you never dreamed of - and fast. Even though some of us would rather die than give up control, surrendering gives life and love permission to take over.

What area of your life have you been holding onto tightly for fear of what would happen if you let go? Are you ready to transform? Maybe it's time to jump in the river and see where it takes you...

Fly, fly butterfly!

Last night I was reading A Course in Miracles, a self-study book and my spiritual path. I don't read it as often as I used to, but find myself always picking it up around Easter.

I was reading about the Atonement, at-one-ment, where forgiveness takes us to the place of realizing that we are all one. What struck me was the description of how we need each other to evolve. It described the process as an ongoing exchange of love - I extend love to you and you reflect it back me, making us both bright beacons in this world.

The beauty is that everyone that you give love to shines it back to you - so brightness doesn't only come from within, it is a measure of how much you love. Isn't that beautiful!

I love you. Happy Easter.

Kim

Recently I finished my second book, "On Becoming Bright: Reclaiming Your Energy in a Demanding World." As my dear friend and new editor teases - it's my baby. Over the past year I have opened my heart and poured it onto the page. As a result the book is infused with love. It is my most heart based work yet. I spoke to an editor today at a major publishing house and gave him a proposal. It is a long process but I have faith that this book will get into the hands of those who would benefit from its words.

Sometimes the lesson is to leave.

A couple weeks ago I wrote an entry called, "Preparation." It described the steps necessary to increase one's capacity for receiving, containing, and expressing spiritual energy. One of these steps is to get some healthy distance from toxic people who might otherwise impede our growth. I was asked to expand on this point.

We develop ways of interacting with others at a very young age. Some of these patterns are healthy and support our growth, while others undermine our development. The first step is to become aware of any interactions with others that leave you feeling wilted, deflated, or agitated. Once you are aware, it is time to take responsibility for your contribution to the dynamic and change it.

Some people in your life will support your growth and honor your new boundaries or ways of communicating, others will not. Our job is to express our needs to everyone in our lives. If they are unwilling to respect these needs, the appropriate choice is to back up a little. Sometimes it's simply talking less or talking about less intimate subjects. Other times it involves ending a relationship completely.

Every relationship challenge is an opportunity for growth, so NEVER throw one away without learning your lesson first - otherwise you'll attract the same thing over and over...

As you take care of yourself the way a mother would protect her baby, you create the space and security necessary for growth to occur.