Wax On, Wax Off

A pivotal scene in the movie, "The Karate Kid" occurs when the lead character confronts his teacher about a series of mundane tasks he has been asked to perform. The student feels that he is learning nothing and wasting his time. His teacher soon shows him the benefits of starting at the beginning and learning the fundamentals through practice and repetition.

When seeking psychic or spiritual knowledge, it is not uncommon for a student to hastily practice the fundamental skills of grounding and protecting oneself. These are not as much fun as the other work to come. The seeker will often do a half-hearted practice then jump ahead to more advanced skills. Eventually, they come back when they realize how important these skills actually are.

In practicing spiritual work, you are moving away from a grounded state. Your consciousness is pulled upward. You are anchoring one end of a rope. If you do not hold it firmly, you will lose your grip and possibly be lost or injured.

Think of a seed. It must be grounded before it can grow, otherwise, it will be carried away by the wind. It needs protection or it will be eaten by birds. To grow effectively, it needs to be connected to a place on Earth. It can be planted in soil or in a hydroponic medium. It just needs an anchor, and protection from predators and the elements until it can sprout. Then, it can send up shoots that will grow into whatever plant it is destined to be.

Grounding and protecting, do not make you less spiritual. They increase your ability to use your spiritual gifts while still in your human body.

We across the veil, reach down to you to make contact. You need to be fully and completely grounded to handle this energy. Otherwise, you will be pulled from your foundation and become energetically scattered. This makes you a less effective messenger or channel for spiritual energy. To others on Earth, you will seem to be walking in a fog. Your words and actions will seem trivial and ineffective. You will be open to the influences of people and spiritual forces that would use you for selfish purposes.

Psychic abilities, channeling and visions are tools that you may use to improve your life and help others in need. Use them when you need them. Turn them off when you're done. You are not dismissing or losing them, just saving your batteries. They will recharge when you chose to use them. It is ok to unplug. The outlet will still be there the next time you need it, and your electrical bill will be smaller.

Protect yourself always. You have an important job that no one else can do. We are counting on you. ~Silas

Your Normal Is Their Magic

When you look for excellence and skill, you usually look outside of yourself, yet every one of you is gifted in a unique way.

You may envy your friend who has an amazing soprano voice, while she envies your social grace and sense of humor. The storyteller may envy the craftsman. The musician may envy the painter.

It is good to admire and appreciate the talents of others, but know, always, that if you are breathing and standing on this planet, you have a special skill or talent ( if not several).

It is usually something you do so naturally, you overlook it, while others stand around you, jaws dropping with amazement.

Find it. Cultivate it. Share it. Do not be prideful, but be proud. You are magnificent just as you are. ~Silas

Marketing Is Everything

As you line up to check out your purchases at the supermarket you see many magazines and tabloids. On the magazine covers you might see a famous actress in perfectly-fitted clothing and makeup. Her hair falls in just the right place and she has a figure that most women would envy.

Then you look at the tabloid and see the same actress looking twenty years older. She is wearing no makeup and looks much larger. Nothing has changed. This is the magic of marketing.

Most of you are familiar with the negative side of marketing: an only "slightly used" care with all its attributes shouted to you in large neon letters, the defects hidden in the small print; a product which works flawlessly on television but falls apart each time you use it at home.

People market themselves as well. There is that nice girl in public who turns mean and manipulative behind the scenes; the Prince Charming who woos you into his bed then treats you like a stranger when he's had his fill.

If you have created a quality piece of work or product that will benefit people, marketing is the way to reach a large audience. You can also market yourself to others socially.

The secret is to speak of the best and downplay what you are less proud of. Do not market yourself to the point that you cannot live up to your own hype. Create with your heart, not just to make money. You deserve compensation for quality work. Always do the kind of work that you would desire and expect from others.

As for your personal marketing, make a list of your attributes, skills and talents. Highlight the best. You don't need to brag, just give the most attention to the positive. Feel what it would be like to take your gifts to the next level. Step into that feeling and become that person. Do not boast of talents that you do not have, just speak and act with the confidence of one who has them. With that attitude, and a desire to improve, you soon will have them.

You are no different than the actress on the magazine cover. If you dwell on your gifts you will present yourself as she does. If you dwell on your faults, you will appear as she does on the tabloid cover. Accept your flaws, if you insist on calling them that. They are the jagged stones that keep you walking on the right path. Make peace with them and celebrate your talents.

In the meantime, if people want to bask in your charm and charisma, let them. Do not abuse it, just use it. ~Silas

Spiritual Fitness

You may be dedicated to working out your physical body, but leave your spiritual body weak and out of shape. No part of your life is separate from another. In the same way you flex your physical muscles, you can also work out your spiritual ones.

If you've not exercised in a while, it can be a challenge to get started. You may have trouble at first sitting comfortably in meditation, quieting your mind, or visualizing the life you truly want.

Just as on your first day at the gym, start with a short, sustainable workout. Perhaps a five minute practice to begin. When your spiritual muscles have grown stronger and the practice gets easier, then challenge yourself with more time or an additional practice during the day.

The hardest part is getting started. Once you're in motion, you see small results that lead to bigger ones. This encourages you to continue.

A light practice will gradually build up your spiritual muscles and you will not "burn out" from doing too much too soon. Eventually, you will reach a point where practice feels so good, you feel that something is missing if you have to skip a day.

Better to begin slowly. A light practice in the beginning will bring lasting results. Too much too soon may bring on a difficult healing crisis or chakra strain.

We joke with you as we do not want you to lose your sense of humor in your spiritual practice. Laughter is the best medicine and a very good exercise. Do not neglect it.

So get started today. Make a commitment. Build your practice at a slow but steady pace. You will fit into that third-eye bikini in no time. Smile! Laugh! Enjoy your inner workout! ~ Silas

Deconstructing Criticism

You clench your teeth with fear. You are awaiting critique. It may be a test score, a piece of writing or artwork, an audition or a special project you have just completed at work.

The critic walks into the room. Your power goes out. Suddenly, your self-esteem is entirely in their hands. The critique has not yet begun and you are already missing a golden opportunity.

If you want to eliminate flaws and produce work that will be appreciated by others, it is good to have another person check your work. Your work is an expression of who you are, but it is not you. Appreciate the gift of feedback.

A second set of eyes can pick up mistakes that your tired eyes may miss. They may l spot holes and spaces for improvement. They may spot something brilliant that you have downplayed. They may see an interesting pattern that you might want to explore further.

Criticism can be a blessing, if you can remember that it is not about you. It is natural to feel defensive when someone is looking for errors in your work, but as the goal is improvement, you need to deal with those feelings and listen to the message. Sometimes having your feelings hurt can inspire you to improve your work and do a better job in the future, but allowing your feelings to be hurt is a choice that you make.

It is true that some critics let their power go to their heads and can be deliberately mean and harsh. Even their opinions can be helpful, if you let go of your pride and remember that improvement of your work is the ultimate goal. If there is any honesty in their critique, it can be helpful. Use your own judgement as well. Critics aren't perfect either.

Some of the greatest artists and writers and actors have been criticized harshly. Some have been told they had no talent. What made them great was pushing past the criticism, making changes as necessary, and continuing the work. Continued practice often brings the best results.

When you face criticism, look for the good things as well as the bad. Adjust your work as needed, but make sure it remains an accurate reflection of you.

Critics are not always correct in their assessments, but don't be too hard on them. With constructive criticism, persistence and practice, they will get it right. ~Silas

A Gentle Nudge

Not all guidance from Spirit comes as a billboard or a big booming voice in your head. Sometimes it is the gentle nudge, or soft whisper that you must pay attention to or you will miss it.

Often while you are waiting for that big, obvious sign, dozens of little ones go unnoticed.

You run to the lost and found to make a formal inquiry about a lost object, and brush aside a small child who is tugging on your pant leg and holding the very item you seek.

The key is to relax and trust. Don't analyze every speck of dust, but notice and be grateful for the ladybug that lands on your shoulder.

Keep your eyes and mind open. Signs are all around. All you ever need to do is ask for them, and see them. Don't look for them. Spirit will always answer.......and she doesn't need your help. Just your awareness. ~Silas

Your Weirdness Is Your Gift

If you want to know what spiritual gifts you possess, look no further than your weird quirks and strange tendencies. They will lead you to the treasures within you.

Are you dreamy? Have your teachers told you to stop daydreaming and pay attention? Close your eyes. Allow your dreams to take you where they will. You may discover great ideas, make unique connections, have strong psychic abilities or be able to develop them.

Are you meticulous? Do you have an eye for details that others might miss? You may be able to read things in people by noticing subtle shifts in their energy, posture or expressions. You may also have artistic or musical skills.

Do you constantly experience pain? You may be picking up the pain of others. You may be an empath, healer or both. Be sure to clear your energy often with meditation or healing work. You do not need to carry the burdens of others. You might want to investigate a healing profession if it moves you.

To you talk over people or finish their sentences? Perhaps you are trying to shot out the thoughts you can hear around you. You might be telepathic. Cultivate your listening skills and see what happens.

Are you fidgety? Your body may be trying to catch up with your rapidly changing thoughts and ideas. You may be processing the energies of others. Dance, walk, rock get into the flow of the energy and see what comes to you. An invention, a poem, perhaps a song?

You do not have quirks because you are weird. You have quirks because you are civilized, and you must stifle your natural energies. Do not suppress them. Get away by yourself and explore them. We never cease to be amazed at all that you are capable of doing. It's time for you to be amazed as well. ~Silas