I’m so excited! I traveled to Ireland in September and enjoyed a week of being shown around by a friend who has lived there all of his life and it was AMAZING!! Before I talk about the paintings I’ve made as a result, let me tell you how this all came about. It’s all a result of a childhood connection, Facebook, shared interests and the internet. Here’s what happened….
I met one of my best friends when I was in second grade in a tiny town in upstate NY. Her name is Kathy and her parents were both from Ireland (sadly, they have both passed away). Kathy’s older sister is Mary and when we were children, I would see her briefly when I visited their home- like most older siblings, she didn’t have much to do with the little ones. The family moved back to Ireland when we were in elementary school, but Kathy came back for our high school years. Like best friendships everywhere, we picked up where we left off, as if no time had passed at all. Unfortunately we then lost touch after college. Then Facebook made the world smaller and finding people easy and I was able to find her through one of her cousins, who was also an old neighbor of mine growing up. Of course, once Kathy and I re-connected there was an opportunity for me to become connected to her sister Mary who had remained in Ireland and married an artist named Nelius. Thanks to the wonder of the internet, Nelius and I were able to enjoy seeing and commenting on each other’s artwork and sharing our professional and family lives. Over the ensuing years, thanks to similar interests and connections, a friendship developed.
When I mentioned casually one day that I would love to see and pint Ireland, Mary and Nelius are such kind and generous people that they invited me to visit and stay with them!! I took them up on that incredible offer (how could I not??!) and that is how I ended up spending a week being shown around by a native Irishman who happens to share my artistic aesthetic and therefore enjoys the same kind of views and scenes that I do! It was heavenly!
Now I’m back and so inspired by the beauty, peacefulness, and ruggedness of the Irish countryside that I have decided to create at least 24 watercolor paintings to share my interpretations of that land. I’m on my way towards that goal and will be sharing the images and their locations here on our Blog.
The one above right is from Emyvale, Co Monaghan. I actually took the photo while riding in the car. I snapped a photo of these cute little cottages on two occasions I liked them so much! Here’s two more from Emyvale:
“Red Door, Green Door”, approx. 7″ x 10″ framed $180
“Weathered Beauty” approx 71/2″ x 10″ framed $180
You may guess by looking at these that I am captivated by texture and contrast. Ireland was full of these things- I felt like a kid in a candy store!
These two were done from photos taken after Nelius stopped the car and we were able to get out and walk all around. It happens that there were several views of this little area that I am inspired to paint, so you’ll see more from here!
“Bales”, Lough McNean, Blacklion Approx. 14″ x 11″ framed. $245
This one below is of the grounds of a lovely little restaurant called Ambledown in Glaslough.
“Ambledown Door” approx 9″ x 11″ $185 framed
To the right is a sweet scene that is to me the epitome of Ireland: many shades of lush green, gently rolling landscape with dots of sheep. This has the added attraction of hay bales and marsh grasses catching the warm afternoon light.
I have another nearly finished from my tour of Dublin, and another landscape coming hot on it’s heels, so stay tuned!
https://i0.wp.com/divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Lough-McNean-Bales-72-e1539893102381.jpg?fit=730%2C504&ssl=1504730Kristi Johnstonhttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngKristi Johnston2018-10-18 15:13:002019-02-03 12:35:51Interpretations of Ireland, How it Came to Be
I love fall in New England! I love the colors, the crisp air, the intense blue skies, and the crunch of leaves on the ground.
We talk a lot about the need to release things that no longer serve you. Autumn is a perfect reminder to let go.
The trees need to release their leaves in order to safely survive the winter. This happens annually because letting things go is not a “one and done” kind of exercise. It reoccurs as different things pop up. I used to think once I had released old feelings or patterns of reacting, they would no longer effect my life.
Oh boy, how wrong I was! Take my eating habits (please!) Years ago I realized that some of my eating patterns are from my childhood, and I set out to leave those behaviors behind. Recently I’ve realized that I’ve been letting my 5 year old self make food choices for adult me, and have been taking back the reins. Each time I understand a new facet of how my past is influencing my present, I deal with it.
Old stuff is buried in many spots and each one surfaces under different circumstances. I admit, it’s frustrating to have to wrestle with something I thought I had gotten rid of, but it’s always worth it to release another part into the earth. Just like with leaves, the earth takes old energy and transforms it into something beautiful. This season be like the trees and let that old, unwanted stuff go (again, if necessary!)
https://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.png00Kristi Johnstonhttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngKristi Johnston2017-10-03 21:39:302020-04-08 21:28:38Releasing What No Longer Serves
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious is a pretty common complaint these days. Even a short time out in public spaces or listening to the news can be quite distressing.
Here is a process of focusing your awareness that you can do in just a few minutes nearly anywhere except driving.
1. Focus your attention on one body part at a time and really feel the surfaces that are touching you- clothing, seat, floor.
2. Notice the temperature of the air on your exposed skin, sense the darkness or light with your eyes closed.
3. Now expand your awareness to your energy that is outside the confines of your body- your aura. Feel how large it is and what it passes through or comes to rest against.
4. Now enjoy feeling yourself taking up all of this space, both physically and energetically. Stamp your feet and revel in your own solidity.
5. Take a few deep, slow breaths with your hands on your hips and your feet spread wide as you become accustomed to this expanded way of being.
From this place of confidence and self-awareness you can let love and compassion for others flow effortlessly out of you and towards everyone around you, without judgement or restriction. Practicing self-love and self-care in this way makes you more capable of helping others. It also makes you less likely to feel overwhelmed and more in control of your own emotions.
This is not intended to dismiss or minimize the issues of anyone dealing with panic attacks, depression, or severe anxiety disorder. It is aimed at those who are looking for a new tool to deal with situational anxiety.
It is also a terrific way of realizing your power to effect change in the world by sending out love. This is an active endeavor that can decrease your sense of helplessness with all that is going on around the globe.
This week I have heard a phrase repeated several times: “no more hiding”. It popped into my head seeing this bunny in my yard. It came as I was commenting publicly about Monday night’s presidential debate, which is out of character for me. It showed up again in a group meditation where all of us heard it loudly and clearly: “The time to be passive is far behind. Take charge.”
I saw a video of Gary Vaynerchuk saying that he thinks there is a silent majority of people who are happy and keeping it to themselves, but the tiny percent of unhappy, angry folks are loud and make it seem as if they are the majority. His video is called Positivity on Offense!!
Here’s my takeaway: the time to speak up is now, to stop being afraid of angering the already angry, to meet hate with love and kindness. Many atrocities have happened in our history because well-meaning people kept silent, stood by and did nothing. I don’t want to be part of that silent majority who stood by and didn’t counter the swell of hate, misinformation and anger. I want to speak up and be heard as hopeful, loving and happy.
Are you part of the happy majority? To be part of that, every moment doesn’t need to be perfect sunshine and roses, but overall are you content with where you are in life and looking forward to the future?
I am happy and I’m excited about it the future! I know that I will get out of life exactly what I put into it and experiencing more joy is at the top of my to-do list.
Let’s change the presumption that unhappiness is the norm. Let’s be the voices of love and use positive energy to change the tide and bring healing instead of division. Say it with me: ” I am HAPPY!”
https://i0.wp.com/divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/bunny.jpg?fit=940%2C714&ssl=1714940Kristi Johnstonhttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngKristi Johnston2016-09-28 09:40:292020-04-08 21:45:46No More Hiding
In discussing vulnerability, it seems clear that is really what is necessary to create the deepest, most meaningful connections. Feeling connected is what we are all yearning for- connection to ourselves, to each other and to the Divine. However whenever we talk about vulnerability, we also begin to hear fear and anxiety enter the conversation.
The biggest concern is: does being vulnerable mean allowing and even inviting mistreatment? Does it require tolerance of mistreatment as an unfortunate byproduct of connection and vulnerability?
Vulnerability means sharing your true self, to stop hiding or trying to be what you think others want you to be. Instead be authentic and unapologetic for who you are at your core. When you stand fully in your vulnerability, you are the most grounded and powerful you can be- because you are owning who you really are.
Being true to yourself is no more license to be mean to others than it is permission to allow others to treat you poorly. It does not mean to remove your boundaries or to tolerate having your voice ignored or dismissed.
You have an inherent right to be fully seen, truly heard and to know that you matter. Let your heart shine. Let your true self out to play- you will find others who are doing the same and the connections you make when you are each being fully yourselves will be incredible!
https://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.png00Kristi Johnstonhttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngKristi Johnston2016-07-19 11:33:072020-04-08 21:51:07Vulnerability- permission for mistreatment?
Last night we had the privilege of holding an Empath Support Group at Uplifting Connections in Bridgewater at the generous invitation of the owners, Kellie and Jon Hailey. 14 empaths gathered to share concerns and questions as well as stories of challenges and triumphs. Questions were sometimes answered from our experiences but often channeled directly from Spirit. We are fully supported in our quest to live comfortable and meaningful lives!! Those in attendance ranged in age from recent graduates to retirees and were all relieved to see recognition and understanding on the other faces in the group as they spoke of experiences many in their lives had deemed somehow wrong or unacceptable.
Each time we hold one of these groups there is a common theme or thread that runs through the evening. Last night’s theme was personal emotional safety and coping with the extra feelings of those around you. Several important tools were shared including staying grounded and practicing good self-care. Among the specific coping mechanisms that were shared, many talked about spending time outside, being in or near water, using deep breathing, prayer and crystals. One of the more unique practices was to write the unwanted emotions down and then to shred the paper while deliberately releasing the emotions as it shredded. I have a feeling there will be some busy shredders in the upcoming weeks! A full list of all of these tried and true suggestions was created and it may be found here.
One final thought that is important enough to repeat here- we are all connected- how that shows up in our lives differs but we should always try to react to another with compassion and from a place of love. Whether you know who those “extra” emotions belong to or not, sending out love and light is a powerful and empowering tool that will help keep you safe, aid those you are sensing and help you release those emotions that don’t belong to you.
https://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.png00Kristi Johnstonhttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngKristi Johnston2016-06-12 16:54:222020-04-08 21:53:19Navigating Life As An Empath
An affirmation is a word or words that will bolster your confidence, solidify your resolve and encourage you to take the next step no matter how daunting. something to keep you moving forward.
Here’s a perfect example: once our 7 year old neighbor was dropped off by the school bus and no one was home to meet him. He came to our door and we could hear him repeating to himself “Be brave, just be brave” until he knocked on our door to ask for help. Now I’m fairly certain no one coached him to do that, he just knew that he needed support and to get that he needed to overcome his shyness. Giving himself a dose of a confidence-boosting affirmation was just the ticket. He was only out there a few moments before he knocked.
Affirmations are a way to use our conscious mind to alter the deep-seated beliefs and behaviors. This can be a part of your daily self-care and a gentle way to show yourself love. The ones that work the best are those that target the real issue that is slowing you down. I believe it is more effective to focus on just a few (one to three max). It is critical to choose affirmations that are stated in the present and in the positive voice i.e. “I am fearless.”
Do something with me, try these phrases on for size by saying them out loud: I am enough; I am strong; I am worthy; I am accomplished; I am beautiful; I am lovable; I am powerful; I trust my instincts; I embrace change; I welcome challenges; I am capable; I love myself; I am successful. The one or ones that are the most difficult for you to say with truth and conviction may be where you want to begin your daily affirmation ritual.
Say it out loud at least a few times per day. Affirmations aren’t going to change how you feel immediately but rather over time- you say it and think it with your conscious mind until your subconscious aligns. Soon you begin making decisions and taking actions as if it were true until your words, actions and feelings about that affirmation all line up!
I will never forget the moment I met Andrea Kukulka. We actually met at the Women’s Business Network. One Tuesday morning back in early 2012, I was standing at the resource table at WBN when Andrea came up to me. The second I looked up and saw Andrea I had the most intense feeling of Déjà vu. The room around her started to move and I felt like I was going to faint. She put her hand out, introduced herself, and told me that she was a medium.
“A medium?!” I thought to myself, I really was going to faint. I managed to squeak out my name, told her I was an attorney, and then bolted to the other side of the room so I didn’t have to say anything else. It had been a year since my father passed away and I was in NO position to talk about his death in an open forum. What if she was speaking with my dad right now?! What if she could tell he died?! What if she says something?! Oh, no! I don’t want to break down in tears right here! All of these thoughts rushed through my head. I loved and missed my dad so much, I did not want to open the door to heartache in front of a bunch of newly found business acquaintances. I avoided Andrea like the plague and cowered in fear. We didn’t talk again until 2014.
The only thing abundantly clear about my life back in 2012 was that it was not working. Within one year I had lost my dad, graduated law school, moved, passed the bar, got married, re-located my mom, and welcomed my nephew to the world. I was drowning in grief, riddled with anxiety, and I could not get out of my own way.
As an a-type overachiever and I had no idea what to do next. I figured if I just immersed myself in building my business life would magically get better and the pain would go away. Except, it didn’t. The only thing that continued to grow was the numbers on the scale and the hours I had gone without sleeping. Some days I literally felt as though I was having a heart attack. I was debilitated with heartache and I believed that I simply had to “keep going”.
I was miserable and something had to give. That Fall, through my business coach, my life changed forever. I was introduced to the concept of mindset. Thoughts create things? Positivity sets the outcome? Yeah…..okay, if you say so! The only reaction I had to that was snark. I heard of, I actually even read The Secret (it was Oprah recommended!), but I never really understood and I wasn’t willing to buy-in. I blew it off as jargon, rested my hat on my belief that it was my intelligence that had taken me that far, and went on my way. The only problem was that I was stuck big time. I was in the thick of it and nothing was getting better. So I figured, what the heck! I had nothing to lose.
I decided to jump on the mindset train. If it worked for all of those other entrepreneurs it could certainly work for me. What started off as a business building tactic turned into something greater than I ever could have imagined. I became a mind-set/law of attraction junky. I entered the world of self-discovery and introspection in an unprecedented manner. I started pouring over books by people like Jack Canfield, Napoleon Hill, Bob Proctor, Michael Neil, and I immersed myself in one of Fabienne Fredrickson’s Mindset Retreats.
The spark was ignited, there was no turning back. I devoured anything I could get my hands on. I was a sponge. And then, funny enough….I started feeling better! Not only that, I even met my business partner within the next few weeks (more on that at a later time)! Day-by-day, life was improving. Things were starting to click. Life was shifting and I started expanding. I began meditating, going to reiki and acupuncture, and I learned the hard way the importance of self-care. I was on a never-ending quest for internal peace.
Then, one day, on a whim in a coffee shop in February 2013, I was introduced to Table Tipping. Excuse me, table what??? Yes, table tipping. My friend described to me this experience whereby they sat around a table and received messages from departed relatives by the table tapping out a message. I thought my head was going to explode. “What?! What do you mean you received a message from a dead relative through a table?!?!” I had zero comprehension of this. I was told that the table would tip once for “yes” and twice for “no” and would spell out messages by tapping out the letters of the alphabet.
I was dumbfounded. I had no idea what to say. At that point in my life I had never been to a medium, I never really sought out those types of experiences, and I was skeptical to say the least. The only thing I had done even remotely close was go to a palm reader once with a friend. However, an invitation was extended and I took the bait. Hook, line and sinker, if this was for real and what I was told was true, I wanted in! I thought to myself that there was NO WAY that it could be real and I had to find out for myself.
The following week, in a small intimate group of absolute strangers, I had my first Table Tipping experience. I was blown away. As expected, and why I avoided Andrea upon first meeting her, I started crying immediately. An ugly cry. Snot and tears everywhere, there was no holding back. I was in pain, and the second I felt my dad’s presence I experienced a release like none other. I received messages from Dad and others for over 3 hours. I couldn’t believe what had just occurred. I was hooked. I wanted to be connected to my father at all moments. I wanted to open the channel. I needed to know more and do more and feel more. I wanted to feel his presence with me at all times and that is exactly what table delivered. I was in awe.
Table for me became an incredible tool for healing. Through this new found communication I was able to close the wounds and find comfort. I found love and support from my dad in a new way. Our relationship had changed, but it was still there and it remained palpable. And so, like any good overachiever, I was determined to figure out how I could table tip on my own. A new path for expansion had opened, I acquired my table (another divine unimaginable experience), and the journey continued.
Fast forward to March of 2014 and I was yearning for even more. Other than the small group of individuals that had introduced me to table tipping, I had promised myself that I was not going to utter a single word about any of this to anybody, EVER. However, I wanted to test this out with new people. I was on a quest for further validation. Yes, I was even skeptical of myself at that point. I knew Andrea was in WBN and I needed a way to practice and continue to expand. I also knew she would be able to validate what was I was receiving. I held my breath, and sent an e-mail.
After a few bumps in the road (another funny story for a later date), we made a plan to meet. The second she felt the table move we were instantly connected. One meeting later, I met Kristi. The rest is history. A dead dad, a business meeting, a table, a medium, a few details in between, and here I am, perfect, whole, and complete, with my trilogy.
What comes next? I’m not sure. What I do know is that I was put here on this earth to specifically help people through their own times of transition, whatever that looks like for them. Whether that be through the law, healing, messaging, or whatever else they need. I have been put in a unique position to offer assistance and I am able to offer such with the perfect amounts of both strength and compassion. I’m taking myself on, I’m reaching new heights, I’m allowing my own effortless expansion, and I’m inviting you all to follow along.
As I move into my first home, I am simultaneously becoming a Mansfield resident as my name goes up on Main Street as part of the Center for Holistic Healing and Art. The three of us are so excited for our new journey together and I am so excited to share this part of me and to share these opportunities with all of you. Believe me when I say, there is more to come!
So if you will, please sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. I know I sure will. With Love,
Amy
https://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.png00Amy Antonellishttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngAmy Antonellis2015-12-21 17:27:412020-04-03 12:21:15How the Lawyer Met the Medium, an Unlikely Love Story
I love theater and this is a quote from “Defying Gravity”, a song from the musical Wicked. I admit, somewhat sheepishly, that until now I didn’t really know what it meant in the context of the song. Recently the full intent of it hit me like a ton of brick. I had just received a message from spirit that basically pushed me out of the proverbial (cozy and warm) nest and the realization that once awakened to the full enormity of All that is, it is impossible “to go back to sleep”. How I processed that went something like : “wow, that was a lot of intense information, all I really want to do is crawl in a corner and forget about it for a while, maybe it won’t seem so challenging after a bit of time away from it.” Pause for thinking and a little hyperventilating, then “oh, that was the message. There is no more time, the time is now and I have to act. Shoot! Can’t I just have a little more time pretending I don’t know it? No? Oh blast.” Then the song came into my head and a light bulb went on. That’s what the song meant! Once youknow, you can’t pretend that you don’t know. You can’t “go back to sleep.” You have to move forward and put fear, doubt and second-guessing aside.
The-day-has-begun
Are you in that place where youknow but you are still letting apprehension or self-doubt prevent you from taking the next step? Are you pretending that you don’t know and staying in your cozy corner? We understand! That’s what we are here for at the Center for Holistic Healing and Art, to support you in that scary unknown where you step out of your comfort zone and into the Light of endless possibility!! We have many opportunities for you to explore the amazing world beyond our 5 senses. If you need information on something we’re not offering- let us know right here on the blog. We love input!
Feeling like you might be ready to immerse yourself in this kind of learning? We have a week-long retreat in paradise March of 2016 to do just that. There is still time to register and get a $100 discount here: http://bit.ly/1MEHpyL Find out more info here.
Wishing you Love and Light, Kristi
https://i0.wp.com/divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/The-day-has-begun.jpeg?fit=450%2C338&ssl=1338450Amy Antonellishttps://divineenergycollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DEC-logo-teal-transparent-background-300x102.pngAmy Antonellis2015-12-21 17:03:022015-12-21 17:03:02Too Late to go Back To Sleep
Sometimes what we do physically is related to what we are doing/need to do internally or spiritually. Today was one of those days for me. After taking the air conditioner out of my kitchen window, I was prompted to clean the glass inside and out so I could – you see where I’m going with this – see clearly.
Over the past few weeks I have had a recurrent issue with waking up and having first one and then the other eye swollen nearly shut. After it happened a second time Andrea asked me “What aren’t you seeing?” I shrugged it off, not being able to think of anything off the top of my head that I had been avoiding, or turning away from. Now with the clean windows an old church hymn from my youth comes to mind “Open My Eyes” by Clara H. Scott. Written in 1895, it is as current today as when she wrote it over 100 years ago! Here are a few lines from it:
“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me place in my hand that wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.”
” Open my eyes, ears and heart, illumine me, Spirit divine.”
I take this to mean that I need to be even more aware and “looking out” for the truth and illumination of the Spirit and how I may use it to serve and connect with others. I will keep this in mind and endeavor to be a bearer of Light as I interact with people through my art, Reiki, Light Connection, and mediumship.
Interpretations of Ireland, How it Came to Be
/in art, Center for Holistic Healing & Art, Uncategorized /by Kristi Johnston“Along the Way” approx. 12″ x 10″ framed $205
*SOLD*
I’m so excited! I traveled to Ireland in September and enjoyed a week of being shown around by a friend who has lived there all of his life and it was AMAZING!! Before I talk about the paintings I’ve made as a result, let me tell you how this all came about. It’s all a result of a childhood connection, Facebook, shared interests and the internet. Here’s what happened….
I met one of my best friends when I was in second grade in a tiny town in upstate NY. Her name is Kathy and her parents were both from Ireland (sadly, they have both passed away). Kathy’s older sister is Mary and when we were children, I would see her briefly when I visited their home- like most older siblings, she didn’t have much to do with the little ones. The family moved back to Ireland when we were in elementary school, but Kathy came back for our high school years. Like best friendships everywhere, we picked up where we left off, as if no time had passed at all. Unfortunately we then lost touch after college. Then Facebook made the world smaller and finding people easy and I was able to find her through one of her cousins, who was also an old neighbor of mine growing up. Of course, once Kathy and I re-connected there was an opportunity for me to become connected to her sister Mary who had remained in Ireland and married an artist named Nelius. Thanks to the wonder of the internet, Nelius and I were able to enjoy seeing and commenting on each other’s artwork and sharing our professional and family lives. Over the ensuing years, thanks to similar interests and connections, a friendship developed.
When I mentioned casually one day that I would love to see and pint Ireland, Mary and Nelius are such kind and generous people that they invited me to visit and stay with them!! I took them up on that incredible offer (how could I not??!) and that is how I ended up spending a week being shown around by a native Irishman who happens to share my artistic aesthetic and therefore enjoys the same kind of views and scenes that I do! It was heavenly!
Now I’m back and so inspired by the beauty, peacefulness, and ruggedness of the Irish countryside that I have decided to create at least 24 watercolor paintings to share my interpretations of that land. I’m on my way towards that goal and will be sharing the images and their locations here on our Blog.
The one above right is from Emyvale, Co Monaghan. I actually took the photo while riding in the car. I snapped a photo of these cute little cottages on two occasions I liked them so much! Here’s two more from Emyvale:
“Red Door, Green Door”, approx. 7″ x 10″ framed $180
“Weathered Beauty” approx 71/2″ x 10″ framed $180
You may guess by looking at these that I am captivated by texture and contrast. Ireland was full of these things- I felt like a kid in a candy store!
These two were done from photos taken after Nelius stopped the car and we were able to get out and walk all around. It happens that there were several views of this little area that I am inspired to paint, so you’ll see more from here!
“Bales”, Lough McNean, Blacklion Approx. 14″ x 11″ framed. $245
This one below is of the grounds of a lovely little restaurant called Ambledown in Glaslough.
“Ambledown Door” approx 9″ x 11″ $185 framed
To the right is a sweet scene that is to me the epitome of Ireland: many shades of lush green, gently rolling landscape with dots of sheep. This has the added attraction of hay bales and marsh grasses catching the warm afternoon light.
I have another nearly finished from my tour of Dublin, and another landscape coming hot on it’s heels, so stay tuned!
Releasing What No Longer Serves
/in self-care /by Kristi JohnstonI l
ove fall in New England! I love the colors, the crisp air, the intense blue skies, and the crunch of leaves on the ground.
We talk a lot about the need to release things that no longer serve you. Autumn is a perfect reminder to let go.
The trees need to release their leaves in order to safely survive the winter. This happens annually because letting things go is not a “one and done” kind of exercise. It reoccurs as different things pop up. I used to think once I had released old feelings or patterns of reacting, they would no longer effect my life.
Oh boy, how wrong I was! Take my eating habits (please!) Years ago I realized that some of my eating patterns are from my childhood, and I set out to leave those behaviors behind. Recently I’ve realized that I’ve been letting my 5 year old self make food choices for adult me, and have been taking back the reins. Each time I understand a new facet of how my past is influencing my present, I deal with it.
Old stuff is buried in many spots and each one surfaces under different circumstances. I admit, it’s frustrating to have to wrestle with something I thought I had gotten rid of, but it’s always worth it to release another part into the earth. Just like with leaves, the earth takes old energy and transforms it into something beautiful. This season be like the trees and let that old, unwanted stuff go (again, if necessary!)
Overwhelm and Anxiety
/1 Comment/in Empath, Meditation, self-care /by Kristi JohnstonFeeling overwhelmed and anxious is a pretty common complaint these days. Even a short time out in public spaces or listening to the news can be quite distressing.
Here is a process of focusing your awareness that you can do in just a few minutes nearly anywhere except driving.
1. Focus your attention on one body part at a time and really feel the surfaces that are touching you- clothing, seat, floor.
2. Notice the temperature of the air on your exposed skin, sense the darkness or light with your eyes closed.
3. Now expand your awareness to your energy that is outside the confines of your body- your aura. Feel how large it is and what it passes through or comes to rest against.
4. Now enjoy feeling yourself taking up all of this space, both physically and energetically. Stamp your feet and revel in your own solidity.
5. Take a few deep, slow breaths with your hands on your hips and your feet spread wide as you become accustomed to this expanded way of being.
From this place of confidence and self-awareness you can let love and compassion for others flow effortlessly out of you and towards everyone around you, without judgement or restriction. Practicing self-love and self-care in this way makes you more capable of helping others. It also makes you less likely to feel overwhelmed and more in control of your own emotions.
This is not intended to dismiss or minimize the issues of anyone dealing with panic attacks, depression, or severe anxiety disorder. It is aimed at those who are looking for a new tool to deal with situational anxiety.
It is also a terrific way of realizing your power to effect change in the world by sending out love. This is an active endeavor that can decrease your sense of helplessness with all that is going on around the globe.
Here is a fantastic talk on standing in your power by Amy Cuddy
No More Hiding
/in Healing /by Kristi JohnstonThis week I have heard a phrase repeated several times: “no more hiding”. It popped into my head seeing this bunny in my yard. It came as I was commenting publicly about Monday night’s presidential debate, which is out of character for me. It showed up again in a group meditation where all of us heard it loudly and clearly: “The time to be passive is far behind. Take charge.”
I saw a video of Gary Vaynerchuk saying that he thinks there is a silent majority of people who are happy and keeping it to themselves, but the tiny percent of unhappy, angry folks are loud and make it seem as if they are the majority. His video is called Positivity on Offense!!
Here’s my takeaway: the time to speak up is now, to stop being afraid of angering the already angry, to meet hate with love and kindness. Many atrocities have happened in our history because well-meaning people kept silent, stood by and did nothing. I don’t want to be part of that silent majority who stood by and didn’t counter the swell of hate, misinformation and anger. I want to speak up and be heard as hopeful, loving and happy.
Are you part of the happy majority? To be part of that, every moment doesn’t need to be perfect sunshine and roses, but overall are you content with where you are in life and looking forward to the future?
I am happy and I’m excited about it the future! I know that I will get out of life exactly what I put into it and experiencing more joy is at the top of my to-do list.
Let’s change the presumption that unhappiness is the norm. Let’s be the voices of love and use positive energy to change the tide and bring healing instead of division. Say it with me: ” I am HAPPY!”
Vulnerability- permission for mistreatment?
/in Empath /by Kristi JohnstonIn discussing vulnerability, it seems clear that is really what is necessary to create the deepest, most meaningful connections. Feeling connected is what we are all yearning for- connection to ourselves, to each other and to the Divine. However whenever we talk about vulnerability, we also begin to hear fear and anxiety enter the conversation.
The biggest concern is: does being vulnerable mean allowing and even inviting mistreatment? Does it require tolerance of mistreatment as an unfortunate byproduct of connection and vulnerability?
Vulnerability means sharing your true self, to stop hiding or trying to be what you think others want you to be. Instead be authentic and unapologetic for who you are at your core. When you stand fully in your vulnerability, you are the most grounded and powerful you can be- because you are owning who you really are.
Being true to yourself is no more license to be mean to others than it is permission to allow others to treat you poorly. It does not mean to remove your boundaries or to tolerate having your voice ignored or dismissed.
You have an inherent right to be fully seen, truly heard and to know that you matter. Let your heart shine. Let your true self out to play- you will find others who are doing the same and the connections you make when you are each being fully yourselves will be incredible!
Navigating Life As An Empath
/in Channeled Information, Empath, Healing, Holistic, self-care /by Kristi JohnstonLast night we had the privilege of holding an Empath Support Group at Uplifting Connections in Bridgewater at the generous invitation of the owners, Kellie and Jon Hailey. 14 empaths gathered to share concerns and questions as well as stories of challenges and triumphs. Questions were sometimes answered from our experiences but often channeled directly from Spirit. We are fully supported in our quest to live comfortable and meaningful lives!! Those in attendance ranged in age from recent graduates to retirees and were all relieved to see recognition and understanding on the other faces in the group as they spoke of experiences many in their lives had deemed somehow wrong or unacceptable.
Each time we hold one of these groups there is a common theme or thread that runs through the evening. Last night’s theme was personal emotional safety and coping with the extra feelings of those around you. Several important tools were shared including staying grounded and practicing good self-care. Among the specific coping mechanisms that were shared, many talked about spending time outside, being in or near water, using deep breathing, prayer and crystals. One of the more unique practices was to write the unwanted emotions down and then to shred the paper while deliberately releasing the emotions as it shredded. I have a feeling there will be some busy shredders in the upcoming weeks! A full list of all of these tried and true suggestions was created and it may be found here.
One final thought that is important enough to repeat here- we are all connected- how that shows up in our lives differs but we should always try to react to another with compassion and from a place of love. Whether you know who those “extra” emotions belong to or not, sending out love and light is a powerful and empowering tool that will help keep you safe, aid those you are sensing and help you release those emotions that don’t belong to you.
Affirmations
/in Healing, Holistic, self-care /by Kristi JohnstonAn affirmation is a word or words that will bolster your confidence, solidify your resolve and encourage you to take the next step no matter how daunting. something to keep you moving forward.
Here’s a perfect example: once our 7 year old neighbor was dropped off by the school bus and no one was home to meet him. He came to our door and we could hear him repeating to himself “Be brave, just be brave” until he knocked on our door to ask for help. Now I’m fairly certain no one coached him to do that, he just knew that he needed support and to get that he needed to overcome his shyness. Giving himself a dose of a confidence-boosting affirmation was just the ticket. He was only out there a few moments before he knocked.
Affirmations are a way to use our conscious mind to alter the deep-seated beliefs and behaviors. This can be a part of your daily self-care and a gentle way to show yourself love. The ones that work the best are those that target the real issue that is slowing you down. I believe it is more effective to focus on just a few (one to three max). It is critical to choose affirmations that are stated in the present and in the positive voice i.e. “I am fearless.”
Do something with me, try these phrases on for size by saying them out loud: I am enough; I am strong; I am worthy; I am accomplished; I am beautiful; I am lovable; I am powerful; I trust my instincts; I embrace change; I welcome challenges; I am capable; I love myself; I am successful. The one or ones that are the most difficult for you to say with truth and conviction may be where you want to begin your daily affirmation ritual.
Say it out loud at least a few times per day. Affirmations aren’t going to change how you feel immediately but rather over time- you say it and think it with your conscious mind until your subconscious aligns. Soon you begin making decisions and taking actions as if it were true until your words, actions and feelings about that affirmation all line up!
How the Lawyer Met the Medium, an Unlikely Love Story
/3 Comments/in mediumship /by Amy AntonellisHow the Lawyer Met the Medium, an Unlikely Love Story
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I will never forget the moment I met Andrea Kukulka. We actually met at the Women’s Business Network. One Tuesday morning back in early 2012, I was standing at the resource table at WBN when Andrea came up to me. The second I looked up and saw Andrea I had the most intense feeling of Déjà vu. The room around her started to move and I felt like I was going to faint. She put her hand out, introduced herself, and told me that she was a medium.
“A medium?!” I thought to myself, I really was going to faint. I managed to squeak out my name, told her I was an attorney, and then bolted to the other side of the room so I didn’t have to say anything else. It had been a year since my father passed away and I was in NO position to talk about his death in an open forum. What if she was speaking with my dad right now?! What if she could tell he died?! What if she says something?! Oh, no! I don’t want to break down in tears right here! All of these thoughts rushed through my head. I loved and missed my dad so much, I did not want to open the door to heartache in front of a bunch of newly found business acquaintances. I avoided Andrea like the plague and cowered in fear. We didn’t talk again until 2014.
The only thing abundantly clear about my life back in 2012 was that it was not working. Within one year I had lost my dad, graduated law school, moved, passed the bar, got married, re-located my mom, and welcomed my nephew to the world. I was drowning in grief, riddled with anxiety, and I could not get out of my own way.
As an a-type overachiever and I had no idea what to do next. I figured if I just immersed myself in building my business life would magically get better and the pain would go away. Except, it didn’t. The only thing that continued to grow was the numbers on the scale and the hours I had gone without sleeping. Some days I literally felt as though I was having a heart attack. I was debilitated with heartache and I believed that I simply had to “keep going”.
I was miserable and something had to give. That Fall, through my business coach, my life changed forever. I was introduced to the concept of mindset. Thoughts create things? Positivity sets the outcome? Yeah…..okay, if you say so! The only reaction I had to that was snark. I heard of, I actually even read The Secret (it was Oprah recommended!), but I never really understood and I wasn’t willing to buy-in. I blew it off as jargon, rested my hat on my belief that it was my intelligence that had taken me that far, and went on my way. The only problem was that I was stuck big time. I was in the thick of it and nothing was getting better. So I figured, what the heck! I had nothing to lose.
I decided to jump on the mindset train. If it worked for all of those other entrepreneurs it could certainly work for me. What started off as a business building tactic turned into something greater than I ever could have imagined. I became a mind-set/law of attraction junky. I entered the world of self-discovery and introspection in an unprecedented manner. I started pouring over books by people like Jack Canfield, Napoleon Hill, Bob Proctor, Michael Neil, and I immersed myself in one of Fabienne Fredrickson’s Mindset Retreats.
The spark was ignited, there was no turning back. I devoured anything I could get my hands on. I was a sponge. And then, funny enough….I started feeling better! Not only that, I even met my business partner within the next few weeks (more on that at a later time)! Day-by-day, life was improving. Things were starting to click. Life was shifting and I started expanding. I began meditating, going to reiki and acupuncture, and I learned the hard way the importance of self-care. I was on a never-ending quest for internal peace.
Then, one day, on a whim in a coffee shop in February 2013, I was introduced to Table Tipping. Excuse me, table what??? Yes, table tipping. My friend described to me this experience whereby they sat around a table and received messages from departed relatives by the table tapping out a message. I thought my head was going to explode. “What?! What do you mean you received a message from a dead relative through a table?!?!” I had zero comprehension of this. I was told that the table would tip once for “yes” and twice for “no” and would spell out messages by tapping out the letters of the alphabet.
I was dumbfounded. I had no idea what to say. At that point in my life I had never been to a medium, I never really sought out those types of experiences, and I was skeptical to say the least. The only thing I had done even remotely close was go to a palm reader once with a friend. However, an invitation was extended and I took the bait. Hook, line and sinker, if this was for real and what I was told was true, I wanted in! I thought to myself that there was NO WAY that it could be real and I had to find out for myself.
The following week, in a small intimate group of absolute strangers, I had my first Table Tipping experience. I was blown away. As expected, and why I avoided Andrea upon first meeting her, I started crying immediately. An ugly cry. Snot and tears everywhere, there was no holding back. I was in pain, and the second I felt my dad’s presence I experienced a release like none other. I received messages from Dad and others for over 3 hours. I couldn’t believe what had just occurred. I was hooked. I wanted to be connected to my father at all moments. I wanted to open the channel. I needed to know more and do more and feel more. I wanted to feel his presence with me at all times and that is exactly what table delivered. I was in awe.
Table for me became an incredible tool for healing. Through this new found communication I was able to close the wounds and find comfort. I found love and support from my dad in a new way. Our relationship had changed, but it was still there and it remained palpable. And so, like any good overachiever, I was determined to figure out how I could table tip on my own. A new path for expansion had opened, I acquired my table (another divine unimaginable experience), and the journey continued.
Fast forward to March of 2014 and I was yearning for even more. Other than the small group of individuals that had introduced me to table tipping, I had promised myself that I was not going to utter a single word about any of this to anybody, EVER. However, I wanted to test this out with new people. I was on a quest for further validation. Yes, I was even skeptical of myself at that point. I knew Andrea was in WBN and I needed a way to practice and continue to expand. I also knew she would be able to validate what was I was receiving. I held my breath, and sent an e-mail.
After a few bumps in the road (another funny story for a later date), we made a plan to meet. The second she felt the table move we were instantly connected. One
meeting later, I met Kristi. The rest is history. A dead dad, a business meeting, a table, a medium, a few details in between, and here I am, perfect, whole, and complete, with my trilogy.
What comes next? I’m not sure. What I do know is that I was put here on this earth to specifically help people through their own times of transition, whatever that looks like for them. Whether that be through the law, healing, messaging, or whatever else they need. I have been put in a unique position to offer assistance and I am able to offer such with the perfect amounts of both strength and compassion. I’m taking myself on, I’m reaching new heights, I’m allowing my own effortless expansion, and I’m inviting you all to follow along.
As I move into my first home, I am simultaneously becoming a Mansfield resident as my name goes up on Main Street as part of the Center for Holistic Healing and Art. The three of us are so excited for our new journey together and I am so excited to share this part of me and to share these opportunities with all of you. Believe me when I say, there is more to come!
So if you will, please sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. I know I sure will. With Love,
Amy
Too Late to go Back To Sleep
/in Channeled Information, Holistic /by Amy Antonellis“Too late to go back to sleep…”
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I love theater and this is a quote from “Defying Gravity”, a song from the musical Wicked. I admit, somewhat sheepishly, that until now I didn’t really know what it meant in the context of the song. Recently the full intent of it hit me like a ton of brick. I had just received a message from spirit that basically pushed me out of the proverbial (cozy and warm) nest and the realization that once awakened to the full enormity of All that is, it is impossible “to go back to sleep”. How I processed that went something like : “wow, that was a lot of intense information, all I really want to do is crawl in a corner and forget about it for a while, maybe it won’t seem so challenging after a bit of time away from it.” Pause for thinking and a little hyperventilating, then “oh, that was the message. There is no more time, the time is now and I have to act. Shoot! Can’t I just have a little more time pretending I don’t know it? No? Oh blast.” Then the song came into my head and a light bulb went on. That’s what the song meant! Once youknow, you can’t pretend that you don’t know. You can’t “go back to sleep.” You have to move forward and put fear, doubt and second-guessing aside.
Are you in that place where youknow but you are still letting apprehension or self-doubt prevent you from taking the next step? Are you pretending that you don’t know and staying in your cozy corner? We understand! That’s what we are here for at the Center for Holistic Healing and Art, to support you in that scary unknown where you step out of your comfort zone and into the Light of endless possibility!! We have many opportunities for you to explore the amazing world beyond our 5 senses. If you need information on something we’re not offering- let us know right here on the blog. We love input!
Feeling like you might be ready to immerse yourself in this kind of learning? We have a week-long retreat in paradise March of 2016 to do just that. There is still time to register and get a $100 discount here: http://bit.ly/1MEHpyL Find out more info here.
Wishing you Love and Light,
Kristi
Open Eyes
/in Healing, Spirit /by Amy AntonellisOpen Eyes
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Sometimes what we do physically is related to what we are doing/need to do internally or spiritually. Today was one of those days for me. After taking the air conditioner out of my kitchen window, I was prompted to clean the glass inside and out so I could – you see where I’m going with this – see clearly.
Over the past few weeks I have had a recurrent issue with waking up and having first one and then the other eye swollen nearly shut. After it happened a second time Andrea asked me “What aren’t you seeing?” I shrugged it off, not being able to think of anything off the top of my head that I had been avoiding, or turning away from. Now with the clean windows an old church hymn from my youth comes to mind “Open My Eyes” by Clara H. Scott. Written in 1895, it is as current today as when she wrote it over 100 years ago! Here are a few lines from it:
“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me place in my hand that wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.”
” Open my eyes, ears and heart, illumine me, Spirit divine.”
I take this to mean that I need to be even more aware and “looking out” for the truth and illumination of the Spirit and how I may use it to serve and connect with others. I will keep this in mind and endeavor to be a bearer of Light as I interact with people through my art, Reiki, Light Connection, and mediumship.
Have a wonderful, Light-filled weekend my friend!
Kristi