Hello 2021⚡️Flashback to 1989 (I was 9) I was in a play called “Earth Child” (which was created by the Santa Cruz Peace Child choir). In the play there was a scene where it was a future projection into the year 2021, on “Earth Day,” and we were recounting the perilous times we had passed through, having come into the awareness that we had to change our ways of living to more sustainable, harmonious ways of living with the Earth, for the reality of future generations. 🌏2021 is here. If 2020 wasn’t a call for healing & examination of our fundamental values, what’s it gonna take?! From a scientific standpoint when organisms in a system become out of balance they become more susceptible to disease 🦠 , viruses & bacteria. Look at the problems that go along with monocrop agriculture for examples. And so conspiracy theories aside- humanity most certainly is living out of balance within the system of Gaia- and we are witness to the many ailments that come as a result- physically, emotionally and psychologically. Some say that people will only change when they are forced to- by some crisis or catastrophic circumstances- but I disagree. What makes us humans unique in this web of life is our capacity of awareness. How we direct our awareness is the key for what actions we make in life. Our awareness gives us our ability to perceive, to know, to experience and to CHOOSE. Yet, We have these fascinating ego constructs & without the necessary, cultivated awareness our ego can keep us trapped in perceptions that don’t serve us- & at worst are downright self destructive. We are all the witness & participant to this everyday. So, If we are not just our life story, our fleeting feelings; if we we are not just our accomplishments, our failures, our occupations, our incomes or our formal titles- what & who are we? It’s plain to see all around us every day what happens when we don’t cultivate a wider awareness of our fundamental existence, & ponder these sorts of questions- we may become entranced in the dysfunctional societal programs that don’t actually foster this awareness to begin with that are based on materialism & all the schisms that go along with it. 
And we forget our eternal being-ness that is present underneath it all. And the more we adhere to our beliefs, our stories and patterns of thinking and feeling, and identify only with the roles we play, we might end up feeling like “whats the point of it all? I still feel empty, disappointed, and disconnected.” And no matter how much we try to distract or numb ourselves from these feelings, they won’t go away. They actually will intensify. And so yes, this is when sometimes a person will get brought to their knees in a personal crisis, a “dark night” of the soul, with the desperate plea or earnest prayer for purpose and meaning of their life.
Our awakening can be a painful process that many choose to try to avoid- but it is necessary because it’s going to take a much wider perspective than our ego structures to get us out of the mess we’ve created for ourselves. We are all in this together- no matter how much we attempt to deny it with our “us and them” mentality. Awakening to the fundamental reality of unity- is the journey we are all on. So here’s to the journey! Here’s to the ceremony of life! Here’s to the healing of humanity, which begins with healing the disconnection within ourselves. To become a master of any craft it takes practice, practice, practice. And so here’s to the practice of being more aware of our true selves, of our unity, of our innate and infinite power to love and to create. Who are you and who do you want to be?

(above art by Ashley Foreman)
​I wish to share with you some inspiration that feels alive to me right now. The few days ago I went on a long walk through the moist and mossy old growth forest to an area of beach, that is truly magical. One of the magical aspects are these giant rocks on the beach that are covered with colorful lichens, beautiful blue succulents and tiny wild strawberry flowers. The experience out there was enhanced in its magic due to the fact that I had consumed some magical mushroom chocolate with my partner. When we finally got to the beach we gravitated towards this giant log to “post up” and I created our altar: made offerings to Creator, speaking my prayers, my gratitude and my praise. I used my tuning forks to clear our energy fields with the clear tones and a song came through which was like a soothing balm for the soul- that love is always Here and Now. Then I played my flute for a little while and had the insight while I was creating some lovely melodious sounds of how the flute is like a metaphor for our Life as humans- The way I saw it is that when you don’t place your fingers just right over the holes and allow air to leak through you will not achieve the pure clear tones you desire to make. Just like in life, if we allow our energy to leak out in ways that do not serve we will not then have the energy to achieve what we wish to do; The way that we we carefully direct our attention and energy  will determine our ability to embody the dharma that our soul’s desire to embody. 
Being a Human Being is an awesome blessing and responsibility (among many other things!). It is a blessing because  we have the ability to be AWARE of the power we come from and the power we possess. It is a responsibility because in being aware- we have the choice to use our power for good or for evil.  Dharma is a very meaningful word that is not simply defined. The origin of this word is Sanskrit- Dharma being “that which upholds or supports.” It can be regarded as  "the ultimate and primordial fact of who and what we are.“ It can be regarded to as "What is”- the circumstances of your life AND dharma can also be the path with which you meet the phenomena of life- the eternal dharma, that is continually unfolding….
After this flute playing I walked a little ways closer to the ocean and sat in the sand and surrendered my thinking mind to just RECEIVE. With an open heart and open mind I had beautiful, meaningful experience that stirred deep emotion within me. I will attempt to put to words the feelings and insights I received and could later reflect upon. It was a deep felt sense of remembrance- of my deep connection to the living world. I felt a deep sorrow well up in me with the knowing of how many humans on the planet have become so disconnected. I began to cry with witnessing the divine comedy/tragedy: that humans are only searching for themselves- the true Self that is within! Yet they are lost in the illusion that they must seek for meaning and purpose outside of themselves.  I felt a deep sense of responsibility with this remembrance and my soul’s desire to embody this truth, this knowing and to inspire others to their deeply connected and divine remembrance through the medium of Sound vibration. Song. Music. Mantra. And Words…….powerful intentional prayerful Words. With the massive shift we are witnessing right now globally it is crystal clear to myself and many others the importance of aligning with Dharma. What is it for that that upholds and supports your sense of Being? What is it that gives you a sense of meaningful connection to and purpose in life? With each of us being unique souls, we each have our unique individual dharma (sva-dharma) which guides how we meet and interact with our unique circumstances of life and how we are of service to the whole. Additionally, we are all a part of a  common sat-dharma,  which leads us to Self-Realization- our divine birthright!Okay, Okay….with all these concepts and words put aside, let me get back to the insights I had and how it possibly involves you. I got the crystal clear message that I am a messenger- that my dharma is to be a channel to Truth, and all that inspires and felt sense of Truth. I will be “stepping it up” as much as I am able to deliver these inspired messages- and a new evolution of my offering will be “podcasts.”  These podcasts might include wisdom teachings from various traditions. They might include wellness practices. Additionally, I also wish to share more Mantra with you all because I feel like this is a valuable tool for this day and age. This age we are living in is commonly referred to as “the Information Age” and my goodness- all this information that is coming to us from all angles can be enough to drive someone insane! I often reflect on a research paper I wrote when I was in the University of Hawaii, at Hilo, in my undergraduate Natural Science Studies.  While taking a course called Evolutionary Biology, I wrote a paper on “Memetic Theory and social evolution.”  This was years before the term “meme,” which was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976, became commonly known. In this paper I explored “what makes certain bits of information (memes) have a high replication?” If you look at the information that becomes “viral” you will clearly see that the content pushes our “biological buttons”- and what we are witnessing lately is the FEAR button being pushed. FEAR and DEATH. I also explored how memes will begin “battling” in our minds for attention, to be replicated and that if we are not self-aware and vigilant of what is actually going on- that we have become these receptacles- so to speak- for information, whether it be true or not, we can become victim to these “viruses of the mind.” Thoughts create emotions. Fearful thoughts create fear.  Just look at what is happening with this Virus pandemic: The fear and information that is running rampant about this virus is now causing people to discriminate against people of Asian descent! We are even seeing NURSES receiving discrimination, being seen as potential spreaders of the virus- the very people that are putting their lives on the line to be of service and be life advocates for people! And so these fearful memes are literally running people’s lives making people act on the bits of information they are taking in- as if they have no choice! This is how un-aware people are. We are literally freaking ourselves out with what “could happen” and all our emotional reactions to the information and apparent circumstances.  Much of Humanity has assumed the mindless role of regurgitating information and relying on outside sources for the “truth.” This is dangerous and allows the most fundamental aspects to our security to be corrupted: Our consciousness. Which is why the cultivation of consciousness may just be the most important thing we could actually be “doing”- which is sort of an oxy-moron, because in its essence it is non-doing.  The promulgating of fearful messages may just be the most insidious weapon against humanity- because when believed without discretion, it can render a person powerless. It is my prayer that I be a Messenger of Truth. Of inspiration. Of Gratitude. Of connection to creation and creator. Of all that may serve the healing and awakening of consciousness on this planet. Let us tend to our flames of truth within us and keep them burning bright in these times of illusion. Our lives are  a precious gift, made ever more precious by the reality of our impermanence. So while we have this breath of life breathing through us- may we be grateful.  Grateful for the Light of Truth that lives and shines through us. 


(above art by Ashley Foreman) 
*This post I originally shared on my Patreon Page.
I wish to share with you some inspiration that feels alive to me right now. The few days ago I went on a long walk through the moist and mossy old growth forest to an area of beach, that is truly magical. One of the magical aspects are these giant rocks on the beach that are covered with colorful lichens, beautiful blue succulents and tiny wild strawberry flowers. The experience out there was enhanced in its magic due to the fact that I had consumed some magical mushroom chocolate with my partner. When we finally got to the beach we gravitated towards this giant log to “post up” and I created our altar: made offerings to Creator, speaking my prayers, my gratitude and my praise. I used my tuning forks to clear our energy fields with the clear tones and a song came through which was like a soothing balm for the soul- that love is always Here and Now. Then I played my flute for a little while and had the insight while I was creating some lovely melodious sounds of how the flute is like a metaphor for our Life as humans- The way I saw it is that when you don’t place your fingers just right over the holes and allow air to leak through you will not achieve the pure clear tones you desire to make. Just like in life, if we allow our energy to leak out in ways that do not serve we will not then have the energy to achieve what we wish to do; The way that we we carefully direct our attention and energy  will determine our ability to embody the dharma that our soul’s desire to embody. 
Being a Human Being is an awesome blessing and responsibility (among many other things!). It is a blessing because  we have the ability to be AWARE of the power we come from and the power we possess. It is a responsibility because in being aware- we have the choice to use our power for good or for evil.  Dharma is a very meaningful word that is not simply defined. The origin of this word is Sanskrit- Dharma being “that which upholds or supports.” It can be regarded as  "the ultimate and primordial fact of who and what we are.“ It can be regarded to as "What is”- the circumstances of your life AND dharma can also be the path with which you meet the phenomena of life- the eternal dharma, that is continually unfolding….
After this flute playing I walked a little ways closer to the ocean and sat in the sand and surrendered my thinking mind to just RECEIVE. With an open heart and open mind I had beautiful, meaningful experience that stirred deep emotion within me. I will attempt to put to words the feelings and insights I received and could later reflect upon. It was a deep felt sense of remembrance- of my deep connection to the living world. I felt a deep sorrow well up in me with the knowing of how many humans on the planet have become so disconnected. I began to cry with witnessing the divine comedy/tragedy: that humans are only searching for themselves- the true Self that is within! Yet they are lost in the illusion that they must seek for meaning and purpose outside of themselves.  I felt a deep sense of responsibility with this remembrance and my soul’s desire to embody this truth, this knowing and to inspire others to their deeply connected and divine remembrance through the medium of Sound vibration. Song. Music. Mantra. And Words…….powerful intentional prayerful Words. With the massive shift we are witnessing right now globally it is crystal clear to myself and many others the importance of aligning with Dharma. What is it for that that upholds and supports your sense of Being? What is it that gives you a sense of meaningful connection to and purpose in life? With each of us being unique souls, we each have our unique individual dharma (sva-dharma) which guides how we meet and interact with our unique circumstances of life and how we are of service to the whole. Additionally, we are all a part of a  common sat-dharma,  which leads us to Self-Realization- our divine birthright!Okay, Okay….with all these concepts and words put aside, let me get back to the insights I had and how it possibly involves you. I got the crystal clear message that I am a messenger- that my dharma is to be a channel to Truth, and all that inspires and felt sense of Truth. I will be “stepping it up” as much as I am able to deliver these inspired messages- and a new evolution of my offering will be “podcasts.”  These podcasts might include wisdom teachings from various traditions. They might include wellness practices. Additionally, I also wish to share more Mantra with you all because I feel like this is a valuable tool for this day and age. This age we are living in is commonly referred to as “the Information Age” and my goodness- all this information that is coming to us from all angles can be enough to drive someone insane! I often reflect on a research paper I wrote when I was in the University of Hawaii, at Hilo, in my undergraduate Natural Science Studies.  While taking a course called Evolutionary Biology, I wrote a paper on “Memetic Theory and social evolution.”  This was years before the term “meme,” which was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976, became commonly known. In this paper I explored “what makes certain bits of information (memes) have a high replication?” If you look at the information that becomes “viral” you will clearly see that the content pushes our “biological buttons”- and what we are witnessing lately is the FEAR button being pushed. FEAR and DEATH. I also explored how memes will begin “battling” in our minds for attention, to be replicated and that if we are not self-aware and vigilant of what is actually going on- that we have become these receptacles- so to speak- for information, whether it be true or not, we can become victim to these “viruses of the mind.” Thoughts create emotions. Fearful thoughts create fear.  Just look at what is happening with this Virus pandemic: The fear and information that is running rampant about this virus is now causing people to discriminate against people of Asian descent! We are even seeing NURSES receiving discrimination, being seen as potential spreaders of the virus- the very people that are putting their lives on the line to be of service and be life advocates for people! And so these fearful memes are literally running people’s lives making people act on the bits of information they are taking in- as if they have no choice! This is how un-aware people are. We are literally freaking ourselves out with what “could happen” and all our emotional reactions to the information and apparent circumstances.  Much of Humanity has assumed the mindless role of regurgitating information and relying on outside sources for the “truth.” This is dangerous and allows the most fundamental aspects to our security to be corrupted: Our consciousness. Which is why the cultivation of consciousness may just be the most important thing we could actually be “doing”- which is sort of an oxy-moron, because in its essence it is non-doing.  The promulgating of fearful messages may just be the most insidious weapon against humanity- because when believed without discretion, it can render a person powerless. It is my prayer that I be a Messenger of Truth. Of inspiration. Of Gratitude. Of connection to creation and creator. Of all that may serve the healing and awakening of consciousness on this planet. Let us tend to our flames of truth within us and keep them burning bright in these times of illusion. Our lives are  a precious gift, made ever more precious by the reality of our impermanence. So while we have this breath of life breathing through us- may we be grateful.  Grateful for the Light of Truth that lives and shines through us. 

A “coming out” post…I am choosing to participate in a global “coming out” movement called “Thank you Plant Medicine”(TYPM)- (from the website: This movement was born as a response to the stigma in society about the use of psychoactive plants and therapy-assisted psychedelics.We dream of a world where these substances are free from stigma and discrimination, for personal and collective healing.We are organizing a global wave of gratitude for February 20, 2020, calling on people to “come out” with their stories of healing and transformation on that day, using the hashtag #ThankYouPlantMedicine. www.thankyouplantmedicine.com
I would first like to preface by saying that the use of psychoactive/consciousness altering plants or fungi is NOT for everyone and by sharing my perspective I mean in no way to persuade or promote it. Okay? Okay. 
At the young and seemingly fearless age of fourteen I learned through reading some books and magazines about how a person could consume specific kinds of mushrooms and totally alter and explore their consciousness, and perhaps other dimensions of reality (this was before internet use was widespread). I was utterly fascinated and being the curious and hungry-for-the-meaning-of-life young teen that I was I decided to seek out these magical fungi. It didn’t take me long to find them, with the help of a more experienced person who knew how to find them in the cow pasture…..(Panaeolus cyanescens). I had only read about effects from various books and articles but I really was not prepared at all for what I was about to experience. After consuming who knows how many mushrooms (not very smart…) about 20 minutes later I began to feel my senses becoming highly elevated and intensified. The intensity only grew stronger and stronger, to the point of becoming totally overwhelming with surging feelings and emotions and then also altered perception to the point of only being able to see vibrant pulsating rainbow dripping rootlike formations filling my vision. I had no idea how to navigate this unknown realm of feeling and perception, yet I rode it out meeting the experience with utter awe. Then, I started to feel some background trepidation at how I was supposed to return home in such a state, with it being a school night and all…long story short I made it home safely with my tripper “boyfriend” at the time and he informed my parents what we had done, much to their dismay at seeing their daughter in such a state. I somehow floated up to my room where I spent the remainder of the experience laying in a bed that I felt I was continuously sinking into, watching the trees dance outside my window. I had deep insights that night into the personal truth of my being and regard the experience as a sort of “rite of passage” out of my childhood self. That was 25 years ago. Now in retrospect- had I known how the brain develops, I probably would not have done such a thing…I think there’s something to be said for the importance of having your brain fully developed before altering the brain chemistry …yet I’m pretty sure I ended up alright and I can’t say I regret any of my use of mind altering substances (ok-except maybe a couple of times….lol). As I said before- I was a very curious soul, and it didn’t take me long to realize that the “Just Say No” propaganda campaign that I grew up with was more than just a war on drugs- it was a war on consciousness. How we got to this point of “mind control” is something to ponder.
My relationship with psychedelic plants/fungi has changed a lot over the years and I would say that the major shift happened about 19 years ago when I participated in my first plant medicine ceremony. Finally- I got a taste of what my soul has been thirsting for- Ceremony and experiencing the sacred and divine aspects of existence. Rewind-I lived most of my life in a community and area where Cannabis was freely and frequently used recreationally. I also began using cannabis in my teens- in a non-intentional way- not to say that I didn’t have meaningful experiences in that non-intentional context- However I have learned that intention, ritual and/or ceremony can greatly enhance the benefit in the communing with these “entheogens”- a term I like to use which translates literally as “becoming god within.” When I realized the extent as to which the society in  I lived tries to govern our lives- to the point of having laws that make NATURE ILLEGAL- I felt very passionate about RECLAIMING MY BASIC HUMAN RIGHT- to explore my consciousness. When I saw peaceful and kind people I knew facing jail time and/or having their houses taken away because of growing cannabis, it deeply disturbed me. And so my motivation in “coming out” comes from this place within, that believes that it is morally WRONG that plants and fungi that have awesome potential healing value are illegal. Anyone who does their studies of scientific research as well as historical/cultural studies will learn how much value the plant of Cannabis, for example, has for healing. The endo-cannabinoid system of the human body is proof that humans have evolved, in close relationship with this plant. And of course HEMP, which is the non-psychoactive cannabis species has a plethora of amazing uses which would greatly help our society and environment if it were more widely embraced and cultivated.
Thankfully “the times are a changin!’” More and more studies are being allowed and funded, the laws of the land are starting to change in many places and more and more people are beginning to learn about and honor the deep inherent value of these natural plant medicines. These are exciting times and yet we still have a long way to go! And it is my perspective that we need these plant medicines now more than ever so as to help with the healing of humanity on a spiritual level- to awaken us out of the materialist mindset trance of scarcity, unworthiness, fear and disconnection from nature. The fascinating scientific studies are showing us how the chemicals in these plants and fungi work on the brain, in beneficial ways to help people heal with ailments such as depression, PTSD and anxiety. The healing potential of these plants and fungi have been known for thousands of years to various indigenous cultures, who have kept such wisdom alive throughout the millennia through their initiated healer lineages. It is very important to honor the traditions and lineages from which the traditional ceremonial use of these plant medicines originate from because it is these people that have the deeply developed relationship with these plants and understand them in intimate ways which most western psyche’s do not and I dare say cannot (unless immersed in the studies and apprenticing with these traditional plant medicine healers.) And so while these are hopeful times with potential healing that these plant medicines present our deeply troubled and sick society, we must be mindful that our own egoistic tendencies don’t get the best of us.  I have been working with powerful plant medicines for over 20 years now and I am still most definitely a humble student on the path of healing…still learning the delicate process of surrender to the inexplicable healing powers of these plant teachers and the wisdom teachings and deeply meaningful insights they bestow.
Personally, most meaningful and valuable to my own life, of which I have received from my relationship with plant medicine teachers, namely Ayahuasca and Psilocybin mushrooms, has been my feeling of CONNECTION- Connection to Nature, to Spirit, to everything! In my expanded states I can see clearly how my thoughts and actions affect those around me and the whole. In working with these plants/fungi I naturally gravitated towards living a more healthier lifestyle- being careful of what I choose to consume physically or mentally.  Unhealthy habits steadily and easily fell away. A significant healing aspect of these plant medicines is how they have the capacity to disrupt our conditioned thought patterning- which is a very good thing because much of our behavior and thought processes are governed by our habitual patterning- which keeps us very limited in our perception and what we are capable of experiencing. This can lead in turn to depression, addiction, frustration, and other mental and physical ailments. As we are learning with the exciting field of neuroscience, our thoughts, emotions and perceptions are closely linked and work in a cyclical way. This leads me to honor the ways that these plants have helped me to develop my visionary abilities. One of the most powerful visionary perceptions I have had to date through Grandmother medicine was the experience of perceiving the ALL, underlying state of UNITY- it was an ineffable experience- impossible to put into words- but made a very deep impression on my life and perception of reality. I felt completely liberated from all fear and filled with AWE, totally absorbed in the interconnected matrix of all creation. One more thing. Being a singer and musician- it has been a profound gift and one of my greatest joys to sing my prayers and songs while in communion with plant medicine, in ceremony. I am so deeply grateful for all the plant teachers in my life- they are so dear to my heart and my relationship with each continues to evolve in mysterious and miraculous ways. Deep bows of reverence and respect.
 One of the main ways I have integrated the visions and insights that I have received from these plants/fungi is through music. I have always been a musical person, since before I could even talk I was already singing. In my life today, Music is a central aspect and purpose of my incarnation. I feel inspired to add here that the wisdom of the Yogic path has also played an equally important role in my evolution- I was introduced to the path of Yoga also at 14, which has helped me immensely on my journey with its ancient and very relevant wisdom teachings of self realization.  I have also always had an interest in the healing plants and started studying herbal healing in depth in my late teens. I have many healing plant allies that I work with on a daily basis. 
 Above photo with a Chacruna plant, the pair to the Ayahuasca vine, which contains DMT- the potent visionary molecule, belonging to the “Tryptamines,” indolealkylamine molecules, which evoke release of Seratonin and Dopamine. DMT is present naturally in the human body, especially in the gut. But only when paired with a MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor), which is found in Ayahuasca vine, can this molecule actually have its effects. The MAOI that are in the vine are classified as Beta-carbolines. These very special molecules are Harmine and Harmaline. Below is a photo of Ayahuasca vine Banisteriopsis caapi. Interestingly, when the molecule of harmine was first discovered in the vine, it was called “telepathine,”  because “of the reported effects of Ayahuasca among the indigenous users, including: collective contact with and/or visions of jaguars, snakes, and jeweled birds, and ancestral spirits; the ability to see future events; and as the name suggests, telepathic communication among tribal members.”(from wikipedia)
Harmine can also be found in Syrian Rue seeds (Peganum harmala) as well as in Passionflower leaf (much lower amounts.) My experiences with Syrian Rue seed (extract) have been very significant actually, while it isn’t really psychedelic all on its own, I highly value the medicine that it is for calming the mind, increasing serotonin and inducing flow states of consciousness. It also creates energetic sensitivity and increased psychic(”telepathine”) ability.  It ALSO is a powerful anti-parasitic- amazingly and much to my shock it rid my body of parasites! Thankfully it is NOT ILLEGAL(except in Australia where its controlled). The studies on Harmine and Harmaline are very promising and are shown to have significant healing properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions. I’m very enthusiastic for the healing potential of Syrian Rue and Ayahuasca vine! 
One last thing before I close this share and it has to do with integrity and sustainability. The way I see it is that these plants are coming into prominence in our society right now because they are very much needed for our healing. We are facing various levels of existential crises, and I see these medicines acting like the white blood cells of this earth, to help us humans heal our sickness and reconnect to our sense of purpose and belonging to this world (not the world belonging to us, for our use/abuse). However, we cannot continue to take and take without giving back- that sort of behavior is how we’ve gotten ourselves into this imbalance within ourselves and the planet. It is my prayer and vision that those who are called to plant medicine path, do so with the intention of healing themselves so that they may be of service to the healing of the WHOLE. (There’s a lot more that could be said here about safety, the ceremonial container and the facilitator/shaman/medicine healer that creates the ceremonial container.I would recommend this article for this specific topic). Each person has their own unique calling and purpose in which they can serve the whole and that is for each soul to discover within. We start by healing ourselves…that is the key- because our individual healing ripples out. The healing light and love that we cultivate within shines out to inspire and awaken light and love in others. Our own inner harmony will reflect to the outer world. When we live our lives from a balanced place of “right relationship” and reciprocity, as a result we cultivate more integrity and mutual respect. We must integrate the wisdom we gain into daily practices that anchor more loving kindness and compassion because that is what is needed on this planet. 
Thanks for reading!!

||~RESISTANCE~||
When…Where…How is it that you meet your walls?
the walls that you have built around your heart?
and All those places where you stand on guard ready to protect, project, fight or flight….
those fortresses of false protection that prevent you from the feeling and the healing that your soul desires?
Oh, those feelings….of disappointment. anger. sadness. fear. guilt. shame. all those wounds that you never tended to and that fester under all the ways you try to cover-up, avoid, or distract…. 
That hurt child that got left in the shadows….needs Love. 
The depth of despair within you….needs Love.   
Its time to light a candle of remembrance for the darkness within you that is ready to come meet the light of your Love. 
And in this meeting may there be a shared Gratitude for all the ways you have been given the opportunity to learn and grow and remember~ 
This Present…The Gift of your Presence….is the only place one can truly Live.
The Here and Now where we stare into our eternal truth of being…where duality is dissolved into the energy of existence. 

May all Beings be FreeIn response to Oakland’s unanimous vote to decrimilaize mushrooms containing psilocybin: May the awareness of the value of Earth’s medicines continue to spread throughout our communities, cities, countries…Until the people of the earth give the honor and respect that they deserve- In this awakening of consciousness and remembrance of our inherent connectedness, we are ALL in some process of HEALING. Much of Humanity needs a lot of healing at this time, due to our disconnection from life and all the repercussions that have occurred because of it. And thankfully our plant and fungal allies are there for us- and I dare say we Need their help! I reflect on the quote by Albert Einstein: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” and I think these medicines of the earth can help us to open new pathways of thinking and perception that will help us to heal and solve many problems we are facing- first and foremost they will help us open our hearts and minds to REMEMBER LIFE’S INHERENT VALUE- and then perhaps we might begin acting in accordance with this experienced truth. The brainwashing that has occured over time to view these natural and *safe substances* as “illicit drugs” has created a very unfortunate perception of them and many misunderstandings. (*& I mean safe, as compared with synthesized pharmaceuticals and other legal substances). The legal substance ALCOHOL has bar FAR shown to be the most harmful and deadly in our human population. These natural psychedelic substances that come from the earth that have been used for healing and exploration of consciousness for who knows how long, They work in with our body systems/brain chemistry in a way that *can be very helpful & harmonious- due to their close similarities with our own chemistry. For goodness sakes, we have EVOLVED over thousands and thousands of years with these beings- we even have cannabinoid receptors, for example! The psilocybin in “magic mushrooms”, is VERY similar to our own very important neurotransmitter serotonin and the studies that have been already done with how psilocybin positively affects the brain have been very promising!Lastly- my own disclaimer on Psychedelics: “they aren’t for everyone,” especially not for those who have a strong resistance to surrendering their ego and control, and who would rather not look deeply at their own soul. The etymology of the word psychedelic, which was coined in 1956 by the psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond, is : psychē (ψυχή, “soul”) and dēloun (δηλοῦν, “to make visible, to reveal”)- SOUL REVEALING. We are in REVEALING TIMES. Some might even say “Apocalytic” - and this word also has its greek roots of meaning “To Uncover or Reveal.” And so I am of that unorthodox and heretical nature to praise psychedelics in these apocalyptic times! I am truly grateful for their role in my life and will stand firm for the freedom to explore my consciousness and soul.

Dear Beloved…
Excavator of my Soul, 
You who dig down deep to the hardest of places inside,
to crack those barriers I built in myself, to myself, to anyone who dared to explore that far.
In your presence I fall apart with such perfection
that I could never possibly be put back together the same way- and why would I want to be?
I welcome you and all you bring, like a purifying rain to my desert of despairing separation,
to quench my thirst for truth.
May this be the ultimate obliteration
to illuminate all those dark places inside,
all those ways I’ve tried to hide from the truth- 
the truth that can haunt a sleeping person awake in the darkest of nights-
That All must be Released. That one day you will have to let it all Go with that last breath.
And so I welcome you Beloved teacher of humility. I bow down before you, face on the floor and I lay it all down
All that I am
and All that I thought I was.
All I gripped so tightly to over all those years….
I let it all go ….to rejoice in the liberating release of my so called control.
I feel it all and I free it all
I free this pain, this struggle, this false protection.
I free myself to heal myself
because I truly wish to be and feel to my core that
I am True to Love.
True to Self.
A clear and attuned instrument of divine love, peace and light.
Dear Beloved presence- I offer to you all this healing- the sacred sounds, the liberated sorrows and traumas, the rivers of tears….
I surrender it all to you
to water the garden of Awakening
to nourish the flowers of compassion and healing herbs of wisdom and grace. 
May my Life be a beautiful offering of Gratitude to the Great Spirit that breathes through me
May my open heart be Your Altar where blazes your eternal holy fire of Divine Love…
so that Your light may radiate through me, dispelling all illusions of unworthiness to loving and being loved.

Grieving the loss of a PlaceIt’s a strange thing- to have lava cover up so many places you have called home and your favorite places on earth. Life changed drastically for the people of Puna, Big Island of Hawaii, in May 2018, when the Eastern Rift began erupting in highly populated subdivision (2000+ people), called Leilani estates. Since the beginning of this eruption over 700 (permitted) homes have been taken- and MANY more people have been displaced and/or cut off from their homes due to lava or the fumes making it unsafe to live there. There is currently no end in sight as the lava continues to pump out of “fissure 8″ in the highest volumes ever seen before, forming a massive 8.5 mile long river to the sea, which has taken out some of my very favorite places on earth: Ka Wai O Pele (a.k.a. Green Lake), Kapoho Bay, Wai ‘Opae (tide pools) and now Ahalanui (the warm ponds). The lava continues to crumble and creep its way towards Pohoiki, Puna’s beloved surf break. This is where I learned to surf when I was 13, shortly after moving to Hawaii. The warm waters, crystal clear, with so many fish and turtles, where I enjoyed countless days of my life- I can’t imagine what will become of Puna if Pohoiki is also lost to the lava. To lose these places feels like losing a friend- many friends actually. These places held the space for so many transformative, beautiful experiences of my life. They inspired so many songs. For goodness sake, my first amazing album Nectarian was 100% birthed in Kapoho, on land that no longer is there. I cry with heart break that I will never see these places again. And I also cry in Gratitude that I am so blessed to have known and connected deeply with these places. This life is so precious. This earth is so precious. And all is temporary. Just as this body is temporary. The cycles of life will continue on, in many shapes, forms, colors, feelings and experiences….I am so grateful for these experiences of my life that have helped shape me in these beautiful places- Places hold a certain energy from the life present in those places and the collective energy in those places. These places held the energies of healing, beauty, joy, peace!! We are reminded that not even a place can be “held on to.” Even the earth is temporary! What will this planet be like in a hundred years? a thousand? ten thousand? a hundred thousand years?  With all the transformation that has occured in Puna in the past 2 months, the People wonder what their community and town will look like in the next few days, weeks and months to come. The following photos are all my own that were taken in various places that have been taken by lava in the past month (June-July 2018). I haven’t been “home” to the islands since February, as I am currently based on the West Coast. My parents are there however. My heart goes out to all those in difficult transition. To those that have lost Everything and are feeling despair. What a test this is for the community - and for the people to come together and help one another. Even though many people are leaving the island to begin a new life elsewhere, there are people that do not have that option to pick up and leave- and so in Puna they stay strong!! I Love you all! See you soon! I need to come home and make all this more real. Its one thing to see it all through a picture screen….its another to really see it, smell it, hear it, and feel it. E Pele E! 

We come into this world full of wonder, taking in Life in all its newness and mystery, each day building upon the next,our perception of the world. As children our imaginations can create so many magical experiences~ I have memories of playing by the seashore where I grew up, absolutely enraptured with nature and my own unique relationship with it. I felt like I was a magical wizard working with the power of the ocean waves, opening portals to other dimensions. Yes, I was a magical child, and thankfully I still am a magical child, as I received support and freedom to express myself in my formative years. I have come into my adulthood, accepting that my natural gifts to offer are my music and voice (I have been musical and singing since before I could talk) and I know that this would likely not be the case if I had been brought up in a family that told me to “hush” when expressing my sometimes loud exuberance. I know this is sadly not the case for so many other children, for various reasons. Parents often reward their children for “good behavior” which is often the suppression of their childhood essense and energy. If you made it through your childhood retaining your authentic self then your culture and society will surely work to conform and condition you. Whether it be what we are taught in schools, to what we are fed through the media- we begin to form psychological constructs of what is acceptable and what is not. And because all beings want to be and feel accepted, we end up conforming in many ways. Through our cultural conditioning we form a view of the world and how it came to be and accept what we are taught in school as true- when the reality is that what we are taught by these establishments is what they want us to know, not necessarily what is true. When we reach our adult years, we might find ourselves in places, situations, jobs, or relationships that are actually not at all in alignment with our deep core values, which can create immense inner conflict. Sometimes it takes effort to get really clear with what our true core values are- because what we are conditioned by society to believe, might not be in congruence with our soul’s wisdom. Through the power of our courageous love and willpower we might take an honest look at our lives to examine all that we have learned or have been taught and all the precious parts of ourselves we might have overlooked or abandoned. Then we might seek to reclaim our birthright to BE who we TRULY ARE- and to peel off the layers of conditioning to REMEMBER that creative child within. Affirm “I am a Sacred Divine Soul with a Purpose. I desire to know and live this purpose for the Greater Good of All.”
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Within each and every one of us is a tender, pure, and innocent child that has love, joy, and a special gift to offer the world.  Think of a seed, that contains the blueprint for the plant that it will become. Perhaps it will become an oak tree, or perhaps it will become a sunflower. There are so many plants of so many different shapes, colors and qualities. Think of a sprout just bursting forth to the world from the earth, with so much potential, it is truly miraculous! We all have this same life force within us, driving us to grow, to realize our innate potential. 
Creativity is a unique quality of being Human. Our creative abilities are what have made possible all the technology that you use and see around you, all the Art and music in the world. When people hear the word “creativity” they probably think of these things.  There are many other ways we express our CREATIVE POWERS. What comes to your mind when you think of creativity? Because we are creative beings, we have the power to create our own reality just based on our perceptions and how we interact with the world.  The common phrase that has its roots in religious scripture: “Man is made in the image of God,” is interpreted by many in a spiritual context to mean just this. We create with our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. The more we consciously choose our feelings, thoughts and actions the more we can consciously create our reality. For some, this seems like a very foreign concept: “Choose our feelings- what are you talking about? I FEEL what I feel, how would I choose that?” Emotions are very interesting and are intricately connected with our neural pathways and patterning. The more you react in a certain way will determine how you react in the future. So if you find yourself reacting emotionally in a way that is causing you to suffer, you might be a victim of your own patterning and its time you take your power back. If you want to understand this subject more then I recommend looking into “Neural plasticity” and maybe listening to or watching a lecture/presentation by Dr. Joe Dispenza. This is just one way we can use our power to CREATE. And you will NOT learn this kind of stuff in your elementary, intermediate or high school, unfortunately. You might learn these kinds of things much later in life when you are feeling so fucked up inside that you seek out of desperation for ways to CHANGE your life. But just imagine how different our society would be like if things like this WERE taught in schools to children- that they are powerful and can create their own reality!
CHANGE is something that humans have a challenging time with because we are creatures of habit and we tend to cling to our comfort zones and what is familiar and SAFE. Change can bring fear and feeling uncomfortable. Yet, if we don’t change we would stay stuck in old ways or places that no longer serve our state of being. Not changing can bring suffering. Just look at life itself as an example- Life is constantly growing, changing, and transforming with time. If a sprout is left in a small container, if it is not transplanted when it out grows the container it will become stunted and likely face a pre-mature death. Change comes in many forms and perhaps the most elusive and hard to face is the change that happens insideof you. Our human ego rallies against change in so many ways. Because we are naturally growing along in the cycle of life, we are naturally changing- but when changing means doing something differently, or giving up old habits we do all sort of things to avoid these changes. We can avoid to the point of feeling deep inner conflict, frustration or anxiety and then we might even attempt to mask these feelings with substances (alcohol,drugs,food) or other behaviors (shopping, projecting emotions onto someone else). Another word for change is transformation. There is no “how to” guide for your unique path of healing and transformation. We are each on our unique journeys and doing our unique alchemical work to refine and transform ourselves. It is our humility, our desire and our willingness to do the work that is required. When we take actions that will cause change, new opportunities are presented to us, new doors open, and new ways of thinking may come. So imagine if we consciously made the effort to EMBRACE change rather than resist it. Imagine the rapid transformation that could come. I automatically think of our society and humanity at large- what if our governments of the world stopped resisting the changes that are needed and made the actions to change outdated policies and install new ones that better serve the whole? Its our conformity in our society that actually continues serving these outdated ways- So is it not our responsibility as conscious co-creators to break free from the conformity make change happen? Yes, its true that the governments are corrupted and have gotten to a place of serving themselves rather than society as was their original purpose, but is this not also a reflection of ourselves? 
I didn’t know what I was going to write when I started writing this but it ended up being about these three words: CREATIVITY, CONFORMITY AND CHANGE- and how these three things are very much connected. I felt prompted to write because I am feeling the pushes of life’s changes and I am in acknowledgment that I too was resisting my own transformation, and have been feeling the frustration and inner conflict. Its also given me the opportunity to look deeper at where my own conditioning and perceptions work against me. And so, the process of change can often include very painful and honest introspection and sometimes even a symbolic death of self to reveal the True Self to resurrect. The natural ways that  I personally face change (especially inner change) is through my creativity- specifically, music, writing and painting. Many of my songs come through me in times of immense turmoil and transformation and they help to usher me into a new level of being, such as my song “Path of Transformation.” And sometimes my songs are reminders for me, as I can fall into a spell of forgetfulness. As a dear friend of mine sings in her song, entitled “Human Kind”:  “Oh, Awakening is so much sweeter, after we forget, you know…” 
 I am so grateful to know that my songs also help others in their transformative process. That is how I know it is my the gift to offer to the world. Sharing my truth and healing process in return can help others on their journey too. For that I am humbled and grateful.  I encourage You, precious being, to tap into Your own innate instrument(s) of healing You have within. (And feel free to comment and share with me too!) The Choice to embrace Change and Co-create your reality is truly Yours. Blessings on your Journey of Self discovery and creative expression!
Mary Isis

If the true meaning of apocalypse is to “uncover” or “reveal”- than we are surely living in apocalyptic times. All that was once hidden is now coming to surface to be seen and reconciled with. In these times when our hearts and souls are being put to the ultimate test by bearing witness to the destruction, pain and suffering in the world, we meet this challenge with our fortitude- courageously keeping our hearts open to feeling and having the willingness to heal and thrive in this life through our selfless love, compassion, forgiveness and humility. 
We live in a climactic time of extremes, and the shadows of humanity that once were more hidden are in plain sight. It is a time of great transparency as these veils are being lifted and people are waking up from the trance of unworthiness, scarcity, blame, confusion and separation. We are being forced to face our unreconciled grievances, unhealed wounds, and inner conflicts on an individual level as well as collectively in our culture. We are awakening to see the lies that we were told and believed and we are having to unlearn all the ways of thinking that a failing socio-economic system depends on us to perpetuate. Our own transformation and evolution is in our hands.

We are choosing to look deeper for our true purpose and value of living, that extends far beyond the “American dream.”  More than just the country of America- much of humanity is having a soul crisis as a result of a prevailing (yet failing) objectivist and materialist mindset that has dominated and served to support a system that disregards anything that cannot be perceived and explained through the five senses- therefore disregarding the Great Mystery from which emerges awe, humility and reverence. This great mystery is God or whatever you’d like to call the divine source of Spirit which is behind all that we see (and don’t see)- it is what supports all of Nature and the intricate diverse and beautiful web of life of which we are a part. Our passions and desires have run amok in unsustainable selfish ways and now we are now reaping the consequences. We are at a crossroads, which cannot be avoided- because the reality of the truth of our being is what will truly set us free. And to be free is what every being truly longs for. 

There are opposing forces in the world, that is the law of polarity. To be a light warrior means to oppose the forces of darkness in all its insidious forms- Fear, hate, ignorance, self-doubt, blame, judgement, controlling or over powering others, arrogance, confusion, separation, and deception. Forces of darkness work to make a person feel small, powerless, despairing, afraid, and contracted. People fall into dark patterns of mind because they believe things that are simply not true. How does the light warrior oppose the forces of darkness? With love, compassion, open mindedness, confidence/courage, self-responsibility, acceptance, self-respect, sourcing power from within, humility, purification/clarity of mind and body, and truth/honesty in thoughts, words and deeds. These values will serve towards the expansion of our being, bringing a  sense of hope and connectedness. With devoted practice and embodiment of these values in our everyday life, we serve in the highest way we can towards keeping the light shining- Being the Light to guide others through example.



The Light Warrior sources her power from within and is devoted to her soul’s evolution. Ruthless in her pursuit for integrity and wisdom she will hunt down the inner conflicts and contradictions with compassion and eliminate them. There is no room for hypocrisy, or self-pity which would bring down the frequency and not be in alignment with Truth. The light warrior understands that this life is her sacred mystery school, Every new day is a ceremony and every interaction is a ripe opportunity for learning and growing how to love more. The mind goes through refinement and rewiring through this redirection and training and becomes stronger and more resilient so that when forces of darkness try to infiltrate with doubts, fears or hatred- her brilliant light continues to shine with strength and courage- dispelling the darkness. The light warrior wields her sacred alchemical tools of transformation with much care and responsibility. Her words and actions are carried out with intention and integrity and with the Guidance of Loving Spirit. Clear intuition with deep listening, she feels into her next move with precision and certainty. The light warrior has the power to dissolve negativity or any feeling of lacking with the power of her gratitude- because she understands it is entirely her choice how and what she wishes to see. This is what it means to be a co-creator.  If only attuned to selfish desires of ego, our creative force can bring destruction. However, when we are attuned to the Supreme One Source of Light our creations are imbued with goodness and purpose and sustainability. 
Light Warrior Invocation:
I am One with the Great Source of Light, Spirit, Love and Goodness which supports all life. I am Life and I am Spirit.  With the focus of my consciousness I create beauty to inspire, uplift and open the heart. With the power of my compassion and love, walls of separation crumble and the chains of suffering are broken. Knowing that I am One with the immaculate Supreme Source, and I choose to tap into this Wellspring of infinite wonder to keep my light shining bright. My presence has the power to heal and inspire. I am devoted to embodying Truth and Freedom and being a secret agent of love and transformation for the world. I am my own liberator and a conscious co-creator. Divine Love is my Sword and it slices through selfish ignorance and slays doubts and fears. I am a warrior of Love and light and I am a servant of Love and Light. I am always protected by my inner knowing and I am always divinely guided. I am grateful to be Me. I am grateful to be alive. And I am heeding the call to my divine duty and purpose at this time on Earth.
​Art/Painting by Autumn Skye