When I last commented on the spiritual energies of 2010 on March 1, it seemed as though the fast moving, explosive way in which the year was unfolding couldn’t get much more intense.

But here we are nearly two months down the line, and even the most energy-aware among us would concede that they hadn’t anticipated the rate at which the Earth shifts would continue or the ways in which significant numbers of people would be affected. 

Over the last few weeks, it’s suddenly become a reality that we can’t take overseas travel for granted, that we can’t assume our air will be clean and our water will remain unpolluted, and we certainly can’t rely on the Government to provide cost-free, quick fix solutions to environmental problems.

For lots of people, the instability of recent events has brought insecurity, and a deep sense of fear and panic. The comfort blanket of living in Western society has, in a small way, been revealed as illusion and the UK has been exposed as being equally as vulnerable to the consequences of Earth shifts as any other nation on this planet.

While TV news reports preferred to focus on irate, distressed travellers stranded in airports, running out of cash and losing all hope of returning home in a timely fashion while the cloud of volcanic ash lingered over the UK, the affect of Iceland’s latest eruption was not all doom and gloom. It’s worth pointing out that many positive individual stories emerged from the recent flight embargo, and the lessons learned are indicative of the perfect opportunities the Universe has provided to facilitate the awakening of those who are prepared to listen.

One of the most poignant lessons on offer for many was that of self-responsibility. Faced with the choice of sitting tight in foreign climes with no promise of a flight back to the UK, many travellers chose to make the decision to use their own resources and resourcefulness to find their way home via alternative routes. For some, this meant using public transport, hiring vehicles, booking ferries or venturing onto overland rail networks – an enforced adventure began that required them to think spontaneously and out of the box and develop solutions step by step, making use of the opportunities and possibilities that were presented to them at the time.

Although some experienced long journeys with extended waiting periods, a large number of travellers made it home through sheer determination and in the realisation that they would have to take responsibility for their own destiny. It’s worth thanking the Universe for this – there is no better time for this set of life lessons to surface than just before a general election!

Another unforeseen benefit of the lack of flights in or out of the UK was that hundreds, maybe thousands, of families and friends were granted an extended period of time together, forced to enjoy a little extra play and relaxation time – a luxury that will have made a huge difference to personal relationships and family bonding. Equally, many were involuntarily separated from their loved ones, forced to spend time alone, cope independently and to reflect on just how valuable those special people in their lives really are. Thanks again, Universe, for reminding us not to take the people that mean the most to us for granted.

For me, however, unaffected by the practicalities of the flight ban and simply observing events from my spiritual perspective, the most obvious message that emerged through all the chaos and mayhem lay right above my head, as I gazed day and night at the clearer, more natural skies, free from the noise of aircraft and the sight of the unhealthy chemtrails to which we’ve become so accustomed. Reminded that circumstances had provided me with a unique opportunity to survey an open sky similar to the one my ancient ancestors had enjoyed, I thanked the Universe for showing me that it’s totally possible for our dysfunctional system to crumble without taking everyone down with it, and that if we open our eyes and stay awake, there is always a new horizon ahead.

Rhian Gibbings

Psychic development is something that most aspiring healers and spiritual seekers touch upon at some point in their journey, and many teachers working in this field will agree that there is nothing more rewarding than watching their students grow in confidence as they rediscover and re-ignite their natural psychic and intuitive gifts.

Whether the ultimate goal is to work as a psychic, develop greater insights as a healer or simply live in a more intuitive and successful way, the first step is always to recognise the Higher Self and, if it feels right, many will go on to acknowledge and explore the notion of their personal spiritual guides – the unique ‘spirit team’ that’s agreed to support an individual’s journey during this physical incarnation.

For those determined to follow a life path of authenticity, there can be many pitfalls when exploring the spiritual and esoteric. Illusion based distractions can often emerge that feed the Ego rather than open the Heart-centre to spiritual truths. For example, it’s far more interesting to believe that you were Queen Nefertiti in a past life than to accept you were actually a simple farmer’s wife and it can feel much more significant to be guided by a famous figure from history or mythology than to receive messages from an unglamorous spirit person who never had any real notoriety!

Of course, it’s entirely plausible to enjoy strong connections with Deity or historical and mythological figures, but when students are preoccupied with this level of guidance without first considering the basics that relate to them specifically as individuals, their guidance is most likely only coming from an aspect of the self that is reflected in the qualities they find appealing in their chosen archetype. Additionally, they’re probably less likely to have accepted and integrated their ‘shadow’ side – the darker and less comfortable aspects of the self that it’s often easier to ignore. Their spiritual quest may then be at risk of becoming preoccupied with self congratulation and grandeur rather than the achievement of truth and balance.

The most effective techniques for facilitating the connection between an individual and their spiritual guides involve empowering the student to access their own spiritual experiences while supporting them energetically. Psychic validation is always valuable, but teachers should develop students who are confident to do the work themselves and who are not solely reliant on the psychic perceptions of their mentor. It’s of little value to a student when their teacher offers messages from an amazing spiritual guide during tuition sessions, but once they’re working alone and really need the guidance, they don’t know where to start and can’t make the link.

With a little determination, lots of self-belief and plenty of guidance in relation to the general principles of working with their energy anatomy, many students find that the process of identifying their guides can offer powerful insights into the spiritual paths and techniques they have been drawn towards. As their path progresses and their true selves emerge, they start to live more naturally and intuitively, becoming increasingly aware of their life lessons, karmic patterns and soul contracts. When psychic skills are honed and working in tandem with the 3 dimensional senses, challenges presented by the gift of Free Will are more easily overcome and there’s a satisfying sense of integration in Body, Mind and Spirit.

For those who are ready, connecting with spiritual guides can even trigger the exploration of past life and parallel existences, mysterious but compelling notions that can also offer a fascinating insight into the relationships and experiences of the here and now.

The teaching and guidance of aspiring healers, psychics and spiritual seekers is a responsible, powerful role and the best facilitators cut through illusion, supporting their students to access their own personal truths. A really good teacher will recognise and value the unique nature of your every experience – their authenticity and determination to support you to connect with your spiritual guides yourself will remind you just how much they contribute to this beautiful journey of self discovery – a path that feels so significant in these swift moving times.

Rhian Gibbings

Many spiritual teachers insist that when we express our desire to live purposefully and in joy, the Universe will reflect this in our experiences, often delivered in the most beautiful ways possible. Is it really that simple?

For those who have a rigid notion of what ‘living in purpose’ means, the life changes required can appear risky, scary and, at times, totally unrealistic.

Whether we seek escape from an unrewarding day job, long for a soul mate relationship or feel drawn to relocate to a new area, decisions must probably be made that will jeopardise our financial or emotional security and challenge the self imposed expectations resulting from social and familial conditioning. We may feel angry and trapped, experiencing resentment and bitterness towards life in general.

For others, however, it’s difficult to pinpoint what aspects of life need to change. There’s a simple sense of lack and we’re just not enjoying life to its full potential. This brings frustration and discontentments, making everything feel foggy and dull.

Strategies to break down our personal barriers to purposeful living can seem elusive and prove expensive – many on a long term quest to ‘live in purpose’ will admit to spending excessive amounts of cash on therapies, workshops and self-help books in the hope that the key to fulfilment is around the corner. For some, the journey feels endless – it’s one step forward and two steps back, and despite embracing the tough process of healing and change, a joyful, purposeful life seems as distant as ever.

From an Energy Healer’s perspective, clients for whom change seems elusive and who complain that their lives deliver disappointment almost always present with an unbalanced or blocked Higher Heart Chakra. In the majority of cases, the root of a Higher Heart issue is arguably the most significant personal barrier to ‘living in purpose’. While the Healer can offer the catalyst to render the client more open to change, an acknowledgement of personal responsibility and the determination to self-heal is essential in tackling this particular problem – low self esteem.

Low self esteem, whatever the cause, is linked to the everyday anxieties and irrational behaviours that hold us back from consciously bringing our dreams into reality and that keep our daily experiences ‘liveable’ rather than ‘loveable’. It keeps us separate from potentiality, asking us to expect failure and accept less in every scenario. It shrouds aspiration with guilt and clouds greatness with Ego, consistently nagging us into self sabotage and limitation.

With low self esteem, not only does ‘living in purpose’ seem like an unobtainable dream, it feels so far from reality we don’t believe we can ever truly experience it in the here and now. Emotional discomfort becomes the status quo and our negative beliefs about ourselves are reflected back in our life experiences – unfulfilling careers, abusive relationships and dysfunctional lifestyles are experienced by detached, numb individuals in a state of semi-consciousness.

In the worst cases, we become so detached from our aspirations that we can no longer recognise what our Soul yearns for, what makes us feel fulfilled and whole and what we really want from life. So it’s a vicious circle, and a downward spiral of fear and failure, and purpose is lost.

Making the conscious decision to ‘live in purpose’ is really only the first step to breaking the cycle. Seeking support from complementary therapies, such as Reiki and Seichem, from vibrational medicine, such as Homeopathy or Flower Remedies, or from the regular practice of Yoga or meditation can be helpful – achieving a clear, aligned energy anatomy is certainly important in terms of integrating body, mind and spirit.

However, understanding when and how low self esteem rears its ugly head is essential if we’re to learn the real life lessons from the karma it represents. Acknowledging each incident of low self esteem as a trigger that impairs the Higher Heart and seeing the resulting irrational, anxiety fuelled responses as the negative untruths they really are helps us access our true, authentic self. In this way, we naturally ease open and rebalance this important Chakra as we come to intuit what it is that really belongs in our lives.

As the authentic self is revealed and the balanced Higher Heart emerges, it becomes clear that there is no room for the limitations of low self esteem, that manifestation flows freely from positive intent and potentiality with choice is experienced in place of desperation and yearning. Life becomes joyful and exciting, every challenge represents an opportunity and free will becomes more aligned with the notions of Divine Timing and the Highest Good.

Living purposefully and in joy is not elusive, and certainly doesn’t belong in the dream world. And yes, the key is simple – unlock the Higher Heart and recognise the limitless path that lies ahead. Hold on tight to the ultimate high of the authentic self, and watch the personal demon that is low self esteem slink away and diminish, denied the nourishment provided by insecurities and limiting beliefs. Step into purpose with pride in this conscious choice – live the life you love, love the life you live.

Rhian Gibbings