Happy October. Last month was a little rocky for me, as one of the natural disasters struck close to home with my daughter in Mexico City during the 7.1 earthquake. Thanks to all of you who reached out to offer support during that scary time. It made a difference to feel loved and supported. She is safe and we have both recovered from the fright. All of these disasters have prompted me to get better prepared. I’m not trying to spread fear and this isn’t about becoming a doomsday prepper but taking a few practical steps to make sure you have food and water stored, an emergency go bag packed, smoke alarms working, etc. is the wise step to take. Denial serves no good purpose. There is a lot going on in the world right now and I know things feel unstable and scary to many of you who have reached out to me for insight. I’ve done my best to face these issues head on from a spiritual perspective (avoiding politics completely) Speaking of taking precautions. I am teaching a class starting on Monday on how to protect yourself online. I’ve received lots of inquiries into the motives of the Las Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock. If I could come up with one word to describe his personality or drives it would be “ravenous.” He wanted more, more, more and enjoyed the idea of living on the edge and living large. Paddock had some feelings of invincibility because of access to money and that he was above the law. When I tune into that energy if feels compulsive and manic. He just couldn’t get enough, money, guns, women. He had an insatiable appetite which fed his ego and need for excitement but left his soul empty. I almost wonder if he was bi-polar because of the mania I perceive. What I find interesting about this mass killer is that he did care about some people in his close circle so he wasn’t just a heartless monster. He most definitely had a double life with two distinct sides of his personality. The motive behind his attack? Oddly, it wasn’t about any ideology that I can tell. He just wanted to do something BIG and go down in history for it. It seems it really was that simple. His choice of venue was more about logistics and impact than anything else, though he did like the idea of taking out a few “red necks.” He didn’t have festering hate for these people, he just wanted to gain notoriety. Paddock was so emotionally detached it was more like a video game to him and earning the title of biggest mass shooter in US history. That’s my take anyway. Truly tragic and my heart goes out to all affected by this senseless act. What in the world? Here is my best attempt at providing some spiritual perspective on the world right now. These are scary times but we all have the inner resources to navigate turbulent waters if we listen and trust our inner guidance. What’s really going on though? My belief is that human consciousness is going through a growth spurt and growth can be painful. What I’ve perceived is that we, humanity, and especially those of us in the US, are being challenged to look deep inside ourselves and define who we are. There is so much political division, anger, threat of war and violence swirling around us it’s difficult to stay grounded in our humanity and compassion. Yet, painful and sometimes loud dialog is happening about taboo and difficult subjects. The shadows of racism, corruption and sexual exploitation are being exposed so light can get in. By the way, expect to see more scandal over the next 13 months with Jupiter in Scorpio plumbing the depths. Don’t be afraid to peer inside your own psychological closet and examine how you may have let fear, anger or resentment shut down your heart. Letting love in will help heal not only yourself but the collective. It’s been utterly heartbreaking to witness so many natural disasters on top of the stress most of us have been feeling but I can’t help but notice the silver lining. Each natural disaster pulls us back into compassion and generosity for our fellow humans who are suffering. Crisis after crisis is reminding us to love one another. During the worst of times we are also witnessing the best of humanity. My daughter saw this first hand in Mexico and was incredibly moved by the show of solidarity in the face of disaster. For those who are ultra sensitive it can feel like too much, I know. I understand that completely and share the desire to escape the relentless stress. Looking away, though and pretending it’s not happening, as some spiritual studies seem to suggest just doesn’t resonate as truth to me. I have always believed in being part of the solution. I believe that if we find our inner strength and lend it to another who is suffering and in need of support we are more aligned with our spiritual selves and will bring some amount of healing to them and you. We are not helpless in all of this, we have an unlimited supply of love to offer and creative problem solving (spirit is ingenious) and together is the way through. Listen. Support. Love.