"Your internal condition, always and forevermore, is most important of all, for a peaceful and faithful heart creates a more peaceful and graceful life, and therefore a more peaceful and grace-filled world."

This quote comes from my friend Ann Alber's newsletter. I really loved it when I read it and wanted to share it with you. Check out Ann's newsletter to read the whole thing: http://www.visionsofheaven.com/AAngels/newsletter_2010_1030.html

She goes on to say, "When your heart is not at war with your head, you create a vibration of peace in your world."

The idea of your heart and head being in sync is so powerful. We tend to think of them as separate, but experiencing heart/head alignment is the most peaceful feeling we can imagine, plus it raises the strength of the vibe we send into the world a hundred fold.

I just got done with my first fasting retreat. Everyone who participated commented on how clear their head was the day after the fast. This is heart/head alignment. A couple of them also shared feeling super patient with their children - something that happens when our heads are not rushing to the next thing, but rather resting in the present moment firmly anchored in the heart.

To quickly establish heart/head alignment, have a conversation with your heart. Connect with your breath and simply ask your heart questions. It will answer! After, you will feel peaceful and a sense of gratitude emanating from your heart. It's as if it's thanking you for listening.

I can't help feeling that this blog, which is so near and dear to my heart, is becoming a bit of a dinosaur in the age of Facebook and Twitter. Don't get me wrong, I still love it and cherish it as a way to stay connected, as well as a place to write my inspirations, but the energy feels different.

Feeling energy is a great way to ride the wave of life instead of swimming upstream. We can feel energy in everything, and notice where it ebbs and flows. Some examples: I just started teaching the Spring semester at SCC and can already feel which students have energy between them. This is so fun to do! I feel it right away and watch their friendships (or more:) blossom as the semester unfolds.

I do this with fashion as well. As much as I love peace images on clothes, I can't help but feel that this trend approaching saturation. The energy will move more toward other symbols that capture the essence of the moment.

Two emerging symbols: Dandelions and angel wings. I can feel their energy and know that they are taking hold in the collective consciousness.

That being said, I will stay true to my beloved blog and all of you who visit in between FB posts;)

The other day when I was walking Mucci, the most beautiful thing happened.. A tree released about 100 leaves just as we walked underneath it! Orange and yellow leaves fell on our heads as the tree swayed back and forth in the wind.

I felt so honored to witness this magical moment. Only in Arizona would a tree perform such a beautiful display of fall in the middle of winter!

The holidays have once again come and gone and I must say I'm ready for the new year to start. Not only because the energy of 2010 is bursting with positive vibes, but because the holidays took a lot out of me this year in terms of time and energy. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing more magical than the excitement of a child (anna:) on Christmas morning.

I'm hearing and feeling that 2010 is going to be very positive for those of us who are committed to walking in our own truths. In order to ride the wave, we need to be true to ourselves and take action where we are getting guidance to do so.

One thing I will be doing this year is offering Fasting Retreats - one day lemonade fasts at a Scottsdale resort, along with a workshop to facilitate renewal. The first one is on Friday 1/29, and the cost is 249.00, which includes a private room and the workshop.

I also plan to move more into professional speaking. I have come to really love speaking to groups about some of the principles that have transformed my own life.

Finally, keep your eyes out for a fresh, new website at some point this year. I'm excited! Thank you for continuing to visit my blog, which is now in it's fifth year. Can you believe that?

Happy New Year and Lots of Love to You!!

If you visit this blog regularly, you probably rely on your intuition to help you navigate through life. Whenever you have a problem, you most likely look inside yourself for the answer. If you're like me, sometimes the answer pops up instantly, and other times you remain "in the dark" until you receive clarity.

Here's something to remember: The solution never exists at the same level as the problem. For example, if you are worried about something and search your mind for relief, you will only get more of the same. Therefore, it is most effective to move to a different level of self in order to perceive the solution.

Enter yoga, showers, and dreams. Almost every time I have a challenge within myself, I get clarity "on the mat." About an hour into a yoga class, my spiritual self reveals a truth that shines a light on my petty problem and puts it into perspective. I've heard many people say that the shower is what does it for them. Perhaps the water allows your energy to expand and communicate guidance more clearly. Dreams are powerful vehicles for truth as well, as our defenses are down and we can hear and feel what our psyche would have us know.

So next time you're in turmoil about one of life's many challenges, step out of your mind for a bit and allow your higher self to take the wheel. It may take a day, or it may take a week, but a solution will emerge and return you to a place of peace.