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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Jan 18, 2016 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Access Your Inner Guide guest blogger Sue Malcolm.
Sibella Circle Member & Visionary Leader
MEANINGFUL MOMENTS SHARED WITH LOVE
From Fearing to Loving the Unknown
By Sue Malcolm
I never anticipated my fear of the unknown, transforming into such deep love for incredibly kind unseen beings; but life is full of surprises! In my teens I’d find myself in the mind, body and spirit section of bookshops, turning pages engrossed and fascinated by what I read. All too often though, I’d hear “Come on, you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into reading books like that”. Maybe I didn’t but I felt drawn towards them. Nonetheless, I allowed my friends words to exaggerate my mild fear of the unknown and I left the shops empty handed.
Sitting alone, some 30 years later another opportunity to venture into the unknown presented itself. At a time when I struggled to know where my life was heading a silent voice entered my head in a moment of serene solitude informing me of my purpose in life – to help sick, abandoned and cruelly treated animals. ‘Wow! What a fantastic mission!’ I thought. Without any hesitation, I humbly and excitedly accepted this message with immense joy, honour and gratitude. I couldn’t have chosen a more wonderful ‘reason for being’ although I knew little about animals.
I believe my instant acceptance of this anonymous message initiated a wealth of initially frightening but most often incredibly magical and beautiful spiritual experiences, and was the reason for a series of co-incidences beyond my wildest dreams. The latter led me to learning reiki and communicating with animals. The former introduced me to Angels and also opened my eyes, ears and heart to the spiritual world.
I’ll never forget the early proof of Angelic help I experienced thousands of feet above land four years ago. Hearing “please fasten your seat belt, we have just been advised of turbulence ahead” caused nervous tension in every cell of my body. The aroma I’d come to recognize when feeling anxious; and which I’d learned to be amazingly that of an Angel; appeared under my nose. Relieved, I silently whispered “please stop this turbulence? I’m so frightened!” Erratic and uncontrollable bumping instantly ceased, to be replaced with incredibly peaceful stillness and an almost identical repeat performance occurred on the return journey. My eyes watered to think that a heavenly Angel did that for me!
To anyone who fears the world we cannot see, please don’t. We are loved and helped by incredibly kind, caring and very knowledgeable ‘beings’ more that we will ever comprehend. In hard times assistance is always available. Providing our intentions are good, we just need to ask, trust the communication received and give thanks.
I’ve made many mistakes, trusting my own judgement more than the guidance received and have sorely regretted missed opportunities.
Sue Malcolm.
www.thereikiexperience.co.uk
Sue Malcolm’s blog/article was also published in Sibyl Magazine and permission has been given by the magazine to have it shared and published here. www.SibylMagazine.com.
Thank you Sue Malcolm for guest blogging and sharing your wisdom with us concerning moving From Fearing to Loving the Unknown.
About the Host of the Blog: Kathleen (Kat) O’Keefe-Kanavos is a TV/Radio Producer/Host of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod® and Author/Lecturer of the International award winning bestseller, Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing which promotes patient advocacy and connecting with inner guidance for success in health, wealth, and love, contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Dreams & Premonitions, PATHEOS Blogger and Columnist to Women Voices Magazine: SOUL and HOME, Kat taught Special Education and Psychology. Learn more @ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Jan 4, 2016 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
Holidays and parties go together like New and Year. You have been working on your weight and health to get into that beautiful dress for a special celebration. But is your skin a sin to behold?
As one of the C3TV hosts for Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod, making sure my make-up is not frightening is very important because the HD cameras magnify every cosmetic mistake or flaky flaw tenfold.
Our skin is a breathing organ. It the largest organ we possess and one we cannot live without.
You must care for your skin and keep it as healthy and beautiful just as you would your hair, teeth and physique. It is one of the few organs not moisturized from the inside out. Cold weather from outdoors and heated indoor air at our home and work place takes a toll on skin, especially your face which faces the daily elements.
First impressions are lasting ones. Make them beautiful.
Moisturize twice a day, morning and night, to reduce beauty sins and create glowing results. And always end your nightly routine and begin your daily one with clean skin that radiates health under your makeup.
Here are four “skin sins” to avoid and steps to help you make a warm and lasting impression on anyone you meet during the cold winter months.
1.) Anti-Dry Skin Sin– apply moisturizer AND primer under make-up foundation. It avoids the “wrinkled map’ look” that can have people staring at your face looking for where X marks the spot. That spot needs extra moisturizer.
Primer will:
a.) hold your makeup in place so it does not “travel” to wrinkles that will begin to look like the Grand Canyons
b.) trap moisture on your face and keep it from evaporating from beneath your make-up foundation.
2.) Anti-Dry Lip Sin– apply rich lip moisturizer at night right BEFORE bed, so it has 8 hours to work. This will help you avoid the “prune lips” look with lipstick. Dry cracked lips look worse with lipstick. Keep your lip balm beside your bed. Reapply it in the morning and remove any extra before applying lipstick.
3.) Anti-Chapped Hands Sin– apply a rich moisturizer at night BEFORE bed so it works while you sleep. Your hands and face are the first places people look when they meet you. Reapply in the morning AFTER your shower and makeup. This will keep it on your hands longer. Apply a small amount of cream to hands throughout the day after you wash them. Keep your hand moisturizer beside your bed with your lip balm. If your hands are very chapped, wear a pair of light weight household cleaning gloves while you sleep over the moisturizer. I will keep the moisturizer on your hands and off your sheets.
4.) Anti-Powder on Dry Skin Sin– Powder makeup on dry skin makes lines look like dry river beds. It draws attention to flakey areas. Powder on dry skin accentuates sin number one and two. Rather than using bronzing powder, use a bronzing cake-makeup or liquid.
Remember, the name of the game during the cold and drying winter months is Moisturize.
Take care of your skin and it will take care of you.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos believes dreams can diagnose and guide your life. Did you have a déjà vu or did your dream come true? Kat survived three breast cancers diagnosed by her dreams. Bestselling Author, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, TV & Radio Host of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod, columnist, and R.A.Bloch Cancer Foundation Hotline Counselor; she has been featured on radio, in magazines and newspapers, appeared on Every Way Women TV, and the Waking Universe TV documentary. SURVIVING CANCERLAND: Intuitive Aspects of Healing is the first in her three book series on waking up to dreams that diagnose life. Kat taught Special Education and Psychology at (USF). www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com www.SurvivingCancerland.com
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Dec 29, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
Quote:” The Son of Man agreed with Sophia, his consort and revealed himself in a [great light] as bisexual. His male nature is called ‘the Saviour, the begetter of all things’, but his female “Sophia, mother of all’, whom some call Pistis” (Hennecke 1963,250).
Affirmation: Today I will honor myself and embrace all aspects of myself.
Are you ready to co-create a resilient, equitable and spiritually fulfilling future for humanity in community with the Earth?
Being spiritually fulfilled does not mean adapting to any specific creed or religion, but rather embracing a sense of connectedness—of oneness with the universe. Two amazing people, Merry and Burl Hall tell us how they do it, despite living with Alzheimer’s Disease.
To listen to this episode, click here or Picture Above.
Burl Benson Hall is very open about his life with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was kind enough to share insights into this challenge which he embraces as part of his life-wisdom. Burl’s wife Merideth ( Merry) Hall lives her name– she is one of the merriest people I have ever interviewed.
Burl is an author, philosopher (lover-of-Sophia), mystic, and retired counsellor. He writes with the editorial assistance of his muse and wife, Merry Stetson Hall, a retired teacher.
“I am Grandmerry Hall, a name given me by my grandchildren. During my 70 years of life, I have been a teacher, mother, grandmother, author, editor, care-giver, end-of-life mentor, and radio show co-host of Envision This connecting online listeners to visionaries. Folks tell me I embody “The Mother” archetype and Sophianic wisdom. This description humbles me and also moves me to offer my counsel as an Elder.”
Merry and Burl Hall are authors, co-hosts, and co-editors from Sabattus, Maine. What makes this team so amazing is the fact that Burl has Alzheimer’s, but he is quick to tell you he does not suffer from it. He simply exists with it, and embraces the daily lessons it teaches him. Merry is the love–of-his-life, Rock-of-Gibraltar, and editor of the books they create together.
During this interview Burl shared with listeners how having Alzheimer’s is much like “living in a constantly shifting dream where everything is only now. There is no past or future; only the big NOW.” The insights Burl shares with listeners is absolutely astounding because he is never remorseful, or feels victimized, only grateful for the wonderful productive life he is still leading.
Their vision is to share with you, the listener, with Gaia, and with many, a vision of a healthy Earth and humane culture where our descendants and fellow creatures can thrive and flourish.
Merry and Burl explain how their mission is to co-create a resilient, equitable and spiritually fulfilling future for humanity in community with the Earth. “By spiritually fulfilling, we do not mean to adapt to any specific creed or religion. Rather, we mean a sense of connectedness—of oneness with the universe, our loved ones, our ancestors and posterity, and within ourselves. We are awakening the realization that we belong to the cosmic All.”
As a three time breast cancer survivor whose dreams diagnosed my illness, I was astounded by the information Burl shared with his doctor to get the correct treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Listen to the answer Burl received from the medical community in the interview.
Merry and Burl Hall are the authors of SOPHIA’S WEB: A PASSIONATE CALL TO HEAL OUR WOUNDED NATURE. Merry explains, “Sophia’s Web encourages you to discover how you can co-create individual, planetary and universal health.” It also examines Burl Hall’s individual dreams, visions, passions, and missions, in the light of the Wisdom shared by great thinkers in all disciplines.
SOPHIA’S WEB is calling out for you to become part of the healing of the Earth, all of nature, humankind, society, and yourself. Healing the wounded nature of humankind and the Earth is a primary mission of the 21st Century. It’s on the minds of millions; it’s on our minds; and it’s on yours. That is why we wrote SOPHIA’S WEB and why we are hoping you will read it. In Sophia’s Web, Burl takes the reader with him ever deeper into the heart of Divine Wisdom.
On the radio show Burl and Merry discuss how:
- Sophia’s Web is the saga of Hall’s journey from fleeting visions of Sophia in childhood to a mature, surrendered embrace of the Sacred Feminine which now underpins and informs his life, his work, and his connection with the earth community.
- Burl’s primary belief, “is that the Goddess is the power by which all are born, maintained, and dissolved. It is she who weaves the entire web of life.”
Almost effortlessly Burl was able to acknowledge, at an early age, not only the feminine principle in the world but the feminine within himself. As with any male socialized within the context of industrial civilization, Burl experienced societal pressure to embrace the patriarchal perspective which prizes a way of life based on power and control. Yet, Sophia’s Web reveals a man who has moved through and beyond patriarchal programming to an integration of the feminine principle within himself, and who strives to apply Sophia’s wisdom in his life and work.
Rarely do we have the opportunity to hear an embodied male acknowledge what the author lays bare in this radio interview.
“Together, we can co-create a more abundant future for our planet.”
Burl Hall follows the thread within this web that connects his research in these fields to his personal mystical experience and dreams. “We are amazed by the opportunity the worldwide web offers us, a couple living on Social Security Disability and Social Security Retirement, to reach out to the world both through our writings and Sophia, the Spirit of Wisdom, which has woven the multi-dimensional aspects of our lives—personal, relational, cultural, intellectual, scientific, philosophical, and spiritual—into a cosmic web.”
Thank you, Burl and Merry Hall, for this rare insight into such a beautiful mind and loving heart.
ABOUT THE GUESTS: Merry and Burl Hall are the authors of SOPHIA’S WEB: A PASSIONATE CALL TO HEAL OUR WOUNDED NATURE available on Amazon at: http://amzn.to/1JUvrkf . The E-Book is available @ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XUV57KO They are also the radio show hosts of Envision This @http://www.blogtalkradio.com/envision-this and http://www.envisionthismedia.com/envisionthis-radio where they connect listeners to visionaries of a more resilient, abundant, equitable, and Earth-friendly future.
ABOUT THE HOST: Kathleen O’Keefe Kanavos is a TV Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives ON Cape Cod Radio and TV, Author of International Bestseller & Multi-award winner Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing, and a 3x Breast Cancer Survivor whose dreams diagnosed her illness. She’s published in medical journals. Kat believes dreams diagnose your life. “Did you have a déjà- vu or dream come true?” Kat’s interpretations are in American Express Open Forum. She’s a Coach & “Go-to authority” on Beauty, Health, Wealth & Relationships, Keynote Speaker/Panelist/Presenter at International Associations, Columnist, & blogs on many professional sites. Kat taught Special Education and Psychology at USF. http://SurvivingCancerLand.com/ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
All pictures, information and quotes used in this blog are used with the permission of the guests.–
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Dec 16, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
“Kat, what is your New Year’s Resolution?” a friend asks over lunch. “Mine is to give up cigarettes and sugar” she says, while shaking a packet of sweetener substitute into her coffee.
“Mine’s to not give up anything and to put myself first,” is my answer. “Then I’ll refocus on implementing the difference between wants and needs in life.”
My friend stops stirring her coffee, peers over her sunglasses, and asks, “What do you mean by that?”
The concept of “care-giver first” and the difference between want and need were clearly alien to her. For the longest time they were to me, too.
Crisis can re-prioritize your life.
These concepts introduced themselves during radiation therapy while battling breast cancer recurrence. The side effects of emotional emptiness were more severe than treatment burns in some women because they were unaware of the importance of soul self-care.
Unfortunately burn-out is an equal opportunity state of emotion that affects men, too.
Statistics show that women worldwide are the main care-givers in life who share unconditionally until there is nothing left. Their inner well runs dry. Lately, an alarming pattern of self-induced emptiness has emerged during these uncertain economic times.
Part of the problem is not distinguishing between wants and needs.
Families have many wants, and care-givers try to meet those wants as needs; a terrible burden to carry. Care-givers are burned-out from giving so much of themselves to those who want more than is available. The result is nothing left to give to people who truly need help, including themselves. Weak emotional boundaries crumble under the weight of want. Medication and psychotherapy fills the void and dulls feelings of frustration and failure.
When the spirit suffers the body cries out with symptoms of dis-ease. Listen to yourself.
Now is the dawning of a New Year. Here are three resolutions that are antidotes to emptiness. They are written as choice-affirmations that complement and empower the people who choose to live them.
- “I will choose to love and embrace myself.”
- “I will choose to put myself first and give myself permission to be number one in my life.”
- “I will choose to build strong defined boundaries using the power of “NO!” as a tool.
Saying “no” to others is difficult because care-givers love to please, and will go without so others may have more. Some of this is care-giver conditioning. It may be time for retraining.
Recondition yourself. Say “Yes!” to you, which can automatically so “No” to imbalance.
When going through chemotherapy, my psychotherapist armed me with a powerful mantra as an aid through the uncertainty of treatment. “You are number one. No one and nothing is more important than you.” She was right! As a cancer hotline phone counselor and mentor, that mantra is still important, today. How can an empty counselor give to others?
Fire up your heart with self-love. You want to be embraced but need to hug yourself first.
The importance of the mantra was even more evident during the Stitch-n-Bitch (as we liked to call ourselves) radiation therapy group. Women who had been the sole care-givers of their family were suddenly discarded when circumstances shifted and they needed care. These women said that without the love and devotion of their lovers or significant others, they were nothing. They lacked the power to survive.
Their chances for a full recovery were challenged by their depression and feelings of emotional emptiness. Our little group spent hours discussing wants versus needs. So deep were these discussions that the nurses, radiologists and counselors listened in and took notes.
We came to some profound conclusions.
We want others to love us, but we need to love ourselves. We want a big beautiful house, but we really only need a roof over our heads. We want to eat in fancy restaurants, but we just need nutritious food. The lists of wants versus needs were endless. Realizing the difference between them, however, was the first step in becoming emotionally, physically and financially fulfilled. Trying to meet the endless demands of keeping-up-with-the-Jones’ is expensive on so many levels. The reality of trying to keep up with Reality TV can be emotional and financial bankruptcy. Understanding this truth is the first step to teaching it to our family.
Putting reality into practice will help us, as care-givers, become aware of our limitations.
It has been easy to fall back into old habits and become lax in practicing what that little group preached during those difficult times, so many years ago. Now, it is time to put want-versus– need back into daily practice.
When something seems enticing, the question will be, “Is that truly needed, or just wanted?”
This New Year, focus on inner-balance. Embrace being kind and forgiving to you first, then practice good-will toward others. As you step out of your comfort zone it might feel odd, which may be validation that you are creating a new empowered habit. Seek out and join a community; a “sister-hood of women” (or men), as your support system. Their strength will keep you from feeling alone during times of despair and their resources will help you meet the needs of your family and friends.
Here is an example of an empowering statement to repeat that can help you settle into this new habit. “When my body is fatigued, I will rest. When my soul is tired, I will meditate. I will surround myself with things I love like positive friends, pets, plants, music and fragrant candles while immersed in healing waters from a bath or shower.”
Too many of us have lost a part of ourselves and are experiencing a void. Enjoying your favorite things will fill your soul with joy.
As with the Chinese yin and yang, which are seemingly opposing forces bound together, intertwined, and interdependent in the natural world, we are complex creatures comprised of body and soul. These two diabolically different parts must be in balance as a duality for complete health of body and mind. Like yin and yang, male and female, your body and soul are a dynamic equilibrium duo. If one disappears, the other must fade as well, leaving emptiness.
When one part of self is full it flows into the other.
It is time to face forward into a New Year of balance comprised of yin and yang, love and self-love, and forgive mistakes we cannot change. We can learn from our past to build a positive future. The good news is a sisterhood or brotherhood of women and men is only a phone call, post or tweet away to help you refill yourself with the love you deserve and NEED.
Balance yourself. Take care of your soul and it will take care of you . . . then help others.
Kathleen (Kat) O’Keefe-Kanavos is TV Producer/Host of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod and Author/Lecturer of the International award winning, bestseller, Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing which promotes Dream Therapy, patient advocacy and connecting with Inner guidance for success in health, wealth and relationships. Learn more @ AccessYourInnerGuide.com
(all photos are owned by the author)
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Dec 2, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
The holiday season is a time for giving thanks and celebrating with the freedom of which We the People have become accustomed. For some, this freedom has come at a high price resulting in loss of limbs or worse. So, let’s be sure to thank the men and women of our armed forces who have put their lives on the line so that we may continue to freely celebrate the holidays.
One way to do this is with a card.
Due to heightened security, military hospitals are not accepting anything that is not specifically addressed to specific service personal. Cards, packages and gifts being returned or thrown in the trash. You can read more at http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/walterreed.asp.
Instead, the recommendation is to send mail through a program set up through The Red Cross:
As they have done in the past, for the 2015 holiday season the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are sponsoring a “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program to distribute holiday cards to service members, a program that encompasses not just troops who are recovering in military hospitals but also service members stationed throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as veterans and their families.
Well-wishers who would like to send Christmas (and other seasonal) cards to U.S. service members should address those cards as follows:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456
All cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, 6 December 2015 in order to ensure sufficient time for sorting and distribution before the holidays.
Read more at http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes
Thank you Red Cross for stepping up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kathleen (Kat) O’Keefe-Kanavos TV/Radio Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod® believes your DREAMS can diagnose your life. Author/Lecturer of Award winning, International bestseller, Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing; which promotes patient advocacy & connecting with Inner-guidance through Dreams, Prayers & Meditations for success in Health, Wealth, & Love. Learn more @ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com & download your free DREAM gift http://bit.ly/My-Free-Gift-to-You
(All pictures and quotes were used with permission from the guest or are owned by the author.)
