Hurricane Katrina

Dearest Friends:

Once more the Universe has given us a lesson on impermanence--all extrinsic phenomenon is temporary and not lasting. At any moment, we can lose all of the "things" that we value, which places another lesson in front of our face: attachment. If we cling to that which is impermanent, not recognizing it for what it is, we will suffer, which is motivation for remembering the part of us that is permanent and indestructible--the part of us that is joy despite the sorrow that surrounds us.

We have all been impacted by the suffering in New Orleans because we cannot escape the collective consciousness. That suffering includes those who did not survive the hurricane. Today I received an email from my friend and renowned medium clairvoyant Walter MaKichen. He stated, "Because there has been no opportunity to have memorial or funeral services many spirits are simply wandering the disaster areas waiting for the acknowledgment of friends and family to help them to the next phase of their journey. I have been spending many hours working with the angelic realm to take these "lost" souls to a comfortable place where they can wait for their relatives and friends to formally mourn for them. If you would like to help comfort these souls simply touch your hand to your heart and ask for a blessing for all those who have passed away during this tragedy and then sound the OM. This will resonate your prayer to all who need it." Thank you, Walter, for the clarity of your work. I have touched my heart while sounding OM throughout the day and invite others to do so. Congratulations, also, on the publication of your book Spirit Babies (www.spiritbabies.com)--a gift to the world.

There has been a personal lesson-learned for me about "trust" in regard to the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. A few years ago, Tulane University in New Orleans invited me to interview for a faculty position in Maternal-Child Health. As I arrived at the airport, it started to rain, and from that rain there was almost instant flooding. The taxi-cab ride to the Radisson Hotel on Canal Street was actually frightening, and the gutter in front of the hotel was so flooded that I got completely soaked getting out of the cab. A gentleman's attempt to hold an umbrella over my head was a failed attempt because of the raging water in the street. As a result, I needed to change my clothes before my scheduled interviews, which was to no avail because the air conditioning had failed prior at my first scheduled interview (it was only 110 degrees). I always wondered why the Dean talked so candidly to me about the chronic health problems of New Orleans. To make a long story short, I did not become a faculty member at Tulane University in New Orleans, and at the time, I did not understand why. I saw a piece of the puzzle without understanding, rather than seeing the whole picture, which is what happens to all of us as events of our life unfold--much like a river that takes its course. Doors close. We do not understand why--sometimes even when the Universe is giving us a blatant message--although we are told that a door has to close in order for another door to open, or we are told that often a door closes for our Highest Good. Thus, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, I finally saw the "full picture". Although I didn't understand it before, I understand now why I didn't move to New Orleans, and I am so grateful--because I would now be without a home, employment, or perhaps without my physical body.

However, along with my relief and gratitude is also tremendous compassion for those who are suffering as a result of Hurricane Katrina. One outcome of that suffering is range of negative emotions that are sweeping the nation, which includes anger, bitterness and a lot of finger-pointing. It is so important that we remember the law of the universe, which is karma. We reap what we plant. Thus, we need to constantly plant wishes, prayers, mantras, love, compassion, and positive energy. And, if you are a Reiki practitioner, send Reiki to New Orleans, the entire Gulf Coast, the Astrodome in Houston, and to this planet. (Wouldn't it be so wonderful if everyone had Reiki in their hands at a time when they have access to nothing else?) Let's focus on healing; each and every one of us can make a difference. What else can we do to help?

1. First, send cash. Don't send clothing or food; there is little

infrastructure in place to transport or distribute it.

2. Don't go to the area as a free-lance volunteer. If you are interested

in volunteering directly, offer your services to one of the

organizations listed below.

3. The Salvation Army is universally respected for its work during

hurricanes. They are accepting cash and volunteer services.

www.salvationarmy.org

1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

4. The Red Cross, which made some mistakes during 9/11, seems to be doing

a good job now. Cash contributions to the Red Cross are immediately

turned into debit cards and given to hurricane victims to buy the