Time is precious, and time is always ticking. We rush through each day to events, to work and to engagements. However, do we take time to pause, time to give back to ourselves in our busy lives?
If I only had spent more time with him before he transitioned…
We often blame ourselves for not spending enough time with our loved ones who are sick or elderly. A client named Catherine blamed herself for letting her dog, Brandy suffer too long. Another client Shelley blamed herself for not being there when her dog Jake transitioned.
If only we had more time to spend with our animals or human loved ones before they transitioned. Just one more day.
Time is not currency, it isn’t something we may bargain, trade or change. And, that, is why I have truly learned in many ways how precious and variable this precious measurement may present itself.
Einstein stated that time is relative…
Although I am doing well after having neurosurgery in April time seemed to stand still while during the recovery process. I couldn’t do many of the daily activities I took for granted. I had to wear a neck brace and was in constant pain.
Time seemed to stand still and hold me hostage…
I am happy to say that I found time to almost stop, over the 4th of July weekend. I inadvertently lost track of time. How can it be that time may seem to pass so slowly, in times of strife and our daily lives, yet experiencing time with friends, my animals, and loved ones, it seemed like a whisper in the wind, a fleeting thought, that I didn’t consider. It was only the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun that guided my basic, primordial instincts.
I had to ask myself upon writing this newsletter, after much thought, that how could time, something so seemingly basic, yet important to us and our daily lives, be meaningful to you.
I found that upon reflection of these two events (my surgery recovery and being out on the lake) to be completely different experiences. The former, unpleasant, the latter, pleasurable and struck me that time, while relative, is what it needs to be.
Give yourself permission to experience your passions…
When we lament or are saddened by the loss of our loved ones, time seems to slow down, everything seems like we are fighting through mud; conversely, when we are able to let go, completely, time seemingly moves fast. If you have it in you I encourage you to experience what I did and , and simply let go.
“What if I die?” I asked with tears welling up in my eyes. Thoughts of my family, friends and my beloved animals flashed into my mind.
“You’re not going to die,” John responded as he squeezed my hand and wiped away the tear that was rolling slowly down my cheek.
The months of neck pain, spasms and doctor’s visits slipped away from my mind as the anesthesia began to work its way through my bloodstream.
I speak to deceased humans and animals every day and I know what the Afterlife is like. I can appreciate the irony of this situation now but the only thing I knew at that moment was the sound of the squeaky wheels on the hospital gurney as they rolled me down the hall into surgery.
To all of you who live with chronic pain the words I write here will be all too familiar. I honor you and your journey. You are my true heroes.
Life is not easy. Sometimes it is painful beyond belief.
But why? Why is life so difficult?
My experiences reveal that the soul is here in the physical form, your body for instance, to learn and to grow spiritually. Humans usually don’t grow when things are easy. We tend to learn the most from the most difficult or traumatic experiences.
To keep it simple and not too graphic, I had several discs removed in my neck in April. The neorosurgeon created an incision in the front of my neck adjacent to my throat. He replaced discs c4-c7, which are at the back of the neck. The discs were replaced with bone grafts and then a titanium plate was set in place to hold it all together. This procedure is sometimes referred to as spinal fusion because the vertebrae are fused together.
I refused to let any of my clients know about my surgery. There are so many others including some of my clients, who live with much more pain, discomfort and/or illnesses that are much more serious than mine. So I kept quiet.
Actual x-ray from my 1 month post surgical office visit.
Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement
“Karen, why are you ignoring my emails?”
I was prompted to share my experience by a dear client of mine, Cindy. After numerous attempts to contact me she became very concerned about why I was so distant and unresponsive.
The surgery itself was easy. I don’t remember anything other than waking up in the hospital room. Sure I stressed about it for way too long but I had no idea what the recovery would be like or how it would affect my work as a Light Worker.
What is a Light Worker?
Depends on who you ask. Generally speaking we are all Light Workers. It is simply a matter of knowing and realizing this. You are a powerful and mighty spiritual being have a very important and sometimes painfully difficult physical journey here on Earth.
Definition-Light Workers, or energy workers, help human consciousness evolve in the alchemy of time. They work in and out of grid programs much like beacons of light energy who anchor higher frequencies. They work alone, or in groups, as there are no hard fast rules. There is a sense of mission or greater purpose to help humanity. Anyone can become a light worker after coming into balance and raising their frequency. It takes training and practice, as with any other skill, quickly for some, and slower for others. If you are guided to be a light worker, your soul will guide your journey.
Light Workers often struggle with giving back to themselves and will often burn that proverbial candle on both ends. I love the work I do with the animals and deceased humans and the hardest part was staying out of my office and off the computer.
The high doses of pain medications I was prescribed was only one of many very good reasons why I needed to stay away from emails. Even after reassurances from my neurosurgeon and close friends who had similar surgical procedures, I still worried about returning to my very unusual desk job.
Talk about a humbling experience. This is a big lesson in gratitude and a new appreciation for the little things in life.
The Results:
I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a very long time. I feel stronger every day. I am so grateful to John, my family and friends who have encouraged me and taken such good care of me.
As for my abilities and as one client put it, “Should I reschedule?”… no need to do that. Clients are reporting back to me that their sessions are better than ever and they are even more detailed than before my surgery.
I love my clients dearly and I missed you all so much.
You have enriched my life so much and I am so honored to be a part of your journey. You have shared some of your most private and painful moments with me. I humbly thank you.
So what if I die?
Someday I will make my transition out of this body, as we all eventually will. When I do, I can look back to all of you, my clients whom I love so much, and I can say that this Light Worker did the very best she could~
In loving memory of Lisa S. who made her transition in February 2011 after a brave battle with uterine cancer.
My dog, Gracie, glances up at me as we walk our usual route this morning. She knows I have salmon treats in my hand. I am delighted by the depth of her dark eyes and her keen interest in every detail around her. What a smart girl. We are truly blessed to have her in our lives.
But this story isn’t so much about Gracie as it is about our connection we have to our dear animal companions. Let me share a story about how one dog changed my life and how communicating with her made the difference.
Ginger was our sweet yellow lab, our family dog as the kids were growing up. She joined our family as a puppy and we enjoyed her playfulness and wonderful lab personality throughout the years.
One dog changed my life…
When Ginger developed diabetes at age 6, we had a new challenge to maintain her health and to quickly learn about natural diet, insulin injections and blood glucose testing. I remember one night, in particular. I suddenly awoke at 2:00 a.m. and ran downstairs to check Ginger’s blood sugar. It was dangerously low, but I was able to give Ginger a snack to take care of her crisis.
How did I know?
I really didn’t have a clue, but thinking back on that time I’d say it was evidence of our close connection that I had not yet realized.
When Ginger developed a life-threatening blood cancer at age 12 ½ years, hemangiosarcoma, I felt strongly that the vets were wrong about her number of days left with us. One month later when I met Karen Anderson, animal communicator, Karen checked in with Ginger who quickly told us that what I was doing was working.
Communicating with Ginger made all the difference…
Ginger felt like she could make it. Ginger knew about my work helping people and their animals with natural health. Ginger wanted to make sure I got the message to “Send healing energy to that one’s heart.” Me? “Yes. YOU, Mom.”
Iron gates blocking the heart
Following the session with Karen, I explored some of the clues Ginger gave me. Send healing energy to someone’s heart. Me. I soon discovered Reiki, the Japanese healing technique of channeling Universal Life Force Energy; hands-on healing. Ginger was the biggest beneficiary of healing energy following my Reiki attunement. She received Reiki every day and I included my doggy clients across the globe to receive distance Reiki as well.
When I met with Karen again a few months later, Ginger said, “Reiki works… and it never stops.” Ginger continued to give me clues throughout our session with Karen. I wanted to be able to communicate with her as Karen did. Ginger promptly began her instructions. She said that I had “iron gates in front of my heart.” In order to communicate with her I had to let the natural filter be there. I had to open my heart to her.
The very last morning of Ginger’s life with us, I was on the floor beside her. We had won the fight with cancer (very quickly) and we had made tremendous strides in reversing her diabetes. Ginger was an old girl and her body was worn out. The vet had confirmed the day before that there was no cancer (he was amazed) and she had no arthritis in her spine either. This morning was different and special. My iron gates in front of my heart opened enough to let Ginger in. Ginger gave me a vision of a journey I would have to make without her. But in the end, she’d be there for me.
Ginger is an inspiration to me and evidence of the connection we have with our sweet animal companions. Our Gracie knows it too. I can see it in her eyes and she can see my heart… without the iron gates.
One of the most common questions I am asked is what our animal companions would like us to do with their remains after they transition and leave their physical body.
While this is a difficult subject to discuss it is a reality we must face when we say goodbye to a dear and devoted friend.
What is the right thing to do with our animal’s remains?
Most decisions have to be made when we are under stress when our animals become ill or injured. It is a topic that most of us would rather not talk about.
Truffles shares insights and some very specific messages…
Peggy had already made the decision of what to do with the remains of her beloved Yorkshire Terrier when the time came to say goodbye. Her aging dog, Truffles was approaching the end of her physical life and the thought of being without her was overwhelming.
The decision was made to have her remains preserved…
“Dear Karen,
The experience was awesome. It was a little scary to actually think it could be done and of course I wondered what she would look like. I also wondered if people would think I was crazy (which some did) but that was because they really didn’t understand the process and how it worked.
I felt really good about my decision to have Truffles here with me. The hardest thing about losing her was not being able to see her everyday. Now, with her here with me I do get to see her and talk to her.
I know her soul is up in heaven and of course there is a piece of her soul in my heart.
I know it sounds funny but I can actually feel her spirit all around me when I talk to her.
I know she is listening and when Karen and I speak about her Karen says things that only Truffles could know because she is watching over me too – as I am watching over her.
I always promised her we would be together and now we really are because of the preservation process.
I would absolutely recommend it to family and friends – it’s not for everyone but for people who need to see their pets on a day to day basis – this is definitely the way to go.
Peggy”
As for how Truffles feels, she is quite pleased with her mom’s decision. She told us how honored she feels and how much she loves the attention she receives from the whole experience. She even added, “I think I look fabulous!”
The question came to me from a dear friend and client, Cheryl. Her elderly mom suffers from horrible panic attacks and dementia and they have not been able to communicate with her in years.
Even before Cheryl’s appointment began I felt the presence of a very excited energy coming through.
Edna, Cheryl’s mom was ‘early’ for their appointment and in her excitement began to send detailed messages for Cheryl.
When Cheryl called in for her session, I connected mother and daughter for the first time in many years.
The air was filled with electricity and a feeling of celebration…
Edna’s personality before she suffered from dementia came through loud and clear.
She shared information about her current medications and even details about her childhood.
The overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude came pouring in when Edna shared how appreciative she was for Cheryl’s love, devotion and constant care.
Edna apologized for not being one to show her affection to Cheryl before her illness and I struggled to keep my emotions intact.
The detailed information was astonishing down to the last messages..
Edna informed Cheryl she liked her hair style longer ‘as it was before’, and Cheryl informed me she just had her mom’s hair cut in a short style.
Finally, Edna spoke of her teeth, and mouth issues and Cheryl confirmed with amazement how she just had to have her mom undergo extensive dental work including have a tooth pulled.
Needless to say it was an emotional and incredible session for all of us.
Please note: Some parts of the conversation with Tilly have been edited out of respect for Dawn Brancheau’s family and loved ones.
Trainer Dawn Brancheau
My heart sank when I heard the horrible news last week about Tilikum, a killer whale at Sea World Orlando who grabbed a well respected and experienced trainer, Dawn Brancheau and caused her death.
I immediately felt a sense of sadness for the loss of Dawn’s life and a deep sorrow for the killer whale.
What do we know about Dawn Brancheau?
From what I have learned, Dawn loved all animals and children. She would never have wanted anything to happen to Tilly or any of the other animals. At a young age Dawn knew she wanted to work with the whales. The job at Sea World was like a dream come true. She was a kind and loving person and often volunteered at a local shelter and helped any animal in need. Dawn truly loved these whales. She will be missed by her very large and loving family.
Three tragic deaths involving Tilly…
What do we know about Tilly? He was captured about 25 years ago as a wild orca and was taken from his pod. He has been involved in 3 fatal incidents, two involving trainers and one with a deranged man who was found dead the next day. This man hid in the park and waited until after it closed and then he apparently jumped into Tilly’s pool. Tilly has performed for thousands of visitors and created huge profits for the park.
Wild orcas can travel 100 miles a day in search of food
Killer whales are the largest member of the dolpin family and have complex social structures, family pods and communication systems.
Many of us have very strong opinions about keeping wild animals captive in sea parks, zoos and aquariums like Sea World. What is the right thing to do? How do the animals feel about being held captive in an artificial environment?
Dolpins and whales in the news…
Capturing or slaughtering dolphins, whales and other sea creatures has recently stirred up a lot of controversy. The popular show ‘Whale Wars’ on Animal Planet follows Captain Paul Watson the crew of the Sea Shepherd in the battle against illegal whaling. (Warning graphic images in video)
The academy award winning documentary, The Cove, exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises in Taiji, Japan every year and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is being sold as food in Japan and other parts of Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not aware this is happening as the Taiji cove is blocked off from the public (Warning graphic images in video)
So what is the answer? Should wild animals be held in parks or aquariums?
Both sides argue their points…
Those who argue for continuing to keep wild animals in parks maintain that the studies, research and education benefits far outweigh rare accidents like this. They also advocate a need for protecting wild animals which otherwise would be poached or eliminated in their natural habitat.
Those who argue against keeping wild animals in parks feel it is simply cruel to place a wild animal like Tilly in a small pool. In Tilly’s case, he was captured as a wild killer whale and has now spent about 25 years in captivity. They argue that wild animals deserve to be wild and free.
What does Tilly think?
During a recent radio show I was asked to check in with Tilly to see what he could tell us about the accident. Not knowing any details about what happened I asked him to share his thoughts.
I was immediately hit with his frustration. To say he had a bad attitude was an understatement. I could feel his tension, anger and even some jealousy as I opened up to his thoughts.
Was he remorseful?
Was he playing?
Could he have saved her?
His answers surprised me even though I really didn’t go into this expecting a certain response. I know one thing for sure. Tilly knew exactly what he was doing.
While I feel there is no easy answer here especially in the case with Tilly, my stance remains that I feel it is wrong to keep wild animals in captivity unless they are being rehabilitated or cannot be released into their natural habitat.
Warning! Sensitive listeners may not want to hear Tilly’s messages. Although there is nothing graphic some of the messages are difficult to hear
For a link to the interview on the ‘You Are What You Love’ radio show with host, Vaishali, see link below
Click here to listen to the show-Choose from archived radio show select 2/26/10 from Archives
View video after the tragedy – No graphic scenes
The world has lost a beautiful woman who loved animals and devoted her life to them. As for Tilly, the show will continue according to Sea World officials.
No trainers are allowed in the water with the whales pending further investigation.
As an Animal Communicator and animal advocate I am frequently asked this question.
Montague the rooster
The psychic fairs that I attended for the last 5 years allowed me to lecture in front of hundreds of people. At the end of the lecture I would always take a few questions from the crowd. It never failed…that question always came up.
Many of us are becoming aware of the health advantages of a vegetarian or vegan diet. For a definition click here
Is going Veg right for you?
I will admit that I changed my dietary habits after I communicated with the animals that were going to be used for consumption. It was heartbreaking to hear their thoughts and fears.
Here is a site that I love GoVeg.com. Lots of great recipes and resources. Be aware that the video section is difficult to watch. So if you are sensitive beware.
Looking back, I’m actually glad I watched the videos. Although it made me ill and I was disgusted afterward, it really helped me take the leap to a different type of lifestyle that did not include animal products.
Wild turkeys outside my kitchen window
I think this decision is a personal one that you make based on your specific dietary needs, requirements, belief system and your doctor’s recommendations.
My diet does not include consuming the meat of animals. I am also eliminating dairy products and leaning toward a vegan diet now that I know how much animals suffer in factory farms and dairies.
Not to imply that all farmers or ranchers mistreat their animals. This is specifically geared toward large factory farms.
Do what feels right to you…
If you have a moral issue with consuming animal products there are many sites and groups that support a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Click here to learn how to become a vegetarian or vegan.