InnerSelf Magazine: June 21, 2021
Image by Stefan Keller 

Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.

As humans, we have been very comfortable with our "dominion over nature" existence. We may even have considered humans as the only intelligent species on the planet, We might even think that we are the only species in the whole Universe of universes. However, we are not the only intelligent species, we are not the only sentient or conscious species, we are not alone here. We may think we are the only two-legged species on earth, but then again, aren't apes two-legged, penguins, kangaroos, etc. etc.?

Anyway, I digress. My point here, is that, as the bard Shakespeare wrote, in Hamlet's conversation with a ghost and with Horatio:

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
than are dreamt of in your philosophy."


And yes, there is much more than we can see with our two eyes, hear with our ears, and sense with our five senses: touch, taste, vision, hearing, and smell. We are so much more than just a human body with five senses. We also have the possibility of being prescient or precognitive by having knowledge of things before they happen. We also have intuitive sense where we are aware of something that is not accessed by the five senses. And there is what are known as the five clairs: Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Clairsentience, Clair-empathy. Claircognizance. All of these overlap and are extensions of our earthly body and existence. 

So this week, we explore various "more than" methods of communication and realms of being. We start with our friend The Pandemic, and yes it is a friend -- though definitely one of the tough love variety. In "
The Pandemic Speaks: 10 Timeless Truths", the author,  Andrew Nikiforuk, speaks with the voice of the Pandemic. He shares some very inconvenient truths that we must comprehend, accept, and then do something about if we are to survive on Planet Earth. 

The Pandemic Speaks: 10 Timeless Truths

 Andrew Nikiforuk, author of the book, Pandemonium

The Pandemic Speaks: 10 Timeless Truths
I have been trying to engage you in conversation for more than a year, but you have not listened. Perhaps you don’t want to grasp the truths I have to offer. They are gifts really, but I know you will never see my generosity in that light. Such fear. Such ignorance. But I am bound by ancient oaths and I must deliver these few plain lessons as I have faithfully done for thousands of years.


continued...

All living beings have a voice, and we, as humans, have unfortunately mostly only been listening to our own voices... those of humans. In a few instances, some of us may intuitively listen to the voices of our beloved pets, but as a general rule, we aren't too keen to listen to lizards and alligators or the bee that is buzzing around our head. But they too have a voice, as do birds, plants, and even rocks.

We can tune in and learn to hear and communicate with Nature. In "Attuning to the Language of Nature", Fay Johnstone helps us open our awareness to the conscious intelligent beings that make up what we refer to as Nature. 

Attuning to the Language of Nature

 Fay Johnstone, author of the book, Plant Spirit Reiki


innerself subscribe graphic


Attuning to the Language of Nature
Since we are part of nature, like the plants and the animal kingdom, we have the capacity for learning the subtle whispers of nature and communicating with the natural world that surrounds us. We each have the innate ability to perceive the language of nature...


continued...

And keeping our exploration on Earth but changing time zones, so to speak, we venture into the past and partake in Dena Merriam's experience of a previous life in "I Was Born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty...".

We journey with her to a lifetime where communicating with spirits was accepted, where flying through distances (without any mechanical assistance) was a reality. We learn of a wise man's visit to the afterlife and the choice he made. This is definitely outside the realm of our five senses, yet, it is a world that exists for us when we are willing to open ourselves to believe and participate. 

I Was Born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty...

 Dena Merriam, author of the book When The Bright Moon Rises

I Was Born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty...
I was born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25 CE-220 CE) into a family of ardent Daoists who were very much inspired by the teachings of the great sage Zhang Daoling, who had been instructed by the blessed Laozi himself, in a vision, to help free the world of falsehood and corruption...


continued...

Another area of communication that has been very controversial is the experience of contact with ETs (Extra-Terrestrials) also known as NHI (Non-Human Intelligences). It is only recently that the US government has admitted that yes, "we" have been contacted by "aliens" over the years. Some people have had personal experiences of this, yet, they've been ridiculed by many as making it up, hallucinating, or even worse, of being crazy.

But again, if we open ourselves up to more than our limited five senses, we may experience a whole new world (or worlds) out there.  Mary Rodwell, author of the book The New Human, encourages us to participate in the experience of "Awakening to our Cosmic Heritage".

Awakening to our Cosmic Heritage

 Mary Rodwell, author of the book The New Human

Awakening to our Cosmic Heritage
“Awakening to contact” or “Activation,” as it has been called, was an extremely profound process for Dr. Maree Batchelor. This occurred spontaneously on a spiritual jour­ney visiting a temple in India. Dr. Batchelor told me that at the time she felt she received some sort of download that instantly expanded her conscious awareness and ultimately changed her life.


continued...

Our final featured article this week, takes us into an inner journey to a place of all time and no time...

"The transmission of this ancient library is helping us to  remember who we truly are by remembering that in the beginning we were the light. We came from a point of light and we traveled through entirety to choose the point of individuality where we separated from one light into many particles of light to experience a new perspective on Creation." 

I recommend you listen to the audio (or the video) of this article, as it is a guided meditation that you can participate in... It is a wonderful journey to the land of Machu Picchu and also to the internal land of who you truly are. 

The Meditation: A Sacred Shamanic Journey to Machu Picchu

 Vera Lopez, co-author of the book Shamanic Mysteries of Peru

ray of light shining on Machu Picchu
Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Exhale fully and allow yourself to become fully present—right here and right now. We are going on a journey, a sacred journey to the heart of Machu Picchu.


continued...

As we navigate our current reality, we also discover assistance to connect with our non-physical reality. And as usual, the planetary energies of the week support our goals and growth.

In this week's Astrological Journal, Pam Younghans writes:

"As a transpersonal planet, one of Neptune's tasks is to help us transcend this physical reality, to find sustenance in spiritual or creative pursuits that help us rise above the dramas of 'real life.' As such, when Neptune's influence is heightened, our capacity for faith and surrender is stronger..."

Thus this week, as we expand our connection to the non-physical or non-usual realities that surround us, we can rely on faith and surrender to make the jump into the next stage of our evolution and our journey. 

Horoscope Week: June 21 - 27, 2021

 Pam Younghans, astrologer

Horoscope Week: June 21 - 27, 2021
This weekly astrological journal is based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.


 

continued...

The aforementioned featured articles this week bring to mind the Marianne Williamson quote which I feel is a mantra and a guideline for all of us who wish to assist in the creation of heaven on earth: 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ? Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

Please scroll down for the additional new articles that were added to the website during the week.

Wishing you enjoyable insightful reading, and of course a wonder-full, joy-full, health-full, and loving week. 


Marie T. Russell
editor/publisher,
InnerSelf.com
"New Attitudes...New Possibilities"

P.S. We have discontinued the audio and video version of the new issue of InnerSelf. We are however continuing the audio and video of the featured articles. Those links are available at the top of each article. (see above for the article links) 

? Your InnerSelf ?To Do? List ?

? If you shop on Amazon, please use this link: http://www.amazon.com/?tag=innerselfcom Your cost is the same and we receive up to 5% in commission. Every little bit helps!

? Share the InnerSelf articles and the Daily Inspiration with your friends on social media and otherwise.

? We also welcome (and invite) feedback... To send us your comments, hover over the "This and That" item in every page's top menu, and click on the "Contact Us" button.


NEW ARTICLES THIS WEEK

***** articles and videos added daily *****

Most featured articles are also in audio and video format.
Go to each article for the links.


FEATURED ARTICLES  (see above)



ADDITIONAL NEW ARTICLES AND VIDEOS:

Bias is natural: How you manage it defines your ability to be just

 Eleftherios Soleas, Queen's University, Ontario

image

People tend to think having biases is a bad thing. From the COVID-19 pandemic, to education and the workplace, tackling and mitigating bias is very much a topic of conversation.


What Greek epics taught me about the special relationship between fathers and sons

 Joel Christensen, Brandeis University

image

Father’s Day inspires mixed emotions for many of us. Looking at advertisements of happy families could recall difficult memories and broken relationships for some. But for others, the day could invite unbidden nostalgic thoughts of parents who have...


7 Lessons We Need to Learn From Covid-19

 Robert Reich, author of the book The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It

bhnjfhgjlcfg

Maybe it’s wishful thinking to declare the pandemic over in the US, and presumptuous to conclude what lessons we’ve learned. So consider this a first draft.


The Meditation: A Sacred Shamanic Journey to Machu Picchu (Video)

 Vera Lopez, co-author of the book Shamanic Mysteries of Peru

ray of light shining on Machu Picchu

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Exhale fully and allow yourself to become fully present—right here and right now. We are going on a journey, a sacred journey to the heart of Machu Picchu.


Daily Inspiration: June 20. 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

Daily Inspiration: June 20. 2021

Our emotions affect us in many ways. They of course affect how we feel emotionally, but they also affect us physically. Our energy level, our posture, and even our health can be affected by our emotions.


Attuning to the Language of Nature (Video)

 Fay Johnstone, author of the book, Plant Spirit Reiki

Attuning to the Language of Nature

Since we are part of nature, like the plants and the animal kingdom, we have the capacity for learning the subtle whispers of nature and communicating with the natural world that surrounds us. We each have the innate ability to perceive the language of nature...


Air Pollution Exposure As A Kid May Up Risk Of Mental Illness Later

 Aaron Reuben, Duke University

woman holding up a brain to her ear

A multidecade study of young adults living in the United Kingdom has found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among those exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides, during childhood and adolescence.


Are people less productive working at home?

 Stephen Bevan, Lancaster University

Are people less productive working at home?

Has working at home during lockdown made people more productive or not? This has been the subject of some lively debate recently.


Does a plant-based diet really help beat COVID-19?

 Duane Mellor, Aston Medical School, Aston University

 image

Since the beginning of the pandemic, it’s been suggested that certain foods or diets may offer protection against COVID-19. But are these sorts of claims...


Daily Inspiration: June 19, 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

Daily Inspiration: June 19, 2021

We need to focus on what we like about our life. We need to think about what we would like increased in our life. Don't focus on the negativity of the past or on what you don't have. Think of what you enjoy and what you desire.


Awakening to our Cosmic Heritage (Video)

 Mary Rodwell, author of the book The New Human

Awakening to our Cosmic Heritage

“Awakening to contact” or “Activation,” as it has been called, was an extremely profound process for Dr. Maree Batchelor. This occurred spontaneously on a spiritual jour­ney visiting a temple in India. Dr. Batchelor told me that at the time she felt she received some sort of download...


8 ways to manage body image anxiety

 Tracy Tylka, Professor of Psychology, The Ohio State University

image

Being able to socialize again may bring enthusiasm and a sense of normalcy – but it may also increase anxiety over how...


The problem with online learning? It doesn't teach people to think

 Robert Danisch, Dept. of Communication Arts, University of Waterloo

 image

The modern research university was designed to produce new knowledge and to pass that knowledge on to students. North American universities over the last 100 years have been exceptionally good at that task.


Face masks really work even with some leaks

 Andy Fell, UC Davis

Three masks on a clothing line, one with a smiley face on it

New research confirms that surgical face masks effectively reduce outgoing airborne particles from talking or coughing, even after allowing for leakage around the edges of the mask.


Daily Inspiration: June 18, 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

InnerSelf.com Daily Inspiration: June 18, 2021

Many scientists as well as spiritual masters have told us that everything (including us) is made up of energy. We could say we are like electrical appliances and we plug into the current of Universal Energy...


How keeping a diary can help adults learn a foreign language

 Argyro Kanaki, Lecturer in Education, University of Dundee

A group of adults in a classroom setting, smiling at the teacher who is out of the frame.

Most of us assume that learning another language is very difficult. You need special skills to remember both vocabulary and grammar rules and, at the same time, must be able to converse fluently with a...


Why it's difficult for children to understand sarcasm

 Penny Pexman, Professor of Psychology, University of Calgary

image

Sarcasm is simple! Yeah, right. Although sarcasm is widespread, found across languages and in the various ways we communicate, it is not...


One laughing gas session relieves severe depression quickly

 Alison Caldwell - U. Chicago

A woman covers her face with her hands

A single inhalation session with 25% nitrous oxide gas can rapidly relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, according to new research.


Daily Inspiration: June 17, 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

InnerSelf.com Daily Inspiration: June 17, 2021

In our spiritual quest, we can become very selfish, thinking only of our own growth... We fail time after time to realize, as Saint Francis says, "It is in giving that we receive."


I Was Born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty... (Video)

 Dena Merriam, author of the book When The Bright Moon Rises

I Was Born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty... (Video)

I was born during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25 CE-220 CE) into a family of ardent Daoists who were very much inspired by the teachings of the great sage Zhang Daoling, who had been instructed by the blessed Laozi himself, in a vision, to help free the world of falsehood and corruption...


Hiking workouts aren't just good for your body – they're good for your mind too

 Lindsay Bottoms, University of Hertfordshire

An older couple use trekking sticks while hiking. 

Before COVID-19, the popularity of hiking was on a downward slope in both adults and children. But its popularity has spiked during the pandemic, seeing many more people taking to trails than usual.


Over half of adults unvaccinated for COVID-19 fear needles

 Amy Baxter, Augusta University

over-half-of-adults-unvaccinated-for-covid-19-fear-needles-here-s-what-s-proven-to-help

If you’re among the 25% of Americans averse to needles, you’re probably not surprised by the COVID-19 immunization stall. Even for those who want immunity, bribes with beer or lottery tickets may not be enough to override anxiety made worse by pervasive images of needles in the media.


How thinking of information like a garden can help us address misinformation

 Jaigris Hodson, Royal Roads University

Woman sits with hands over her ears as megaphone, cell phone, 2 laptops, 2 iPads are thrust in her face

Now that over 61 per cent of Canadians have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, we’re on our way to herd immunity. Unfortunately however, this trend could be at risk as a result of vaccine misinformation, which has made some people hesitant to get a vaccine.


Daily Inspiration: June 16, 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

InnerSelf.com Daily Inspiration: June 16, 2021

Are you uncomfortable with silence, needing to have music or TV, or some form of sound in the background? How often do you actually welcome an experience of silence? 


Tackling Burnout: How to deal with stress and safety in the workplace

 Kristen Deuzeman, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

image

When I began working in disaster and emergency management, there was a funny anecdote suggesting the job was 98 per cent paperwork and two per...


My life flashed before my eyes: a psychologist's take on what might be happening

 Steve Taylor, Leeds Beckett University

image

At the age of 16, when Tony Kofi was an apprentice builder living in Nottingham, he fell from the third storey of a building. Time seemed to slow down massively, and he saw a complex series of images flash before his eyes.


Depressed brains don’t have the regular response to stress

 Carol Clark, Emory University

A woman sitting in bed leans on her arms

A new study identifies a novel biomarker indicating resilience to chronic stress.


Daily Inspiration: June 15, 2021

 Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf

One God, Many Religions: Learning To Accept, Love, and Respect All of Creation

While all religions are different, and each person's spiritual path is unique, the one commonality we all share is Planet Earth and this Universe we live in.


If We Protect Our Ocean, It Can Protect Us

 Valerie Cleland, NRDC

If We Protect Our Ocean, It Can Protect Us

Chair Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) along with 25 original cosponsors has reintroduced the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act on World Oceans Day, June 8th,2021. This is the type of visionary bill we need for this moment, recognizing that the ocean is a powerful source of solutions to the climate crisis.


Identity fusion: why some people will go to extremes for the beliefs of a group

 Roger Whitaker, Cardiff University

image

Football fans often become so deeply connected to their club and to other fans, as though they’re related. They’re willing to support the group on a lifelong basis, with unwaivering pride even in the face of losses.


Astrological Journal for the Week

Written by Pam Younghans

 

Pam YounghansThis weekly column (updated every Sunday afternoon) is based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies... Read this week's journal here

It is also highly beneficial to reread the past week's astrological journal as it gives a hindsight view of the events that took place and may provide many "ah-ha" insights. 


 

 HELPFUL INNERSELF LINKS:

Facebook | Twitter | InnerSelf Home

Please use this link to shop at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/?tag=innerselfcom

Your price is the same, and we get a commission :-) which helps us defray the costs of running the website: servers, bandwidth, program updates, etc.