Willa White's Blog

About one month I ago, I dashed into a store for a few things.  As I approached the cash registers, I noticed only one register was open with a line of five people in front of me.  I groaned internally because I was due to pick up my son and husband in five minutes.  The store had plenty of associates (six people) stocking the shelves nearby and only one register open!  As three more customers joined the line behind me, I saw one associate, and then another, go into the register area without urgency and then leave again without urgency.  They couldn't have missed the extremely long line of customers waiting to be checked out.  And they didn't seem in any hurry to correct the situation. I felt impatience welling up in me.  I wondered: should put the items back on the shelves and leave without them? Or should I stay? A voice within me said: STAY. This went against my rational mind's nagging fearfulness.  "You'll be late, you'll be late," it was chant

The issue of non-permanence is something I find fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) in many areas of Life.  After all, nothing stays the same.  One of my favorite examples of non-permanence is the Sand Mandala.  Groups of Tibetan Buddhist Monks have been visiting Lily Dale over the years.  And one of the things they do while they are here is construct a mandala design out of different colors of sand.  Each intricate design is painstakingly created from hours of patient work by the Monks - extremely time-intensive and exacting.  It is a working meditation, a blessing, and a work of art.  I had the opportunity to get a taste of the level of difficulty the construction of the Sand Mandala presents.  Six years ago, they had a small mandala off to the side where we regular Joes & Jills could give it a try.  It was in tribute to the 125th Anniversary year of Lily Dale symbolized by a beautiful swan.  Using long narrow metal ridged cones filled with colored sand, the idea was to

A client just called me to share something.  She enthusiastically told me that her nephew had almost died about a month ago.  He is almost fully recovered now, but during the event he had a near-death experience (NDE). During the time the nephew was toe-dipping on the other side, he spoke with her dead husband.  The husband explained that it was not the nephew's time to pass and that he would be returning until the time he was officially called by God.  Also, the husband said that he is happy and doing well on the Other Side, even giving identifiers and information that my client understood as confirmation of his continued existence. Needless to say, my client was thrilled to have this confirmation from her husband via her nephew.  She said that, while she could have done without the scare of her nephew's situation, she was overjoyed to have this special message of Love from her beloved husband. Then, she explained that she called me because I am the one person she knows

My husband called my phone and left a message for me.  I could hear the excitement in his voice, "There are 100 loons on Cassadaga Lake right now.  When you drive past today take a look at them."  Loons? Was my husband talking about some people doing strange things on the lake? Sure enough, when I ventured out later that day, there were about 100 loons swimming in the lake.  Only to my pleasant surprise, the "loons" my husband referred to were bird loons.  Beautiful black and white patterned birds.  [And because I've finally figured out how to import a picture to my Blog, here you go!] I've heard the call of the loon when visiting the Adirondacks. The bird call of the loon is a haunting trill that echoes across the still water to the tall pines. I look forward to hearing it whenever I visit there. And now they are practically in my back yard.  I LOVE that they are visiting my part of New York state!  I accept their presence as a blessing and remain

Have you heard about what rabbits did in Australia? In 1859 [that's over 151 years ago], a man named Thomas Austin moved to Australia and made the astounding discovery that the Land Down Under didn't have a native rabbit population.  This was especially distressing to him because when he lived in Englad he was an avid hunter, regularly dedicating his weekends to rabbit hunting.  So Austin asked his nephew in England to send him 12 grey rabbits and five hares so that he could continue his hobby in Australia by creating a local population of the species. At the time he had stated, "The introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting."  However, when the nephew could not source enough grey rabbits to meet his uncle's order, he topped it off by buying domestic rabbits. One theory as to why the Barwon park rabbits adapted so well to Australia is that the hybrid rabbits that resulted from the i

In this time of feasting and Thanksgiving, we often review our blessings (health, family, home, etc) and we think about the food we will eat (the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie, etc). This year, I am thinking about a different kind of food - Spiritual Food.  I am referring to: reading inspirational books attending a spiritual development class walking in Nature and witnessing God in the sunlight, the trees, in everything going to a church service or prayer service Before my son was born, I had the opportunity to eat Spiritual Food every day and in every way.  I was like a sponge, soaking up my communion with God with gusto.  Each day, each week, each month, I found inspiration in Spiritual Food by feeding my mind and soul.  After he was born, my time became so limited because I was focusing on tending to our family's Needs that my old schedule of Eating Spiritual Food was forgotten for a time.  Eventually, I lacked Spiritual Food in my life so much t

During the past two years, I've noticed that my son and I are attuned to each other in many ways.    One of the ways we are linked has to do with sleep. (See my blogpost on Sleep Smiles .) Sometimes in the middle of the night, I will wake up and just a few moments later I will hear my son stirring, rousing from slumber.  I can usually get to him before he cries for food, diaper/potty, and cuddles.  I feel this is Nature's way of assisting me as a mother.  I also noticed that this works in a slightly different way with my husband.  If he wakes up and quietly leaves, I wake up anywhere from instantly to 25 minutes later, even if it's the middle of the night.  Somehow a part of me knows and when I come to the end of a sleep cycle, I surface instead of entering another sleep cycle. It's like some buzzer inside of me goes off, like an internal alarm clock, only it's set for random times and in accordance with my family's sleep cycles and their needs. Has this h

Last night, I was trying to get to sleep and wasn't going into a peaceful slumber right away.  So I took stock of the situation.  I noticed that I still had some little tensions in my body and that I was holding onto stress from the day.  I thought about how the techniques I use to facilitate and relax into meditation could help me sleep now. During my meditation times, I close my eyes and consciously relax my body. My awareness travels the highways and byways of my body, releasing tension in my limbs, stomach, back, neck, shoulders, and head. I feel the tightness releasing and good energy flows into all the spaces of my Self. My breathing also relaxes and I focus on taking deeper and slower breaths. In a matter of moments, I shift my state of conscousness from alpha, to beta, to theta.  Light and love surround and embrace me, and I marvel at the peace I feel. Using these principles last night, I consciously relaxed my arms and legs, my neck and shoulders, and my face and mo

My little boy is two years old now and we celebrated his birthday recently.  When it came time to open his presents, those gathered were astounded. One set of grandparents gave him a set of handmade wooden train cars with wooden zoo animals.  The other set of grandparents gave him a Lincoln Log set with a train track and train engine.  And get this, my husband gave him a Thomas the Train set (I can't take credit as it was purchased without my knowledge).  Trains, trains, and more trains! Prior to the gathering, no one knew that the others planned to gift him with trains.  Without conscious awareness, they were all tuned into the Univeral Mind and their intuitive selves were sharing vibrational frequency with one thought, one reality --- TRAINS.  This is an example of the spiritual natural Law of Attraction in action.  The Law of Attraction assisted the magnetic draw of the trains. But it gets better... a few days later, a good friend gave my son a train cake muffin pan for hi

Yesterday I served as the chairperson of the Sunday morning church service at the Church of the Living Spirit (my home church).  It was a wonderful gathering of my spiritual family .  This particular Sunday, I had the additional bonus of being on the platform with my parents [my spiritual and  biological family].  We have served together often over the years in some variation or another, but I am always impressed by what I learn from them still.  [You would think I had heard it all by now! *smile*] My father, Bill White, presented a lecture about "Vision Quests".  He detailed the nature of the vision quest and gave some poignant examples of vision quests.  Vision quests involve going inward to develop a conscious awareness of the soul's connection with the Divine and usually have a healing and/or intuitive result. I especially enjoyed his historical information in regard to Lily Dale's beginnings being a direct result of a vision quest and healing experience by

Here is a technique that I found helpful in my beginning days with mediumship. While I connecting with visual information from Spirit, I would notice that sometimes I would only see a spirit for a millisecond and then it would poof ! This quick look was not enough for me to formulate a good sense of the spirit's physical appearance, so when it would disappear I would be frustrated. Well, one day, while I was engaging my clairvoyance (seeing of Spirit), this happened. And I blinked my eyes. I saw the spirit for another flash of an instant. So I blinked my eyes again. And I saw the spirit for another flash. So I blinked my eyes again. Bet you can guess what happened. *smile* A pattern developed and with each blink I was allowed more and more clarity with my spirit vision. I had found a way through it! Now I teach my students this technique. They have reported on its success as well. So go ahead and blink, you might just see something. Note : The rate of blinking might hav

Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He's gotta pick this one. He's got to. I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see. --- Quote from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" When it comes to pumpkins I head to a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch. A local Amish family has a wonderful pumpkin patch that I like to go to every year. When we arrived, my son, my friend, and I looked over the field of pumpkins with a excitement. Bright orange balls dotted the ground for acres. Picking our way carefully through the pumpkins and pumpkin vines, we surveyed the ground, looking for the best and the brightest. When it comes to pumpkins the cream of the crop is in the eye of the beholder. The abundant variety of sizes and shapes accounts for each person's personal preference. Kind of l

I will be teaching a class next Tuesday at the Jamestown Community College - North County campus in Dunkirk, NY. Details below. Meditation Tuesday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Would you like to feel peace and transform your perception of yourself and the world? Then this meditation class is for you! Meditation has many benefits; it helps us regain our natural balance as well as it’s simple and easy to do and the rewards are wonderful: relaxation, peace of mind, and insight into your inner self. In this interactive seminar, you will learn the various forms of meditation, practice relaxation and creative visualization to gain insight into your inner self, understand the mind/body/spirit connection and heal your life through personal transformation as well as discover ways to train the mind and quiet mind chatter during meditation. For more class descriptions, see my website's Coming Events page at: http://www.willawhite.com/coming_events.htm. TO REGISTER, call the JCC Continuing Education Depa

This is a busy time of year for me due to my teaching commitments. It's also a lot of FUN! I enjoy teaching classes with plenty of hands-on activities that encourage the student to discover the answers of their own soul. I teach spiritual development classes at the local college. There is the prepwork of putting the curriculum together, preparing the handouts and class exercises, and of course doing the teaching. So far, this autumn I have taught " Symbols: Methods for Guidance & Interpretation ". Tonight, I will be teaching the " Lily Dale Experience ". And next week, I will teach "Psychometry Techniques" Thursday October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. What is psychometry? It is the ability to read the history of certain objects. Whenever we handle an object, we are laying down or leaving energy and information about ourselves on that object which is referred to as a signature. Strong emotions seem to be stored on objects and we are often able t

For many months now, my toddler son has exhibited word recognition in several ways. He reacts to my verbal directives and responds with his own. Time to go outside. He collects his shoes and mine from the mat by the door, brings them to me, and says "shoosh". Would you like a banana? He goes to the fruit bowl, hands the banana to me for peeling, and says "baaa-na" excitedly. Grandma is going to be here soon. He stations himself at the window in anticipation looking for "Gaw-ma". Let's water the flowers. He makes a beeline for the watering can while repeating "flour-rs". Time to wash the dishes. He pulls a chair over to help with the "deeshes". Let's go brush teeth. He makes a brushing motion toward his mouth along with a brushing noise. He is learning word recognition, visual recognition, and other cues. This got me thinking about how novice mediums also go through a similar learning stage to toddlers. By paying attention,

Would you like to visit the Lily Dale Assembly, the world‘s largest center for the science, philosophy, and religion of Spiritualism? Now is your opportunity! On Wednesday October 6th, I will be facilitating the: "Lily Dale Experience" This class is sponsored by the Jamestown Community College Continuing Education Department & the Chautauqua County Visitor's Bureau. Learn about spirit communication, spiritual healing, Spiritualism, Lily Dale, and more. This fun informative class will be followed by the experience of attending a public demonstration of mediumship and spiritual healing, with a brief Q & A afterward. This is an excellent opportunity to explore facets of mediumship and healing and to visit historic Lily Dale, now celebrating its 131st year. For more detailed class descriptions, see my website's Coming Events page at: http://www.willawhite.com/coming_events.htm. I strongly suggest that your REGISTER EARLY for these classes. Call JCC at 716-338-100

Q: Hello, Willa! I really want to know your opinion on butterflies! I do believe my family and friends that have crossed over do come to me as butterflies. Would you believe this to be true? Sincerely, A.G. A: The short answer is YES. I do believe that spirit loved ones can convey messages using any method at their disposal, including butterflies. Not everything is a message from Spirit, so you have to use some discernment. Case in point, the day I read your email I also [synchronistically] did a reading for a client who was felt a spirit loved one was communicating with her via butterflies. After I brought through evidential information that established we were in fact communicating with her daughter who has passed almost a year ago, this client told me about seeing butterflies in the backyard. She explained that she later dismissed this as spirit contact because she found out a neighbor has a butterfly tree. So this caused her to doubt things. Well, on a particularly bad day of grie

"I ask, receive, and gratefully accept the power and miracle of peace. I release my need for control over this moment and flow into now. I breathe in peace. I experience peace fully and joyously. I am peace." This is my version of 'Serenity Now'. This is my positive affirmation --- a mantra that reminds me of my purpose, encourages me to let go, and creates my experience in this present moment and the moments to come. It is an Infinite Blessing. Blessings of Peace to You All!

This month, I will be teaching a spiritual development class at the JCC Jamestown NY campus: "Symbols - Methods for Interpretation & Guidance" - Thursday September 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Symbols can provide a deeply personal look into self-discovery and one’s search for individual and spiritual meaning. Benefits of the exploration of symbols include problem solving, creativity, dream interpretation, spirit communication, and most importantly, personal awareness. Come and learn how to interpret and work with the symbols, images, and messages of your soul. For more detailed class descriptions, see my website's Coming Events page at: http://www.willawhite.com/coming_events.htm. I strongly suggest that your REGISTER EARLY for these classes. Call JCC at 716-338-1005. See you in class!

It's the day after the Season . As I walk around Lily Dale, I notice the change in the energy - the extra hush of the place. What a difference from Opening Day of the season and the past two months! By now, the majority of the summer visitors have departed and the public buildings are closed. The off-season begins. I feel a sense of waiting for the next moment, that space between before and after. This is probably the way a teacher feels when her students leave a classroom on the last day of school - desks are empty, the hallways are clear, and the chalk dust has settled. Or the feeling after a dinner party - as you clear the table and reminisce about the evening's conversation. It is the breath a singer takes between notes. It is moment after the sun has set and before night begins. This is a relaxing moment that is bittersweet because something incredible is ending and because it is a much-needed pause before something glorious begins. This pause in time can blink by as qui

This Sunday, I will be the Featured Medium at the Church of the Living Spirit's Sunday morning church service. It will be held in Lily Dale's historic Auditorium. This day is also very special because is the LAST DAY of the 2010 Lily Dale summer program. For those of you who are not familiar with a Spiritualist church service, here is a basic outline of events: •Lecture from the featured speaker (Patricia Price, this Sunday) •Healing time - opportunity to receive beautiful, channeled energy from one of the healers •Messages from Spirit - demonstrations of mediumship are presented by the medium (me, again!) giving short messages to those in the audience •Music - songs with live music accompaniment So there you go! If you are coming to church, you will see me! For more info, visit http://www.willawhite.com/ and http://www.churchofthelivingspiritlilydale.com/.

This Friday August 27th is Medium's Recognition Day in Lily Dale. What does this mean? The Mediums League of Lily Dale is sponsoring a day to recognize the work and dedication of the Registered Mediums. This includes: a special lecture at the afternoon church service in the Auditorium educating people about mediumship expressing gratitude to the Registered Mediums of Lily Dale [I am proud to be one] spirit messages from the Executive Board of Directors of the Mediums League [I am a board member, so you will see me on the platform today!] I think this is a wonderful way for mediums and visitors alike to join together and acknowledge mediumship and express gratitude for the wonderful mediums at Lily Dale. I hope you can join us! [if not inperson, at least in spirit] *smile*

On Thursday, I will be the Featured Speaker at the afternoon church service in Lily Dale. During the summer season, the afternoon services are held in Lily Dale's historic Auditorium starting at 2:30 p.m. The Auditorium platform has been a place for speakers of spiritual philosophy, social causes, and Spiritualism for 127 years. Several big names have spoken there - Susan B. Anthony, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, and more! I have had the honor of speaking on the summer platform for over a decade. For those of you who are not familiar with this service, here is a basic outline for this one hour event: Lecture from the featured speaker - This Thursday, my father William White will present a lecture on a spiritual subject. Messages from Spirit - demonstrations of mediumship are presented by the medium (me, this Thursday). Music - songs with live music accompaniment (hopefully from our very historic and beautiful pipe organ) So there you go - if you are coming to the service, you will

I don't know what it is, but ice cream is *magical* - especially during the summer. Someone can be having a bad day, a dull day, a hectic day, or a great day - and another someone can suggest going for ice cream and the day gets better. For a funny ice cream story, read my blog post: Falling off the ice cream wagon . In fact, ice cream is soooo fantastic that there are ice cream shacks dotting the landscape. These special places usually have a wall that is completely taken up by the list of ice cream flavors offered and just enough room inside to house the ice cream, the cones, and a couple of ice cream scoops. I love those places. For around the same amount that a person would pay for a half gallon of ice cream at the store, you can have one, two, or three scoops of the ice cream(s) of your choice in a cone. [Ice cream sticker shock] And for some strange reason [that I have not yet discovered], the ice cream tastes better from these places - making the cost worth it. Folks stand i

On these hot summer days, it feels so refreshing to take a dip in the lake. As I move through the water, I feel the warm and cold pockets of water. As I float, I am thinking . . . Feeling spirit is a lot like feeling warm and cold pockets of water. Sure, you are on land, but the space feels different. Depending on a spirit's vibrational frequency , the spirit can feel warm, cold, light, dense, murky, clear, effervescent, etc. This discernment of the variation of temperature and density makes the spirit's presence a sensory experience. In this way, the method of perceiving a spirit's energy is similar to the way we perceive a living person's energy --- it is an energetic recognition of the vibrational frequency or energy signature of the individual. Have you felt spirit energy in this way?

I saw a rainbow today. Low in the sky, below the misting clouds and sun peeking thru, there was a big beautiful rainbow. Brilliant colors arced over the trees, bending down toward the earth. My heart filled with joy at the sight. And the words that Judy Garland immortalized in the Wizard of Oz came to mind. Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high, There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true. Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far Behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh why can't I? If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I? This optical and meterological phenomenon has delighted and confounded many throughout the ages. And there are many ways that various cu

One of my favorite places in Lily Dale is the "Forest Temple". Located on East Street, it is an area of tranquility. As you approach, you will see benches where hundreds of people sit each day in the summer, eager to receive a message from their loved ones in Spirit. Looking up, beautiful stately trees create an outdoor cathedral effect. This natural space offers a calm and peaceful way to connect consciously with your higher self and the spirits of your loved ones. The Forest Temple is an important location for the visitors and Spiritualists of Lily Dale. Since 1894, services have been held here. And every day during the summer Season, people gather once a day for a public message service. During the summer, demonstrations of mediumship are presented by the mediums in the form of short messages to those in the audience. There is a chairperson for the event who calls the mediums one at a time to serve as message ministers at the service. Various kinds of mediums generously vo

Q: Hi, Willa, I saw the documentary "No one dies in Lily Dale", and was fascinated by it. I'm doing my research online, and read your blogs. I have a silly question, but it's kind of important for me. What language do spirits use? Does it matter if the passed one does not speak the same earth language as the medium? Thanks, JM A: During readings, sometimes spirits come through who spoke a different language (meaning other than English) while on the earth plane. If I am experiencing spirit contact with them clairaudiently, then I may hear the different language pattern and indicate this to the client. The client will then confirm, "Yes, my father spoke Greek. Literally." Quite honestly, it sounds like gibberish because they are usually talking too fast - so I tell the spirit to give me information another way. Spirits convey information in a multitude of ways using the 5 Cs . This means that impressions and information can be conveyed in other ways than verba

On a summer evening, you've probably seen those sparks in the night called fireflies or lightning bugs. These flying insects offer a tantalizing flash of light as they search for a mate. Nature's bioluminescence teases us with "now you see it - now you don't - there it is again". During a walk one evening, my husband and I pointed out these curious creatures to our son. Eventually, we found a big group of fireflies having a party down by the lake. It was wonderful to be in such proximity to this beautiful display of light. Spirit lights are often like fireflies in summer. Flash-flash-gone, flash-flash-flash-gone. Quick as Peter Pan's Tinkerbell, spirit is onto other things. Sometimes I notice spirit lights around a client. To me, it looks like all of a spirit's light has been condensed visually into the space of a firefly's glow. Very cool. And although I see this condensed form, I know it is their father, mother, sister, brother, husband, wife, etc b

On Friday, I will be the Featured Speaker at the afternoon church service in Lily Dale. During the summer season, the afternoon services are held in Lily Dale's historic Auditorium starting at 2:30 p.m. The Auditorium platform has been a place for speakers of spiritual philosophy, social causes, and Spiritualism for 127 years. Several big names have spoken there - Susan B. Anthony, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, and more! I have had the honor of speaking on the summer platform for over a decade. For those of you who are not familiar with this service, here is a basic outline for this one hour event: Lecture from the featured speaker (me, this Friday) Messages from Spirit - demonstrations of mediumship are presented by the medium. This Friday, Patricia Price (one of my favorite people) will be the medium. She will give brief spirit messages to those in attendance. Music - songs with live music accompaniment (hopefully from our very historic and beautiful pipe organ) So there you go - if

Q: What is the suggested wait time if any, between readings? A: It is my policy that my clients wait at least six months before scheduling another mediumship reading with me. Here is my reasoning... I have several repeat clients and some of them want readings regularly. In fact, if I permitted, some clients would have a reading once per month. So I began this policy many years ago in order to protect us from using spirit contact as a crutch or entertainment. Even though mediumship can offer solace during some of life's most difficult times, it should never take the place of listening to one's own soul. In addition, frequent readings don't make sense because no new information would be given in such a short space of time. For example, if a client had another reading in one month, some of the same information would most likely come through. For me, spirit contact through mediumship is an empowering and sacred experience that can offer comfort and guidance during life's ch

I did it. I finally looked at my husband and said, "Someone has come between us." [*gasp*] Thankfully, my husband chuckled and said, "She's mine, buddy." We looked down at our son wedging his small body between us. We were dancing to a song on the radio and he was 'cutting in'. Our little boy was looking up at us with urgency in his blue eyes and tugging on our legs. We both sighed "Alriiiiiiiight" and lifted him up to join us. With a happy grin, he swayed with us for awhile, but eventually squirmed down to run off and play --- just enough time for the romantic song to end. When our son joined our circle of love, the dynamic of our love relationship changed. Suddenly we were parents with new responsibilities and new joys. Having a third (albeit small) person nestled between us was/is wonderful, but we're finding out: we can't dance without a certain someone cutting in we can't cuddle on the couch without a certain someone climbling

The 131st Lily Dale summer season started this weekend and one of the signature kick-off events of opening day is the Silver Tea. Long ago, glorious Victorian ladies and gentlemen would gather for a respendlent tea, complete with real silver tea service and scrumptious goodies. Neighbors, friends, and visitors would enjoy greeting each other after the long winter months at this Opening Day celebration. Here at Lily Dale , we continue the tradition. We no longer use a silver tea service, however fun, fellowship, and enjoyment of an array of yummy goodies pervail. Some people dress up, wear pearls, hats, and other finery in memoriam of days gone by. Others wear street clothes, jeans, and shorts in style with today's fashions. This year....we found ourselves sitting with a group visiting from Ohio. They were friendly and an easy repoire developed. We also mingled with some of our friends and neighbors, exchanging pleasantries and commenting on the lovely update to the Auditorium plat

There are people in our lives that become dear to us because they share our core spiritual beliefs. Sometimes they become closer to us than our biological family because they 'see' our souls and nurture our spiritual selves. These folks are our spiritual family . And while I am blessed by a biological family who is also my spiritual family (a rarity I am told), my spiritual family also consists of: close personal friends (a.k.a. kindred souls I trust) members of my church (a Spiritualist church I have attended for over 15 years) other residents here at Lily Dale (a spiritual community and the world's largest center for the religion of Spiritualism ) Certain friends of mine are open to discussing spiritual ideas and sharing spiritual experiences. They are supportive of my work and I am supportive of theirs. Most of them are not professional mediums or healers, but they are aware of using their intuitive abilities in their everyday life. It is wonderful to trade stories of s

Q: I want to connect with a specific person in Spirit. Is there anything I can do (as the client) prior to our session to help bring a certain loved one in Spirit through during the reading? A: Prior to your appointment, you can speak to your loved ones, either verbally outloud or silently within, to notify them of the opportunity to communicate via a medium . Here is a possible script: "Hello, (name of spirit loved one) - I have an appointment for a mediumship reading at (this time) on (this date), please show up." You have now officially notified your loved one of the appointment. There is no guarantee that a certain spirit will connect during a reading - all you can do is request and see what happens. Several of my clients have told me they use the above technique. I also suggest that you raise the vibration by setting your divine intention for the Highest and Best to happen in the reading. For those who have had readings, what have you done to ensure communication with

Something magical has happened. Today at the park, a dragonfly landed on my son. My little guy was playing on the steps to the slide when a dragonfly swooped down and attached itself to his shirt! The dragonfly took up residence exactly between my son's shoulderblades and a few inches from his neck of his shirt. It looked like my son had wings!! Beautiful irridescent angel wings. Incredibly, the dragonfly remained perched on my son while he explored some of the other playground equipment, stayed on him as he rambunctiously ran to the basketball court to pick up and throw the ball several times, and entered the maze hedge with him. He even stumbled a few times. All told, it remained unmoving on my son's back for over 20 minutes. Eventually, I saw the dragonfly fly on. It buzzed over a field of flowers and was gone. What was the message? The dragonfly has been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings, and change in many cultures. Some animal symbolism has the dragonfly representing

Today's post is about parks --- city parks, state parks, national parks --- well it's really about the importance of parks . Research verifies what we intuitively know about the value of parks and related open spaces: parks reduce energy use and storm water runoff, parks increase the value of neighboring property (The National Homebuilders Association claims that park and recreation areas may enhance the value of land up to 20%), and parks improve academic performance among children and teens. In addition, studies have also shown that crime is lower in the neighborhoods where parks exist and visits to hospitals and emergency rooms are reduced when kids are given a safe alternative to playing in streets and parking lots. The availability of recreation opportunities and park amenities is also an important quality-of-life factor for businesses choosing where to locate and for individuals choosing a place to live. All of the above are very viable reasons for having, utilizing, and

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us." ~ Helen Keller Sometimes in life we dwell on unhappy events. We despair, we worry, and we keep ourselves tortured by thoughts of the past AND the future. We analyze, we evaluate, we go over the scenario, we pick it apart in the hopes of understanding. The remnants resemble pulverized dust, crumbles of thought. In regard to past events, I feel this is our way of determining our levels of responsibility, guilt, victimhood, and understanding. Perhaps it becomes a wish to hit the rewind button. Or the way to have the fantasy of replaying the events in a better way. Or a way of "making sure it NEVER happens again". In regard to future events, we bring our fears of future outcome, reliving past feelings of mis-takes, and dreading what we "expect" might or might not happen. Just like little children who have lea

Recently, I spoke with a client who is paralyzed by grief. Her husband died five years ago and she is in the throes of intense prolonged grief . What defines her as 'paralyzed by grief'? she dwells constantly on the death and loss of her husband she cannot find interest in hobbies, people, or life in general she feels extreme loneliness. After our session, she told me that having a mediumship reading has helped her immensely for the following reasons: she knows her husband's soul lives on she recognizes ways he is still with her she knows he loves her still and always she knows she will have spirit visitations from him she knows she will connect with her husband on the other side when it is her time to pass she feels comforted she is beginning to feel beginnings of hope again Our time with spirit helped her to ease the pain of grief, but the efforts and opportunities and steps she takes today and into the future are going to make the difference in moving her beyond the grie

I have a long-standing love affair with nature. I love looking at the sky and trees and water. I find that my walks in nature provide me with fresh air and a greater sense of at-one-ment with the world. While on a walk recently, I looked at the trees - really looked. I noticed the beautiful spring leaves looking fresh and green against brown and grays of tree bark. Old trees with thick strong trunks towered over flexible saplings. And my eyes traveling upward to the treetops of the old forest- some 100 feet above me. My attention became focused on the tippy-top part of the trees. Splendid green leaves swayed in the spring breezes against the blue sky. Glorious! As they danced in the sun, I felt like my soul danced with them. Clear and free in the air, the top of the tree is the first to feel the sun, feel the rain, feel the snows, and see the birds skimming the air currents above. My awareness was perched at the highest part of the trees and I could touch the sun and experience the hig

So you think you spend too much time with technology ---- hmmm, you may be right. In the past century, we have come a long way in communications. We have welcomed televisions, computers, and cell phones into almost every home in America. These technologies have virtually taken over our lives and almost every room of homes. For some, this represents progress and ways of staying connected with our friends and family around the world. For others, these technologies represent a disturbing replacement of face-to-face communication. For still others, technology is a bad word synonomous with robot takeovers and mindless human zombies with eyes glued to the lit-up screen. Well, I thought I would share a few of my thoughts regarding technology's effects on mediumship/spiritual development with you. I have used all of those implements I listed above (television, cell phone, & computer). In fact, I am using one right now to communicate with you via this blog. Technology can assist me in c

Q: Hi, Willa. Thank you very much for the reading recently. It was very comforting. I'm enjoying the blog and have a question that I think is of general interest. I wonder whether mediums, such as you, are bombarded by your sixth sense receptors when you go about the day-to-day business of life--passing people on the sidewalk, or in the grocery store, or at the drycleaners, etc. Also, if you watch those stirring documentaries on television that make us all cry, do your psychic senses become involved or can you disconnect from emotionally charged situations? I guess I'm asking how a medium protects herself when she wants to turn the answer machine off for a while or maybe: So, how is life on this plane for a medium? Do you ever get any peace and quiet? A: Yes, I cry while watching movies and I find it especially difficult to watch the news or other kinds of drama trauma. I have learned to set limits on tv watching and exposure to that kind of thing. And while I sometimes strongl

I am sharing this with you all in honor of Mother's Day. I received this lovely story from a friend. The author is unknown. I give thanks for the 'angel' who nurtured me and showed me how to be a mother. Many blessings ~W A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you." The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and

Mediumship is a interesting process, especially because we have little to no control on the outcome of each session. Each reading is unique and has it's own special personal earmarkings. No mediumship reading is alike and you will not experience it in the same way even twice. Mediums are as almost as varied as their readings. Each medium has their own unique personality and style of working. But there are some constants in mediumship that you should be aware of. SPIRIT CONTACT: True mediumship establishes communication with those in Spirit --- family and friends who have passed. See what is a medium blogpost here. VALIDATION : True mediumship seeks validation from the spirits that come through and share their essence and opinions. You, as the client, have a very special job during a reading (ie. confirmation). This shows proof of spirit contact. CONTINUITY OF LIFE: True mediumship uplifts, comforts, and shows that there is no 'death' and there are no 'dead' because

April showers bring May flowers . . . and big wet puddles. The spring rains have filled up the holes and low spots in the road and created beautiful big puddles. Normally, I would have dismissed the puddles overall, occasionally noticed a random puddle for its mirrorlike surface, and generally avoided them by going around or leaping over, and moving on. Now, my son won't let me. All that wet stuff beckons to him and he runs in with a little squeal of delight to splish and splash. Without regard for the water temperature or his footwear, he tap dances a little patter of joy in a few inches of water. Slap-slap. Slap-slap-squish, water squirts and fountains below him. His pant legs are soaked up to his little knees and he is laughing and grinning with glee to match Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain . He has so much fun doing this that I have purchased rain boots so he has appropriate gear for his latest hobby. And I've caught myself thinking, when did I stop splashing in puddles?

Q: In studying mediumship, how does one also tell the difference from the mind chatter of our own thoughts and true communication from spirit loved ones? A: The ability to distinguish between the thoughts coming from the self and the thought which come from spirit is sometimes very hard to ascertain in the early days of mediumship development. Practice is the only way. First identify and know what is yours. In other words, before engaging in meditation or mediumship sessions, I frequently: Take stock of my body (I take note of any sensations, wellness, and/or pain in my body) Have awareness of my own thoughts at this time (what mundane thoughts and events are happening in my life) Knowing yourself helps to establish a benchmark for your consciousness and allows you to put those sensations and thoughts aside as yours. It is important for an aspiring medium to possess a mind that is strong, purposeful, and capable of self-knowledge and self-discipline. Now that you have established what

As Spiritualists, we often use the phrase "proof the continuity of Life." Spiritualism offers this proof through mediumship. EVIDENCE is provided by the communicating spirit loved ones to prove their continued existence beyond the change called 'death'. Kinds of evidence that prove the continued existence of a loved one: Male or female Relationship to client - family members, friends, mentors, teachers, others Description - size or build, hair clothes, distinguishing features Behavior or activity Objects linked to loved one - ring, watch, china, furniture, books, tools, flowers, and other things Health condition before passing - cancer, stroke, heart attack Situation around passing - accident, recent passing, other circumstances Concerns of client with regard to passing - things unsaid, financial or family issues, other concerns History of loved one - origins, orphaned, other facts Name Personality Voice - accent, warmth, other features Words used by loved one Colors

Attunement is the first objective of the developing medium for creating a Sacred Connection. By seeking alignment of your mind, body, and spirit, you reach a deeper space of knowing that comes from feeling unity with the Divine Source. Those practicing attunement may: aspire for growth and development (spiritual intention) meditate daily (to experience a quieting and clearing of the everyday consciousness, to practice self-discipline, to make a habit of connecting with Divine self and Spirit) be actively involved in self-care (health of mind, body, and spirit) express honesty and compassion for self and others (in accordance with Spiritual Natural Law) embrace learning opportunities (soul contracts with family, friends, others; teaching mentors; life events) Eventually, attunement becomes a part of your daily spiritual practice. Because of your practice and intention, you have a better understanding of the workings of the Universe and your Divine place in this World. You have a prayerf

This Saturday, I will be teaching a Mediumship Development workshop as part of the Spiritual Training Enlightenment Program (STEP) of the Church of the Living Spirit of Lily Dale, NY. "Mental Mediumship - Applying the 5 Cs and the Language of Spirit" Saturday April 10, 2010 2:00 p.m. *** In this class, we will discuss the 5 Cs as they relate to mediumship and explore ways that spirits communicate specific information. This workshop offers a wonderful hands-on opportunity to clarify your mediumship strengths and practice the principles of spirit contact. Geared toward developing intermediate student mediums, the workshop is the second class in a 6 week series with open enrollment, so you may attend this class by itself or take the whole series. Call me at 716-595-3755 if you would like to join us for a fun, informative class!!! ***For those interested in attending, I am also notifying you of a change of class time. Our class will begin at 2:00 p.m. Originally scheduled for

Because Spiritualism is a science, a philosophy, and a religion, it is a religion of self-mastery, consolation, joy, and most importantly a religion of knowledge not belief. Spiritualists believe that there is an intelligience which is greater than the human mind can conceive, but they go further and say that they know that there is an Infinite Force working in this vast universe, of which we are all a part. Here are some main teaching points of Spiritualism: We believe in God. (sometimes also referred to as Infinite Intelligience) We believe that God is all there is. The spark of divinity dwells within each individual. Man is a soul, animated by spirit, occupying a body with a mind to serve him. Life is Eternal. Death is not cessation of life but a change of condition. Personality continues after the change called death. Those who have passed over are not sleeping but are awake and conscious. Spiritual progression is eternal and infinite. Communication between all planes of existe

About four years ago, a representative at Jamestown Community College called me up and requested that I teach for them. So I did. To date, I have taught many subjects there ... auras, spirit guides, meditation, launching your intuition, etc. And it's been great to be part of a community education program and to help people understand their spiritual gifts. This spring 2010, I will be teaching two classes at the JCC Jamestown NY campus: "Recognizing Spirit Contact" - April 29th --- Learn techniques to establish and enjoy occasional spirit contact with friends, family, and pets "Working with Spirit Guides" - May 6th --- Learn how to meet and interact with spirit guides and understand the ways they enrich our lives And this past winter, a representative from the North County JCC campus called me to request I teach at their venue in Dunkirk NY: "Meditation" - April 15th --- learn various forms of meditation, gain insight into your inner self, and discov