Los Angeles to Phoenix in 5.5 hours.

When the phone rang last Monday I had been looking at my schedule and planning out my week. I had clients to see, a class to plan, papers to write, and a sick dog to heal. My week was going to be a busy one. All of that changed with one conversation. My daughter's voice was on the other end. "Mom?"

In July she called right after I got back from a visit to her home in Arizona. She was in tears. Her doctors office called with the results of a blood test she had taken early in her pregnancy. It was positive for Downs Syndrome. Before I had a chance to even think about it I said, "Well that's not true." I knew it wasn't true. I could feel it. She asked if I was just saying that to make her feel better or did I 'see' it. I didn't even have to look. I just knew. She calmed down and told me that the doctor had said these test sometimes result in false positve readings. They intended to give her an ultra-sound but not for a few weeks. I couldn't let her sit out there and worry about it so I got back into my car and drove back to Phoenix to give her some support. I stayed a week and played with Michael, my grandson, and cooked her favorite soups and stews and salads. She was fine when I left. After the ultra-sound it was clear that the baby does not have Downs. Three weeks of waiting, three weeks of worry, three weeks of fear take a toll on a woman and her fetus. It turns out that the blood test gives false positives more often than not. Why do they do that? Beats me.

Her voice last Monday night had a tone I recognized. It was tainted with worry. "I think I might be in labor." WHAT? Two and a half months early? She was in bed but in pain and it was low and somewhat constant. Danny was home and Michael was already in bed asleep. After we talked for a few minutes she decided to go to the hospital. I decided to pack.


Tuesday morning she called to tell me that she was home but still in pain. They had examined her and determined she was not dialated and not in labor. The baby was fine and so they sent her home. However, when she spoke to her doctor the next morning he sent her back to the hospital. I was in my car and driving within an hour. My schedule for the week was thrown out the window. Appointments were re-scheduled and plans put on hold. I made the drive in 5.5 hours. Not bad.

It turns out that she was dehydrated and the prescription for that is bed rest and lots of fluids. So, I took care of Michael and her laundry and shopping and cooking while constantly checking her fluids. The baby's room is painted and her closet is full of clothes. I mean FULL. She has five bathing suits, four pairs of shoes, a dozen pairs of socks and booties and loads of pj's. She has more outfits than I do. This little baby will be styling for sure.

Michael and I played for hours everyday. We read books and told stories and took the dog for a walk. He caught a grasshopper. and held it in his hand for the longest time. He put in on his finger, on is arm, on his shirt and decided he loved it and wanted to take it home. He petted it and whispered to it. "I'm so proud of myself for holding this grasshopper."

I had a great visit and Shanon got some much needed rest. I stayed until Sunday morning when Danny's father, Papu, was back in town. He's great with Michael.

So, all is well in Phoenix now and I'm catching up with clients and class plans. I drive back to Phoenix on Friday then fly to Denver for a week of readings and the "Women, Power and Wisdom" class. I'll be back in Phoenix for Halloween. I wouldn't miss him in his lions costume for nothin'.

Oh yeah...the baby names. On top of the list of favorites was Sophia but Danny used his veto on that one. Next was Isabella but it turns out that it's too trendy. Now the favorite is Marlie. Still looking for a middle name to go with it.

You don't have to be anti-man to be pro-woman. ~Jane Galvin Lewis

We sealed the deal with a hug...

It's official. I am a part-time resident of Idyllwild, California, the favorite spot for campers, hikers, rock climbers and spiritual seekers. It's a great place for antique shopping, art shopping and shopping in general. It has some of the best restaurants I've ever been to, some of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and an energy that cannot be described, it must be experienced. And now it has me! Well, two or three days a week it has me... I'll be working at a new place I can't tell you about just yet. Before it opens I'll be working at Sky Night doing readings, Reiki and Deep Meditation Massages. I may even teach a class or two. It's all so wonderful!

My new home away from home sits on 8 acres of forest and granite boulders at an altitude of 6000 ft. It's on the market for $1.2 million but we're hoping it doesn't sell anytime soon because as long as it's still for sell, I have a home....a beautiful mountain retreat. I feel like I've won the lottery! The owner, Joyce, travels on the days I'll be there so she's thrilled to have someone looking after things while she's gone. It's one of those 'win-win's'. She made an offer, I accepted and we hugged. It's done!

And, oh yeah! I got a facial while I was there this week and let me tell you....I've been getting facials for 30 years. I've been to some famous spas and some not so famous spas. The hour and a half facial I got yesterday from Wendiene was the best I've experienced, hands down. She rocks!

Gotta go....

He rode on the back of his motorcycle....

He left Boston on August 28th and arrived at my door on September 30th having zig-zagged his way across the United States on the back of his motorcycle. He slept in parks, in motels, and in the beds of friendly ladies. He looked a little crusty but his smile was genuine. It was apparently a great adventure, one that was prompted by a memorial service for his uncle.
Uncle Sal never stayed in one place for very long and had a lifetime of glorious experiences from South America to Alaska. He told wonderful stories about the people he met and the close calls he escaped. His favorite nephew followed his route. He left his job, his freinds and his comfortable bed for a trip that has changed his perspective on his country, his beliefs and his ability to soar above the mundane.

You did good, Buddy.

Horse Totem for Sandra

My sixth grade teacher, Miss McLaughlin, gave our class a writing assignment, one I will never forget. She asked us to suspend our doubt and to consider the idea that reincarnation is real and that we can choose to come back to life in the form of an animal. We were instructed to write a short essay about the animal we would like to return as, and give all the reason why. I chose the horse. Why? Because they are beautiful, graceful, powerful and they represent freedom. Now, I may not have used those exact words....but that is the gist of it.

If horse is your totem.

"Stealing horses is stealing power" was a statement made frequently in historical Native America and a reference to the esteemed role which Horse played in the Native cultures.

Horse is physical power and unearthly power. In shamanic practices throughout the world, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and reach heaven.

Humanity made a great leap forward when Horse was domesticated, a discovery akin to that of fire. Before Horse, humans were earthbound, heavy-laden, and slow creatures indeed. Once humans climbed on Horse's back, they were as free and fleet as the wind. They could carry burdens for great distances with ease. Through their special relationship with Horse, humans altered their self-concept beyond measure. Horse was the first animal medicine of civilization. Humanity owes an incalculable debt to Horse and to the new medicine it brought. It would be a long walk to see one's brother or sister if Horse had not welcomed the two-legged rider upon its back. Today we measure the capacity of engines with the term "horsepower" a reminder of the days when Horse was an honored and highly-prized partner with humanity.

Dreamwalker, a medicine man, was walking across the plains to visit the Arapaho Nation. He carried with him his pipe. The feather tied into his long black hair pointed to the ground, marking him as a man of peace. Over the rise of a hill, Dreamwalker saw a herd of wild mustangs running toward him.

Black Stallion approached him and asked if he was seeking an answer on his journey. Black Stallion said, "I am from the Void where Answer lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and finding the Light." Dreamwalker thanked Black Stallion and agreed to visit him when his medicine was needed in the Dreamtime.

Yellow Stallion approached Dreamwalker next and offered to take him to the East, where illumination lives. Dreamwalker could share the answers he found there to teach and illuminate others. Once again, Dreamwalker thanked Yellow Stallion and said he would use these gifts of power on his journey.

Red Stallion approached, rearing playfully. he told Dreamwalker of the joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joyful experiences of play. He reminded Dreamwalker that he could better hold the attention of those he taught when humor was integrated with the lesson. Dreamwalker thanked him and promised to remember the gift of joy.

Dreamwalker was nearing his destination. The Arapaho Nation was close at hand. White Stallion came to the front of the herd. Dreamwalker mounted White Stallion's back. White Stallion was the message carrier for all the other horses, and represented wisdom in power. This magnificent horse was the embodiment of the balanced medicine shield. "No abuse of power will ever lead to wisdom," said White Stallion. "You, Dreamwalker, have made this journey to heal a brother in need, to share the sacred pipe, and to heal the Mother Earth. You have the knowledge through humility that you are an instrument of Great Spirit. As I carry you upon my back, you carry the needs of the people on yours. In wisdom, you understand that power is not given lightly but awarded to those who are willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner."

Dreamwalker, the shaman, had been healed by the visit of the wild horses, and knew tht his purpose in coming to the Arapaho was to share these gifts with them.

In understanding the power of Horse, you may see how to strive for a balanced medicine shield. True power is wisdom found in remembering your total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways you have walked in another person's moccasins. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power.

Idyllwild Town Crier, September 28, 2006

By Marshall Smith
Staff Reporter

Editor's note: Staff Reporter Marshall Smith attended both the Saturday seminar and two healing sessions, and is writing this article from his experience.

Licensed psychotherapist and recently arrived full-time Hill resident Steven Morrison brought a quartet of healing practitioners to the Caine Learning Center on Sept. 16 and 17 for a group presentation about certain alternative healing modalities, with emphasis on the healing of chronic physical or emotional illnesses, to be followed by individual healing sessions for interested attendees.

Appointments for the lightly advertised Progressive Healers Network were sold out in advance of the Saturday start date. Because of increased interest and demand for individual sessions, extra appointments were added on Sunday, Sept. 17 to accommodate demand.

Morrison's goal was to book 25 private appointments, a full schedule for this first foray, and thereby gauge demand for future workshops. By end of day Sunday, 34 people had booked individual sessions, each seeing two practitioners for a total of 68 sessions. Morrison plans a future encore of the four healers.

I attended two of the added sessions on Sunday. Sessions cost $25 for 20 minutes with each of two healers.

Morrison facilitated the Saturday introductory session where about 40 attendees listened to each presenter discuss what healing modalities each practiced, what exactly is meant by "alternative medicine" and how they arrived at their present vocations.

A word about what comes up when one thinks of "alternative healing." Noted author and lecturer Depak Chopra stresses that the mind/body/spirit connection is essential to effective healing. The individual in need of healing can and should be an active participant in their own healing process, and that, through suggestions and positive mental healing images a patient sends to their own disease-challenged body, lasting and effective curing is enhanced.

Each of Morrison's practitioners echoed that position ~ that they themselves did not "do" the healing. They created the space, the permission for the individual to let go of or surrender the illness or emotional weight at the root of the illness. But they emphasized that healing requires partnership ~ first and most importantly, the patient in partnership with his or her own body, and with a healing practitioner. Partnerships assist patients in taking responsibility to embrace their health potential and let go of their attachment ~ sometimes anger, judgment and fear-based attachment ~ to being ill.

Morrison and his group told the audience that abandoning one's healing to a doctor and taking no role or responsibility in the process, can be a recipe for less than optimum healing.

The four healers ~Steve Vorel, Sandra Acosta, Jasmine Dickens, and Elizabeth Aleccia ~ each arrived at their present vocations from very different paths.

Vorel, formerly a fast-paced executive at a young age, developed chronic fatigue syndrome, passing out without warning, losing memory and reading comprehension. Frightened and troubled both about his career loss, and medical condition in which doctors could provide little assistance, he returned to his family home in New York.

Out of frustration, he started swinging away with an ax on an old dead tree. As he swung, anger, screams, frustration grew and he continued, as he recounts, "for almost eight hours." When he had exhausted his rage at his medical condition, (his)"chronic fatigue syndrome was gone in one day." He realized that "the further aprt one's preception of how the world should be, and how it is, the more stress a person will have." And, as with the other practitioners, Vorel admonishes that stress creates illness.

After his eight-hour chopping purge, he began an investigative journey with Shamans in Ecuador and Peru, and other alternative teachers, and now practices as a certified regression therapist, master teacher of a trademarked practice called Zenith Omega ~ a healing technique "using light and colour to release energy blocks from the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body, thus restoring each individual to a higher state of potential and beingness, leading to a deeper experience of love," according to the Web site www.zenithomega.com/what_is_zenith.htm

Acosta, an El Salvador native, studied a form of body work with Maori natives (indigenous people of New Zealand), that like many tribal and eastern approaches, restores energetic healing impulses by removing physical blocks that can build up in muscular/skeletal and lymph and fluid systems that can impede free circulation of those electrical (chi) healing impulses.

I had consultations with the two remaining healers ~ one with Dickens, a practitioner of spiritual alchemy, pranic healing and reiki whose vocation is devoted, like her compatriots, to removing blockages of the free flow of vial life enchancing "chi" that promotes healing.

Dickens rebalanced my body's system of energetic flow, and worked, as she told me, to remove blocks between several of my chakras (body areas, from Hindu and other oriental cultures, that ascend from the base of the spine to the top of the head). Dickens said my strongest chakra ~ anahata or heart/lung ~ is related to love, equilibrium and well-being, and I should use it to integrate other chakra areas that don't function as well, positioning the light of that "devotion, love, compassion and healing" chakra throughout other areas of my body.

I also saw Aleccia, a self-described clairvoyant ans psychic who sees energies and spirits, feels their presence and communicates with them telepathically. She was my first choice, since, when I attended the Saturday presentation, I was accompanied by a scientist/engineer friend who, although not skeptical of healing practitioners per se, stiffened when he heard Aleccia describe her particular practice. I, on the other hand, felt she was very down to earth, and since I had never seen a clairvoyant, thought she would be interesting.

And, as it turns out, from Aleccia I heard what I feel I needed to hear in order to move myself forward at this point in my life. Without detailing who and what she saw (my spirit companions), suffice it to say that I came away feeling strong and protected, that what Aleccia told me resonated strongly with deliberations I have had for several years about my particular path from this point forward, with whatever duties I may have for the remainder of my life and to whom, and even a timetable suggested by my "guides" for accomplishing these various projects and responsibilities ~ all this without my having described to Aleccia my dilemmas, possible projects or deliberations.

Renate Caine, one of the owners of the Caine Center that studies brain functionality, commented, "I thought they (the healing practitioners) were exceptional young people. I know the real article when I see it. They were so right about the need for each of us to take responsibility for his own life, and healing. It's not something another, a doctor, gives you. As each of them said, healing is our own process for which we must take responsibility. A healer doesn't do it for you ~ he or she creates or holds a space of permission in which we, the individuals, initiate our own healing processes."

Morrison commenced Monday, Sept 25 with weekly "Spiritual Workouts" at Skye at Night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Morrison anticipates the Workouts will be "a time and a place to practice how contemporary, nonreligious, religion-friendly, universally spiritual concepts apply to our day-to-day lives."

Marshall Smith can be reached at marshall@towncrier.com