Exploring Dying & Death as a Transition

A Tribute & Share ~ My Grandmother’s Passing

The role of a shamanic practitioner in death is to guide and support the soul of the dying as they are welcomed into the afterlife. 

Shamanically, death is seen as a transition where the soul lets go of the bounds of the body and fully enters into the spiritual world known as the afterlife. The transition into the afterlife that occurs in death is acknowledged as being equally as important as the one in birth. However, the transition into birth is the opposite, where the soul leaves the spiritual and enters the physical.

Think about the birthing process. Women have been birthing since the beginning of humanity. People have also been dying since the beginning of humanity. In the least, the baby has its mom to support. More often, the baby also has a group of loved ones – doctors, midwives, doulas, friends and family to share encouraging words and ensure the process is as smooth as possible. This is seen as normal and necessary in our world today. But who do dying people have? This is one of the roles of the shaman. Birth and death are transitions on opposite sides of the same coin, and require the same amount of space, tenderness, reverence and love. 

Dying is a process in which the shaman acts as a midwife for the soul who journeys through the portal of death into the afterlife.

The role of the shaman up to, through and after death is to create the necessary space, energetic healing and support for the soul to transition as peacefully as possible, so they’re able to continue processing what they need to learn, evolve and ascend into and throughout the afterlife with the utmost ease and grace.

There are many helping, compassionate beings that the shaman works with to provide additional support for the dying as well as the living.

Often the souls of well ancestors present themselves to meet, greet and guide the dying, as well as a multitude of psychopomp beings whose only objective is to help guide the soul through this portal. Psychopomp is a Greek word that translates as guide of the soul. The shaman also acts as a psychopomp. Through the dying and death process, the role of the shaman includes providing comfort for the living, and if necessary, planning arrangements and/or tending to any ‘unfinished business’. It’s common for a soul to experience unfinished business if they cling to attachments or dynamics that require resolution in order for peace to propagate during and after death. Ultimately, shamanic practitioners help create a safe, healing space for the letting go of the dying, grieving of the living, and beyond. This is deep, sacred work. 

I had the extreme honor and privilege to support my grandmother last week during her departure from this world.

She was and is a very important person in my life. She was like a mother to me, and some of my favorite memories, especially in childhood, were always with her.

Mom-mom, as I called her, was spunky, spontaneous, witty, independent, stubborn, so very caring, loving and hilarious. She touched the heart of pretty much everyone who came across her, and certainly everyone who knew her. I’ve truly never met someone quite like her. From being able to talk her way out of speeding tickets, to prompting her grandchildren for approval to follow signaling fire trucks to find the fire, there was never a dull moment. We laughed and laughed and laughed and had the most fun. I always felt so cared for, loved and safe in her presence, outside of when she still insisted to drive me at 90 years old.

She was full of life until she wasn’t. She lived until her body told her she couldn’t. Her spirit was strong to and through the end of her earthly life, with only her body that failed her, as it will for every one of us one day.

I was blessed to be at her bedside for the last 12 hours of her life. She waited for me. When I arrived at the hospital in MD and walked into her room, her eyes lit up. Her head was turned to the right, eyes half open, half closed with some movement from time to time. I knelt down to her level so she could see me and started speaking with her. I knew she could hear me because every time I finished speaking, she would take a big breath and sigh. Her mouth would open, and she would move her tongue, like she was trying to talk but couldn’t or didn’t have the strength. I thanked her for waiting for me, told her I loved her very much, and invited her to let go when she was ready, among many other things. She was cool to the touch. 

Over time and many hours, she settled into stillness and comfort. Once we were alone for the night, I asked her if she was okay with me setting sacred space and inviting helping energies to support her transition. I intuitively knew that she gladly accepted, so I shared a prayer as I usually do in any shamanic or energetic work and helped to set the container. She softened into the container.

Around 9p, a nurse came in and tried to take her vitals. She couldn’t get a reading, but you could see that she was still breathing. I intuitively knew it would happen in a matter of hours.

As the container solidified and the helping energies surrounded us, we spoke about her unfinished business. As we talked through things, this gave her a sense of peace that allowed her to begin to let go naturally and gradually.

I helped to clear heaviness within her body and invited divine love and light to flow through her and the space that held us. I sang her medicine songs which called in the support of her helpers and Source/God energy. She loved it and didn’t want me to stop. When I finished, she had a soft smile on her face. Prior to this, she hadn’t moved for hours. I’ll never forget her smile that night. She looked very comfortable and at peace. I felt comfortable and at peace myself.

I could see and feel her spirit being lifted higher and higher, surrounded by love and light. There was a gateway in the afterlife that she was approaching. There was a significant amount of energy moving around and through her body. The cord that connected her to her body softened and stretched. Eventually, I was told she would become so ‘top heavy’ that the cord would dissolve naturally. 

I sat in a chair close to her, covered by a blanket that my great-grandmother made, her mother. I reminded her on occasion that I was still present, and that I loved her dearly. Sometimes I would repeat “May you be held. May you be cared for. May you be loved. May you be at peace.” I watched her breathing become subtler and subtler for hours upon hours. From low belly breaths to upper belly breaths, to chest breaths, to collar bone breaths, to nothing. At some point in the night, I came to the realization that she witnessed my birth, and I had the honor and privilege to witness and support her passing. On occasion I would rest my warm hand on hers or comb her hair. She was cold to the touch now.

In the early morning hours, I noticed she was no longer faintly breathing. The nurse came in just a moment later and couldn’t hear activity in her heart or lungs. The doctor confirmed her passing shortly after. I was told she looked so peaceful. She really did.

Around 254a on Wednesday, 2/14/24, Valentine’s Day, Marylin Berman, my Mom-Mom, passed away. I will remember this day for the rest of my life.

I can see that she is ascending into her highest, lightest and freest version of self. She is looking down with love, awe and pride. I can feel her everywhere – She lives in all things now. She is infinite, loving space.

I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life. She lives on now within my heart and acts as a guardian spirit of mine. I will never forget her voice or her presence or her positive impact on my life. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to be there during her transition and more importantly to have been blessed enough to have her as my grandmother. She will be missed dearly.

I love you Mom-Mom. Thank you. Until we officially meet again,
Your Little Shanny<3

I offer a FREE Discovery Consult for all new clients. Don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule – Let’s connect to see what’s coming up and how we can work with it.

I’m sending you Love and Blessings,

Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Teacher, Healer, Energy & Spirit Worker & Intuitive Medium

Becoming Sovereign: The Energy Behind Thoughts, Words & Actions That String, Tie & Bind

What would change if you could be more aware of the energy behind thoughts, words and actions?

The words you think, and the words you speak, hold power. The same is true for your actions. And you can bring others (energy) into the picture when you think, say or do things that involve them. 

We can easily tie our energy to others by the things that we think, say or do.

This concept is shamanic in nature (spirit-based) and was/is understood by ancient and indigenous cultures from around the world.

‘Tying energy’ is not innately negative. It can be used for specific beneficial purposes. However, for the purpose of this blog, we will focus on how this kind of energy can be significantly limiting

How you think, how you speak, or how you do something significantly influences the power of underlying energy…

It’s less about WHAT you think, say or do…but HOW!

Energy is much more complex than we often realize.

It lives within everything and can be easily influenced – whether by our own doing, by others, by our family and friends, by our environment (past or present), by nature or spirit, and more.

Things like intention, purpose and resonance influence the underlying energy behind thoughts, words and actions.

The type of thought and the direction it leads affects the energy that’s behind it.

Tone, cadence and volume affect the energy behind words.

The feeling that you have as you do something affects the energy that fuels an action.

There are many other factors!

Have you ever noticed the presence of an energetic string that was attached to something that was said or done to or for you?

For example, when someone says one thing, but means something else. Or when someone does one thing, but anticipates something else in return, with or without full disclosure or consent. Perhaps you have said or done things in this way too.

Energetic strings can easily live within expectations, anticipations, obligations, debts and more.

Shamanically, strings can also live within curses, oaths, vows, promises, dedications, devotions, traumas (abuse, neglect, manipulation, etc.) and more.

Strings, ties and bindings come into play when a certain kind of underlying energy is not at the forefront of an exchange in a clear and communicative way.

When something is strung, tied or bound, it locks the energy into a specific place or aspect for a specific reason or purpose, which then helps it to stay put. This typically creates a negative energetic influence.

When you expect something, you can easily end up tying an energetic string to that potential outcome. This might lead you into an unfavorable territory if the outcome doesn’t come to be in the way you expected (ex. disappointment). If I have an expectation about something, I also invite a level of openness, discovery and trust in that things naturally unfold in the best of ways, even if I don’t understand how or why. To me, this is a practice of having an intention while surrendering to the outcome.

The same is true for anticipations, which are quite similar energetically to expectations. When you anticipate, you could be reaching a string to that thing, which would then pull you from your body, and the present space and time, towards what it is that you’re anticipating or expecting. These energies could surface as anxiety, having a ‘busy’ or ‘distracted’ mind, feeling disconnected from current sensations and feelings in the body, and in some cases, the experience of catastrophic thinking (worse-case scenarios playing over and over).

The energy of obligation tends to go hand-in-hand with energetic strings. When you feel obligated to do or say something, you are being pulled in the direction of that string, regardless of if you want it/to or not. This generally does not feel good. Obligation tends to create feelings of guilt or even shame if it’s not fulfilled, regardless of the bigger energetic picture at play.

Debts without a doubt create energetic strings – Hopefully ones that are fully agreed to and deemed of worth to the holder of the debt. Debts that appear after-the-fact (ex. through the ‘you owe me’ mentality) represent the existence of energetic strings that were not originally at the surface, nonetheless still existed. I think about the giving of a “gift” that actually had strings attached. Or how some parents can make their children feel indebted to them simply because they are their parents, without consideration of their children’s best interest, or if they even served their children well at a larger scale.

In the simplest of terms, a curse is a very common kind of energetic climate that places a hold on an individual’s space, which limits, restricts or governs their destiny in unfavorable or undesirable ways, typically through repeating patterns, behaviors, situations and outcomes. A curse is a type of foreign energy, which means it’s not authentic or original to those affected. Although, the energy of the curse still lives within or overshadows those affected through a negative influence.

Curses can include the energy of strings, ties and bindings. This would in turn anchor the limiting climate and negative influence of the curse even more into the spaces of effect through having additional energies that, for example, keep it in place or hold what is being tied or pinned. To learn more about curses, read this blog: What is a CURSE?! Are They Common? – Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness Blog (surrendertosoulwellnessblog.com)

Oaths, vows and promises can easily create strings that bind the receiver of the oath, vow or promise to what is sworn to, for or by. Cultures including the Norse (Viking), Gaelic (Irish/Scottish), Old English and many others have detailed accounts of these energies existing within them.

If a dedication or devotion is made, it’s possible that the dedicate-ee or devote-ee creates energetic strings that intertwines them with what the dedication or devotion is to or for. Hindu culture, amongst others, have this imbued in their cosmology.

When working with these energies, it’s important to consider the terms put in place and the life span of the energy.

It’s quite common to overlook these things upon the creation of the energy, regardless of how it comes to be.

Energies can be put in place for a specific purpose and length of time, which would then hold firm for that period of time, sometimes even if circumstances change.

It’s possible for these to remain in effect throughout various lifetimes of the soul and/or affect generational lines and/or the lands we live on or come from.

Note: In my experience, almost all kinds of these energies are workable and do NOT have to continue in the same manner. Most things are able to be cleared, reworked or renegotiated – given new levels of awareness, circumstances and the individual’s right to their own optimal well-being.

This might propel you to think about or feel into how energies of the like may be influencing your well-being…

Energy lives within and fuels everything – therefore it influences and manifests within your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Your well-being is connected to the concept of sovereignty –

Sovereignty is a birthright that means you have the right to be in service to your own well-being in an authentic and beneficial manner.

With sovereignty, you have the ability to be your own self-governing individual, with agency and authority over your energy, thoughts, beliefs, choices and actions, so that they are of benefit and in right relation to you. Becoming sovereign includes becoming aware of your energetic space and what lives within or in accordance with it.

One of my teachers, Betsy Bergstrom, speaks beautifully about these teachings.

Betsy shares that becoming sovereign is a path, and our relationship to sovereignty grows and evolves over time, just as we do. Learn more about Betsy’s work here: About | Spirit-Wise

Sovereignty comes into play if there are energetic strings (created through a thought, expression or action) that tie or bind the sovereignty of those involved together (under a specific set of terms, conditions and period of time).

Some people have more power at their disposal to harness or create these energies.

Strings, ties or bindings can be created with love, or with the opposite, and anything in between.

There is an amount of intent involved, although it could be from a sub/unconscious place. And intent doesn’t equal impact. Even with the best of intentions, the impact can become something different.

When we’re stringed to something, we’re connected to it and influenced by it, whether we want it, like it, agree with it, or not.

There are many factors to consider when working with these energies.

Sometimes we do not or cannot fully understand what we’re getting ourselves into, or what we’re energetically agreeing to, or what is being forced onto us, or what still stands today even if the circumstances or arrangement has changed.

It’s possible to create energetic strings where your sovereignty and the sovereignty of someone/something else becomes intertwined. This means your will and the will of someone/something else is also intertwined.

Will is an aspect of sovereignty that influences personal power, energy levels, drive, sense of self, vitality, lifeforce and more.

I tend to visualize the tying or binding of sovereignty or will as a braid. The different sources of will can be braided together into one.

When your will is tied to someone else’s, or vice versa, there is a shift of influence.

This alters the field of energy that you share and impacts each individual (energetic) space of those involved. The quality of energy, thinking, expression, behavior, desire, motivation, even life path direction and more can be influenced as a result. 

Energy is influenced much more often than we would like to think or realize.

It’s possible for an influence of the like to be of benefit, if there is conscious consent, understanding and choice for all parties involved, and if there is a potential for renegotiation if/when circumstances change.

It’s likely for these energetic situations to become undesirable or unfavorable if things are forced, withheld, repressed (sub/unconscious), altered, unknown, or coming to be through ulterior motives.

Often there is a lack of consent or comprehension about the totality of what’s happening, what or who’s involved, what the arrangement entails, for how long, and why.

Ancient and indigenous cultures knew/know that when something is thought, voiced or acted upon, it creates a line of energy that directs the soul.

For example, cultures have been intentionally tying or weaving prayer into reality through clothing, jewelry, tapestries, carpets, flags, baskets and more, which brings the energy of the intention and the energy of blessing into the everyday world.

Where and how is your soul being influenced, directed or affected through what you think… how you think it…what you say…how you say it…what you do…and how you do it?

There is a lot to consider here.

I work with clients to provide support, clarity and healing regarding these energies (whether it has occurred in this life, a past life, or in a client’s generational line) in my private practice, Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness.

Personally, I always strive for conscious intent, consent and comprehension. This is a work in progress.

We want to empower ourselves and others to make rightful and authentic choices and actions that are beneficial and supportive of well-being, firstly personally and therefore collectively. I believe what is in alignment with (the greatest and highest version of) personal well-being is also in alignment with (the greatest and highest) collective well-being.

We want to advocate for our own and one another’s sovereignty.

We don’t give ourselves enough credit to honor and acknowledge the power and influence we have over our own world, and the world of someone/something else.

Part of our personal and collective healing work resides in becoming sovereign through becoming aware of the energy behind thoughts, words and actions.

Awareness of strings, ties or bindings can be elusive, shadowed or hidden to those being influenced. Sometimes, a shift occurs in life that brings forth the clarity of need.

Whether of your own doing or someone/something else’s, in the past or the present, it is possible to work with these energies through a variety of energy, intuitive and shamanic healing techniques.

These kinds of energies require an attuned eye to neutrally, objectively and clearly view the energetic situation, so it can be tended to in a way that’s compassionate, ease-ful, functional, sustainable, graceful and beneficial for the well-being of the client.

You do not have to suffer through the negative influence of these energies on your own. And, you do not have to try to repair them on your own!

If you feel you have been subjected to or involved in something of the like, there are many ways that you can bring more awareness into the workings of your energetic space. Things like yoga, breathwork, meditation, journaling, self-reflection, specialized therapeutic support and/or energy work encourage and promote this. 

It is possible to move forward with greater sovereignty, truth, authenticity, power, potential, freedom and flow!

I offer a FREE Discovery Consult for all new clients. Don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule – Let’s discuss what’s going on and how we can work with it.

May your day be blessed and beautiful.

With Love Always, 

Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Why I Work With Empaths

Dear Soul,

Do you ever wonder why you take on so much?

Why you feel “off” around or after you’ve been with others?

Are you tired of feeling the pain of our distressed planet?

Are you tired of thriving only when you’re alone?

Well, you might be an Empath…it’s much more common than you think!

An Empath is a person who has a natural sensitivity to the energy of others and the world. You can be born with this, or it can develop over time.

Empaths play an essential role in society. They help to collectively usher humankind through vast challenges and changes.

Empaths are the compassionate feelers of the world!

I’m often asked why I’ve decided to support Empaths in my work, like the 12 week virtual course, Embody Your Empath, which begins Feb 9th 2022.

There are SO many reasons:
1. I’m a strong Empath. For the first 20 some years of my life, this was VERY difficult for me to manage.
2. Most of my clients and students are Empaths, too!

3. There are varying degrees and kinds of Empaths. Most people will feel empathy on occasion, but some feel it regularly…and to the point where it’s affecting everyday functioning.

4. Some Empaths don’t know that they’re an Empath! I didn’t realize it because it was my normal, until I began researching why I felt this way…

5. Most Empaths don’t understand what’s happening energetically. Eventually, I received the support of wonderful guides and teachers. Now it’s become a part of my soul’s journey to give back and support others in need.

6. If an Empath is unbalanced or inexperienced, it’s common to develop fatigue, discomfort and pain, sometimes even “chronically”. I used to feel exhausted after social interactions, lost in anxiety and overwhelmed by body aches as the “smoke”, or energy, from others weighed on me.

7. Empaths tend to grow more invested in others than themselves. For so long, I wasn’t aware that I was deferring or ignoring my feelings, thoughts and beliefs in an effort to please or protect others. But it makes sense…by doing so, I was avoiding feeling their discomfort!

8. Empaths are naturally drawn to helping others, animals or nature, personally or professionally. When an Empath stands fully in their truth and power, they’re able to emanate a stronger positive influence onto others and the world!

9. We need this work now, more than ever. In order to traverse these times with as much grace and ease, we must learn how to better manage energy!

10. This is deeply rewarding. It’s beautiful to witness the “Ah-has!” that come with developing and healing in community.

11. Lastly, Empath’s have a birthright to understand, balance and embody their sensitivity…not as a burden, but as a GIFT! 

Does this resonate with you?

Or do you have someone in mind?

There are 4 spots remaining for Embody Your Empath, which runs for 12 consecutive Wednesdays 2/9 – 4/27/22 @ 6-8p MST. 

We’ll engage in deep and interesting conversations, learn tools & techniques to support balance, and integrate healing energy through guided meditation, journeying and various other supportive practices.

The topics include: Care, Cleanse, Boundaries, Relate, Balance & Ground.

This course is for you if you’re ready and open to the work of learning about your sensitivity to help balance your energy. 

It’s especially valuable for those of you who work in service to others: Social Workers, Teachers, Therapists/Counselors, Medical Professionals and Healers of all kinds.

All sessions are online, recorded and sent to participants.

If you register by 1/26/22, you’ll receive a $150 early bird discount with code EMPATH22 at checkout!

I facilitate this course once or twice a year. Visit my website to view up-to-date event offerings!

2022 Blessings to you.

May this year open the door to greater fulfillment, purpose and power.
 
With Love,
Shanin | Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

May 2020 Energy Update

Hi friends, how are we holding up?
I hope you are taking care & feeling safe & loved amidst the current crisis. I have spent much time contemplating & feeling into my energy & the collective over the last few months. We are all facing challenges right now, and there are likely more to come. You may share your challenge(s) with neighbors, friends & family, or perhaps it’s unique to you & your life…

Challenge shows up in a variety of ways: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc… You may be facing online schooling or childcare concerns. You may be worried about paying the bills or keeping food on the table. You may be feeling too sedentary. You may be working more now than you ever have before. Maybe you are needing a break. Maybe you are feeling isolated, alone, overwhelmed, sad or frustrated. Maybe you are struggling within your relationship or household. Maybe you are getting used to fear & worry being a part of your everyday.

You are not alone. We are not alone. Everything that is happening is a part of a massive energetic shift & vibrational upgrade for Earth & humanity. Humans are the leaders in this for all life on Earth, and shifts of this magnitude always come with challenge, “hardship” and/or resistance. They also end in increased growth & awareness for those that are willing to *surrender* to the flow & *trust* the process.
If you are reading this & thinking “I’m not being challenged right now”…Take this as an invitation to look deeper & get curious about what is going on under the surface.

Yes, we do need each other now more than ever! Our primal needs of safety, security, support, companionship, love & community are seemingly being questioned or at risk. However, all of the above (& more) is readily available to us, if we truthfully listen & lean into our challenges rather than away from them. 
Home space plays a big role in how we anchor this global shift.
Challenge visits me when my home is many things at once. I connect to a minimalist approach, so this spreads me thin & destabilizes the container. My home is currently holding space to: relax, be active, cook, teach, do inner work, have sessions, connect to community, etc! My home has its usual purpose(s), along with being my work/gym/studio/healing/
community space. That’s a lot! No wonder feelings of overwhelm & exhaustion find their way in, even with “so much time at home”…not to mention the impact of increased tech use. Perhaps you can relate!

Physically, your home is a place of protection & safety, the container for which you live. Within its walls, your home holds your physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual existence. Home is very symbolic of the body and carries both the beauty & challenge of life.

The challenges that are currently showing up are on hyperdrive & pleading to be recognized, heard & seen for what they are. This is a hard but necessary step that will speed up the individual & collective ascension process (they are linked). We are now able to realize that our challenge(s) is ____. This is something we couldn’t see just a few weeks ago, perhaps a silver lining!

Acceptance is a powerful antidote. It is a building block toclear perception & higher perspective. We cannot change what is happening, but we can change our perception of it. It is not something to be forced, rather something initiated by will & choice, then softened into. Welcome the energy of acceptance by being present, not by clinging to what was or reaching for what is yet to come. This is a challenge of its own sometimes. Presence requires clear & sufficient space (in your mind, body & home) to think, be, see & feel what is true for you.

Acceptance helps clear the smoke of illusion, confusion & conditioning. It opens our eyes to what is real. Soul-level acceptance exceeds what is “acceptable” by our ego & sub/unconscious beliefs. It encompasses our entire existence like a warm, eternal blanket of safety, love & trust.

Trust the resources/tools that will help you get through this with as much love & ease as possible. Listen to your innermost needs. Lean into your community & nature. We are all connected within the Web of Life. We share this planet & affect each other in so many ways. Your efforts will open the door for another, and create a beautiful ripple effect throughout the planet.
May we make it through this with bright illuminations & restored connections. May peace find its way into the hearts of all beings of Earth.

With Love Always, Shanin & Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

WHAT IF? COVID-19 Channeling

❤️

What if COVID-19 is bringing us back?

Bringing us back to what is essential, fundamental

What if we have long forgotten how to feel connection?

How to connect throughout the mundane, the everyday

What if this is a big lesson for the people of Earth?

A lesson of community, love, resilience and patience

What if what we are gaining so much more than we are losing?

We lose money, we gain appreciation

We lose control, we gain surrender

We lose each other, we gain new ways to connect

We gain time alone

We gain time with nature

We gain joy from simple and meaningful interactions

We gain gratitude for our fellow humans, the communities we stand with

We gain gratitude for the gift of living on Earth

When did we lose this?

When did we stop seeing beauty in the everyday?

When did our appreciation become replaced by competition, power, control and fear?

And WHAT IF fear is the true killer here?

Fear is what fuels the compounded suffering

Suffering is what breaks our collective hearts

The trees, the birds, the plants have long known

How to weather this storm from the start

They are stoic, patient and ready to be reborn

For they have endured change a time or two

Their wisdom fills the air, the fire, the water and the earth

Their steady grace is not anew

They have compassion for our suffering,

Sometimes immediately upon birth

The trees never question love

The plants never question love

The birds never question love

They are free to be

Each moment, a moment

Soon passes, another comes

Attachment is not in their vocabulary

They are masters of change and uncertainty

Nature is often brutal, but they survive

Without the need to control, and without collective fear

They know collective fear will only bring them down

Together, make them droop and wither

Make them die off, go extinct

Instead, they choose to build each other up

They understand and respect the circle of life

The tree people have an incredibly rooted community

Equality, cohesion, interdependence and TRUST

Many storms they have been through

And they do not question it

They know more will soon come

They have much compassion for us humans

We are bound by our fears and our suffering

It is difficult for us to ride the currents of weather

No matter sunshine, frost or isolation

We must resist, and fight, and fear, and fight, and fear

The tree people know how to hunker down

They know how to ride it out

Many moons have gone by

They still stand strong and true

Undeterred by a storm

How can we listen to the trees?

How can we listen to the plants, the birds, the whispers of the wind?

They have been through this before

It is when we get caught up in suffering

That hurts

What if our fear is what is preventing us?

We sink, we drown

But what if it is possible to swim through the journey?

The trees, the plants, the birds never give up

Within any weather pattern

They know this too, shall pass

Can we remain open in times of challenge, isolation, change?

Open to hear the messages, the LOVE exchange

Between all Life on Earth

WHAT IF COVID-19 is the perfect breeding grounds for a NEW WAY?

A new way of connection, love, community, and appreciation

For the circle of life

For its waves

For its peaks and valleys

For its burning flames of change

What if Earth knows how to be reborn?

What if we are meant to weather this storm?

And come out stronger, and braver, with more LOVE than before

Come out with greater CONNECTION

We just have to open our eyes

Receive the LOVE of being alive

And offer LOVE to those whose life cycle will soon end

Only to be reborn again

What if we will soon see?

That we are always where we are meant to be

WHAT IF?

❤️

Channeling & Poem by Shanin Weisberg

March 2020 Energy Update

This time of year offers a pleasant reminder that no matter your experience of winter or the past, rebirth is inevitable. It is then partially our choice, partially Divine unfoldment, whether we are capable to let go of that which (unhealthily) binds us to past struggles, or embrace the lessons learned with a sense of closure and completion.

We are cyclic beings, much like Earth, since we are her people. Each cycle has its season; each season, a cycle. However, it has recently become clear in the collective Earth energy field that unhealthy repeating cycles may finally be ready to be brokenFinally, truth-telling light is shined upon these unhealthy cycles (in sometimes sudden, seemingly life-shattering but actually life-awakening ways), allowing them to be fully healed and rebirthed anew. This is all for your greatest benefit, ascension and unfolding. Others in your life that once participated in these unhealthy cycles may show their true colors, in telling, harsh or abrasive ways.

This results in a big shift and change in perspective. Something(s) you were once blind to, you are now able to see. This may also cause quite an upbringing of emotions and memories, self-blame and criticism, but Beautiful Being, please keep on and know that you are not alone in this process. Earth stands with you, as do many of us, including Eagle and all Bird Spirits. Old programming, belief systems and skewed perspectives are coming to the light to be observed, felt and cleared.

You cannot force yourself to become conscious of the unconscious, but rather continue to surrender to the breath and trust the process and practices that connect you to that which is greater, to balance and to Spirit. Remain open to receive this connection to Spirit as it lives strongly, especially now, within the Air you breathe.

We are being asked to meet the dawning of each new day with centered presence, surrender and hope.

I am with you, and you with me. With Love Always, Shanin

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

The Promise of Rebirth | Connecting to Spirit

Greetings Beautiful Beings <3

I hope you are feeling full-filled and well-rested as winter comes to a close. It is pretty incredible that the Spring Equinox is in just a few weeks, on March 21st to be exact.

Ah, 60 degrees, Springtime, the promise of rebirth. Can you see, hear, taste, feel it in the Air? Air is the main element of Spring – helping to bring us balance, within and without, above and below. Balance inside our hearts and throughout each cycle of breath.

Spring and Air are all about connection, perspective, clarity and rebirth. Much like a seed sprouting into Air, there is abundant potential stirring around from deep beneath the surface, along with the promise of new beginnings and a chance to start anew. New connections are to be made; new perspectives are to be gained; and a deep sense of clarity is to be welcomed as the birds chirp and sing gracefully to the longer days and warmer nights. Perhaps you can too, sing to the birds or welcome the sun as it rises anew each day.

The Eagle is the gatekeeper of the Spring, Air and the East. Acting as a wise protector, Eagle offers a bird’s-eye view and the gift of flight. All bird spirit guides are powerful allies when it comes to “soaring the skies”; they are known to travel (by way of Air) into other lands and worlds, bringing back Spirit messages and healing perspectives. 

The same Air that Eagle soars on and connects to other worlds through, connects you to everyone and everything else on Earth and beyond. As you inhale, you breathe in a part of the world(s), and as you exhale, you offer a piece of yourself out. This continuous peak to valley dance-of-the-breath is our everyday transport to that which is greater. Our breath is our greatest tool to connect to the subtle worlds within and without, to Eagle and all birds, and to the Spirit of Spring and the East. 

Wishing you a smooth transition into Spring. XOXO With Love Always,

Shanin Weisberg

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Why Do We Practice?

Why do we practice?
No matter what is going on –we show up; we practice.
We practice on our mat, and we practice off our mat.
Our life is one big practice.
No matter what is going on – we show up again and again.
To our mat.
Or to a walk.
Or to the dinner table.
We show up to our relationships.
We show up for ourselves, and we show up for each other.
We show up to and through all of our life experiences.
We show up in celebration.
We show up out of desperation.
We show up for inspiration, and we show up for resolution.
We show up when it’s hard, and we show up when it’s good.
We show up because we know we should.
But sometimes, just the act of showing up is the biggest challenge.
We know we will meet, feel and see what is there when we do…
Our thoughts, feelings, limitations and perceptions also show up all too true.
But nonetheless – we show up.
The hidden treasure is in the why.
Remember why. Why do you practice? And will it sustain you?
The goal is sustainability through it all: the good, bad, and the divine…
They beacon you with their call, “Yes – show up, practice.”
No matter what you are moving through, let it be….
An opportunity.
An invitation.
A shift in perspective or a chance to grow.
Practice, no matter what it be – so that you may Illuminate and Heal
The shadowed corners once filled with doubt and fear.
Practice Kindness. Practice Compassion, Empowerment and Love. 
Not for me, but for you firstly.
You deserve your own approval. You deserve your own shower of Love.
And it’s OK if things get hard.
Especially when they do – practice, show up.
No matter how, the practice becomes a sanctuary. 
A place to come home to what is real, essential and fundamental.
Take it…
Moment by moment.
Breath by breath.

Trust yourself and trust your why the whole way through.
Your practice today is a part of your journey, the greater journey of You.

-Poem by Shanin Weisberg, RYT-500 & Intuitive Healer

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Look into my Eyes…What do you See?

Have you ever looked at yourself (in the eyes!) either in a mirror or in a picture? What did you see? 

It is universally said that the eyes are windows to the soul. What is your soul trying to tell you?

I have found that is it helpful to do this practice about once a week – with an open mind. I prefer to use a photograph as it makes the process easier for me. Try out “reading” yourself through looking at your eyes. Intuitively, do you sense a color, feeling, experience, or something else linked to your eyes? Have no agenda, and try to be as objective as possible – as if you do not know who you are looking at. This helps us get into our reflective/intuitive part of self, instead of the rational/structured part that will not like this practice 😛

You could even reflect on past photos that you have taken (where your eyes are open and looking at the camera). Do you notice a difference from then to now? 

What if you could capture your “now” eyes and compare them with your “future” eyes? What would change?

And a step further – if you could communicate with your “future” eyes, would they say something to you? Perhaps it’s a “don’t give up” or “you are so loved” or “you are perfect as you are.” Or maybe it’s a “keep moving forward” or “stay with it – all is coming” or “give yourself a break – you deserve it.” Perhaps it’s just a transmission of healing energy or a feeling. Your future eyes love your now eyes – that is for sure. 

What if you realized you are supported in more ways that you know? Our soul, the part of us that is eternal, wants to be involved with our lives here on Earth. Is there something you are doing that could help this connection and relationship? Perhaps you have wanted to leave a “soul-sucking” job for a while now. Perhaps you promised yourself that you were going to make it to your yoga mat or meditation cushion, but it hasn’t happened. Perhaps you are yearning for a more solid relationship with your Spirituality, but you haven’t given it energy that is needed for development. 

If we allow ourselves, we are always able to discern what is needed for healing, balance, and vitality – even in the more subtle parts of self (like our thoughts, emotions, and soul-self). The things that we are not able to see with our everyday eyes still have energy. How are you caring for yourself through your thoughts? What about your beliefs? Actions? Can you give yourself some space to feel – even if it is uncomfortable?

When we get comfortable, we can sometimes get complacent. We stop striving to be the best version of US that our future eyes KNOW is possible. Your future eyes want you to keep reaching for your potential, opening to the possibilities of the unknown…and to the best of your ability, welcoming the sometimes uncomfortable places in between. That is where the change, transformation, and transmutation is found. My guides like to call our present spot on Earth’s timeline “The Changing Times”. The world is going through a major up-leveling of collective vibration, which always means that we as individual souls are too.

Imagine looking at your future eyes again…the power, the luminosity, the freedom. What needs to happen to help you get there?

On the timeline of your life, there are moments that took or will take your breath away. Each of these moments are not guaranteed – because we never know when our “time” is up. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. We have all had difficult moments and experiences – but there are so many ways to continue growing and evolving alongside the current of life.

Most importantly and finally, LOVE your “now” eyes. <3

With Blessings & Love Always,

Shanin Weisberg

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Enhance. Embody. Empower.

surrendertosoul@yahoo.com

Visit my website surrendertosoulwellness.com. Click here.

How Distracted Are We?

I typically speak to releasing distractions in the beginning of almost every one of my yoga classes, workshops, or intuitive healing sessions. Often times we are being pulled outside of this moment here and now – either with chains binding us to the past or with ropes trying to lasso the future. It shows up to me energetically as strings that connect us to a time and space outside of now, tugging at us for attention and surely, distraction. It is an absolute necessity to release these distractions before we are able to fully enter our environment or the vast inner world of our Mind, Body, and Spirit – for whatever specific purpose or intention we may have in doing so. To objectively enter our internal and external landscapes, we must (at least try to) release the grasps of our mind that manifest as worries and concerns for everyday life. Our “little” mind is fed from these distractions and is not something to ostracize, rather it is ideally taught that it doesn’t run the show. 

Shamanically, it is known that to enter a healing trance state or to connect with Spirit, we must be freed from these everyday ordeals – even if it is just for a few moments during a practice or healing session. In yoga, it is the same. We have fluctuations in our mind that yoga practice, firstly and fundamentally, helps to cultivate awareness around so that we may observe that they are even there. And secondly, yoga teaches us how to be in flow – how to allow life, and the constant stirring of it inside of us, to have space to be. This happens when we allow thoughts to simply stream without clinging to or pushing them away. This happens when we ride the waves of an emotion until the water becomes clear and steady. This happens when we accept that our muscles are shaking so tremendously and come after we feel incredibly invigorated with aliveness and vitality. When we get out of our own way, and typically this means mentally, the intelligence of our Body and the intelligence of Spirit can come through for whatever greater purpose aligns at that time.

It is important to reflect on the past or set goals and have vision for the future, but it will not promote the intrinsic feeling of connection that we as humans seek. These days we tend to pick up our phones, computers, or turn on the TV to feed this connective impulse. We live in a world where there is seemingly more connection, and at the same time, more distraction than ever. Through technology, this craving for connection is perhaps briefly fulfilled, but not at the level that our higher selves, or soul-selves, know is possible.

Last week, I went camping on the Grand Mesa (one of the largest in the world!) on the western slope of Colorado. It is incredibly beautiful out there. There was barely cell phone service, and I chose to not bring my laptop (phew!). Being without these simple everyday distractions opened the door for me to enter the mysteries. Every morning, I would watch a squirrel do its daily routine – run across the way, grab something, and take it to one of 4 hiding spots. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. The chipmunks came out in the afternoon and at night. There were several of them hanging around, and they acted as my cute little audience when I played the native flute. On our way off the Mesa, we stopped to sky dive! It was my second time and was definitely more enjoyable than my first. Overall, the trip was fulfilling and amazing.

I share this because the “door” (or portal) to presenceSpirit, and flow doesn’t have to be as extreme as off-grid living or jumping into the unknown abyss – the door is actually always here and is waiting for you to open. All it takes is a few moments to truly breathe into your being, consciously release your distractions, and become aware of what is. In any healing practice (even something as simple as going for a walk or cooking yourself a meal), doors will open when you are without distraction. Try out listening, responding, acting, and being from this connected place sometime…and notice what you find. <3

Thank you for reading. Please visit my web page https://surrendertosoulwellness.com/ to read more about receiving a long-distance Intuitive Healing.

With Love Always,

Enhance. Embody. Empower.

Surrender to Soul Healing & Wellness

Shanin Weisberg