PB {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 1

a quarterly magazine that celebrates your soul {soul life} fall2014

{ in this issue

TRUST&FAITH

Autumn’s Letter

Our Lion Within

2 {soul life}

Greetings Fellow Soul Life Travellers!

We are excited to offer you another issue of Soul Life Magazine. This fall issue is filled with delightful morsels to nourish your soul as we reap the abundance of our summer activities. We continue to stay committed to providing you with reflections, information, teachings and sharings that will help you expand your soul and live a life that is based in that heart-centered, soul-filled way.

As we shift again to a new season, whether you are moving into fall or awakening into spring, know that your soul calls you to listen, to take action and to be all of you in each moment. We at Soul Life have been surprised by the words and the reflections that have come forth for this second issue. Our souls called us to write about

{soul life}

Autumn’s Letter

{ contentsAutumn's Letter ....................................................................................... 3Soul Walks ................................................................................................ 6Trust & Faith ............................................................................................. 7What Makes Your Soul Come Alive? ........................................................ 11Soul Reads ............................................................................................. 12The Lion Within ...................................................................................... 14Soul Food ............................................................................................... 18Soul Kids: Teach Gratitude ...................................................................... 22Soul Words ............................................................................................. 24Soul Art .................................................................................................. 25

{

our personal stories of 'coming out’ and deepening our faith and trust to honor the nudges that help us live a life in soul.

Inside your find book reviews, recipes, beauty through photographs, and so much more. We’ll also be sure to give some insight on how to keep yourself and your children glowing from that inner spark. So whether you’re a mom or dad, single or married, in a relationship or in transition, a 9-5er or a entrepreneur, know that you are welcome here and better than that, this publication was created for you!

Please enjoy the journey. We invite you to join us in play on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+. We’ll keep the conversation going until we reach the season.

From our hearts to yours!Dani, Joey and Lora

fall 2014 ⋅ 3

Autumn’s Letterby Joey Paynter

Dearest Soul, I think you’ll remember me as Autumn, but if not, I’m almost certain you’ll remember me by my other name, Fall. I’ve been anticipating our meeting for quite some time now and am excited for the chance to become reacquainted with you. Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I have some initial fears. So, I’m just going to cut to it and address them here, in the hopes it will dissipate some of the energy we may both feel. I know many bonded tightly with Summer and found the goodbye a hard one to bear. If this is you, then you’re probably missing him now, reminiscing about your long days of

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Dearest Soulplay and the freedom you felt in shedding all your layers. You might

be dragging your heels into the ground dreaming of his return. Frankly,

it’s no surprise he’s quite the popular guy and an incredibly tough act to

follow. So, trust me, I get it.

Shifting isn’t easy nor is the process of letting go. I promise you he’ll

return again, but in the meantime I ask that you try and be present with

me because I have so many things I’d like to share and experience with

you. I’m by no means dismissing your truth if you’re one of the ones who

became excited at the announcement of my arrival. It’s just important to

acknowledge those struggling with letting go and embracing the change.

Truthfully, I wish I had a magic wand to wave to help you along the

process, but letting go and opening up is something we have to learn on

our own time and in our own ways. All I can do is share with you my

gifts in the hopes they’ll aid you on your path.

Part of my arrival is to help you fall in love with the process, to fall into

the spaces your soul needs for the next part of its journey. My intention

isn’t to rush you, or force you into change, but to help you embrace its

inevitability without resisting its gaze. In fact, I’m here to support you in

your subtle retreating. Don’t you see? This is why I gradually increase

the length of night and bring in the cool air. I purposely add more earthy

colors from the changing of the leaves to the dropping of the pinecones to

the harvesting of pumpkins. I want you to feel the importance of coming

together with others as you partake in the sharing without also missing

the move into reflection. It’s all a preparation for what your soul must

soon let go, but for now it’s learning to stretch into the change of colors

and the magical creativity found when your soul feels at home.

Practice embracing the change as you put on your warm sweaters, long

sleeve t-shirts, and patterned socks. Drink in that pumpkin latte or apple

4 {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 5 fall 2014 ⋅ 5

Dearest Soul

cider and sit by the fireplace or nestle in to that campfire. Let those warm

oranges, rusty reds, and deep purples touch your palette and inspire your

soul. Listen for my voice inside the leaves crunching and the fire crackling.

You will smell my cinnamon perfume and feel me inside each warm

embrace and under every cozy blanket. You will certainly see me, but mostly

you will feel me inside your soul. I hope these gifts help make the change

a little easier to bear and remind you of ways to move into something new.

Remember, I’m only here for a little while before I must sleep for Winter’s

shift.

I realize change isn’t necessarily easy for most of us, but if you can learn

to lean into the movement you will see the beauty inside the play. If it ever

starts to feel too fast for you, take some time to honor where you were and

give thanks for the gifts you now have, for this too is part of the process.

If I could leave you with one last thought today, it’s this. See if you can

give yourself the space for change, the permission to splash different colors

onto the canvas of your life, and embrace the possibilities because your soul

just maybe might want to reveal a different side of you. My friend Rumi

said it best: “Sometimes we plan a trip to one place, but something takes us

to another.” This is why we must learn to see the beauty inside the change

because we never know what’s going to open. So can you feel it? The colors

are beginning to change and your soul is whispering for you to come out

and play with me. I believe we’re in for the most beautiful and magical

ride, so when you’re ready, gently fall into me. With deep love, Autumn

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{soul walks}On the Earth: Alive and Thriving, A Walk in Culloden Battlefield, Scotland

Photography & Inspiration by Dani Palacio

Soul Walks are a time to really “see” into nature, to walk consciously, breathing awareness into your being and allowing your soul to speak to you. So often we go along our days missing those soft subtle moments, those whispering questions that our soul wants to ponder. Soul Walks don't have to be far. They can be down your street and even through your backyard. This issue's Soul Walk was shared by Dani Palacio during her walk on the Culloden Battlefield in Scotland. We challenge you to grab a camera, enter into a meditative walk where

you breathe into the moments and listen with your soul wide open. We invite you to send us your images and soul questions to soullifezine@gmail.com.

Who Am I? A small grain can yield many things – but most of all nourishment for the discovery.

Where do I come from? From the blood of my ancestors, ripe, red and ready!

Does it matter if I know my lineage? Only if it helps you know who you are and why you’re here.

What if I can’t find the mystical and magical signs? Then it will show up in the visible and caw at you until you listen.

Who will show me the way? Look for the whispers of life, do you see the dragon fly…its wings iridescent.

Will there be post markers along the journey so I know my path? Yes, you are guided every step of the way – guided back to yourself to live and love as you never have before!

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What does it mean to have a vision?

What does it mean to believe that you are guided?

How do you accept the visions, the guidance, the knowing given to you without being attached to its outcome and expecting it to show up a certain way?

These are the questions that have been floating in my mind and causing my heart to stir in ways that have excited me and have caused me to question even more. I’ve dipped into my fear and doubt and then bounce back into the truth of my heart. It’s been a wild ride.

I believe that I am guided. I believe that The Universe, God, my Guides, the Angels hold my Highest Potential and as I walk the path of my soul’s journey in this life, I am given insight at specific times that help me keep my faith. The faith that I am loved and that my life has a purpose keeps me walking the path. I’m grateful that I trust in this knowing. I am grateful that inspiration and hope show up for me as visions about the next step or next few steps of this beautiful life.

TRUST &FAITH

by Dani Palacio

{ {Faith is to believe what

you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you

believe. – Saint Augstine

8 {soul life}

Sometimes the vision comes as nudge, an intuitive knowing or a reoccurring theme. Sometimes it’s a full on vision – I see it, I feel it as if it were so already. That’s what has been happening as of late...I was reading a book and there was a passage about Scotland that resonated so deeply that I could feel my whole body vibrate. Then I got a nudge to look up Scottish surnames and from there, a world from the past opened up. That was the start and the immediate need and knowingness that I need to get to Scotland as fast as possible. Within a few days I had booked my ticket and the full on experience began.

The six weeks between booking the ticket to the actual take off has been full of affirmations that I am

meant to go to Scotland for lots of reasons. I love that my heart, soul and body are all in alignment. I love that I have friends and family in my life that support me unconditionally. It’s a knowing and it’s also been given in visions of what is to come…

If it were only that easy! Now I’m in the process of keeping the faith that the vision is real without the human ego interfering. I find that as information comes to me and I get more insight about the overall picture of what is and what is possible, I am tempted to attach a meaning to it, to get stuck in the visual insights I’ve had, and that’s a very slippery slope!

The inner dialogue is combative. I have faith that what I saw, felt, and experienced within my heart. I

fall 2014 ⋅ 9

{ {Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. - Voltaire

also trust that there is something more waiting for me in Scotland. It. Is. Real. And that’s the thing, it’s so real to me and yet it hasn’t happened yet. So of course my logical, intelligent mind and ego want to take over and organize, dissect, and attach to the vision.

How do we keep the insight, the vision alive and fluid without creating meaning and expectation to it? The only way I’ve been able to do this is to trust in something bigger than me. To know that I am loved by a force that holds me and guides me. So when I feel the attachment, which by the way I totally believe is a natural human experience, I breathe deep, let go of the cord that is trying to hold down the vision and then visualize it flying free once again. That helps

me to keep the vision pure and helps me honor the natural tendency to attach and create meaning.

So if you’re in an experience of feeling guided, inspired and seeing the possibility in dreams or meditations, let me say you are not alone!! It’s a fine line between the grace of a knowing and the desire to have it. It tests your faith and challenges your mind. What a combination – it’s one that I enjoy.

Here’s to visions and inspirations! Here’s to wonder and delight! Here’s to believing. Trust and Allow!

by Joey Paynter

10 {soul life}

The wound is the place where the light enters you. ~Rumi{ {A Celtic Prayer

by Jen Delyth

Fís Croí na beanna, nochtann mo bhealach.

Croí eagna beanna, treoir ar mo bhealach.

Neart Croí na beanna, a chosaint ar mo bhealach.

Heart vision of Raven, reveal my way.

Heart wisdom of Raven, guide my way.

Heart strength of Raven, protect my way.

One of my most favorite questions to ask others is “What makes your soul come alive?” I find these six simple words open a world of seeing and exploring from the day to day to the deeper dreams people hold inside the hidden pockets of their life. I first explored this question myself almost 17 years ago and since then I have made countless lists to answer this inquisitive query my soul sent me on.

I set the intention to hit at least 100 things that made my soul come to life. Last time I checked the list was up to at least 500 and it’s filled with everything from eating a bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel from Mr. J’s bagel shop in Harrisonburg, Virginia to driving at night with music blaring - windows down and singing along at the top of my lungs. There’s also traveling to a new culture and connecting with the people to walking barefoot in the sand to seeing the forgotten in abandoned buildings to laughing until the tears start to fall. I have so many more and even creating the list is part of what ushers my soul into life. I used to challenge many of my clients to make a list and anytime they felt disconnected from life I would ask if they had done anything from their list lately. Most hadn’t. I suggested they find at least five and see how this changed their perspective. Each time something shifted and their hearts opened. So my challenge and question to you is... What makes your soul come alive? We’d love to hear and share some of your discoveries in our next issue. Please email us at soullifezine@gmail.com

Here are a few to help you get started.

1. Seeing the colors in the sky change

2. Skipping rocks – At least five jumps

3. Traveling to a new place

4. Taking pictures of people (in different countries)

5. Laughing so hard my gut hurts

6. Playing Basketball (hitting a 3 pointer)

7. Acting like a dork and not caring

8. Playing in the rain

9. Walking barefoot on the beach

10. A quality conversation with a friend and some cool crisp Sauvignon Blanc

11. Being on a canoe on the lake/river

12. Doing something I haven’t done before

13. Chalk drawing late at night

14. Finger-painting

15. A blank canvas, paints, and friends

16. Finding a book I can’t put down

17. Sitting around a campfire with friends

18. Staring at the stars – overwhelmed by the beautiful magiK of our world

19. Sticking my hands in rice, sand..etc.

{What Makes Your Soul Come Alive?

by Joey Paynter

fall 2014 ⋅ 11

12 {soul life}

Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, midd le, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity…~ Gilda Radner

{ {I'm Spiritual Dammit!: How to Keep Your Feet on the Ground and Your Head in the Stars Written byJenniffer Weigel

REVIEWED BY LORA KEDDIE -- I read this book in three straight days. I couldn't put it down except to get tissues to wipe my tears of laughter and tears of knowing the exact heart-bursting feelings she was going through. All of us searching for the MORE of our spiritual side can appreciate the humorous way former television news reporter Jenniffer Weigel shares her own discoveries. This non-fiction book is steeped in gems we can all use. Weigel provides 13 common-sense rules for developing a sane and satisfying interior life--ranging from "trust that you are where you are supposed to be in every moment" to "always look for signs"--to "don't get lost in a guru." What makes this book so fun and refreshing is Weigel's voice--and the fact that, in the words of one of her friends, she is a "magnet for really bizarre shit." I'm a big believer in you have to laugh your way through this stuff and Weigel does just that with her own experiences bringing you along to share in the giggles.

{ soul reads }

fall 2014 ⋅ 13

Thinking Outside the Church examines 110 ways people connect with their spirituality. It does not seek to supplant the religious feeling many people experience inside a church, but seeks instead to supplement that experience by suggesting a more expansive view of spirituality. In this view, the world and our activities outside the church are also seen as the sites and rites of worship and spiritual practice, as ways of connecting with our personal vision or version of the sacred. From art, nature, and dreams to dancing, traveling, and parenting, Jennifer Leigh Selig points readers toward the potential and the power present in diverse pathways that may not traditionally be seen as religious or spiritual. In addition to her own thoughtful introductions, Selig collects quotes that span cultures, time periods, religions, and wisdom traditions, each testifying to the universality of seeking the spiritual by Thinking Outside the Church.Learn more about writer, teacher, lecturer and photographer Jennifer Leigh Selig or purchase a signed copy of her book at JenniferLeighSelig.com

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Our Lion Withinby Lora Keddie

fall 2014 ⋅ 15

I sat there ready to run or to throw up. I wasn't sure which. The doorknob turned, a book fell on the shelf –at least I thought it was the shelf because it was pitch dark. I sat in tears in the meditation room that had once been filled with fading sunlight, but now was pitchdark. Something brushed my face softly. Something touched my back. Then I heard a whisper and my mind screamed. I sat there alone wondering in hysteria what feared me more, believing there was something unseen touching me or believing my mind was creating this and I was crazy. I was caught between two fears and it was tearing me apart.

Walking to the meditation room before the rest of the retreat group got there for our evening session made sense at the time. I walked there in the light before sunset. My night blindness was bad, and without my eyes to tell me things weren't really there my fears took over.

The light was gone now, and I hadn't thought to turn on the lights before I sat down to meditate. Before sitting I had pulled an oracle card. It had a picture of a lion - and the words COURAGE. I couldn't see it now but I knew it laid there in front of me. It's called to me and it called me out. In tears, I laughed, "I'm so more like the Cowardly Lion than the King of the Jungle." There I rocked, I felt, I heard, until the other student arrived.

I stayed stuck between those two fears for years. Is what I'm feeling and hearing real? Or am I going insane? These fears were surrounded by more. Mainly the fear of telling anyone what I was going through. Both are not exactly socially acceptable. I was caught, and I was spinning. I was becoming more and more miserable. My mental, emotion and physical health was taking a toll.

I hit my rock bottom. I say, MY rock bottom, because I believe you can continually spiral down infinitely until YOU decide enough. I was in my "dark night of the soul", or as I like to put it, my "dark monkey forest" on the path to Oz.

The details of this darker period aren't important. We all of them. It's what got me out that's important. COURAGE. I decided to face my fears. I signed up to work with a Shaman to intentionally learn to contact spirits. It happened to be in the town where my step-daughter was attending college. I walked up to the front gate, and then proceeded to turn around and get back into my car. I called my step-daughter up and asked her to go to dinner. At dinner I told her all my "What if" fears. She listened and said, "What's the harm in just trying?" Sometimes you have to borrow a little bravery until you can find your own. I walked through those gates and had the most profound experience of my life. I met my spirit guides and over the years I've become more fluent in conversing with them and others spirits.

I was the Cowardly Lion. I had been sitting in the dark monkey forest, and here comes Dorothy, The Tin Man, and The Scarecrow, aka my spirit guides. They are heading to Oz... they want to invite me on the journey, but I'm going to scare them and tell them to go away and leave me here, even though I terrified of this place. What I really was - was afraid of myself. I took courage to acknowledge who I was. I had to find a deep, deep love for myself first that gave me the courage to find the brave lion that was inside of me.

It's not that suddenly I said, "I love me! I'm not afraid!" I wish. It took time and patience. Each brave step lead

{ {I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do, I do believe in

spooks, I do believe in spooks, I do, I do, I do, I do! - Cowardly Lion, Wizard of Oz

16 {soul life}

to another brave step. I met obstacles, but each time I took the path of unconditional love for myself those obstacles became small. I had fears of abandonment of family and friends, lost of work. My family, friends and work evolved with me. All are richer than ever because of my courage to be myself. As for my work... it evolved too. My fears have now become my work.

My biggest hold back was thinking my fears were special. Yours aren't either, no matter how much

you try to convince yourself they are and no one will understand. Your fears that you are so in love with are not keeping you safe. They are keeping you a shadow of yourself. We all have a lion inside.

I found my lion inside. This Cowardly Lion too found her courage hiding away in the land of Oz. She roars with delight when I now introduce myself now... Lora Keddie - spirit talker.

What I really was - was afraid of myself.

{ {

fall 2014 ⋅ 17

I love learning. I’ve spent a lot of my life studying and learning about cultures, alternative ways of healing, and ways of living a sacred life.

Learn more about me and my Sacred Living Series at

Dani Palacio

Conversation. Connection. Community.With each new day a part of ourselves awakens. We are eternal and we are born

of love. I've been many things in my life and today I get to choose who I am and

how I want to feel. Let's meet heart to

heart.

www.danipalacio.comCurrent Available Classes:

Spiritual Mentoring · Pendulums · Prayers + OfferingsPrivate Cooking Classes · Cake Decorating Classes

Celebrations! E-course Go online to register now.

Register for or learn more online about:

Celebrations! E-course

Begins October 21, 2014

18 {soul life}

Warm Up with Harvest Inspired Recipes

Pumpkin Bread1 ½ cup sugar½ cup oil2 eggs1 cup pumpkin1 tsp ea. of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon & allspice (fyi…I’m liberal with the cinnamon and nutmeg)1 tsp ginger1 ¾ cups flour¼ tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1 tsp salt½ cup water

This recipe is delicious and can easily be made into muffins or mini loaves of bread. Add a bit of cream cheese frosting to make into a delicious and decadent dessert!

Directions:1. Mix the ingredient in the order list above…sugar, oil,

eggs and pumpkin then add the spices.2. Once mixed together then add the dry ingredients

and lastly the water. This is a very forgiving batter but don’t over mix it.

3. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or 325 degrees for 60 minutes. Makes 2 – 1lb loaves.

Optional Variations: ½ cup cranberry or raisin, ½ cup nuts or dates.

The Healthier Options: Substitute sugar with coconut palm sugar, use coconut oil or butter (just melt it first) versus canola or vegetable and feel free to use organic ingredients!

*Recipe taken from the Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton Church Cookbook, Isanti Minnesota circa 1976. I still have the original and it’s a childhood favorite! Thanks to the mothers and women who shared their special recipes!

prepared by Dani Palacio

{ soul food }

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Chicken Kale Soup 1 whole chicken1 medium yellow onion3 cloves of garlic1 tbls dried rosemary1 tbls dried thyme4 medium red potatoes (peel & cut)1 large bunch of your favorite kale (chopped)2 large carrots (peel & dice)salt & pepper – to taste

Serves 4-6

Directions:1. Either cut up your chicken or get a pre-cut chicken with skin and

bones. 2. Add chicken to a soup pot, then add cut up onion and whole

garlic cloves with herbs then add water to cover. I add the salt now to cook with the chicken but you can wait until the end as well.

3. Boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Then strain the chicken and keep the stock.

4. Once chicken is cool, debone and cut chicken into nice size pieces.

5. Add the chicken back to broth then add peeled and cut potatoes, chopped kale and diced carrots.

6. Bring to boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Adjust seasonings – salt and pepper. 8. Feel free to add some red chili flakes or some fresh parsley. I

sometimes like to add a half of fresh squeezed lemon to add a bit of brightness to the soup.

Warm Up with Harvest Inspired Recipes

20 {soul life}

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup2 butternut squash1 medium onion3 garlic cloves1 tsp cinnamon½ tsp nutmeg1-2 tbls curry (to your taste)1 medium sweet potato or yam1 medium apple 1 can of coconut cream + 1 can of

coconut milk**coconut oilsalt & pepperred pepper flakes2-4 cups vegetable broth

Directions:This is super simple since it will all be blended so no need to cut or

dice anything to perfection. So here we go…1. Use a large soup pan. Peel and cut the butternut squash. Set

aside.2. Cut up onion and add to pan with 1-2 tbls of coconut oil, salt

lightly and let onion sauté. Add garlic cloves and curry powder. Simmer for a couple of minutes.

3. Then add squash, yam, and apple. Cover with vegetable broth or water depending on what option you chose.

4. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add the red pepper flake at this time.

5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until all is tender in the pan. 6. Then either use a blender or hand blender to liquefy the soup. 7. Then add the coconut milk/cream. You can adjust the thickness

by adding water or more vegetable broth. Always adjust to your taste.

8. Top with toasted croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, or bits of cranberry. Enjoy!!

**FYI: you can use 2 cans of coconut milk if you can’t find the cream. Trader Joe’s sells the cream.

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lora@lorakeddie.com | lorakeddie.com

Lora Keddiespirit talker

There’s this amazing team we each have, that want us to live fuller, happier and healthier lives. I’m just here to help you hear them.

for individuals: Spirit Guidance Readings and Divination,

Power Animal Retrieval, Extraction, Soul Release, Soul Retrieval

for homes & businesses: Clearing, Saging & Blessing

All parents want to be the best parent we can be. We are providers, nurturers, protectors, moralizers, entertainers, and peacekeepers all wrapped within one body. As a parent to three highly sensitive and empathic girls under the age of six, there are many things that I must do, be and teach daily. There are challenges to overcome and at times it can be overwhelming. When you are raising a sensitive empathic child (let alone three) what would seem to someone else as a little issue can seem semi-crippling to a sensitive child. A paper cut on a finger can be so painful to the sensitive child that they cannot think of anything else but the pain. A bad dream at night can make a sensitive child physically ill the next day. A child at the park who uses mean words to a sensitive child can hurt their spirit so much that they will want to leave the park. Helping my sensitive children through all of these scenarios (and many more), I have learned to try to keep them focused on the positive things around them. If we don't focus on the things we are grateful for and the things that are good in our life, a sensitive empath could easily spiral into a world of darkness and negativity. Over time, I now realize the feeling that always keeps

Teach Gratitude

by Kerry Swenson

{ soul kids }

When you are raising a sensitive empathic

child what would seem to someone else as a little issue can seem semi-crippling to a

sensitive child. { {

22 {soul life}

us grounded and present is gratitude. By learning gratitude, children can look outside themselves and understand the things they have and what people do for them (give hugs and kisses, wash their clothes, brush their teeth). Instilling gratitude in children will help them be more optimistic and will benefit your child throughout their whole life. Here are a few ways to help teach children the gift of gratitude.

* Work gratitude into your daily life. You are the most important model for your child. Talk out loud to your children about what you are grateful for. “I love the sound of the rain on the roof while we are all cozy inside.” “Our dog, Boo, is the cutest and best dog ever!” “It makes my heart happy when you listen to my directions the first time.” Our family talks about what we are thankful for and what our favorite part of the day was at dinner time. It is the part of the day that we are all together and it is a great way to have positive conversations. When you make gratitude a part of your everyday routine it is more likely to remain with you.

* Have your children participate in daily jobs around the house. There are many jobs that even very small children can do to help your household community. My eighteen month old daughter (with the help of her four year old sister) will feed our dog. An eighteen month old can scoop food out of a bag and put it into the dog bowl. My oldest daughter who is six has been helping clear the dishes from the table and bring them to the sink after a meal. Not only is she proud to be old enough and responsible enough to do this, but it is hard work. She appreciates it more when I am doing the dishes because she has more of an understanding of the work it entails. I know that it would be easier if I just did these little chores myself, but my children are learning that even these little jobs take an effort. My daughters are more grateful for the bigger jobs that get done.

* Doing small acts of kindness lets my children see how we can participate in helping others. When we had a new next door neighbors moving in, my girls and I decided to bake them some scones. We all walked the treat over to the new neighbors. We also gave some to the movers who were working so hard moving all their furniture. Our new neighbors were so thankful for this gesture and my girls were so proud of themselves. Another act of kindness that we have done is when I am getting a load of things ready to donate to a local charity. I always have my daughters look to see if they have any toys that they could give to a child in need. They always find something and are happy it will go to another child who doesn’t have any toys.

* Mastering the art of saying “no” to your children is also important. We have all been there. You are in a store when your child begins screaming and throwing a tantrum because they want a toy. They believe that they will not live unless they have that toy at that moment. And just to not make a scene and to make your child happy and quiet you may consider buying that toy. But it is very difficult, if not impossible, to feel grateful when your every desire is granted. If you as a parent are able to say “no” to your child (and possibly leaving the store), when you do get to say “yes” it is just that much more beautiful!

Over time, gratitude will continue to develop in you and your children. Through challenges, accomplishments, disappointments, celebrations and successes, love and gratitude are always there to guide you. So remember the next time you want to scold your child for jumping on the bed: be grateful that they have arms and legs and they are healthy enough to be jumping on the bed, and then scold them!

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About our guest writer: Kerry SwensonKerry Swenson is an early childhood, special needs, and parent educator and advocate. She has more than ten years experience helping children grow in peaceful, healthy and spiritual ways. Kerry lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and three highly intuitive and empathic daughters.

24 {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 25

What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes?Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits. ~Carl Jung{ {

cu⋅ri⋅os⋅i⋅tyAn aroused desire to seek out what has yet to be seen or known. An inquisitive call from within to explore the unknown places. Our soul’s most natural gift. A chance to see life through the eyes of a child.

richsumptuous, opulent, luxurious, luxury, deluxe, lavish, gorgeous, splendid, magnificent, costly, expensive, fancy; informal posh, plush, ritzy, swanky, classy, swank.

be⋅lief: an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.: trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.

Often a word pops into our heads (hearts) that summarizes what we are going through, what we need to work on, or what we are noticing evolving in front of us. These words have significance when we look at them deeply and apply them in the here and now, and can have deep soul understandings. Here are a few words that have bubbled up for us this season.

{ soul words }

24 {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 25

{ soul art }

We are all artists. Each of us, gifted with a unique expression of soul. It’s not necessary to call yourself an artist, we just want to see and experience your soul through any medium you wish to use. Whether it’s through the stroke of your paintbrush, or an image frozen in time from the lens of your camera is up to you. Each piece is a celebration of soul and our hope is that as you look into each image you will feel inspired, connected, and ushered in to your own beautiful creativity. If you would like to share your expression of soul with the rest of our community, please email us at soullifezine@gmail.com.

ARTWORK SUPPLIED BY JOEY PAYNTER

26 {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 27

about Dani PalacioI’m an international citizen of our glorious planet. I’m an intuitive woman standing tall in my power and a lover of all things joyous. I’m a creator of sacred safe space for others and myself so we may all live in our authentic expression. I’m a woo-woo wonder of magic and light. My soul is my guide. I’m a fierce and loyal friend. I love my family. I am a baker, cake decorator, intuitive cook and creator of yumminess. I really am just a big kid who loves to have fun in the most delicious ways.

My current passions include conversations, offering my experience as a guide for others, and dreaming my life into existence. I am blessed to have had many experiences and roles such as worldwide marketing manager, life coach, Reiki Master, teacher, workshop facilicator and now I’m offering a series of classes on Sacred Living, offering one-on-one mentoring and trusting my guides and the Universe for continued guidance.

To learn more about me, I invite you to my personal website www.danipalacio.com and feel free to connect directly by emailing me atdani@danipalacio.com.

about Joey PaynterI’m an artist and a wounded healer. I’m constantly entering into the unknown edges of the shadow world with the intention to help others see their beauty, especially if it’s been hidden in the ashes. I’m a photographer, a teacher, a healer, a speaker, and a storyteller. I believe stories hold the magic of our souls.

My diverse background in psychological studies and my ever-growing passion for empowering the human soul has led me around the world to work with others in giving a voice to their story. I attained a B.S. in Psychology and Religion from James Madison University, a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, and am currently in the process of attaining my Ph.D in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I’ve also completed a 2-year SoulArts apprenticeship program under a practicing Shaman, which has helped me attune to the spirit world. I’ve worked with individuals and groups for over 15 years and I specialize in relational struggles, depression, anxiety, and (re)discovering one’s dreams. I’ve traveled extensively to over 40 countries as a counselor, healer, lecturer, and photojournalist, You can view my work at www.joeypaynterphotography.com and www.aseekersjourney.com and please feel free to drop me a note anytime.

26 {soul life} fall 2014 ⋅ 27

about Lora KeddieI am gardener, a writer, a business owner, a farmer's wife, and... an Empath and a Spirit Talker. There I’ve said it. It’s taken me years to admit it, understand and accept it. Now in doing so, I’ve opened my life to this amazing world. For years I tried to block, hide and get rid of my abilities thinking that I just might be insane. With love and support, I’ve learned to hear spirit and to travel through worlds that many of us have yet to experience. I study Shamanism, which is a practice of direct relevation through listening to your own intuition, soul and your loving spirit guides. With the aid of sirits I can help heal and open souls. Lovingly nicked named Pandora Lora, since working with me you’ll often find yourself opening to something more… more that is out there and the more that is available in you. I help to open the “box” that’s been closed in you, and the box you’ll find doesn’t want to be closed again.

All that being said, there is very much I’m still learning. I believe I always will be learning and feel that sharing my experiences through this journey just might help the next person who is waking up to this wild and wonderful life. Whatever it is that you are trying to open up to, please feel free to contact me. If I can’t help, I may be able to direct you to someone who helped me.

www.lorakeddie.comwww.facebook.com/lorakeddiespirittalker

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