My life is a story of Love being revealed. Love has become my best friend and constant companion and the most transformative medicine I have ever taken. Love is the healer of all fear and wants to be utilized. I have and always will take advantage of Love’s offer.

Love is more to me than a good feeling, although that is what Love creates. Love is an actual energy and the essence of Spirit. Love appeared in my life many moons ago, when I felt hopeless. I had experienced one too many break ups and desperately desired a man to love me. I had read every book about manifestation, following instructions to the tee, but nothing seemed to change.

One day, I decided to make a greater effort with my meditation practice, hoping for insight. Instead of praying so hard for what I wanted, I listened. Over time, as my inner experience began to deepen, I heard a beautiful voice. The voice was warm and created a peaceful sensation in my heart. For the first time in my life, I felt pure Love. I heard this voice declare how wonderful I was, but I couldn’t accept it. I heard my own voice say, “I am not good enough,” to which the other voice said, “That’s fear talking. What do you suppose Love would say?”

I put my hand against my heart and waited.

“You are enough; just love yourself,” Love whispered.

I replied, “Great, but I still want someone to want me. To hold me at night. To love me!”

Then, Love set me straight: “You need to love you instead of needing a man to. You need to want yourself instead of needing a man to want you. You do not need a man, Lisa. You need your self!”

From that day forward, I engaged in reclaiming a relationship with my authentic self by listening to my heart. Yet, it also became apparent that voices of fear were deeply embedded and did not easily disappear. And, even though Love gave me a more powerful perception about myself, I didn’t believe. Fear was so strong, so destructive, so blinding, that it felt like an ongoing snow shower in my brain. I realized I could not simply shut out fear; I needed to heal fear. That’s when Love became my medicine.

The most healing quality that Love has ever revealed about itself was comfort. When relationships ended for me, the messages fear always shouted were, “You did something wrong” and “You’re not okay.” Love would just hold this story and say, “I understand you feel this way. I hear you.” A simple acknowledgment of my truth without judgment. And, somehow, because of this comfort, I was able to move away from a diminishing story and live into a joyful one. Love helped me move forward by actually holding what hurt first.

Once I started asking Love for help, I realized that all my experiences were stepping stones and, that even the most difficult times were gifts for my growth. Love helped me to feel grateful. The more I listened to Love, my feelings shifted and my life began to change. I began to attract better relationships, better health and more prosperity. I stopped being a victim to life and created life instead. And, a man became frosting on the cake, not the cake itself. I related in a more powerful way, because I was vibrating from the presence of real Love, the only kind of love that can truly complete me.

Over time, I brought together all the elements I used to heal myself and created a tangible process for my clients with great success. Love gives people more power and healing assistance than I could ever provide or would want to. Traditional therapy and affirmations can only go so far. I have had countless reports from clients who have done years of therapy, yet made little progress until they started accessing the spirit of Love.

Ironically, in the beginning, my entire motivation was to land a man, which eventually didn’t matter because I felt so happy on the inside. (Although, I did finally attract a great partner!) Love showed me that life is not about getting what you want; life is about being who you are: a beautiful being of Love.

Your deepest need is to feel loved, no matter what. No conditions. Yet, too often you hear an inside voice that says, “In order to be loved, I must do things right!” You acquired this voice from the many negative messages you heard in childhood about what you did wrong. You came to conclude that you were not good enough or worthy to be loved unless you did things “right.” Thus, “love” got confused with… approval!

If you feel like you need outside authorization to feel important or valuable, it is not love you are seeking, but approval. You may seek this approval, but even if you get it, you are never satisfied because, deep down, you desire to be okay without it.

When love becomes approval, you try desperately to do everything “right.” Since you cannot possibly meet “right” in everyone’s definition, you feel stressed, angry and anxious and can grow insecure, defensive and controlling. Humanity is plagued by the belief that we need to be a certain way or do something “right” in order to be okay and worthwhile. Feelings of inadequacy take refuge deep within all of us, causing most of our stress and struggle.

The following are examples of beliefs that keep you dependent on approval. They are based in fear and live deep in your ego mind:

• If I don’t do it right, I am not okay.
• If I do not please others, they will not be okay.
• If others don’t like or approve of me, I must be doing something wrong.

If you turn to your heart and ask for Love’s opinion on the above, you might hear something different. Love is a divine voice that is on your side and wants you to be at peace and in joy.

Love would say:

• If I don’t do it right, I am totally okay and remember that “right” is in the eye of the beholder.
• If I do not please others, I trust they will be okay.
• If others don’t approve of me, I know it’s not about me, but their own needs and desires.

Next time you yearn for a sense of importance based on how you look or what you accomplish, go inside and feel Love instead. Tune into what would make you feel good. Let the Love inside you dissolve the need for any approval so you can follow your heart. Remember, there is no right way!

Let’s say you seek your mother’s sanction before taking significant action in your life. You may actually ask her in person or be unconsciously influenced by what she thinks is right for you. You are tied to what she thinks is best and never seek what you truly want for yourself. Maybe she wants you to be a mother and you want to pursue only a career. If you are dependent on her approval, you might become a mother against your heart’s desire. Is this Love, or the small part of you (ego) that still believes the only way to be “okay” is to do it the “right way?” (And your mother’s small self that needs you to agree with her so she will be affirmed as “okay.”)

When you listen to and feel the presence of Love, you reclaim your inner power and follow what makes your heart sing. You begin to love yourself and choose your own path while respecting your loved one’s best intentions for you. You finally realize that deep down, in their hearts, people love you just because you’re you! (Not because you are doing things a certain way.)

Remember, your deepest desire is to be loved “as is.” Not to be judged, but acknowledged. Not to be wronged, but feel understood and accepted, no matter what. Only Love has the power to accept you exactly as you are in any moment and acknowledge your behavior without judgment. How you behave is how you behave. What you choose is what you choose. There is no right way. There is only Love.

If you truly want to raise your vibration, connect with the power of Love. Real Love is not some fluffy concept. It is the essence of spiritual energy. The Star Wars films remind us about spiritual energy with the famous line, “May the Force be with you.” That “Force” is the vibration of Love, and it can move mountains, heal bodies and change circumstances.

Love is “the truth, the way, and the life.” Love is the main tenant of all religious teachings. There is nothing more real or powerful than the force of Love, and it is always available.

In any moment, you have the power to choose Love or Fear. The simplest way to choose Love is to listen for Love’s voice in your heart. When you listen to Love, you heal years of pain. You transform “shoulds” and feelings of inadequacy. You realize you create your life instead of allowing life to create you. When you listen to Love, you feel good. When you feel good, you draw wonderful things towards you. You create the life you desire. But, before you can do this, you need to embrace the life you have right now.

One of the most common traits of Fear is to resist what “is.” The Fear part of you believes that in order to feel better, you must get rid of your anger, your relationship, your situation, etc. But actually, the opposite is true. For if you desire to attract something different, you need to first accept what you have. You need to acknowledge or accept the present before you can move into creating a new life, a new relationship or a new situation.

Love is always the answer – once you understand what “Love” truly is. At its core, Love is being able to observe what is happening without judgment and to let go fully. That takes practice! I have been raising my Love vibration for many years now, and I have numerous stories that it really works. Here is one such delight!

I was returning to Minneapolis from Florida one winter on a packed flight. I like to sit up front in planes due to minor motion sickness, but on this particular flight, I was unable to attain such a luxury. My seat assignment was not only in the back of the plane next to the latrine, but my seatmates were talking quite loudly while eating smelly burgers and fries! (No fun for a vegetarian!) Each time someone opened the bathroom door, my seat shook and I felt sick. I glanced forward to see if, by chance, there were any open seats, but the plane appeared full.

I knew in order to have peace, I would have to accept reality. I would have to turn to Love. I closed my eyes, took several deep breaths and surrendered. I decided it was a golden opportunity to spread love by accepting the annoying couple and the uncomfortable seat. I imagined what Love would say: I accept this situation. I will be okay. I let go.

As I sat there feeling better, the woman stopped talking and my seat felt still. All was calm. Then, I realized I still wanted a different seat. I would be okay, but I wanted something better. “I am going to attract a different seat,” I said to myself confidently. I smiled and asked my seatmate, who was speaking with other travelers up front, if one of her companions would like to switch seats with me. I informed her I about my motion sickness and that sitting closer to the middle of the plane might help.

“No,” she said, slurping her soda. “They all want to sit together. But let me tell the flight attendant.”

She motioned to a smiling attendant and said assertively, “This woman needs a different seat!”

I explained the situation to the attendant and he declared there were a few middle seats left. I hate middle seats, I said to myself, but then I quickly remembered that Love would say to accept what is given. I told him I would take it.

I started to maneuver my way out and everyone was amazingly helpful. The attendant told me to take 27D and I began to look for it. I could not believe it! It was an aisle seat! I looked back at him and said, “This one?” and he smiled.

I sat down, and next to me was a young woman reading a spiritual novel by one of my favorite authors. I told her I had read all his books and she said I could have the book when she was finished. I was thrilled that I had manifested a great seat. But I also realized how important it was to love the situation first and be unattached to the outcome.

Love is the most powerful force in the Universe. Use it!

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
Love is easier than fear. Follow the voice of love in your heart. Feel good.

What would Love Do?
When you look at yourself, others or life’s challenges/questions, try using love instead of the usual fear/negative perspective. Observe the difference in your experience.

Meditation with Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand at your heart and breathe into it. Focus all your awareness on welcoming the energy of Love. Bring to mind something you are currently judging, fearing or thinking negatively about. Focus on sending love to yourself and/or the situation. Ask, “what would love say?” to me right now.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
Choose love as your response to every situation. (Choose fear and you will experience more stress and suffering.)

What would Love Do?
Send love to anything you are worrying about or angry with. Instead of fearing the worst, expect the highest good to prevail.

Meditation with Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand at your heart and breathe into it. Focus all your awareness on welcoming the energy of Love. Place any kind of stress, worry or suffering inside your heart and let it be held by Love. Focus on sending love to yourself and the situation and seeing the highest good.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love say?
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

What would Love do?
Hold any pain or suffering in your heart. Let it be soothed with love instead of fear.

Meditation for Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand at your heart and breathe into it. Focus all your awareness on welcoming the energy of Love. Place any kind of suffering inside your heart and let it be held by Love. Tell your suffering that it is okay to feel what you feel and that everything will be all right.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love say?
You need to become friends with a voice beyond Fear. Come, listen to Love.

What would Love do?
Listen to Love. Listen to a voice that supports and nurtures you. Listen to a voice that feels good.

Meditation for Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand at your center (diaphragm) and breathe gently in and out. Focus all your awareness on your breath. Take a few moments to center and place your hand at your heart. Begin to listen for Love. What Love says to you is truth and beauty, yet it is not the voice you most tune into. Tune into Love!

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
Rather than question yourself or someone else for doing something you perceive as wrong, try holding the action with love.

What would Love do?
Let go of your need to judge. Hold what is. Watch how things transform.

Meditation for Love:
Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Place your hand against your heart and close your eyes. For ten minutes, focus on feeling the light of Love breathing into your heart. Allow yourself to be just as you are. Allow others to be just as they are. Send Love to the parts of you and others that you judge. Let Love dissolve these places of fear.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
“Where there is love, there is no question.” – Albert Einstein

What would Love do?
Focus on love being the answer to every question.

Meditation for Love:
Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Place your hand against your heart and close your eyes. For ten minutes, focus on feeling the light of Love breathing into your heart. Place any question you have into your heart and let love answer it.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
Accept whatever is happening right now.

What would Love do?
Relax. Trust something wonderful is coming.

Meditation for Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. As you exhale, gently whisper the word “Love.” Ask Love to flow deeply in and out of your heart. Try on the feeling that everything is as it should be. Feel the knowing that, on another level, all is well. Let yourself be open for gifts, growth and opportunity.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
There is nothing wrong with you. You are perfect and whole.

What would Love do?
Feel who you are deep within. Move in life from that space rather than the fearful, negative thoughts in your head.

Meditation for Love:
Sit quietly for 5-10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. Ask the spirit of Love to join you. Find the place within that feels “wrong” or “inadequate” and bring it to your heart. Send these places love. Let Love wash away the shame. Then, feel who you truly are. Feel the perfection and wholeness that is deep within your spirit.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” — Meister Eckhart

What would Love do?
Live in a state of gratitude this month and see what transpires. Make “thank you” a large part of your vocabulary.

Meditation for Love:
Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Close your eyes and place your hand against your heart and breathe in and out for several minutes. Feel Love breathing through you. Begin to say thank you over and over. Without thinking about what you are grateful for, just repeat the phrase and feel gratitude growing inside your heart.

We all want more love in our lives. Often, we wait for love to find us, hoping that others will give us the kind of love we long for. We wish for the perfect partner to come along, a parent to change or a friend to treat us right. We need others to love, accept, and make us feel good. But, whether it is friendship, family, or intimate relationships, our capacity for real, loving experiences really depends more on us than on them.

If we desire healthy relationships with others, it is imperative to first create one with ourselves. We all want people in our lives who are understanding, committed and love us unconditionally, but if we do not act accordingly towards ourselves how can we expect others to do so? If we attract people who cannot accept us, it is likely we do not accept ourselves. As long as we treat ourselves unlovingly, we can expect others to do the same. If we don’t think we deserve any better, better will not come along.

Self-love is certainly not an easy task, because somewhere along the line we were led to believe we were not worthy or lovable enough. We allowed outside influences to shape our view of who we are and be in charge of our significance rather than going within for approval. By going within, we can access the true essence of who we really are — divine beings of love. If it is true that we are created in the image of the Divine and the Divine is Love, then what else could we possibly be? We are created in love; thus we are love and as worthy as the next person.

This is a hard concept for many of us to digest, because we were raised with the belief that we are sinners, not lovers. We were taught, and continue to be reminded of what is wrong with us instead of what is right. When we were labeled “bad boy” or “bad girl,” we developed the mistaken belief that we are our negative behaviors. Unconsciously, we became overly identified with our actions and began to not love ourselves. As adults, we still may engage in negative or hurtful behaviors, but we have a choice in how we let those behaviors define us. An addiction, for example, is a behavior that is harmful but it does not make someone any less of a person.

Until you have a foundation of love for yourself, you will continue to encounter difficult and unfulfilling relationships. Each time you feel unloved, step back and ask yourself: How can I love myself more? If you feel you are not getting your needs met in a relationship, use it as a place for practicing self love either by standing up for yourself or getting out. And, instead of putting the responsibility on others for making you happy, make yourself happy.

It all comes down to shifting the way you think. If loving yourself is a prerequisite for truly loving relationships, you need to change the illusion that you are unlovable, unworthy or not good enough. With the help of Love, you can change your mind about anything, including your self-worth. Love is the essence of the Greater Spirit/God/the Universe. When you allow yourself to listen to Love, you are listening to a Higher presence. The more you listen for Love, the more you see the truth about yourself and the deeper you resonate with your divine nature.

The best way to begin loving yourself is to allow the spirit of Love inside your heart. Love is there for the taking, each and every day, when you ask and then allow yourself to receive. This can be done easily through prayer or meditation. Simply imagine what love would say to you and start replacing your negative thoughts with loving ones. Love will always tell you that you are good enough, worthy and lovable, but it is up to you to believe it. Whatever you choose to believe about yourself, will come true for you.

You cannot afford to wait for something or someone to fill you up with love. Love already lives inside you; thus, it is up to you to call on its immense healing power. Access a higher Love, because the people you are waiting for to give you the kind of unconditional love you need will never be able to. And, once you learn to really love and accept yourself, you will attract the kinds of people who can love and accept you back. Remember the “law of attraction” — what you put out there, you get back!

Attracting love means being love.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” — Meister Eckhart

What would Love do?
Live in a state of gratitude this month and see what transpires. Make “thank you” a large part of your vocabulary.

Meditation for Love:
Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Close your eyes and place your hand against your heart and breathe in and out for several minutes. Feel Love breathing through you. Begin to say thank you over and over. Without thinking about what you are grateful for, just repeat the phrase and feel gratitude growing inside your heart.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.” — Eckhart Tolle

What would Love do?
Go within and find out who you are.

Meditation for Love:
Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Close your eyes and place your hand against your diaphragm or solar plexus and breathe in and out for several minutes. Feel the Spirit breathing through you. Feel the essence of what you really are. Sit with yourself every day and become familiar with the deeper you.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say:
“America is a land of opportunity. Opportunity to choose our heart’s desire and give at the same time. What we think we need is already within us, not in how much money or power we have, but how much love. What if America was the greatest country on Earth because it chose love as its dream?” – God for President

What would Love do?
Keep following your heart, keep giving and keep choosing love (instead of fearing the demise of our country, our economy and our planet).

Meditation on Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. Ask Love to flow through you. After a few minutes, focus on what your heart needs most. Feel the love and peace already within you. Then, send loving vibes to your country, the economy and any other places that need the light. Make an intention to step out of fear and step into trusting all is well.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry, or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love say?
There is no limit, because God is love and love is God. And so you are really in love with God, and God’s love is infinite. And that’s why it’s not how much you do, but how much love you put into the action. - Mother Teresa

What would Love do?
Just do one small thing this month acting from the loving place in your heart. Let that be enough.

Meditation on Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. As you exhale, gently whisper the sound of “Ahh” (a universal sound for God). Feel yourself receiving this infinite peace and love. After a few minutes, imagine yourself acting in service from this place, simply doing small things with great love.

John of God performs a healing.

If healing is a central aspect of your journey, you have probably employed a variety of methods, working hard to change whatever impedes your living life to the fullest. At some point, however, you might find that you can go no farther, climb no higher and that all you thought would heal you by now leaves you incomplete. For myself, I had to journey all the way to Brazil to finally realize the essence of true healing – grace, a space so surrendered that all you experienced as pain and struggle magically dissolves.

For the last fifteen years, I have engaged in a very conscious healing process. When I was 25, I was diagnosed with a form of rheumatoid arthritis that left me full of pain and barely able to walk by age 30. I improved significantly over time, seeing healers and finding ways to reduce stress. But, the pain would return at times, keeping me from being all I wanted to be and do in life.

Over the last several years, I began to surrender to my condition, knowing that on a deeper level, something more profound than physical healing wanted to take place. As a spiritual psychologist and longtime meditator, I was blessed to possess the tools to work with my thoughts and emotions in a way that supported my physical healing. I peeled away layers of mistaken beliefs, e.g. “I am not good enough,” which shifted my feelings of inadequacy tenfold and helped me learn to truly accept myself. I actually became grateful for my physical pain, for it forced me to look inside. While I healed emotionally and spiritually, there continued to be a part of me that was discouraged with my lack of mastery over my health. All these years of inner work and I was still feeling unwell.

I surrender
Not knowing which direction to turn, I let go. My daily prayer became: “Please, God, help me heal myself on all levels. I don’t know what that looks like anymore. I surrender.”

After a few months, I met a man who had visited the world-renowned healer, “John of God,” or more humbly known as Medium João. I had heard of John of God over the years from friends and a special on ABC’s “Primetime,” which highlighted the miraculous healings that took place at his healing center in Brazil. The pilgrimage seemed like a huge expense, so I had put the idea aside until my new friend informed me that he would be going again and thought it would really help me. I agreed without a second thought and, once I did, the money showed up and the healing began.

Visitors wait in line to see John of God and the Entities.

The most important thing to understand about Medium João is that he is not doing the healing nor does he charge any fees. He channels Beings of Light, Spirits or “Entities,” and João states clearly that God does the healing, not him. João gives over his consciousness and incorporates the spirits of past doctors and saints, such as St. Ignatius de Loyola. These entities examine the waiting masses and conduct both visible and invisible operations. The mission of these compassionate ones is to assist humanity and they have been working through Medium João at the Casa de Dom Inacio in Brazil for more than thirty years.

Millions of people have experienced profound healings of body, mind and spirit. Everyone receives healing who comes to the Casa but not everyone is cured, for healing happens on so many levels. Some have miraculous recoveries, but most people say that their healing is a process and they go back a few times to Brazil before feeling really good.

Once I made the decision to go to the Casa, I began to ask for support and felt these loving Beings in my meditations. I have done a great deal of energy work over the years, but never have I experienced anything so profound. The current was so strong that I could not even hold my head up! Yet, I was ready and open and set the clear intention to let the Light inside me, something I had never fully allowed. Each day I opened to a bit more to the energy so that I could I be more open once I arrived in Brazil. That practice helped, because once I was in front of Medium João, the Light was immensely strong.

Seekers in line
The process began on a Wednesday morning when I joined several hundred other seekers in line to receive healing. Time goes quickly as each person only sees Medium João – and the Entity he has incorporated that day – for only a few seconds to receive instructions for an intervention. As I stood before them, I felt an outpouring of love and light and a sacred presence of God. I was told to come back for a “spiritual surgery” that afternoon.

Later that day, I returned to the Casa and waited. Tears fell as I prayed for my pain to disappear. Since I had made so many attempts in the past to heal, I hoped this would be the final medicine.

The “surgery line” was called and I stood up with about forty others and we were led to a back room where meditative music was playing. We were told to sit still and close our eyes for about half an hour. I had expected John of God to enter the room and work on each one of us individually, but he was nowhere to be seen. The Entities were there, however, as I could see dancing lights and feel their presence working with my energies, both physically and spiritually. I felt more than relaxed, almost sedated as I received the surgery.

Then, Medium João entered the room and declared, “It is done,” and we were told to get up slowly. I felt very tired as we were led outside and given further instructions, mainly to go to bed for 24 hours, which was pretty easy to do.

The days following, I rested a lot. (The recommended stay is two weeks because, like having a physical surgery, you need to recover in a place of peace and quiet.) Following surgery, you can go back to the Casa and either go before John of God again or sit in the “Current Room” and receive the energy flowing from the Entities, which supports and furthers your healing process. Some days, I sat in that room for more than two hours in meditation.

Physical healing can manifest
While I had hoped my arthritis would disappear in Brazil, the pain actually increased. I needed assistance walking and eventually a wheelchair. I was told that sometimes, people get worse before improving and, depending on your karma and other factors, your healing may first require a change in belief, attitude or emotion before physical healing can manifest. For some, it’s the other way around so that one’s faith in the power of God can grow. Everyone has their own unique experience.

Lisa Venable, author of this article (center) with fellow pilgrims from Ireland.

Since I did not receive an instant cure, I figured I had to work at keeping the faith and notice what had been healed. I felt that something deep within, a pain stronger than physical, had been lifted. I felt incredibly happy. My negative thoughts were absent. Despite the fact that I was having trouble walking and being carted around in a wheelchair, I believed all was well and felt utterly content. At dinner one night, I met a Russian woman who said she had M.S. and was in a wheelchair when she first came and now can walk with ease. I told her I hoped I would feel better and not worse after my surgery, and she simply said, “Give it time and keep the faith that you’ll improve. Let go.”

Since returning from Brazil, “letting go” seems like an understatement. I am amazed at the way I now relate to my body’s challenges. With each step, I continue to feel faith even though my pain has, at times, been tremendous. Instead of feeling like the process had failed, I trust timing and move through my pain in a whole new way. I wanted the instant miracle cure, because I was tired of trying to figure out how to heal myself. Now I feel at peace with where I am, versus trying so hard to get somewhere else!

The Entities continue to work on me when I ask, and each day I get better. What changed for me was indeed spiritual, for I no longer experience frustration about my condition – and life feels easier. My friends have commented that I have come back a different person – lighter and freer. When they call and inquire how I feel, I usually reply, “Really good,” even if I can’t walk that day!

I truly feel surrendered and in a state of pure grace – and yes, that feels good. And, feeling good, I believe, will create the physical healing I have always envisioned.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry, or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself:

What would Love Say?
Love is in the air. Breathe it in!

What would Love do?
Make it your spiritual practice for a week to imagine Love is all around you. Breathe Love in. Remind yourself by attaching a sticky note of the above quote on your mirror or dashboard.

Meditation on Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. As you inhale, gently whisper the beautiful word, “Love.” Feel Love as you breathe deeply in and out of your heart. Let Love soothe every part of your body and the fearful or judging thoughts in your mind. Let Love heal you.

Love lives in our hearts as a comforting voice, a voice that feels good to us. Love knows only the convergence of all that is, proclaiming that we were born innocent and need to be accepted, no matter what. Love allows. Love creates unity in which we are able to come together and find peace in ourselves, our relationships, and our world. All we need to do is rise above fear and listen to the message of Love in our hearts.

Each month, this column features a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry, or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself, What Would Love Say?

What would Love Say?
Paradise is when we walk around and see heaven in everyone’s eyes. And send Love. (From, God for President, by Lisa Venable)

What would Love Do?
Radiate love out to everyone you see this month. Make it an intentional practice to look at people and send love. Write yourself a note to remember!
Meditation on Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. Feel the place in your heart that knows real Love. Ask Love to flow deeply in and out of you. Focus on this Love for a few moments, allowing it to grow. Remember Love is all that really matters. After a few minutes, imagine your Love radiating out to others, even strangers. See yourself walking in the world as a bright light from heaven, smiling the sweetness of Love. Notice what you attract!

Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field.
I will meet you there. – Rumi

I believe Rumi’s field is the space in our hearts where Love resides. To find this field, we need to listen deeply for the voice of Love, where judgment and fear do not exist. The Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture) says we need to meditate on “words that give us peace, words that are good and beautiful and true.” The Dhammapada (Buddhist scripture) says, “Better than a thousand useless words is one single word that gives us peace.” And the Bible says, “For it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”

Fear speaks to us constantly, barraging us with thoughts that make us feel angry, anxious, and stressed out, persuading us to act in ways that are less than loving. Love’s voice is quieter but gives us words of wisdom that make us feel happy and at ease. To hear Love, we need to silence our fears and ask, What Would Love Say?

Love is capitalized here to highlight the immense power it possesses. Love is the strongest force in our universe, yet we allow fear to have far more influence. We need to be very conscious of fear so that we can stop its power and choose Love instead. As we increasingly opt for Love, our experience of life and relationships will be much easier and more joyful.

Fear lives in our heads as a discomforting voice, a voice that feels bad to us. We continue to be duped by fear, because it is familiar and plays off our smallest, most insignificant sense of self – our ego. Fear knows only the polarity of right and wrong, declaring that we were born in sin and need to be punished. Right and wrong thinking create a duality in which we are constantly at battle.

Love lives in our hearts as a comforting voice, a voice that feels good to us. Love knows only the convergence of all that is, proclaiming that we were born innocent and need to be accepted, no matter what. Love allows. Love creates unity in which we are able to come together and find peace in ourselves, our relationships, and our world. All we need to do is rise above fear and listen to the message of Love in our hearts.

Each month, this column will feature a “Message from Love” with an action step and meditation. Each message gives examples of what Love might say and do in various circumstances. So, whenever you find yourself feeling scared, angry, or uncomfortable, instead of letting fear have its way, practice asking yourself, What Would Love Say?

What would Love Say?
“Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen carefully.” – from The Land Before Time

What would Love Do?
Before making any decision, drop into your heart, place a hand on it and ask, “What would Love say to me about this?”

Meditation on Love:
Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Place your hand on your heart and breathe gently in and out. As you exhale, gently whisper the word, “Love.” Ask Love to flow deeply in and out of your heart. After a few minutes, listen to what your heart has to say. Ask Love to guide your thoughts and your way.

An excerpt from the appendix of the newly revised edition of God for President: A Parable About the Power of Love (Conari Press).

God for President is parable that holds the spiritual wisdom to restore our world. Some may call it a fairy tale, an impossibility too naive to ever be realized. But fairy tales can come true if we choose to believe and make choices that reflect their hidden messages. This tale’s message is Love, and it calls us to bring this powerful healing force back to life.

Albert Einstein stated that problems could not be solved by the same energy that created them. America faces a plethora of problems: a war; angry people who want to terrorize us; people without jobs, health care or hope. Will we solve these problems using the same energy that created them? If Einstein’s theory is correct, if we continue on the same path, things will not improve; they will simply be perpetuated.

The common energy that creates our problems is basically fear. Fear is the force that drives us to greed, the need for false power and the overwhelming stress that we will not have or be enough. Fear might benefit many sectors of our society, but for most of us, fear is destroying the American Dream.

If we let fear lead, we will not solve what ails us, either personally or collectively. For instance, if we continue to fight terrorism with might and violence, that is, using the same energy that it has bestowed on us, we will never stop its escalation. It might behoove us to remember Franklin Roosevelt’s words: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” and begin to question how much we currently fear “fear.”

America is ripe for a new energy. This time in history could be our greatest opportunity to raise our collective consciousness about what we are choosing, and try a different energy, a new force that will create unified solutions that last and give us the dreams we all seek: life, liberty and the pursuit of real happiness. A dream that is based in fear will eventually collapse. One that is based on Love will flourish beyond our imaginations.

Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there. — Rumi

What would Love say?

I believe Rumi’s field is the space in our hearts where Love resides. To find this field, we need to listen deeply for the voice of Love, where judgment and fear do not exist. The Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture) says we need to meditate on “words that give us peace, words that are good and beautiful and true.” The Dhammapada (Buddhist scripture) says, “Better than a thousand useless words is one single word that gives us peace.” And the Bible says, “for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”

Fear speaks to us constantly, barraging us with thoughts that make us feel angry, anxious and stressed out, persuading us to act in ways that are less than loving. Love’s voice is quieter, but gives us words of wisdom that make us feel happy and at ease. To hear Love, we need to silence our fears and ask, WHAT WOULD LOVE SAY?

Love is the strongest force in our universe, yet we allow fear to have far more influence. We need to be very conscious of fear so that we can stop its power and choose Love instead. As we increasingly opt for Love, our experience of life and relationships will be much easier and more joyful.

Fear lives in our heads as a discomforting voice, a voice that feels bad to us. We continue to be duped by fear, because it is familiar and plays off our smallest, most insignificant sense of self — our ego. Fear knows only the polarity of right and wrong, declaring that we were born in sin and need to be punished. Right and wrong thinking create a duality in which we are constantly at battle.

Love lives in our hearts as a comforting voice, a voice that feels good to us. Love knows only the convergence of all that is, proclaiming that we were born innocent and need to be accepted, no matter what. Love allows. Love creates unity in which we are able to come together and find peace in ourselves, our relationships, and our world. All we need to do is rise above fear and listen to the message of Love in our hearts.

In the world of fear, it is always easier to see what others are doing wrong. The payoff is simple: you don’t have to see yourself. The problem with living this way is that everyone suffers. Your judgment of others makes them feel bad, and their judgment of you makes you feel bad. Your turning away from yourself does nothing to make you the kind of person you truly wish to be.

We are approaching the dawn of a new age, and as many declare gloom and doom, Love urges us to be bringers of light. The world’s so-called demise is not about what THEY are doing; it’s about what YOU are doing. Now is the grand opportunity to become the Love and peace you wish to see in the world, to stop being fear based and focused on others, and instead be centered on your own light. Your responsibility is to ignite the fire of Love inside your very own heart.

Fear says, LOOK AT THEM! THEY ARE THREATENING MY WAY OF LIFE! Love says, HOW CAN I BE MORE LOVING? WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? Bringing your focus back to yourself and being the Love you wish to see are much easier when you can accept what you are doing and love yourself without judgment. This requires you to spend time in silence with your heart and the presence of a loving and fully accepting God or Spirit. Once you can sit with yourself as you are, you open the door to becoming peace. And, once you find a glimmer of peace, you become a light for others, and the world changes on its own.

What would Love say?

What
do I need to see in myself that might need some Love?
How can I be more loving
to myself and others?
I am a light to others.
I am the Love I wish to see.

What would Love do?

Focus on what you can do instead of what others
are doing wrong.
Be a bringer of light instead of a keeper of fear.
Be conscious of fear, and
keep turning to Love-based thoughts.

Love Practice: Meditate on your inner light daily. Sit in a quiet space and light a candle. Place your hand against your heart and close your eyes. For ten minutes, focus on feeling the light of the Spirit or God breathing into your heart. See if you can find a place inside where you feel fully loved and accepted. Allow yourself to be just as you are. Send this feeling of Love and light to all the places inside you that feel inadequate, such as the places that you judge. Let Love dissolve these places of fear so you can become a light not only for yourself but also for the world.

Upcoming speaking events with Lisa Venable:

• CivicFest, Minneapolis Convention Center, 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. Visit www.godforpresident.com
• Unity
of the Valley Discovery Fair, 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Visit www.unityvalley.org.

Just sit there, don’t do a thing, just rest.
For your separation from God,
From Love,
Is the hardest work in this world. – Hafiz, Sufi mystic
The closest thing to my authentic nature is Love. Love is the soothing balm that frees me from fear, the warm breath that makes it all okay, and the flowing river that lets me come and go just as I am. Love often is forgotten as the source of all healing, the bringer of all calm and the way out of what seems like an endless hole. Love is actually a spirit, a force of energy that I can flow with. Fear is also an energy, but one that pushes me against the current of life causing me to fight reality.

I find that I need love to deliver me back to my true self, the self that waits patiently in my heart, breathing in and out of the spirit. My false self, on the other hand, pushes anxiously from my mind, gasping in and out of fear’s grip. When I follow the voice of fear, I often feel like Eve being swayed by that slimy snake. My body tethers with tension while my breath gets stuck in my throat. I hear voices like, "He shouldn’t do that! I have to get what I want! They should see it my way! There’s not enough time." Fear creates a reality I despise.

When I follow love, I can live authentically, because I no longer oppose reality. I live as a spirit, an observer of truth. I allow what is. I see what’s true without negative judgment. I decline fear’s desperate push to see only right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. The moment I choose love, I am free to be myself, follow my bliss and ultimately, spread my joy to others.

When I listen to the voice of love, I feel like an eagle soaring in freedom. My body relaxes and my breath flows easily. I hear voices like, "He did that…hmm?…I am curious what ails him…I’ve done that, too…What do I need to see?…I will be okay with what life brings me…There’s plenty of time." Love creates a reality I wish to be see, because its energy creates peace. Options. Freedom.

What I have found the most imperative on my own healing journey is honesty and actually being with the truth. To shift out of my false self, I have to be willing to look at it openly. The only way I have found to truly be able to do that is through the spirit of love. Before I knew how to love, I couldn’t look at the parts of me I knew weren’t evolved, so I simply used positive affirmation therapy. But saying "I am good enough" over and over – when I haven’t honored the fact that I really didn’t feel good enough – simply kept a long standing wound covered up with a Band-aid. Love lifted off the bandage and looked at my feeling of inadequacy with a smile. Love made my feeling perfectly okay.

When we can face ourselves, each other and our world with non-judgment, we begin to see the truth as simply The Truth. Not right or wrong, but true. Then we stop hiding. We no longer need to be inauthentic, because we can be who we are in any moment. And when we are in the dark or fear places, we can stop and actually see ourselves there with loving light and then gently return our focus to where we desire to be. If we cover up that which we wish not to see, it will only breed more power. Love helps us heal it and move forward.

Love has been defined in many ways, but its greatest expression has often been discarded by fear’s need to stay in charge. What we forget about love, is that love is being in a state of pure allowing. Non-judgment. Acknowledging what’s there. Making things okay. Once we give love the power to do this, then we can act accordingly in any situation, from a place of greater peace.

Recently, some folks crashed into my car in a parking lot. I was in the building at the time and they were waiting for me when I came out. I could tell they were expecting a negative reaction from me, but I just smiled and said, "It’s okay." I could feel the relief in their hearts from my words and the situation was easily taken care of. I allowed what happened, instead of letting my fearful mind control the situation. It didn’t mean it was right or wrong, good or bad, it just was what it was.

Even if they had been careless, love is still the answer. Love says what happened is okay, because it’s what’s true. Fear takes me away from reality, causing everyone involved extra suffering. If I make it okay that they were careless, I give myself and them peace. Peace is what we all seek, not anger or more judgment. Love is the answer to peace. It always has been.

Remember:

• Love allows reality or what "is."
• Love allows me to be how I am.
• Love allows people to be how they are.
• Love allows the flow of life to come and go gently with open arms.
• Love allows someone to be cruel, knowing the cruelty’s root is only fear.
• Love allows me to honor myself and not take on the cruelty of another.
• Love allows me (and others) to follow my heart’s desire.
• Love allows all my behaviors and allows me to change them with greater ease.
• Love allows all possibilities and looks for the balance.

There is nothing closer to authenticity than Love. Love makes things clear. Love is the Truth, the Way, and your Life.

Lisa will be offering a seven-week series based on her workbook, "Growing Your Spirit of Love," starting Tuesday evenings on January 17. Learn to identify what fear voices and emotions block you and how to follow the spiritual energy of Love. Cultivate easy techniques and meditations to shift out of a reality you don’t want. The cost is $175. See www.lisavenable.com for more information or call (612) 250-7859 to pre-register.