I don't know if I've previously mentioned it here, but I recently contacted Dr. Walter Simkew at the Institute for Integration of Science, Intuition, and Spirit (IISIS) about the similarities between Nellie Sharp and me. At the time, Dr. Simkew, who is a reincarnation researcher, felt there were enough similarities that it was a likely case of reincarnation.

It took me a while to process that, because really - why am I so special to believe I found one of my past lives? Plus, let's face it, it was pretty darn surreal.

While I was still processing Dr. Simkew's findings, he contacted me to let me know he had consulted with psychic Kevin Ryerson, who has provided independent psychic confirmation in many of the reincarnation cases he researches. Kevin Ryerson confirmed the reincarnation match.

Dr. Semkiw asked if he could put a write up of my case on the IISIS website. He contacted me today to tell me that the case has been posted. You can read it here.

Anyway - I've had some time with this now, so I've pretty much accepted this may, indeed, be a possibility. It still seems a bit surreal given a lifetime interest in reincarnation, but I also find it hopeful and beautiful. If we do, indeed, live many lives, it means our souls go on and love never dies. It means we get many opportunities to learn, love, and be the best humans we possibly can. It means we get another chance. For me, this is a message of hope.

Several months ago, I embarked on a new personal journey. I decided I wanted to learn as much as I could about metaphysics, because it seemed to dovetail so nicely with all that I had been learning and experiencing. I chose a combination of formal education, workshops, and personal exploration to expand my knowledge and understanding.

Although I feel my studies are still in their infancy, I am excited about everything I have learned so far and I am eager to share it with others, as well. Recently, I passed the ordination exams from the International Metaphysical Ministry University Seminary, and I became an Ordained Metaphysical Minister and received a Metaphysical Practitioners Diploma, as well as a Bachelor in Metaphysical Science. I also received a Reiki Practitioner Certificate.

All of these are steps on the path towards a true understanding of the philosophy of metaphysics. I have been applying the principles of this philosophy to my personal life and have experienced tremendous and wonderful changes as a result.

Recently, I received the opportunity to put my education to work. I have started writing a column on Metaphysics and Energy Healing for Paranormal Underground Magazine. The column will cover a number of metaphysical and energy healing topics including:

-Dream interpretation
-Energy healing modalities such as Reiki, Chios, Quantum Touch, and Healing Touch
-The body's energy anatomy and how it works (chakras, meridians, auras, and chi)
-Developing and working with psychic phenomena
-Working with energy
-Dream interpretation
-Meditation
-Affirmation and visualization
-Crystal healing
-Law of Attraction
-Sound healing
-Positive living
-Science and metaphysics
-Recommendations for metaphysical books and movies

I'm excited to begin to share the information I'm continuing to learn with others. It has positively affected my life, and I believe it can help others, as well.

Just for today… 

Do not worry.
Do not be angry.
Be grateful and humble.
Do your work honestly.
Be kind to all things.

These are the five ideals of Reiki, taught to all Reiki practitioners. They are the basic tenets, not only for healing, but for living a simple and honest life. One of the things I really like about the Reiki ideals is the inclusion of the words "just for today," because it reminds me that life is what occurs in this moment. My past is a memory, and my future is an illusion. 

Past and future: both are merely symbols with the meanings I have assigned them. My memories of the past and my future projections bear little resemblance to the truth. Instead, they are chimeras, illusions that have been filtered through my own personal fears, beliefs, and prejudices. They are not truth, no matter how accurate I believe my own viewpoint to be.

One can only find absolute truth by being fully present and surrendering to the here and now. Truth lies in pure experience, when we are able to set aside all projections about the past and future and focus on the moment. 

If we can set aside memories and projections and meet one another only in the now, then all we know is that another being is standing in front of us. Without a history, without hopes and fears for what might transpire in the moments to come, we become a soul meeting another soul. In the rare moments we are able to do so, we are open to the Divine.