Yes and no – I believe it depends on the intention of the work.  Are you using the regression to empower/resolve today’s issues or are you anchoring yourself to unseen past?

 I wholeheartedly believe past life regression work can be an amazing transformational tool, but it can also be used as a crutch that ties you to repeating patterns.  I remember a friend’s mother always telling him he was her lover in a past life and that’s why they are so close.  What?  Even if that were true, why is she saying this to her child, her child here and now – not a her lover from years ago???  That I don’t believe is helpful.

 However, years ago I began working with a technique where you look at a specific past life that is affecting a situation, a relationship, addiction, anything – today.  So the intention of the work is healing.  What I have discovered using this technique myself and with my clients is a complete shifting of emotion and perspective that impacts all areas of your life positively.  The truth of the experiences can not be denied as it resonates from deep within.

 Now, are these past life regressions?  Or a way for our sub-conscious thoughts, worries to be brought to the surface and released?  I’m not sure the answer matters, but that peace is found on the other side…   

If you are interested in doing some great reading, try Many Lives, Many Masters (scroll down on new link for review.)

I did not want to like this movie.  Not a big fan of Hillary Swank (began on 90210 years ago as annoying girl…) and a movie about losing your husband?  Not particularly happy-feel-good, but I was wrong. 

 There are just as many laughs as tears and frankly, Gerard Butler using his Irish accent – oh my…I am a complete sucker for a brogue.  The entire cast is good – particularly Harry Connick, Jr.  The friendships are real with their fluid teasing – facing the realities of life with humor and stumbling grace.   The girls’ trip to Ireland is bittersweet and gorgeous. 

 However, it is still a “crier” movie.  Truly it is in essence an Irish wake – tears, drinking, songs, storytelling, and oh so much laughter…Feels like home to me.  Enjoy! 

Yesterday, for the first time in months, I watched Oprah.  Frankly, I was curious.  There had been so much hype – Oprah’s fat again and talking.  So I sat and listened…and I saw someone not getting it still…

 She spoke about her blooming weight and exhaustion as being a sign of her life being out of balance – not taking care of herself, not putting herself on her own list.  Her cure – love by way of manicures, eating right and exercise.  Ummm, excuse me?  What? 

 Yes, the blooming weight is a sign of her life out of balance, but the weight is a symptom of something bigger.  The weight is the outward sign of her grief; her wounded place…food has become the comfort to keep grief away, the nagging hunger that is never quite satisfied.  All of us carry this grief, born individually in needs gone unmet in childhood or in horrific moments; it looks different for each of us…

 The pain is revealed through our addictions – addictions to food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, always being right, cleaning incessantly, victim mentality, control…Each of us finds our “fix” – the thing that blunts our pain – if only for a moment.  It becomes our go-to-strategy when the pain or grief is triggered.   The trickiest part is, no matter how much “work” you do – this grief/pain can be unexpectedly triggered at any moment.  And this is also an opportunity – your life is speaking directly to you – help me…But how to?

 With massages, manicures, and exercise?  Well, yes and no…Yes adding these things will help you feel good, but alone, they are just surface fixes of the body.  They are the surface part of taking care of self, but they don’t truly nourish your heart or soul.  It is in your heart and soul that your grief, your pain waits with pleas of not enough…not enough love. 

 It’s the grief that drives the blooming weight, drugs, alcohol, controlling behaviors to fill the “not enough” places within…The grief can not be filled up with activities – no matter how healthy – the pain causing the grief has to be pulled out into the light and only you can heal it…Through quiet meditation, silence, journaling, creating art, music…through being with yourself – kindly, gently, accepting of all the good and the bad, humor…by being your own best friend, parent, child…

 Instead of just finding outside strategies to handle your stress, anxiety, out-of-balance behaviors; I encourage you to you create more resources within, so when you are triggered, you don’t have to fall so far. 

 I absolutely agree with Oprah that we are constantly evolving, challenged to grow, no matter our place in life.  Money or fame does not isolate you from the messy business of life, just look at the Travolta family.  There is no plateau in enlightenment…life still comes with its ups and downs.  It’s you who decides where to focus your attention and notice your own life calling out to you…help me.

What I Know Now Letters to My Younger Self is a great, quick read.  Fascinating women share their wisdom that comes with time, life and success.  What surprised and delighted me most was the humor, love and kindness these women have for their younger selves as they stumbled through a previous life crisis.  Not surprisingly, balance and trust-in-self are the central messages of the letters.

 I particularly loved Roz Chast’s letter to her neuroses plagued nine year old self, opening line, “You are not going to die of leprosy. I promise.”  Priceless…and Queen Noor, “You don’t have to be perfect,”…or author and activist, Kitty Kelley, “Speak the truth but ride a fast horse,”…or Jane Bryant Quinn’s letter, “About your kids – it’s okay.  They’ll grow up…” or CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson struggle with “having it all” expectations only to discover you can, but not all at once…Really this is good stuff!

 I like how each of these women have been down and out – the world outside may not have known, but they knew…And through many steps, some missteps too, they have arrived on the other side.  Each has found their own kind of separate peace, an individual wholeness, not perfection, wholeness…

Some of my favorite things that made life in 2008 just a little bit better… 

1.       Aura Cacia – Natural Aromatherapy Bubble Bath.  Without a doubt, the best bubbles I have ever encountered – creamy, luscious and long- lasting (you will still have a tub full of bubbles in 15 minutes).  The product is so good you don’t have to use a lot of liquid for each bath – so it could last awhile, but because the experience is so awesome, well, bubble baths become a nightly affair – thank GOD.  Price: $10 a bottle.

 2.       RJ’s Natural Licorice – Black.  You either love black licorice or hate it – I’m a lover and was wowed to discover this licorice.  It is soft, chewy, with an unbelievable taste and just the right size so one piece satisfies your craving.  Side benefit – good for your tummy.  Price: $6 a medium bag.

 3.       Olay Quench Therapy Body Lotion.  Last February a friend told me about this lotion as I complained of dry, scaly winter skin and miracle of miracles – it works.  Here in Colorado, it is dry, dry, dry and I had been a fighting a losing battle with itchy winter skin for years.  That is until I found this lotion.  Tip: apply every day and within a week your skin will feel soft again all the time – not just after application.  Price: $7 for large 22oz bottle.

 4.       Italian Ice Sodas.  This is a light refreshing drink I would always order when out…then I realized I could make them at home too!  Fill your glass to the top with ice, pour in the mineral water to the brim (Pelogrino is what I use) and add a dash or two of any flavored Torani Syrup (can buy at World Market).  Yummy, refreshing and low-cal.  Total cost: Less then $5 for 3-4 glasses.

 5.       Morning Joe.  During this year in elections 2008, I became an avid watcher of all things politics.  Being an early riser, I discovered Morning Joe and soon it became part of my regular routine.  I am a democrat through and through, but what I like about Morning Joe is he (Joe Scarbourough) is not, nor are many of his guests.  They argue, debate, joke – sometimes heatedly, about the issues of the day.  Yes, there are some mighty egos on the set, but I like hearing all points of view in a variety of issues.   

6.       iTunes.  I was a late to come to the iTunes party, but now, to have all that music and movies available in moments?  Heaven.  Price $.99 and up.

 7.       Angels by Victoria’s Secret Lace Trim Bikinis.  Want to feel better and a little sassy?  These undies are a delight – so pretty, comfortable and no rising up.  Price: $16, however there is a big sale going on right now…

 8.       Cuisinart Ice Cream.  My husband received an ice cream maker this year and much to my pleasure, it makes fantastic ice cream and so easy to use.  If you are an ice cream lover – this is a must-have.  Price: $49.99 and up.

 9.       Hotel Collection at Macy’s – towels.  There is nothing more decadent then wrapping up in a soft towel upon exiting a shower or bath…As my friend exclaimed when she touched the towels, “Oh my God, that is like velvet!”  Need I say more?  And the best news is, they have a “Slightly Imperfect Selection” that costs less than half the regular price.  (The imperfects have not measured to be exactly the right size for the bath towel, hence they are imperfect and an amazing deal…)  Price: $25 per bath towel, imperfects – $10.

 10.     Hats.  Bad hair day?  Please put on a Newsboy Cap.  Suddenly, instead of being appearing slightly disheveled, you are instantly hip and look about 5 to 10 years younger.  The caps are everywhere and are so much fun to wear.  Hint: Try on a lot of hats and when you find a goody – buy it no matter the price.  Finding the right hat is worth the $38 – $50 because not all hats look good on your head, but once you find a gem, you will be surprised how often a hat becomes a simple solution to those inevitable bad hair days.  Price: $10 and up.

 11.     Anthropologie Stores.  A new Anthropologie Store opened near me this year and basically, it’s like walking into my closet – the nicest version.  Absolutely everything in the store is my style – feminine, sexy and keen on detail.  Only problem – ridiculously over-priced, but again – sales abound.  This is the place to find unique pieces to spice up your wardrobe or reward yourself for any job well done…Price: variable.

 12.     The Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch.  This book will change your perspective forever on marriage and relationships.  How many of us read marriage, self-help books with a mindset of “if my partner would just get it…he/she is holding me back from my best life…if I could just figure out a way to make her/him see how they need to change…”  One of the most startling and truthful revelations in this book is that your partner is not the only one not getting it.  You are stumbling just as much – it just may not appear so on the outside.  Be fairly warned though, this is an emotionally exhausting book because you are faced with the truths of your own behaviors and how they impact your life – for better and worse.  The good news: your life and all your relationships will improve after reading this book.  Price:  $13.

 These are just a few of my favorite things of 2008.  Please feel free to share some of your favorite things of 2008 in the comments below…

One word: rental.  Yes, there were some good parts (wrestling at Dad’s house while setting “boundaries” and the house of cougars…) however, a plot would have been nice.  Kind of left you waiting for Vaughn’s character to make jokes…My husband fell asleep.

I did really enjoy the white trash sister-in-law though.  Definitely a glimpse of what Britney Spear’s life would have looked like if she had not gotten famous years ago, but that does not make a movie.  Even one sprinkled with a few poignant moments…Trust me, wait for the rental. 

Don’t do it.  I bought this book after returning from the beach in Martha’s Vineyard this past summer.  I thought it was about girlfriends at the beach…What I didn’t know was that none of the female characters were likable.  I think this is an important hook for any book – likable characters…instead we are presented with the worst of feminine traits – martyr, hysteria, anxiety, selfish…Ughh.

 Honestly I couldn’t get over the beginning when they head to the beach and all hell breaks lose – a child goes missing, cancer illness, pathetic behaviors of so-called “dear” friends…I made myself finish the book in hopes that I might like one of the women, but alas no.  So, please cross this off the Christmas list and replace it with something fantastic like Northern Borders or Broken Music or even another beach read, Gift From the Sea.

Gritty, sexy, funny and violent, oh and don’t forget the accents – this movie is an all-around good time.  It is a true guy’s flick and I loved it.  Violent, but not bloody.  Crass humor, but not without surprising and amusing undertones.  I liked the quick dialog and twisting plot – I still want to see that damn lucky painting!  And the movie’s characters are sensational.  As much as the crank-head rock star is detestable, he is sympathetic…

 Only problem – the movie is kind of like all the rest of his films.  So if you are fan, you’ll see a lot of the same actors from his other flicks and a similar, yet fun plot.  You won’t be disappointed, but if you didn’t like his other flicks, don’t bother…However specifically for any dubious ladies, Gerald Butler is pretty easy on the eyes for two hours and funny too…Think of all the points you could get for going along with his movie choice this time?  It will come in handy in December when all the Oscar contenders come out…

A little over a week ago I heard this great story on NPR, http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/episodes/2008/03/21/segments/93888 – it’s about music transcending cultural divides.  Gregory Warner is a reporter in Afghanistan and one day started playing “Those Were the Days My Friend” on his accordion. His translator, shocked, asks, “How do you know Afghan music?” Greg scratches his head and thinks, “But this is just some folk song my mom used to sing to me!”…

 My very favorite part of the story happens when Warner plays Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” to a wild and thrilled Afghan audience.  Warner exclaims, “It was my best crowd ever!”  I love it!  Happy listening.

Please, someone explain how anyone can still be wondering which candidate to support in the November elections?  Listening to NPR this morning was torture as we were forced to listen to reactions from independent voters about last night’s debate.  Are you kidding me? 

 Why exactly should any of us care about the impressions of an uninformed voter?   There are differences between these two men, however you slice it.  About six months ago, I could have been pleased to see either man in the White House, however, watching McCain become part of the “politics of personal destruction” and adding Sarah Palin ended that idea. 

 Over my dead body will I ever vote for a person who wants to turn back Roe Vs. Wade and go so far as to deny rape/incest victims abortions.  Shooting wolfs and deer from helicopters was really just validation.  If I have to hear how she can Russia from her state again as foreign policy experience I am going to scream.  What about a qualified Republican woman – Olympia Snow or Kay Buchanan?  Why insult this so-called “independent vote” with someone who looks good winking, but has few other qualifications???  I hear she is good at running up the debt in Wasilla…