This week on my Facebook page, I've been talking about how your physical body will tell you how to take care of yourself in these challenging times.
I've talked about why you might be having trouble sleeping.
I've talked about why your stomach may be churned up.
I've talked about why your back is aching.
And I'm going to talk about your sore neck, your headaches, your chest pain and your sore throat in the morning (not corona) ... 
The reason I am focusing on the body this week is because my body gives me very clear signals when I need to take care of myself.
And these things I've mentioned above are the main ones I've noticed lately.

NOT SLEEPING - Understandably, we are all being affected by the greater worry-energy of the world right now. Not only our close family (who are living in our pockets) are impacting our waking and sleeping routines. One of the biggest things to be aware of it the unconscious fear that you are being drip-fed every time you turn on social media or the television. This will significantly affect your sleep. Take some control back and make a commitment to not look at media until after breakfast or after 9pm at night. And do your self-care routine daily (meditation, prayer, exercise, yoga, tai chi, dance, essential oils, crystals ... etc.) ... even twice daily so that you can wake up and go to sleep with a measure of calm around you. 

CHURNING STOMACH - Your solar plexus is the centre for worry and anxiety, so it makes sense that you might feel all churned up right now in the stomach area. When you feel that feeling, put your hands on your belly and rub in a gentle circular motion, this will help to shift the stuck energy and soothe you. You can also visualise a bright yellow light at the centre of your stomach.  *If you are a Reiki practitioner you know how to take this process further. 

ACHING BACK - Your lower back in particular is linked to feeling secure and safe. Louise Hay talks about the lower back being connected to financial security - so understandably a lot of people are feeling pain or weakness in that area right now. There is a lot of uncertainty about the future for many people. So, I recommend that you practise the affirmation: "I am safe. Everything is working out for me. I trust the Universe." And you can visualise a bright red light at the lower back area - warming and soothing and calming your fears. 

STIFF NECK - Your neck is the chakra centre for the throat. A lot of people are having issues here because we are being told constantly "if you have a sore throat it might be coronavirus". And if you are like me in the morning, waking up with a dry throat and freaking out ... then remember ... if the sensation goes away after a drink of water and a shower, it's not a virus ... it's just your body readjusting to being awake. Don't over-catastrophize ... that won't help your immune system. 

HEADACHE - You may be getting headaches right now. And I was saying to my sister yesterday ... 'Of course your head is aching, you've been learning a whole lot of new skills ... zoom meetings, school programs, and taking in new health information every day. It's great for our brains to have all these new neurological connections happening ... but our heads can get overwhelmed and tired. Stop. Breath. Take a break. Nap. Stretch. Close your eyes. Walk in nature. Drink lots of water. Our brains need hydration when we are learning. 

HEAVY CHEST - You may be feeling a heaviness or tightness in your chest. The heart chakra is the centre of our chakra energy system and with all the sadness and fear in the world right now, the hearts of all the humans are feeling more than they've ever felt before. It's okay if you need to go and have a cry. We should express our true feelings. Robert Holden says that good mental health is a healthy relationship with our thoughts and an honest relationships with our feelings. Emotional honesty is the key to spiritual strength. Don't suppress the anxiety. Share your fear with a safe friend or counsellor. You can also do a simple divine heart meditation by getting still, putting your hand on your own heart and saying this mantra to yourself ... "I love and approve of myself. Life loves and supports me"

Stay safe and healthy ...
I'm here via Zoom, Skype or Phone, if you need me.
Blessings Pip x
p.s. Join me on my Facebook business page: @consciouscoursesandtherapies for Soothing Sesh with Pip at 12pm DAILY. 

Last night I was watching some of The Project and as I listened to the Maritime Union guy answering questions about 'what can be done with the cruise ships?' ... having worked on board for 6 years, I feel a strong desire to share my opinion on this situation. 
It's occurred to me that 3 groups of people are in need of Australia's care right now. 
1. Crew members on cruise ships
2. Casual staff (employed less than 12 months)
and 
3. Comedians (and other Arts Industry employees)

If I was to address the Australian government at this time - my thoughts are these ... 

As an ex-crew member I have to call BULLSHIT! ... You may not know this, but cruise ships don't have an official 'home port' ... they are registered in duty free countries like The Bahamas, but this is not where the ships 'live'. There is no where to send the ships to. It's upsetting to see the NSW Premier saying 'I just want them to go away!'. The Australian government is very happy to have all these ships using our ports as 'home' because the benefit to the Australian economy is massive. That's why we have so many ships in our waters right now. The truth is, these ships (and their unwitting crew) are in distress and they are seeking refuge, in their previously welcoming home ports. If we can take 1000's of people off airlines and quarantine them in hotels, after they come home from overseas, why we can't do the same for the ship's crew? If a ship was sinking the Australian Coast Guard (and government) would have an obligation to save the people on board. The same rule applied here. Taking all proper precautions (of course). And finally, how about the fact that cruise ship companies have come to the aid of lots of people in distress in the past, including the providing accommodation for hurricane victims and most recently rescuing our bush fire victims. Remember that? It was only a few weeks ago. 

In regards to casual staff ... I am a casual employee (usually during the summer months on Phillip Island) and have had 3 casual jobs, as well as my small business operating for this past 6 months. A lot of people, including me are not eligible for the JobKeeper payment, because I haven't worked for my employers for 12 months or more. I'd like to note that a lot of businesses will not hesitate to call in casuals at the last minute to help with a busy day, cover a sick permanent staff member or unload a pallet of unexpected stock. Those business owners would like to support ALL of their employees, but a lot of them can't right now. I understand that a line must be drawn somewhere, but it would be nice if the employers had the power to say "I want to keep these hard working and flexible employees" and be supported in doing that by the government. (As a side note: I'm very lucky (and grateful) and two of my employers are giving me some money each week, as a gesture of good faith. I really appreciate it and will be loyal to them through this time.)

Finally, what can I say about the comedians, entertainers, musicians and art industry employees ... well they are ALWAYS there for us. Just weeks ago they were donating their time for bush fire relief concerts (Fire Fight) and they do it ALL the time! They do huge comedy charity nights like the Oxfam Comedy Gala; they go to war zones and entertain the troupes; and now they are entertaining us online to help us stay sane ... our mental health depends on lightening and dissolving our stress. These people are mostly not casual employees - they are probably sub-contracted or commissioned for work. They deserve to be taken care of too. 

I will say that I have been pleasantly surprised by the the Liberal government's packages, so far.
These are highly unusual and unsettling times.
I just wanted to say a sincere 'Thank you' for what has already been done.
And as we move forward together, I hope to see that everyone is supported and taken care of.
Stay at home, be healthy and safe my friends.
Blessings 
Pip x

​Selfish for the good of the community

Self care. Self love. Self isolation.


Now is the time to be selfish.

Take care of me.

Take time for me.

Sleep.

Dream.

Write.

Read.

Listen.

Laugh.

You have my permission.

You don’t need it.

Give yourself permission to be selfish.

Xxx


Nancy Levin says selfish, self worth and self esteem are the three sisters of self care.


I am taking it day by day.

Some of my casual jobs have been put on hold as the businesses have closed.

But the owners of one of my jobs just paid us for our hours last week, even though we didn’t work them. Grateful.


Ecology health food shop is still open for now - it’s considered an essential service - so I have a couple of shifts this week but we’ll see.


My business ... well I’m planning some online classes and meditations.

But initially I needed a break to be honest, to rest, to nurture myself, and to process this whole cray cray thing!

I mean WTF?! Huh? The world is turned upside down.


And aside from sometimes being overwhelmed by the fear and anxiety of everyone (thanks to my new level of energetic sensitivity) ... now and then I get flashes of ... thoughts ... like ‘wow! What an amazing opportunity this is!’


We are re-evaluating all our systems. The earth and seas are healing and regenerating.

We are being given a chance to let go of old jobs and things that don’t serve us.

And we get to choose again.

We get to be selfish.

We get to stay safe at home.

We get to take care of ourselves and spend time with our loved ones.


Sure, some people might discover they actually don’t like their loved ones 😁... and that will mean new healthier choices can be made.


Some people who are living alone (me) might discover they don’t mind it ... or maybe it really IS time to open their heart again to love. 💕


So ... what am I doing?

-I’m reading amazing books “light is the new black” by Rebecca Campbell and “the gifts of imperfection” by Brene Brown and “the new relationship blueprint” by Nancy Levin.


- I’m doing a ‘heal thy money mindset’ course online to dissolve my old poverty mindset and accept abundance.


- I’m going for a ride on my bike every day.


- I’m supporting local businesses by getting my chai latte and veggie box and other food at local small stores.


- I’m doing yoga every day to raise my energy.


- I’m weening myself off social media scrolling - just checking in and watching funny videos to lift my mood.


-I’m using essential oils, meditation and tapping to soothe myself.


Most importantly I’m practicing what I’ve been preaching for the last 7 years. I’m being the lighthouse rather than running all over the island saving boats.

Quote from Rebecca Campbell (Page 197).


I’m here if you need support.

Online consultancy available.

Big love to you.

Hugs

Pip

Honestly I’ve not been sure what to say or do for my tribe and community. 
So rather than be inauthentic and pretend that I’m always upbeat and enlightened, I’m doing what I do when I feel scared or sad ...
I’m watching lots and lots and lots of comedy.... and I’m laughing....
It lightens my mind, body and soul. 
It lifts me.
It distracts me. 
It fills me up with joy. 
It makes me FEEL GOOD. 

When I was working on cruise ships in the entertainment department I heard people say that 'entertainment is not essential'.
I'd say it would be a pretty boring cruise if there was no entertainment.

And now in this current climate ... we are hearing similar things being said.
Which is why I'm LOVING the posts by comedians and entertainers online.
I believe human beings not only love to laugh ... I'd even venture to say they NEED it. 

My thoughts this week are that since fear depletes the immune system. 
Let's tap into the medicine of laughter to boost our spirits and our immunity. 

The well-renowned Mayo Clinic has done extensive research into the benefits of laughter as stress relief.
Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. 

Abraham Hicks says that what we are experiencing now is what we created from the past.
This is true for our personal environment and it’s definitely the case with our world environment.
And if we want something different we need to focus on and act like we want things to be.
Look at the results of the quarantined cities and the reduced pollution in just a few short weeks.
Wow! Nature has ways of re-balancing if we give her the time and space. 

So, here are some of my tips: 
A) distraction from fear 
B) feel as good as you can 
C) take care of yourself and others 

Distraction ... you can’t create the life you want, if you keep doing the same things you always do, that created the life you have ... and you can’t be peaceful if you keep focusing on the drama and fear ... so reduce the fear by distracting yourself. 
Denise Linn says to get up and change rooms and activities. If you are watching TV and get scared when the news comes on, turn it off, or change channels, or mute it. If you are worrying, go to another room and read a book or turn on some music. If you still have the thoughts of fear, change again until you find something or somewhere to be that soothes you. Stay in the soothing space as long as you can. 

Feel good ... 
Walk, ride, sing, dance, watch, play, talk on the phone ... 
A big one that I’m implementing is ... only follow or interact with people on social media who share positive, uplifting messages. 
(You can still be friends but unfollow for 30 days the people who are fearful) 
Get your information about the current situation from reputable sources ONCE a day. Eg. World Health organisation or Australian Health organisation.  

Take good care ... 
I’m very aware there is a health issue and we can’t ignore it, but the fear and anxiety of it will cause even more issues.
So, of course, first priority is to take care of yourself. 
And it always helps (when we are getting too inwardly focused or scared) to support / help others ...
I love to see local Facebook groups like “Love Your Neighbour - Bass Coast” and "Phillip Island Resource Share".
They are wonderful. You can ask for items you need, give items you have spare, share tips and support each other. 

Ocean Reeve (my publisher) was giving out free toilet paper on the street and drinking Corona on his Facebook feed this week.
Yep! That’s why he’s my mentor and publisher! He knows how to laugh. 

And I’d recommend if you want a good laugh to follow "Comedy Central Stand-up" and "Just For Laughs" on Facebook.
Find your favourite comedians and follow them.
I love Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Trevor Noah, Sarah Millican, Jack Whitehall ...  
Get out all your comedy DVDs or go to the comedy section of Netflix and Stan ... GO NUTS PEOPLE!
You’ll feel 100% better. 
You won’t regret it. 

Let’s shift the balance of the energy in the world from fear to laughter. 
Comedy is the cure and laughter is essential. 
Laugh and Live long my friends. Xxx
Blessings Pip 

LINKS: 
The Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Help Guide: ​https://www.helpguide.org › articles - laughter is the best medicine. 

Today I got this message from one of my mentors and it said exactly what I want to say ... so, please take 3 minutes to read this.
Also, I'm still available for intuitive card readings, life coaching, distance Reiki energy alignment & meditation sessions online or by phone.
If you need support, please make contact. 
Much love and compassion to you.
Blessings Pip xxx

Dear Pip,
Yesterday, a friend sent me a video of two women fighting over toilet paper in a grocery store. “Can you believe this insanity?” my friend asked.  “What’s happening in the world?”
Good question, I replied.  
What is happening when two grown women start fighting in a grocery store, yelling, and screaming, and flailing about?  
Two words:  Emotional regression. 
The adults have left the room and the children are now running the show. And it happens to each of us nearly every day.  
When we get scared or triggered by something that makes us feel powerless or afraid, we tend to go from being full-functioning, clear-thinking adults, to children who act impulsively. The survival software in the brain gets activated and we suddenly engage in the more primitive fight, flight, or freeze behaviors in an effort to feel safe and in control.
Hence the battle for toilet paper becomes a dramatic attempt to feel more in charge of a basic human need.

I’ll never forget sitting in Boston Logan airport on the morning of September 11th, after being removed from a flight headed for California. Like a frightened little girl, I sat cross-legged on the floor in the gate area banging my cellphone on the carpet. I was desperately trying to get it to work so I could call my husband but, because I was terrified, I had regressed to a five-year-old state and couldn’t remember how to work the phone.  My inner five-year-old hadn’t learned to use technology yet. 
This is why compassion is so necessary right now.  When a friend loads up her car with over-flowing supplies or a family member decides to restrict anyone from coming to his home, we need to remember that these are just the self-preservation behaviors of a frightened human. And when we’re frightened, we need what children need – a calm presence, to feel heard and understood, and to be able to talk about how we feel without being judged or ridiculed.  
We all need this.

When I feel anxious and emotionally overwhelmed (and, as a sensitive woman, I certainly have felt that way this week) I place my hand over my heart, and ask myself:  How old are you right now, sweetheart? Then, once I have a number – five or ten or twelve, for instance, I ask the young part of me what she needs to feel safe. 
I might need a soothing reminder that everything will be okay. Or, I might need to talk things through with a friend. Maybe I need to go for a walk, or take a nap in the sun (which I highly recommended, by the way).  
The more you care for the regressed part of you, the easier it will be to spot it when it happens to others.  Then, you’ll remember to offer your love rather than criticism or judgment and everyone will benefit.  
Let’s do our best to be there for one another this week, as well as for ourselves.  After all, we’re navigating unchartered territory. 
We’ll get through this, I have no doubt. And there’s a good chance it will be sooner than you think.
Love,
Cheryl 
www.cherylrichardson.com

This week I met an interesting man at Cape Winds who gave me an impromptu energy reading ...
And it was a really cool confirmation from the Universe that I am on the right track. 

Firstly, he said he liked the music i was playing and got the name of the CD.
Then he asked me if I taught meditation.
I said yes. He said he sensed that calming, teacher energy.
Then he said he could see water coming into my hands from above ... energy pouring into my hands ... but it looked like water.

And he also said I had lots of spirit guides but one in particular stepped forward - a middle eastern man. And a tall dog like an Afghan hound. I said the dog may be a past life guide, because I’ve not had a dog in this life.

He also asked ‘Do you feel trapped right now?’
I said ‘Actually, yes I feel like I need to move and expand and learn more. Possibly move away from the island.’
I told him about the past life course I’d like to do with Brian Weiss in New York and the people I’ve met in the last two weeks, who have done that exact course.

He said ‘Well you don’t need any more certificates - you can teach from where you are.’
I said that I understand. And I would like to soak up some more knowledge, rub shoulders and be around higher level teachers.

We talked about energy and the earth transforming and how people are learning to be unattached and enlightened.
He left the shop and said ‘I’m sure we will meet again.’
And I suspect we will. It was very cool.

When we have these synchronistic meetings they are important. Take special note.
Are you looking out for (or even open to) having interesting encounters?

And regarding your goals or desires ... I also wanted to put this out there ... one of my friends on Facebook posted a note that said:
“I dare you for the next 6 months to focus exclusively on your goals. No announcements. No excuses. Just fall back and do the work.”
I have accepted.
And ... this week ... I dare you all to do this too.

Blessings Pip x

This month I am reading Rebecca Campbell’s book ‘Light is the new black’ for my spiritual book club and it’s been aha moment, after moment, after moment ... It’s like this woman is writing just for me.
I mean, she loves watching the TV series Private Practice and talk about past lives and she believes we choose our parents. Soul sister!!
But my main takeaway this week was the idea of loosening your grip on the things you think you most NEED.
What external things are you clinging to in an effort to feel whole or enough?
She says “We cling tightly because deep down we know that unless we control, cling to, and hold on, we feel that relationship, job or (insert your thing here) might not stay on its own accord. But in loosening our grip, we open space for light to come in and heal the part of us that doesn’t feel whole. As A Course in Miracles tells us ‘whatever we leave empty, grace will fill’ ...” (Page 66)
Ohhhh boy ... so ... the things I’ve clung to in the past have been ... the job ... the relationship ... the alcohol ... the draining friendships .... the emotional eating ... the overworking ... the people pleasing ... the spending ... the lying to ‘protect’ others (or myself).
I bet most of you can say you’ve clung to some of these.
You probably are now. Right?
There is a fear that nothing will come to take the place of that thing.
But I can definitely tell you that what Rebecca suggests about loosening your grip ... it works!
I’ve been in that place of desperately clinging to something (or someone) and that energy actually makes it worse. You know?
And I’ve been in that other place where you let go ... surrender ... some might say ‘give up’ ... give up the neediness and the fight ... it’s SO tiring.
That’s actually what’s making you exhausted my friends.
The fight to keep things that you don’t need to fight for.
Rebecca says “If you can find the courage to surrender, then that thing we once clung to will either stay on its own or be replaced by something that is beyond any of our wildest dreams.
Loosen your grip. Grace is coming. It might be uncomfortable at first, but I promise it will be worth it in the end.” (Page 67).
My invitation to you ...
Are you willing to let go, surrender and give up the thing you are clinging to? And begin to trust that grace will find its way to you.
I have a tribe of people who help me to re-frame and let go. Sometimes our own mind can trip is up.
Let me know if you need my support.
Blessings
Pip
Contact me by going to my CONTACT ME page. 

So, this week, as I continue doing the Heal Thy Money Mindset course, we were journalling about what would happen if you stop making money the reason why you can't do things. 
Wow! What a great question huh?
Makes you wriggle a bit in your chair right?
Did you scrunch up your face like I did?
Ohhh yeah ... these are the questions  that help us to grow.
Since my commitment to you this year is to share even more authentically, here is my answer:

Aaaaaarrrggghhhh ... blahhhhh ... FINE! ...
Well - I would be doing A LOT more planning, dreaming and goal setting ... and then I'd have to take action.

I'm thinking about how excited I am to go to the QUEEN and Adam Lambert concert on Thursday night (20th Feb).
And as I watched them on the Fire Fight Concert the other night I felt the excitement expand.
Then Michael Buble came on and I suddenly had the thought "ohhh I'd like to see him too ... but I can't afford it." 
And I began to feel sad. WTF?
A minute ago I was bursting at the seams with excitement.
I took the shine off a very cool gift that my sister gave me. 
Me ... I took that shine off ... I mean seriously, seeing QUEEN live in concert is AMAZING!
Why would I even let myself go down that rabbit hole? 
That's not a helpful thought process. 
Of course, it was unconscious. 
But I went there. Only for a few minutes. Until I realised what I was doing.
But for a few minutes I stopped myself feeling the anticipation of the joy and passion and crazy excitement of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
Plus, just for the record, its NOT TRUE!
I CAN actually afford to go to the Michael Buble concert too - if I wanted to! 

So ... this is really making me look at my automatic, unconscious and programmed responses. 
The other truth is that my life experiences have not confirmed the 'not enough money' belief. 
I have actually always had jobs, clients, travel experiences, gifts and more ... given when I asked for them.
Or more to the point ... when I ASKED & ACTED for them ... when I TOOK ACTION for them. 
The excuse of "not enough money" is blown out of the water when the momentum grows and all of the Universe conspires together. 

The trip to LA last year with Erica (in December) was one of those times.
I'd been wanting to travel and so had she.
We both needed a break and her inspiration about seeing BTS in concert, eventually got us both out of our comfort zones and onto a plane to the US. 
Did we have challenges? Hell yeah!
Do we regret going? No way!
It was a very revealing. It was fun and exciting. It was a whole new chapter in our travelling journal.
No more hostels for us! It's 4-star (or more) these days. *grin*
We learned A LOT on that short trip. 
More importantly, it has wet our appetite for more. 

I'm really keen to go to New York and do the Brian Weiss Past Life Therapy course. 
It's been on my mind for years and I have a growing desire to tap into the teaching and coaching aspects more.
Plus I have a personal passion for doing the past life journey-work myself.
My book (Finding my Soul at Sea) touched on my early experiences with past life regression meditation and my desire to learn more has grown since then.
I love talking, reading and teaching about past lives and how they can help us heal and transform in this current life. 

Money is NOT the reason why I've stopped myself for doing the things I want to do.
I've always found, created and manifested the money when I've been committed and passionate about a goal or idea in the past.
And I figure that there is NO REASON why it wouldn't continue to be so. 
I know that it is fear that is stopping me.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of failure.
Fear of success.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of having it all and then losing it.

So, as I sat there with the feeling of fear ... it was okay. 
I know it is only temporary. 
I know how to shift it.
I know how to take care of myself.
I know I've done this before. 
I said "Hello fear and doubt, I honour you. I love you. I know you are just trying to keep me safe. And it's time to grow. We've got this."

It turns out the next module of the Heal Thy Money Mindset course is "Love your fear".
Yes ... that's divine. 
Thank you Universe. 
Blessings Pip x