Interview with Carlos Castenada

Over the years, I have interacted with shamans through the post, in-person and in other ways. Each one is a wake-up call. Shamanic training awakens forgotten wisdom within.  Soul journeying and Soul retrieval shift perception and far more. 

Not all shamans reveal true names. They echo we are each a vessel through which energy flows, encourage us to grow aware of how we use perception to lie to ourselves and can all consciously shift our focal point. 

We are each invited to connect with the shaman within, to listen more closely to the heart and let the Soul guide us.  This is about tuning into Nature sounds, the melodies trees sing, the music of mountains, water and Earth. We often forget how to listen to Nature which echoes we forget how to listen to ourselves.  All we are taught shifts our focus away from what we know we are. So, how do we get back there? How is this done?

What you think is lost is never far away. Nikola Tesla echos,'If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.' Shamanic teaching happens in varied ways; drumming, ingesting plant substances and other ways sharede between teacher and student.  A spirit teacher enters you life to teach you. You know they are effective when you feel discomfort and gain insight into your blind spots. Spirit teachers are particularly good at reminding you that you know nothing (when you thought you knew everything). Such teachers are also very supportive (in their own way), compassionate (even if it hurts), and very wise. Thye may surprise you with what they know about you.  They highlight lessons you need because they exist to guide your growth into your shamanic potential. 

Carlos Castenada, is known as a shaman as well as other labels yet, widely remains a mystery. He earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology and wrote best-selling books about his shamanic journeys with Don Juan Matus.  As you read or listen to his work, such as The Active Side of Infinity, gain insight into other Toltec practices, you are invited to know or reject the material's authenticity.

According to Casteneda, growing aware of our life force guides us to see we separate life threads or stories.  Each thread is a discrete element, an experience that stretches back in time. We each have ability to recognize and integrate threads of life force back into our being.

What grows evident to the initiate is the shaman's spirit can leave the body to enter the supernatural world to search for answers. The lower world, middle world and higher world are some worlds open to journeying. At our own pace, we each find what we need. Imagining  Dragons reminds us we are a Believer of the world we live in or stop and see beyond it. Come what may, we are all Walking the Wire of Love. Even as we look down from above at versions of ourselves, we still take what comes. How we respond is unique to our chosen path. 

Listen to this Castenada interview with Theodore Roszak and leave comments below.

Carlos Castenada Interview with Theodore Roszak (1969)

 If you could ask Carlos a question, what would you ask? Can you anticipate the answer?

 "The soul is not in the body, but the body in the soul.” — Alan Watts

"Come out of the masses. Stand Alone. Live Like a Lion and Live Your own Life According to your own Light." -Osho.

Interview with William Buhlman

I am pleased to reconnect with William Buhlman. His work is widely known through the Monroe Institute as well as his books and workshops. An author, researcher and expert in out-of-body experiences (OBEs), his insights arise from over 40 years of OBEs. His engaging books invite you to shift how and what you see in this world and yourself. I highly recommend you explore his work.

Since our initial interview in 2009 and your guest spot on my then Dreambuilders Australia Blog Radio Show, much has happened. The purpose of this interview is to  explore themes presented in his most recent book Higher Self Now!, co-authored by Susan Buhlman. Readers can view sample  Higher Self Now reviews on Goodreads. It is available on audible , in print and ebook. 

William, I have always found your books fascinating and engaging and better understand more than ever before why everything is preparing us for the unforeseen.  At different stages, by following steps in your books, I gained insight into OBEs and Astral adventuring.  I thank you for your insights then and again for your willingness to follow-up here.

In your classic book, Adventures Beyond the Body, you reveal astral travel not only expands consciousness, it can verify existence of the Soul, teach you about past lives, enrich your daily life.  This is a riveting handbook for all who wish to venture beyond the body and take the ultimate trip. 

Many people are getting wht 2Cellos echo is a Wake Up call.  Tell us about the most profound discoveries you have made during astral travel about the expansion of personal, collective and planetary (Earth) consciousness?

One of the most profound discoveries that I have made is that the universe, both seen and unseen, is a multi-dimensional continuum. We exist in multiple dimensions, each of those becoming less and less dense as we move inward. Our evolution is an inner journey of consciousness through these dimensions.

Many people are taught to seek fulfillment outside themselves.  Restlessness can cause people to think shifting jobs, homes, partners or life situations is the answer. They often discover changing focus itself does not eliminate discomfort and confusion.  

As it happens, in Adventures Beyond the Body, you state that “A sense of purpose and order becomes clear: I'm witnessing the evolution of consciousness, the evolution of myself through eons of time," (p.51) and, "I have come to realize that the answers to the mysteries of our existence are not hidden; they are patiently waiting for us to extend our vision beyond the dense limits of matter" (p. 212). Based on this, please comment on linear time and how this this is affected by expansion of consciousness? What is Earthly existence like beyond time?

The only thing that really matters is our state of consciousness. There is no physical time and therefore no biological aging or decay.  Non-physical life is a series of experiences – totally unrelated to linear time as we know it in the physical. There is no past or future, only the present.

 My own expanding awareness of OBEs has greatly expanded through regular breathwork and the domino effect after recalling being a womb twin survivor (WTS).  I agree completely with what you say that “Some of the toughest lessons we are here to learn are directly related to thought control and taking personal responsibility,” [especially for our own misperceptions]. What is your experience? 

First you must realize that your thoughts manifest instantly in non-physical reality. Through my out-of-body experiences (OBEs), I have learned that I must take complete responsibility for each thought that I project. I discovered from personal experiences that my thoughts have incredible creative power and it is up to me to take responsibility because they are my creations.

Please share a few examples from your life where you have deepened your awakening by taking profound personal responsibility.

No external force molds our life – we are the creative force.  I have had several OBEs where I have created my entire environment – every nuance of it. One winter, it was particularly cold and dark, so in my OBE I created a beautiful white sand beach with magnificent blue green water. I relaxed on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun and provided myself with a new atmosphere that didn’t require a plane ticket.

On a more dramatic note, there were times where I encountered my subconscious fears. One of these was revealed in the form of a giant sloth appearing in my OBE. I was faced with a choice – confront it or run from it. I took responsibility to challenge it by sending love to this large and vicious creature. It immediately dissolved and I was relieved that this fear would no longer influence me in the physical. This experience is detailed in Adventures Beyond the Body.

I recall reading about this in your book. It is a wake up call to all of us that finding courage to face our fears is the key to taking our lives to the next stage of consciousness.

 Some people view your latest book, Higher Self Now! as a kind of preparation for the final out-of-body experience: physical death. Death is a topic many people fear. Ego death is different than physical death.  It is said ego dies over and over again while we are still in the body. WHy do you feel OBEs are the perfect tool to prepare for the journey into the afterlife?  

The physical world is a very temporary training ground.  We will all evolve beyond the need for it; some faster than others. Our current experience in matter is but a tiny fraction of our continuing journey beyond the body. Humans remain obsessed with their biological condition and physical form. They still believe that they are physical human beings. In other words, physical life is less than one tenth of one percent of our continuing existence through eternity. Non-physical life is where our primary evolution exists. There is a bigger picture that we sometimes do not see because we are too focused on the physical. We only see the densest level of reality.

This feels like a friendly reminder to meet people where they are, to recognize people only see and experience what they are ready and willing to accept on energetic and other unseen levels.

Let me be clear, we are not biological beings at all but non-physical beings evolving beyond matter. Evolution of consciousness continues through multiple stages beyond the physical experience. We are just beginning our journey.

What a wonderful reminder you offer. A useful mantra is "I am not the body, I am not the emotions, I am not the mind, I am the Soul." Saying it is aloud is one thing, internalizing and living consciously is another. 

The second part of Higher Self Now! was written by your wife, Susan Buhlman.  She draws from her hospice work experience. How do you feel this view contributes to the death culture and rituals in the Western world?

This part of the book is about hospice, dealing with the terminally ill and the death of others. Providing an effective action plan to approach death, the second part of the book was written to highlight the choices we have during the dying process. It opens our mind to the greater picture of conscious transition. 

In the West, from the moment we are born, we are conditioned to prepare to die, that life and who we are has a beginning and an end.  We are taught to forget our immortal Soul and being. Do you feel this revelation or awakening about expanding consciousness prompts readers to rethink the death process?  Invite your comments on death rituals too.  

In the west, we avoid the topic of death rather than embrace the opportunity to influence our transition of consciousness. We must consider physical death as just one step in our journey. It is not the end of our existence, but the next phase of our evolution. Effective preparation for transition of consciousness is sadly lacking in many of our traditional religious practices.

 What if a human does not need to die to fully merge with the Higher-Self? Could the next stage of human evolution involve a biochemical and energetic change or DNA activation/upgrade that would create a new kind of existence on Earth? What do you see during your own OBEs? 

It is important to recognize that the emotional and physical attachments we have do not automatically reconcile at the time of death. In fact, our entire state of consciousness will carry with us from physical to non-physical being. This can be guided by the words and actions taken before, during and following the physical transition. We encourage people to be an active participant in their own spiritual growth.

 As you imply, support and encouragement are key. I refer people to films and books because of the power of the imagination. Sometimes people accept ideas easier when presented as fiction. The new film of Madeleine L'Engle's book, Wrinkle in Time invites viewers to see themselves and what is possible in a whole new way.  Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan  is a 14 -book series that also invites people to engage in different kinds of journeying which permit expanding more than the imagination.

People love inspirational quotes. Each chapter of your book Higher Self Now! contains them. They inspire seeing from outside ourselves, like having an OBE. Why do you choose the particular quotes you include in this book? How do they shape or reflect your own transformation?

(Loveyour opening quote in Ch 1:

"If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation."- Lao Tzu)

The quotes were selected as a content summary of each chapter. These comments also support the fact that there is harmonious wisdom and others have eloquently expressed their representation of our consciousness journey.

 Please share your most significant spiritual lessons and the circumstances that triggered them. Where is the most memorable place you went astral travelling and what did you retain or learn from the journey?

The most significant experience that I have had is to merge with my Higher Self during an OBE. This was a life changing experience that is very difficult to describe. Imagine floating in an atmosphere of pure love, clear light and an all knowing wisdom of consciousness. It was the foundation for much of what I know and teach today.

 In Chapter 4, you offer your readers "The 21 Day Transformation Challenge." This involves a series of steps for spiritual transformation, including asking tough questions. Is this something you did (or you and Susan are doing for yourselves)? What comes up? How does/is your physical reality change/ing?

The 21-Day Challenge is a documentation of our personal conversations. Seeing value in this as an exercise, we decided to share it with the goal of supporting others in their spiritual evolution.

 It is said everything is preparing us for the unforeseen. In all areas of our lives, we learn or recall certain innate skills and then find ourselves in situations putting them into practice. You remind people we must be prepared for rapid shifts of consciousness and quick reality changes. What are some of the biggest surprises you have experienced yourself? 

The biggest surprise for me was how many incarnations I have had. It seems that I needed to be part of the same lessons much more than I thought I would. For example, I have been a wartime soldier more times than I can remember. Some of these experiences are detailed in my writing. Apparently I am not a fast learner, and I have to repeat the same lessons until I finally get it. I believe that I have broken this chain of events in this lifetime, as I now have an aversion to this kind of conflict.

 Please share your view on how technology impacts the path to Enlightenment. In Chapter 5 of Higher Self Now! You refer to sample tools, such as breath work, yoga, sound technology, chanting, and drumming. To supplement astral, lucid dreaming and OBEs, which are the most effective? 

I have found that sound technology is very effective as a supplement to deep meditation. I use Hemi-Sync in all of my workshops because it is proven to be a powerful tool that enhances the techniques. It assists people in their explorations of consciousness.

 What advice can you offer individuals on a spiritual journey who are still seeking? Anything specific you would like our readers to take away?

Obtain the knowledge and methods to have your own profound spiritual experience. Discover a method of inner exploration that resonates with you and practice it daily. I have found that beliefs are an obstacle to our evolution. This is why it is imperative that take our own journeys and discover the answers for ourselves.

What would you like to leave with our readers as useful information to take away?

Please invite your readers to visit my web site:   www.astralinfo.org

• Learn more about out-of-body experiences
• Develop a plan for your transition of consciousness
• See my workshop and event schedule

Thanks again William. I simply love the way you invite peole to step back, view and understand their lives from a different point of reference. Your suggestion for developing a plan for the transition of consciousness especially stands out.

While on this subject, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche is a good read. On-line, Kevin Williams also explores The Tibetan Book of the Dead and Near- Death Experiences (NDEs).  Otherwise, check out the classic audiobook of the Tibetan Book of the Dead read by Richard Gere. Many other options also exist. As always, follw your heart-felt intuition.

3 things to thrive where you are

This moment is ripe for so many things. Like smelling an inviting avocado, you feel the time to sink your teeth in is now.  You could go in some many directions. What are you choosing to focus your attention on?

Perhaps its relationships, getting fit, noticing what's going on inside you, the urge to create or do something you have not done before. You may even be planning a retreat (like me!) or envision attending one, because you wish to travel somewhere new to trigger 'ah-ha' moments along your spiritual journey. As fun as that can be, you can also do things right where you are. Whatever the apparent subject, wherever you happen to be, do these three things to thrive:

1. Listen to the voice in your head

That little voice inside you echoes all the time because you choose to hear it.  Listening to this voice or advisor is a kind of security.  (A predictable paycheck is not the only kind of security after all). This voice is the judge, the part of you that wishes to control and plan, feels comfortable with the familliar as points of reference. The world unfolding is unrelated to the filters in your mind which dictate how you perceive it.  Honing and sharpening how you listen to this voice enables you to see the world and yourself from a new place.

2. Discover who watches the voice

That which watches the voice is the silent One.  It is the awareness of who is talking, the tones and intensity of the sounds, and who is doing the listening.  Its the part of you that asks why you need the commentator, the problem-seeker.  This is the part of you that feels at ease in any situation and sees value in whatever is happening.  This is the threshold of leaping into a deeper enjoyment of your chosen focus of attention

3. Focus more often on the breath

The breath is the path of consciousness.  You can engage in breathwork, and use other means to tune into the wisdomwithin yourself. It is possible to engage in life on this level by riding waves of energy like a cosmic surfer through timelines past, present and future.  You can move through a range of emotions and experiences, explore different roads of life your contemplate, even revisit things you thought you missed out on. Go through the process of forgiving, letting go, and getting over or integrating things on a whole new level. This is that which is beyond the doer and watcher. Re-dream the dream from here.

Interview with Raana Zia

As life experience guides us from one synchronicity to another, it is a delight to connect with Raana Zia and have the privilege of reading her book, Your Hidden Light:  A Practical Guide to Creating Your Desired Life.

After reading it, I felt I could relate to so much she had written that I intuitively asked her to participate in this interview to share it with Dreambuilders Australia readers. I am absolutely delighted to share this exchange with her which I honestly feel raises the vibration of those who vicariously share parts of her journey.

Thanks Raana for making yourself available for this interview and for contributing in your own way to lighting up the world. 

Being a person who loves joining the dots and empowering others to do the same, I am curious how you heard about me and why you so recently chose to offer me your book.  

I discovered your blog through The Clearing blog in an article written by Kris de Leon.  I read more about you and felt very connected to your messages.  I too have recently experienced similar awareness and understanding of the power of following your heart, intuition, inner guidance.  From what I read in your blogs, much of what you say resonates as truth to me and is aligned with what I talk about in my book.  I so appreciate that you took the time to read my book.

Contrary to what many believe, like attracts like.  That is, everything and everyone is a mirror inviting us to get a message we are not yet consciously seeing and integrating. Please share a bit about yourself and your process. What prompted you to write this book?

I am a corporate executive/CFO turned spiritual self-help author of the book Your Hidden Light:  A Personal Guide to Creating Your Desired Life.  I had been in corporate finance for 20+ years successfully climbing the corporate ladder.  In 2012, while I achieved my goal of becoming a CFO of a billion-dollar company, I felt a strong internal pull in my heart telling me I needed to be doing something else in my life.  I had no idea what I was supposed to do, but the feeling was so strong that I knew I needed to find out.  I spent the next five years reading self-help books, going to seminars, talking to personal coaches, etc., searching for my purpose and building a belief I could do something different.  The more I searched, the more curious I became on how the world worked and how I was able to manifest the good things in my life (career, family, home, vacations, etc).  I was drawn to this subject matter of “manifesting your desires”, and I was determined to make sense of it all in a way that I could easily understand and apply. 

In 2015, I thought that maybe I needed to write a book to synthesize all that I was discovering.  I was getting pieces of wisdom that were life changing and profound from many different sources, but there wasn’t one book that brought it all together in a way that was direct and easy to understand. However, the thought of writing a book was surprising to me since I was never a writer, nor did I ever dream to write a book.  I built my career on finance and analytics, so this new creative urge to write was unfamiliar to me.  Despite my initial uncertainty, I knew I needed to follow my inner guidance, but I needed the right moment of courage to begin. 

In October of 2016, I lost my CFO job due to a corporate restructuring, and at that moment I knew it was time to follow my heart.  I was given the opportunity of time to do what I really desired to do.  However, I was scared because I did not know what I was doing or how to write a book.  My family assumed I would immediately start looking for another job since they had no idea what I was thinking and feeling on the inside.  I remained paralyzed in fear for about six weeks until I finally had the courage to believe that I was a writer and I was supposed to write this book despite what people close to me thought.  The moment I finally believed in myself, was the moment the words started to flow out of me.  The chapter titles and page count came into my head immediately.  I then began writing the content, and I did not stop until the book was completed.  It took me two months to write this book.

The writing process was incredible.  I loved writing the book because I felt a powerful energy with me throughout the process. I felt supported and aligned with what I was supposed to be doing for the first time in my life.  The words I was writing helped me through my own uncertainty of losing my high-level job and all the fears associated with that.  Writing the book helped me through a major transition in my life and career because I was constantly reminded by the words I was writing to stay disciplined and focused on what I really wanted in my heart, and to not let fear (fear of poverty, failure, etc.) or doubt stop me. 

All this feels like something beyond you took over.  Over and above what you share already, how has your outer life prompted and directed your attention to an inner shift?  

In the one year, it took to write and publish the book, I went through my own personal transformation.  I went from being in a state of fear and depression (from losing my job) to a place of happiness, peace, and fulfilment for the first time in as long as I can remember.  By taking the guidance of Your Hidden Light seriously and developing a disciplined practice of consciously aligning my inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs daily, I became more relaxed, confident in my creative abilities, and truly happy.  This new way of being, improved my family life dramatically, and allowed me to achieve all my milestones to getting the book published easily and without stress or strain.  I have become an even stronger believer that it is only though changing your own inner thoughts, feeling, and beliefs, that you can most easily and effectively change the world around you.

After the book was published in November 2017, a professor at the business school at Suffolk University in Boston told me he was adding Your Hidden Light to his syllabus for his course – Happiness:  How to Get It for the Spring 2018 semester.    I am looking forward to the concepts of this book being taught to our future business leaders.

You incorporate quotes from a number of people and books in this work.  Let us know why you are drawn to these particular references?                                                                                          

I quote several people in the book from ancient philosophers, scientists, spiritual teachers, religious/spiritual texts, business people, entertainers, etc. who have all inspired me by their view of the world and the messages they gave to remind us that we are more powerful than we think we are.  All the quotes I use are inspirational, empowering, and relay powerful wisdom.  Your Hidden Light makes this wisdom easily understood and applicable in people’s everyday life.

Very cool.  Many people are unaware that anyone who inspires you is actually a mirror inviting you to allow qualities you admire in others to shine from inside you more consciously in a similar way. As part of your transformation process, are you noticing any shifts in sensory perception?                         

Since 2012,I have become more aware of the energy around me and more attune to my own inner guidance.  Prior to 2012, I never noticed or felt the energy of people or places, the way I do now.  I also feel very connected to the world around me and much more aware that my external reality is a reflection of what is inside of me.  Through my greater awareness, I regularly notice when I am receiving signs or guidance from the Universe. 

Your Hidden Light is meant to awaken you to your most powerful self, what I call your soul self or spiritual self, in order to most effectively create the life you desire.  When I became more in tune to this part of myself, I began to see the world in a different way.  I realized that everything I desired in the physical world came from the unseen spiritual world, which I could only access by going within myself.  The more I regularly turned inward through meditation, the stronger my intuition became.  In addition, I became a more powerful creator of my reality because I learned how to more effectively direct my energy.

Why would readers of Dreambuilders Australia like your book? How could they benefit from it?

Your Hidden Light is a go-to handbook for how you can reclaim the greatest power that has been lost to you – the power to create your own reality.  The purpose of the book is to awaken you to your spiritual nature and the powers you already possess to fulfill what is in your heart.  Your Hidden Light easily synthesizes ancient spiritual wisdom into practical application today.  You will learn the 4-step process to create your desired life with practical tips to help you along the way. You will walk away feeling empowered to live the life you want, and create the world you want to live in.  In addition, you will feel inspired to take at least one step towards making a positive change in your life. 

You offer man ymeaningful insights in your book. What advice would you offer people who feel stuck?

Regardless of the situation, feeling stuck does not feel good.  You feel frustrated, disappointed, dissatisfied, etc.  However, realize the “feeling” of being stuck is telling you what you don’t want.  You don’t want to be in that situation.  The most important step to take when you are feeling stuck is to consciously decide what it is you really want.  This is the first step in the 4-step process to creating what you desire. 

1)      Create your positive thought, desire, or intention. Write it down.  Get it clear in your head as to what you truly want.  Most people feel stuck because they don’t yet know what they want.  Take the time to create the vision for your life.  Some strategies to help you:         

•          Create a vision board – pull images from internet or magazines re: what you want to experience
•          Take a trip for inspiration
•          Talk to a friend, coach, mentor
•          Meditate – go inward and ask yourself what would make you happy

Once you have done the work of creating a strong, heartfelt, positive desire that you believe in then you are ready for change!

2)      Feel gratitude as if you have already received it

3)      Detach from your desire – know it’s coming

4)      Take actions that are aligned with your desire – you will know what actions to take by going inward and following your inner guidance.  When your actions are aligned with your inner guidance, it will not feel like work.

This is the 4-step process to creating your desires.  I found this to be the shortest and most effective route for getting unstuck.  You will find more details and strategies for each step in Your Hidden Light to help you master this process in your life.

What a gem! Short, concise steps or tips often trigger our own inner light bulbs and remind us we have to illuminate (or en-lighten) from within. Speaking of which, how does your view of time, love and money change as part of this book project?     

The process of writing this book and practicing the disciplines presented in the book, has opened me to the spiritual nature of the world I live in and my connection to the energy that connects everything.  As a result, my view and understanding on love has expanded beyond what I thought I knew was love, to an awareness of the unconditional nature of love.  I am finally beginning to understand what people mean when they say that “love is all there is”.  I now believe that love is how the Universe works – it is unconditional and gives you whatever is a match to what you are thinking and feeling.  I also view love as a frequency that is balanced, accepting, unconditional, and empowering.

I view money as energy like everything else now.  In order to attract money, you cannot feel   fear or a lack of money.  You need to align your inner being to the positive energy of what you want to attract.  This is something I consciously had to do when I decided to leave my high paying career to pursue what was in my heart.

I also have a relaxed sense of time now.  By understanding and practicing the 4-step creation process presented in the book, I began to realize that the Universe supports me, and things always happen at the right time, when I am ready.

Funny, its common for me to be in book stores, libraries or other places and have books literallly fall off the shelf in front me.  The universe has a fabulous sense of humor! Books also end up in my lap or cross my radar in a variety of ways to capture my attention. To me, this is always a sign from the universe the answer to some pending question or, something I need is to be found in or between the lines of the book. I would love to know your view on coincidence and synchronicity? 

I believe that the world we live in is intelligent, and there is a logic and process by which everything happens.  I believe that we are connected to everyone and everything including the Ultimate Creator (also referred to as God, Source Energy, Cosmic Consciousness, the Universe, etc) at a deeper unseen level.  As a result, what we call coincidence and synchronicity are actually connections.  For example, have you ever thought of anyone you haven’t seen or talked to in a while, and then a short time later, that person either calls or texts you?  That was not a coincidence, it was a connection.  Your thoughts get directed to that person, and through our connected energetic nature, the other personal receives the signal and connects with you unknowingly.  Coincidence and synchronicities, because they grab our attention, are reminders that we are all connected at a deeper level.

Everything you discuss is pointing to the humor in the shared experience of selective awareness.  How many times do we overlook what is always right here? It can seem so obvious from another vantage point. How is your sense of purpose during this lifetime shifting? 

My sense of purpose in this lifetime has shifted dramatically in the last year.  I was never clear on what I was supposed to be doing, until I went in search of it.  By writing this book, living and sharing its principles, and experiencing a new sense of happiness and freedom, I know my purpose is to inspire others to find their own power, truth, and joy.   

Another sticking point for many people is fear and how to manage it. Gaining insight into the experience of others can offer valuable insight or inspiration. What is your greatest fear before writing the book and what is your greatest fear? 

My greatest fear was what people would think, especially those who knew me.  Everyone knew me as a corporate finance business woman, not a spiritual self-help author. Now, I can honestly say, I have moved through my biggest fears.  I do not feel fear right now.  However, when I do feel fear, I know it is a barrier I need to move though in order to achieve what I really desire.

Share anything else you feel would benefit Dreambuilder Australia readers.

I realized that before I wrote this book, while I was a successful finance professional, I was hiding who I truly was.  I was hiding my light.  Why do we feel like we have to hide?  I wanted to find what truly lit me up.  Your Hidden Light reflects my journey and understanding and is helping me to shine my light.  My desire for you is that you find what lights you up in your life.  Your Hidden Light:  A Practical Guide to Creating Your Desired Life will provide you with the wisdom, tools, and tips you need to make the change you desire in your life in order for you to become the person you are meant to be.

Thanks Raana for being so genuine and offering the world a glimpse into the nature and details of your personal journey. I invite visitors here to include your book in their own path to deeper fulfillment. 

Your Hidden Light:  A Practical Guide to Creating Your Desired Life is available on Amazon.com and iBooks.  To learn more please visit www.yourhiddenlight.com I especially love how you list such inspirational resources.  I'm familliar with many but not all. Appreciate your guidance. Reading offers subtle or not-so-subtle reminders of what we are ready for right now. Love the revelations we trigger within ourselves when we are open and receptive. Much love and joy to you in your endeavours! May your life continue to be enriched and worries be few.

5 Tips to strengthen yourself

Regardless of what is arising or facing in your life at this stage, the moment is ripe to review and on these five tips to strengthen yourself:

1. Eat more alkaline foods

Benefits of eating more alkaline diet can include better heart health, stronger bones, decreased pain and the reversal of nutrient deficiencies. Foods highlighted as part of an alkaline diet include; whole fruits, legumes, vegetables, raw foods, green juices, beans, and nuts.

2. Take cold showers

Cold showers actually increase alertness, lucidity (clarity), refine hair and skin and also jumpstart the immune system and circulation. The cold water in a shower is even known to reduce stress and speed up recovery of sore muscles.  If your mood is a bit down or depression crosses your radar, the cold temp can help raise your spirits too. 

3. Hydrate more often

You need to be drinking half your body weight in pure water or healthy fluids every day and few people actually drink before they feel thirsty.  The latter indicates the onset of mild dehydration.  Anytime you feel stress arising, drink a glass of water to assist your body to recalibrate.

4.  Immerse in Nature

Getting back to Nature or spending time in natural environments is like getting in touch with yourself. Taking in the sounds and smells during a walk, hike or other nature adventure, allows you to relax, reflect, recalibrate, in ways you may not yet even realize.

5.  Listen to the heart (intuition/ Soul)

Listening to the heart is about knowing you always act (or not) for more than one reason. There is that which is conscious and that which is unconscious.  The ultimate purpose involves making the unconscious conscious and facing your shadows to accpt and integrate all of your fractured parts.  Listening to the heart is about feeling your way through life, taking action spotaneously and learning to trust yourself more.  The more your love yourself, the more you trust yourself for conditional love and trust are one in the same.