How we get programmed by simple actions

July 10, 2016

Ever give your dog or cat a treat? Do it once and they will demand it forever! So in the end, who is training who? I have a friend who taught his cat Sherman to sit up and give the paw before providing milk as a treat. Before too long Sherman was prancing into the kitchen, sitting himself down and offering the paw as if to say, “ok, big guy, where’s the milk?” If my friend ignored him, Sherman would resort to pawing the dishwasher and meowing loudly until he got what he wanted – the milk! It’s pretty funny, but that’s how it went.

Sherman with the paw for milk

Sherman with the paw for milk

Now I have a similar story relating to my own cat Skylar who, after getting crunches on top of his soft food only once as an incentive to eat would then refuse to eat without the added bonus. The cat could be starving, but would just sit and look at me like, “Are you kidding? You want me to eat that?” of course, not wanting him to go too long without food I’d give him what he wanted. Now the crunches are a stable and no longer a treat.

But isn’t this how life is? If we’re given a bonus at work too often, we come to expect it. Or, more likely, certain behaviors from friends and family say a significant other takes us out regularly or perhaps a child gets good grades in school. So much for that new behavior being special, since if rewarded too often, it’s expected and no longer appreciated. Thus we move into the taken for granted mode.

It’s easy to fall into this trap. Take a look around your life and see where you’ve been programmed or perhaps where you’ve programmed those around you. Do your kids expect multiple vacations, gifts and treats per year because you did it once and now they think it’s normal and so expected? Think about whether you should re-program certain areas of your life for the better to bring things back into proper balance. Is all that behavior, whatever “that is” really necessary?

Only then can we have true gratitude and appreciation for what’s truly special in our lives. That’s how it’s supposed to be! Let me know how it goes..

Leave a Comment » | Creativity, inspirational stories, personal development, Spirituality | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

Doing the Right Thing

March 8, 2016

Life can be complicated. Heck, it’s most often complicated. And on top of it there is usually more than one way to get things done. When we look at all the variables and the options to attack our problems, sometimes there are short cuts, ways around the issues, or even methods that may be a bit nefarious. Ah oh! What happens when we choose to cut corners, snip a bit off the end of something to save time or take the low road rather than the high road? This is called taking the easy way out and is not the spiritual way; that is, thinking or doing in this manner will not serve us in the long run. Anything that doesn’t serve us, certainly doesn’t serve our soul growth, so why do it?

This leads us to a better understanding of doing the right thing. It’s obviously not easy to do the right thing when there are other options. If there were only one option, it would be easy. But this isn’t the way the world was built. We are usually given challenges so that we come out of the situation stronger than when we went in. As souls in a body, we’re given a choice – we can move towards the higher path towards the light or take the low road towards the darkness. Without a choice, there would be no challenges and therefore no way to ever overcome difficulties; thus, we would be in a world where we wouldn’t know the difference between the light or the darkness. So when we have issues, understand that these problems are not thorns in your side, but opportunities to grow and become stronger. Without hills to climb our legs would never have a chance to know their limits for example. The same is true of our spiritual and moral bodies. Only by stretching our limits can we grow, become better people and move forward on our spiritual path.

lightdarkIn the end, doing the right thing may be harder, but it is usually more rewarding. This has been my experience. I’ve found that with challenges in my life, moving through the tunnel of difficulty eventually brings me to the light; how wonderful it feels to get there. And, often there are unexpected rewards. It’s also my experience that when we follow the light and do the right thing, goodness follows us also.

Leave a Comment » | Inspiration, inspirational stories, Law of Abundance, personal development, Spirituality, The Law of Attraction, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

Let go and let God

June 7, 2013

letgoMany spiritual traditions have a slant on the expression, Let go, and Let God. Why is this? The concept centers on the precept that we are innately egotistical; that is, concerned with self and thus we have a lot of self-talk. How are we feeling about this or that? How does this person make us feel? Do we like what happened to us? And if we don’t like it, then we are hurt, angry or otherwise agitated about the outcome of the situation, relationship, or event. This is an inwardly facing world view and, frankly, since we are souls in a body, here to learn lessons, a view that is understandable. But, just as understandable, this is not the only view. We can also be outwardly facing e.g. altruistic, or more caring about what others think, feel, and want.  Both perspectives are quite valid and may be more appropriate in certain circumstances. That being what it may, the attainment of a balanced perspective is always a good goal.

Now, where do we go from here? Letting go, as the Buddha proclaimed, is releasing our ego self to be more balanced and in sync with our true natures or “God-like”. Let’s dive a bit deeper on this one. When we are egotistical, we have cravings, desires, anger, and hurts about what we want/need to make us happy when in reality all we are doing is setting our mind in a place that creates irritability and suffering. Thus, moving out of this mindset, frees us from our wanting, needing, and craving to have life different than what it is to be more still. To put it another way, letting go and turning the problem over to God helps us to be more tranquil much like God. Thus we have the phrase, Let go and Let God.

Edgar Cayce, the renowned psychic of the early 20th century who would do readings from a sleeping state, had the expression, be still and know that I am God. This is a similar concept to the prior Buddhist one in that it stresses the importance of slowing down to get in touch with our inner divine self. We all have this inner divine quality (we are souls in a body here to learn lessons) which we often forget about. By slowing down, we can focus our minds to better connect with this inner knowing. In the end, both expressions are a way to move forward in our lives to betterment. Whichever one speaks you, by all means use.

Leave a Comment » | Inspiration, Spirituality, universal principles | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

May it be written

October 2, 2012

The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper, are called the days of atonement since we are to ask for forgiveness not only for our own misgivings, but for the rest of the world as well. We do this even for those we don’t like, even our enemies, since we are all children of God. Thus, it is a time to assess our lives, be grateful for our blessings and to ask for a sweet year – one represented by health and happiness.

While sitting in synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, happily listening to the sound of the shofar during the morning service, I noticed something in need of attention. The cloth upon which the Torah (the Bible in Hebrew) scrolls were being read was old and faded. It just didn’t seem appropriate for such a revered setting. The curtain covering the box or Ark of the Covenant which contained the other Torah scrolls was beautiful, deep blood- red velvet, with deeply embroidered design. In comparison, this table covering didn’t match up and was sorely in need of replacing, in my estimation.

My mind began working. As the words of the service passed by me, “We ask for forgiveness for…” my thoughts went, “I wonder how much fabric and trim would be to make the Rabbi a new table cloth for the Torah scrolls?” And then I continued, “But should I even think of such a thing? Maybe the fabric will be too expensive for me. Or, perhaps I won’t buy the right kind of fabric for such an important undertaking. “And, “Who am I to think that I could make such a cloth worthy of the Rabbi and the synagogue?” Then, I came back to more positive thinking and decided to wait until the end of the service and ask the Rabbi for his opinion.

“Rabbi, am I allowed to make you a new cover for the table where you read the Torahs?” I asked. His face brightened at the thought, since he recognized the state of his current cover and although he was a modest person, he seemed happy at the prospect of a new one for his simple synagogue. He responded that yes it was fine. I qualified my offer with being able to find fabric that I could afford and that was appropriate. Before I left, he came over to me and again mentioned the cloth. I knew he approved of my offer which made me smile inwardly. Since it was a religious holiday, I couldn’t do any serious measuring. Thus, I merely used the length from my wrist to my elbow knowing that it was approximately one foot. This is how I figured out the size of the cloth to be about six feet by six feet.

As I left the synagogue I said a little prayer, “God, if this is something that I’m supposed to do, help me find fabric that is suitable that I can afford.” I fixed a price in my head. When I went to the shop to actually look for fabric, I told the shopkeeper of my creative project and he began to help me. I couldn’t find velvet in the right color so I had to find another alternative. The shopkeeper went into this work room and came out with a gorgeous tapestry fabric that looked quite regal and contained the deep blood red that would match the synagogue’s Ark curtains. The only problem was that it was on the small side. I then figured out that about 12 inches all around would be a good border in a gold color and would add enough fabric to be the correct size. As luck would have it, he came out with a  bolt of gold dupioni silk. There was exactly 2 yards left on this bolt and when we did the calculations, it was just enough to add the border! Wow, the two fabrics matched together beautifully. Then I needed gold tassel trim. The shopkeeper found some trim and gave me a good price. Since the other fabrics were end of the bolt, he gave me a remnant price. All together the price came to exactly half of the figure I had had in my head for fabric that would have been several hundred dollars retail. Including my work the tablecloth would be valued at close to $400. I was very happy.

Next came the construction of the table cloth. To say it was a labor of love is an understatement. With the added work of the border and the fact that I wanted to line it (I just happened to have lining material at home), it took me close to 30 hours of sewing! In the end, the Torah scroll table cover turned out beautiful, the Rabbi was thrilled when I gave it to him in time for Yom Kippur, and I felt like I had done a mitzvah (good deed) to be sure. In addition, I wrote a dedication to my father’s memory on the lining which the Rabbi said was very special.

My creative project turned out to be divinely inspired, guided and blessed. Hopefully, I’m forgiven for any transgressions over this past year. But, rest assured, I didn’t do it for that reason. I did it because I felt the urge and decided it was the right thing to do.

3 Comments | Creativity, Inspiration, inspirational stories, Law of Abundance, Spirituality | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

It’s Either Fear or Love

September 21, 2012

If you’ve been following my writings perhaps you remember me saying that “fear and love” cannot be active at the same time. But this is a topic that deserves repeating. Let’s start off with a definition:

What does it mean, “It’s either fear or love?”

Fear is active from our second energy center which is also where our drivers of sex, power, and money originate. It is also where anxiety as well as illness begins. Love, on the other hand, comes from the heart, the fourth energy center. Only when the heart is open can we be in a loving, caring, nurturing state. When fear is operating, the heart is closed and so not open to the positive energy that is possible.

 Why are we in fear?

When we are afraid that we’re not good enough, we shut out possibility. Being afraid only causes the energy of fear to multiply and come back in the way of chaos to harm us. How can this be the case?

Let’s say that you decide to start a business but are afraid you won’t be successful. The next thing you know events start happening that take up your time, while preventing you from moving forward with your vision. Thus, your fear has a self-fulfilling prophetic impact on your life.

Now let’s change the attitude to one of belief in yourself. By sending out positive thoughts such as I can do this or I deserve this because I’m a good person; I know my field and I am capable (all essentially coming from a love perspective, you set up the energy of positive events to come back to you. The next thing you know, opportunities are presented that allow you to fulfill your vision and you are successful.

Another example is with relationships: We may not be going out thinking, “Why bother, I won’t meet anyone anyway?” This is fear taking over when really the attitude is one of I’m not good enough.  The playing out is much like the above scenario. We don’t go out, there’s no opportunity to meet any new people, and thus the self-fulfilling prophesy takes over. If we change the attitude to, “I’ll go out and just have fun; while I’m out perhaps I’ll meet someone”, this positive outlook is inviting and will most likely attract new opportunities. And so it goes.

Why not try recognizing the fear for what it is, the shadow self, attempting to hold us back from moving forward with new opportunity. Let go of the fear and open space for love to enter your life.

Leave a Comment » | chakras, Inspiration, inspirational stories, Law of Abundance, Overcoming fear, personal development, Spirituality, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

We need more Lightworkers

August 20, 2012

Recognizing the need for Lightworker Community Kabbalah teaches that when there’s chaos, we’re not allowing enough light to come in. Thus, when I started to have lots of issues with a new computer, new cell phone, new bathroom renovation… I stood back and asked myself was this a message that I wasn’t allowing enough light to come in? Sure, I was creating posts of hope and inspiration to over 5,000 people on my Facebook page, as well as operating my intuitive life coaching business, but apparently it wasn’t enough. At least I believe that the underlying reason for this sudden “chaos” in my life was that the universe was making use of the time that I wasn’t utilizing to the proper spiritual level based on my soul’s purpose. Wow, what a job!

Spiritual community is always a good thing I feel it’s crucial to go back to basics from the spiritual perspective, which is why I started a new group called the NOVA Lightworkers (www.meetupsdc.com/NOVALightworkers/  – or was pushed by the forces of nature. In this sense, a Lightworker is one who uses their inner light of knowledge and wisdom in service to self and others. Our inner light connects us to our divine source, which is also of “the light” as opposed to the “darkness”. Not only do I feel a need to reach out to other spiritual souls on their life path desiring to be of service to others, I felt that there is a need to create a group in my local area. Sure there are plenty of “spiritual groups” but each leader comes from a different perspective and so will draw individuals with whom they resonate. Thus, with my personal focus of intuition development and energetic philosophy, those that stay in my group will resonate with me. The students will always find the right teacher for them. Those that are already teachers will find compatriates.

We are never tasked with more than we can handle. Thus, I accepted this divine “assignment” even wondering from where the time would come, knowing that somehow it would all happen. I set up the Lightworker group on “Meetup”, paid the fee and said quiely, “if this is what I’m meant to do, it will be successful”. Of course, I would know soon enough if it wasn’t. I didn’t even have to think twice. Within two days of the site going live, spiritual souls thirsty for a community began to sign up. Once the initial challenge of writing the text and planning how the format would be, I began to feel energized. Perhaps the universe was guided me back on track to do something I was supposed to do. Although planning two events per month initially seemed daunting, I now feel that I will be guided to know what to do and it will all work out… exactly as it should. Maybe all the confusion was a message that I was getting stuck in my left brain with details and being human, needed a reminder to let go, and trust my guidance. What a surprise! The teacher never fails to continue learning the same lessons…

Leave a Comment » | Inspiration, inspirational stories, personal development, Spirituality, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

Admitting Defeat – Well, Almost

October 19, 2011

In my last blog article I wrote about how I asked God to send me a pet and one showed up. I fully believe that the right thing is the one that works out. Sometimes the whole picture isn’t known at the time or there’s more to the story. Here’s what happened.

The Divine Plan was at work

Yes, I let my pet sitter know that I was ready to welcome a fur pal for my 17 year old Judas who lost her brother to chronic renal failure in April (six months ago). And, yes, this cat rescuer had a beautiful tortoise shell female that I fell in love with. Well, I loved the exterior package and, as we know we can’t always judge a book – or a cat- by its cover. As it turned out, this cat was very pretty, but it had a mean disposition.  Although I kept it in a separate room for a week as I was instructed to do and I went into this room daily to play with it, I didn’t feel like we were bonding. Sure, the cat would come to me when I opened the door to get petted and for some treats, but that’s just because it was alone and wanted company. But after a few minutes, it had had enough and would whip its head around and slap me with the paw.

We don’t always know the whole picture

I kept telling myself that this was normal for a cat that had been on the street for awhile and had to get used to kind treatment. Then when she bite me I drew the line. Meanwhile, Judas knew the cat was in the house and didn’t like it at all. Judas was screaming day and night. The combination of her reaction and my experience made me come to the conclusion that this wasn’t the right animal to adopt. I had to back out of the agreement. Luckily, the cat rescuer told me that sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Whew!

But the right thing was happening

I really felt bad about the whole thing. I had started to get invested in this beautiful cat. I gave her a new name – Athena; bought a gorgeous crystal collar and name tag, as well as some new toys. Everything was salvageable except the name tag, a small price to pay for what would have been a very bad situation if left to continue.

I checked in with guidance and realized that the whole experience with this cat happened for several reasons. (1) I learned that I had to give affection on this animal’s terms and not mine. Ok. (2) The cat rescuer was going through some tough times and we had the opportunity to talk. As a result of this interaction, she decided to come see me as a client. This was good for her as well as for me. So, in the end, the right thing had worked out for all concerned.

 

 

Leave a Comment » | inspirational stories, loss of a pet, Spirituality, The Law of Attraction, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

Final Farewell – Saying Good-bye to a Pet is so Very Hard

April 11, 2011

My darling angel Hercules was laid to rest Thursday April 7 at 2pm in a lovely garden ceremony near my home in Reston, VA. We chose his favorite play area, which we called his bunker, to bury his ashes. As I’m a minister, I conducted a full pet memorial program complete with music, saging the site, appropriate prayers, verses and those present offering remembrances of Hercules. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him as a very lovable guy. Even my coaching clients would often enjoy having him on their laps during sessions and stated that he improved their experience. His energy was wonderful. I know God was with us during the ceremony, as it was a most beautiful and warm day, with the days proceeding and after rainy and cold. How could it have been otherwise when one of God’s own angels is returned to him?

Hercules laid to rest

Hercules was brought to me by God in July, 1994 after I had prayed for cats to show up on my property to keep me company. My prior pet had died about five years prior and I was lonely for a companion. I only had to wait 4 months when these little babies showed up. Hercules got his name by being the first to come to me and allow my touch – so he was the brave one. His sister, Judas was the sneaky one. (She is still with me and I have to remember to give her extra love as she wonders where he’s gone.) So God brought Hercules to me as my little angel for 17 years, and as he was only a gift, he was returned to God on Tuesday April 5 at 4:25pm.

Hercules loved me unconditionally and I loved him in return; in fact, I had to love him enough to let him go. It was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. But let me say this. Now that I’m back in my logical mind, I realize that he was fighting to stay alive because he knew I was grieving. The signs of his severe deterioration were there, but I kept telling myself – just one more intervention and he’ll be ok. Eventually, I knew it was enough and together we made the decision over this past weekend. Somehow he knew, because Monday night he was more like his old self. He ate better, seemed more alert, and slept with me under the covers like he used to do prior to getting so sick. We had a very good last day.

Bless you Hercules. I couldn’t have loved you more and you couldn’t have loved me more. I learned never to let a day go by without telling you how much I loved you. I’m so glad that I did. You truly were a blessing, one that will remain in my heart all the days of my life.

Good-bye my angel. May God keep you safe in his divine light.

Leave a Comment » | Caregiving, loss of a pet, Spirituality, The Circle of Life - A Journey Through Grief to Understanding, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

The Divine Plan at Work

September 15, 2010

Once again I find myself being guided by divine providence. Or, perhaps, I’m manifesting what I’ve already created? Just a couple months ago, I found that I needed more money than I was bringing in. Not an uncommon situation. In my case, independent health care and pre-existing conditions resulted in an astronomical monthly premium after my 18 months of COBRA ran out. The additional expense was excessive and I decided to “ask” for help in the way that I know best. I sat down on my bed and said, “God I need help paying for my healthcare”. That’s pretty straight forward. Well, right on schedule, a friend sent me an email and then followed up with a phone call, insisting that I apply for a government position as a project manager. She and I had worked together on a prior job a few years earlier and she was still working at the same location and knew of the need for additional staff. I wasn’t keen on the idea of going back to work for the FED, since I’d already been there and done that, so to speak. But after some consideration I determined that it certainly would be a good way to get my healthcare covered.

 Besides, perhaps this was what I was supposed to do… as in being led by my own guidance to get my prayer answered. I never looked for a job, the opportunity came to me.  Completing the application was quite a chore, as it took several days. I dutifully answered all the questions after looking through my many years of experience. Sometimes I think that one gets a government position through sheer fortitude of will to maneuver through the paperwork process.

Several weeks went by without any word. Then on a most auspicious day, I got an invitation for an interview. It would have been my father’s 93rd birthday, had he not passed on three years earlier. From my vantage point, this was a domino falling into place letting me know that I was on the right track. It was a sign.

 The interview is tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes. The right thing is the one that works out.

Leave a Comment » | Inspiration, Spirituality, universal principles | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

New inspirational memoir offers spiritual perspective on death and dying as grief support for bereavement

August 24, 2010

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

New inspirational memoir offers spiritual perspective on death and dying as grief support for bereavement

The Circle of Life – A Journey Through Grief to Understanding by Joanne Aaronson provides
grieving readers with insights on spiritual and emotional healing after loss.

 Reston, VA. – The Circle of Life – A Journey Through Grief to Understanding  by Joanne Aaronson presents the case that after-death communication is not only possible, it can be healing. The Midwest Book Review offers the following praise, “Even with death, you can still form bonds.  The Circle of Life: A Journey Through Grief to Understanding is a memoir from Joanne Aaronson as she reflects on her own bonds with her father who in life, she was distant from and how after his tragic death, she learned that there was something stronger between them that she didn’t see. Thoughtful and thought provoking for grieving readers, The Circle of Life is a choice pick.”

In The Circle of Life, intuitive Joanne Aaronson describes a life that reaches beyond the veil of death, of care-giving, and of the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Receiving after-death communication from her father, the author guided her widowed mother to eventually understand there was more to live for, and took an inner journey of her own in the process. It quickly became clear to Aaronson that she was being guided to write the story of communications that transcended death. “Energy is neither created nor destroyed,” says Aaronson in her book, quoting Einstein’s famous law. Led by the messages and the amazing synchronistic events surrounding them, the author guides her mother through the stages of grief well known to those who have lost a loved one, while she exhibited increasing courage, fortitude, and resilience.

Written with a spiritually-enlightening, Kabalistic view of life, death and beyond, Aaronson invites all who have lost a loved one to find spiritual and emotional healing, as well as comfort in knowing that death is not the end; that under certain circumstances after-death communication is possible, and in the universal laws that she presents we can all find guideposts for our daily lives as we travel along the journey known as the circle of life.

Reviews include Rabbi Yankel Kreiman of Palm Springs, CA stating, “By reading this book our eyes are opened and our mind is exposed to the circle of life.” Michelle Lusson, DD and author of Creative Wellness, writes, “…The synchronicity of the ancient symbol of the ‘Circle of Life’ is beyond coincidence and leaves one as a believer of the possibility of ‘Through Grief to Understanding.’” And from Jeff Clayton, Reference Librarian, “The Circle of Life is a wonderful resource for people experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one.  A must for libraries with collections dealing with grief, loss and Alzheimer’s disease.”
    The Circle of Life – A Journey Through Grief to Understanding is available for sale online at Amazon.com, AuthorsBookshop.com, Josanpress.com and selected Indie Bookstores. Approximately 212 pages, Retail price $15.95, Soft cover, 6×9, ISBN: 978-0-9843658-0-7.


Joanne Aaronson of Reston is a former project management professional turned intuitive life coach, author, and ordained spiritual, non-denominational minister. Integrating in-depth spiritual training with successful corporate experience, she teaches use of one’s inner light, otherwise known as intuition, to empower change and achieve true potential. Joanne lives in Northern Virginia with her two adorable felines.

Joanne Aaronson

Author, Joanne Aaronson

About the Author

MEDIA CONTACT:

Joanne Aaronson

Tel: 703-925-9205

Email: joanne@josanpress.com

Web: www.josanpress.com

INTERVIEWS & REVIEW COPIES AVAILABLE

# # #

Leave a Comment » | Caregiving, emotional support for widows, Spirituality | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by intuitivelifecoachjoanne

« Previous Entries