by joanstaffen

How I Was Introduced to the Pendulum

A year and a half after the death of my husband, a girlfriend at work suggested, “I think you should meet Shakti Wilson, a great teacher and healer.” She was teaching an introductory class to the pendulum and the SRT methods. I was open to anything, anything that would heal my broken heart.

The next Saturday we sat in a nondescript community room with tables with florescent lights. Shakti Wilson, the minister’s wife, showed us how to hold our pendulum, how to ask yes and no questions,
and how to know when the pendulum said yes and no.

Before this day, I had never held a pendulum. I had no previous experience. When in the first minute the pendulum moved to signal yes, to signal no – I was blown away. I was so excited I could do it. Then I learned to use a “Spiritual Response Therapy” Chart with the pendulum. I could ask a question and receive an answer.

Later I wondered: What is moving the pendulum? Who is moving the pendulum? What part of me is communicating through the pendulum? Is it me? Is it someone else? Is it a spirit? My muscles were not moving the pendulum. Something else was moving the pendulum. And yet it was moving. I could see it.

I assumed it must be some sort of energy inside or outside of me. I didn’t worry too much about it. I prayed and meditated before I did the worked with the pendulum, I asked that the highest forces work through me, and I asked that the questions and received good answers.

I delved deeply into pendulum work. Shaki worked with me weekly and over a period of two years, I took all her workshops and became “certified” as a SRT Consultant. Then later, I wrote books about the pendulum, and created the Intuitive Chart System for Life and Work, which resulted in two books. Now my work,The Book of Pendulum Healing”will be released by Red Wheel/Weiser in January 2019.

It’s been fifteen years since I began this work! Years of working with myself and others and having almost daily spiritual experiences working with the pendulum and the charts. It’s such an exciting communication device. More later…

The Artist Way by Julia Cameron Transformed My Life

Years ago I was writing my first book, “Divination & Joy, Intuitive Tools for an Inspired Life,” but I was having a difficult time finishing. My girlfriend who had facilitated the course at her work said, “Let’s start an Artist Way group.” I had the book on my bookshelf, but I hadn’t opened it in a five years. Together we began the twelve week process found in the book, Morning Pages, Weekly Artist Dates, and exercises at the end of the chapter. In the tenth week of the class, I finished the book and we ate a carrot cake from Gayle’s Bakery to celebrate.

During that time I was a single mom with pre-teens and then teenagers, running a high tech marketing company and the sole support of my family. The Artist Way not only helped me with my writing, but with my life.

When Julia Cameron created the course and later the book, she made a decision to give it to the world. For the price of her book, people could heal their artistic souls and create community of like-minded artists. Her book has reached diverse audiences around the world, and not only helped heal artists, but others suffering from physical problems. The Artist Way just had its 25th anniversary in print and has sold 4 million copies.

Julia Cameron has been an excellent mentor to me through her books. And at “Creative Reboot” just last month I enjoyed a workshop with her and finally met her. She had us all engaged in the process immediately. Once more, I discovered I wanted to focus on my painting.

I have now taught theArtist Way for fifteen years, and presently just started a new group. Each time I finish a course with students, I have the pleasure of seeing people’s lives expand, and some students pursue professional art programs and jobs. I, too, am given a gift–a new form of art–poetry, painting, books, and new ideas for my own creative life.

So run to your bookstore, buy a copy of theArtist Way, and begin the process. You will be amazed at the transformation in your life.

Just this year I’ve been working with Red Wheel/Weiser who is going to publish “The Book of Pendulum Healing” January 2019 – a dream come true to finally launch my work out into the wider world. Yes, the Artist Way will help all your creative dreams come true.

Just Back From “Creative Reboot” in Santa Fe

Last Meeting at “Creative Reboot!” Julia Cameron is second from the right.

For me the “Creative Reboot” Conference in Santa Fe was just the big boost I needed for my writing, art, and creative life I needed. I’ve been teaching Julia Cameron’s “The Artist Way” plus some of her other books for over fifteen years now. Julia was going to teach and I could finally thank her for all that she has done for me over the years.

Sometimes I haven’t wanted to meet my mentors that I’ve met through books. Books can be so personal as people do tell their secrets and stories as Julia has done over the years. But finally I was sitting in her class. I was privilege to be a staff volunteer, so I let me know if she needed anything I was available.

I participated in the class exercises, and found out I wanted to PAINT again. And I would love a painting studio, but really what is necessary is that I pull out my Golden Paints and put brush to canvas.

At the end of the conference I ran up to the stage to give Julia a last hug. Again, thank you Julia Cameron for sharing so much with us!

I met two hundred people at the “Creative Reboot” Conference that like me follow the “Artist Way,” write daily morning pages, go on weekly “Artist Dates,” and have had their lives transformed. I came home to my two Artist Way groups to share all that I had learned. And this weekend for the first time in a long time I painted! It felt so good to put brush to canvas.

The Book of Pendulum Healing Coming in January 2019

If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I’ve been working, exploring, and writing. Red Wheel/Weiser wonderfully decided to publish my latest book, which will be coming out in the Fall, 2018. We’re through the preliminary editing stages, checking out book cover samples, and soon we will have the final copy in hand.

Though I had self-published before, I hadn’t worked with a publisher before. I’ve been feeling so grateful to Red Wheel/Weiser. They’ve been wonderful to work with especially Judika Illes, my editor, and now the production and public relations staff. They’ve made the process fairly fluid, despite distance and time difference.

Thank you to all my clients and friends who encouraged me along the way, and especially to teachers, readers, friends, students, and sisters.It’s a team effort.

Later, I will be posting more about “The Book of Pendulum Healing.” I hope you too will find the magic and power within the to help you heal and thrive.

Women’s March on Washington

Women’s March on DC – Steph and I!

So healing being there! Amazing women, amazing children, and men, too in pink hats. Asea of people – now being counted – 500,000 and millions ofpeoplearound the world. I felt the anger, sadness, and an outpouringlove. The march gave me this strong feeling that we are so much more than we know, and that love, good will, and honesty in the end will prevail. I know it’s going to be a long journey, and my intention is to walk in love and light. Is there any other way?

Marching is Healing. Come Join Us “Women’s March” Jan 21. In DC or Your Home Town!

When I first heard about the Women’s March on Washington I wanted to participate. After Election Day I was in grief – veering from sadness to anger to depression. I kept hearing about the Women’s March, but felt it was too expensive for me to go. They are holding a march in Santa Cruz where I live, and in the Bay Area, but I wanted to be in the middle of a group of powerful, diverse women in Washington D.C.

Magically I found that we could take a bus from New York to D.C. and attend. I have a great friend in New York, Steph, and she said she wanted to attend too. It took less than two hours to arrange. It felt like the angels were urging me on. Inexpensive airfare, decent price for the buses, housing help from Steph and help from GoFundMe. Yes, friends, old and new, men and women, donated to make it all possible. Truly a miracle for me.

I feel it’s imperativeto announce loudly tothe new administrationthat we women are standing together to protect healthcare and social security programs for all. As Hillary said, “Women’s rights are human rights.”

So off to New York and Washington D.C. I go. Holding all people in my heart.

We shall overcome this illegitimate presidency.

Healing Rain

Soft rain today. This is the San Lorenzo River outside my Tannery Arts Loft. It usually looks like a stream, but today it’s alive and swift. After the four year drought, it feels unusual to have a winter season. We are re-learning how to use umbrellas. Most of Santa Cruzans are out of their flip flops. It’s wet and green, and the mallards on the river are confused. How did the river get so full? Wishing you a wonderful January, 2017.

Soul Purpose and Healing

“The soul of us is never confused about why it is here. It only asks us to wake up and see the breadcrumb clues it has been leaving all along.” “•Jacob Nordby

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I’ve always been attracted to the word, “soul” ““ connoting the essence, the  deepest, the holiest in us, in others. You might be faced with the rude fact, perhaps after your own birthday, health challenge, or the death of a loved one, that time on earth isn’t infinite, that it is in fact, limited. We never know  how much time we truly have to live.

I have had the privilege of helping people find their soul purpose in my Artist Way and Prosperity Classes, and also through in personal psychic healings and readings. It’s so exciting to see the light come on,  an aha experience. And then in time see people move toward their dreams. Suddenly, they have more passion and energy for life.

When life is shouting, wake up ““ it does all the time at me ““ it’s time to focus on what’s essential, and let the rest go. It’s essential and healing!  But what is crucial? How do we know? Some questions you might ask yourself:

• Who am I?
• Why am I here on earth?
• What am I learning?
• What am I naturally good at?
• What are my talents, my skills?
• What do I love?
• What gives me passion?
• What is my unique purpose?

You can also ask your angels, your Higher Power. And before you go to sleep, ask for a dream about your unique purpose. See what your high self and guides bring you. Write it down. Do it every night for a week. You will have fun and be amazed at your own creative subconscious mind and how help is available.

I feel I have been moving in the direction of my life’s purpose for years, for decades ““ picking up pieces here and there, finding out who I am, what gives me purpose, what makes happy and passionate. More tomorrow…

What is your soul’s purpose? 

Reading “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Or should I say, “re-reading.”I heard great things about this book years ago, when it was first published in 2003 and when I worked at a spiritual bookstore. They actually held groups or trainings therefor many years. In the book written by Marshall B. Rosenberg, he states, “What I want from my life is a compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.”

Such an amazing book for revealing how we can use”nonviolence” in our daily lives. The work is based on Gandhi’s ideas with an introduction by Arun Gandhi, Gandhi’s grandson. When Arun was angry and thirteen, his grandfather taught him how to face difficult life situations by using the principals of nonviolence.

Okay, I’ll be honest. I was a little turned off by the title, because I don’t think of myself as a “violent” communicator, who needs reforming. I never yell at people, I co-exist rather well with my friends, my adult children, sisters, and community members. Bu, occasionally, I do run into communication and relationship issues. Especially with my boyfriend, who when I am angry, I call my un-boyfriend. Can you believe that? Before we get started, I just want you to know I am right. (Just kidding)

Here are thesummarize techniques found in the back of the book:

1. Express how you are feeling using the “I am” sentence without blaming or criticizing.
2. Observe what is not contributing to your well being.
3. Observe what you are feeling (rather than thinking.)
4. Figure out what you need or value.
5. Clearly request what would enrich your life without demanding.

So easy. Right? In the heat of life, oftenwe first need a cooling off period. Sometimes it helps to journal, work the Twelve Steps, talk to a friend or counselor, and then begin the process of communicating. Don’t forget to listen with your heart to hear what your friend might need. With practice we can get better. You just might want to own your own copy and read this book.

A Writers Retreat, A Miracle, Say Yes!

“You are the work of God, and His work is wholly lovable and wholly loving.This is how a woman must think of herselfin her heart, because this is what she is.” –A Course in Miracles

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I attendedthe “Women Writers in the Redwoods” conference last year. Thirty women cameand were coachedby five teachers in an incredible setting at Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center outside of Coralitas, California. Today, I found out I could have a discount/partial scholarship. I immediately wrote back and said, “Yes.” Within a few minutes,a friend asked a favor, and paid for the rest of the conference.

A powerful word, yes!

I do believe in saying yes, even when I don’t necessarily know how itsall going to work out. I’m always amazed when events are orchestrated to bring a gift. The retreat last year helped me recommit to my writing. I started blogging, writing my next book, and rejoined a poetry writing group. The retreat this year will help me continue my writingjourney, make new writerly friends, and seeagain all the wonderful women I met last year. And I know there will be unknown mystery gifts coming too.

Justmorning while reading a book on meditation, creativity, and joy, I thought I would like to join a meditation class. This isn’t a meditation class, but it is held at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains. I do plan on meditating while there.

I must remember what the Course in Miracles says, “Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love.They are performed by those who temporarily have more for those who temporarily have less.”

Ah life, ah angels, thank you, thank you for your gifts. And remember, when opportunity shows up, sayyes.

What unexpected gifts have you received lately? Any miracles to report?

Twin Pelican Chicks

Pelican Twins! Well, my sister and I are not exactly twin pelican chicks, but we still have a lot of life in both of us. She was dancing this weekend on the East Coast and her husband filmed her. I saw the post on Facebook! I dance at my Jazzercise class most mornings. Did you know that people who dance fight dementia? Not that we’re worried about that at our age. I just know I feel great when I dance.

I drew the chicks above in my Drawing 2 class at Cabrillo College, our local community college last spring. I was very into learning how to draw birds, not a natural talent, but in the end I had so much fun.This was my teacher’s favorite of all the drawings I did. But, his wife was expecting twins!

My twin sister, Laurie, and I are very close, despite the fact we’ve lived most of our lives apart. We were born at midnight, so we have different birthdays. No, we are not identical. I, yes, was born first. Unfortunately, my cord was wrapped around my sister’sneck, and she was born blue. Yes, she forgave me.

Lauriehas always been so adventuresome and brave! I’ve followed her on some of her teaching travels to Brazil and Venezuela. Just a few short years ago on our birthday I followed her across a small bay to snorkel in the turquiosewaters with lots of colorful fish. She has helped me overcome my shyness and timidity, and to do things I never thought I could.

Happy Birthday, sweet twin. We’ll talk again this weekend, and I’ll see you nextsummer. Can’t wait!

Finding A Spirit Guide, I Mean Bird!

At my “Artist Way Class” we played with clay, let our hands do the talking, and were introduced to an animal guide for the class. My clay morphed from hawk to pelican.My guide, the pelican, has been showing up all week.

I was above Seabright Beach on the cliffs when this large, wide winged bird floated up on the wind level with my view of him. Oh, so majestic and ancient looking at the same time.I am for a moment transported into the mystery – the feeling that everything in life is orchestrated and in divine order.

According to Animals Speak by Ted Andrews, pelicans symbolically represent the ability “to be buoyant and rest on the top in spite of life’scircumstances. The pelican teaches that no matter how difficult life becomes, no matter how much you plunge, you can pop to the surface.”

I drew the picture above in my drawing class at Cabrillo College. I had fun getting to know pelicans through drawing them. Such amazing birds! The Audubon Society says of them, “An unmistakable bird of coastal waters. Groups of Brown Pelicans fly low over the waves in single file, flapping and gliding in unison. Their feeding behavior is spectacular, as they plunge headlong into the water in pursuit of fish.”

Call on a pelican when you’re going through challenging times and plunging to meet life’s challenges. Know you canjust rest on the spiritual waters, no matter what is going on in your life. Ask the pelicans for their magic and power!

What birds are you attracted to? What do you think they mean to you spiritually? What message are they giving you?