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Dr. Lauren has published her newsletter since 2000. Here's a back issue.

Dr. Lauren's eNews 2
--Leading you toward Knowing your way in the world.
©2000-2004

"I wonder what my intuition will toss up to me like gifts from the sea."
                  --Dr. Jonas Salk, creator of the polio vaccine

 IN THIS ISSUE

1.     On Making a Difference
2.     Lily Dale…A Spiritual Retreat
3.     Choosing Wisdom Wisely
4.     Websites to Check Out
5.     Natural Highs
6.     Wise Words & Sage Sayings

1.  MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Have you smiled at someone today? That made a difference. Have you said "thank you" today, from your heart? That made a difference. Have you had a moment to smile at the sun or the rain? That made a difference.

Our moment-by-moment appreciations heal ourselves--our bodies, our minds, our spirits. Healing is a process not a result. It begins with appreciation, here, now, in this moment. And this moment is all we really have. On levels we cannot begin to comprehend in the human form, all events are happening now, so the present moment—now—is the place to express appreciation, show love, and make a difference in this world in small, important ways. Start now.

2.  LILY DALE

Among the most treasured places I’ve been in my life is Lily Dale, New York, a unique Spiritualist retreat in Chautauqua County, about an hour west of Buffalo. I’m one of 35 mediums registered to provide consultations on the grounds (we’re tested, screened, and scrutinized!), and I’m looking forward to spending July and August there later this year.

Do stop in if you can. It’s a great place to disappear from life in the fast lane, stroll by a lake in an old Victorian village, stop for lunch, or maybe take in a healing meditation or a class or seminar. Along with three outdoor spiritual messages services daily, you’re sure to find something interesting to do. Ayurvedic physician Deepak Chopra, medium John Edward, and psychologist Wayne Dyer have all presented here, and this year, medium and best-selling author James Van Praagh will visit.

Lily Dale holds a magical energy that entrances just about anyone who visits. For more information, there’s a volunteer-run website at http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/1591/lilydale.html

The office staff cannot accept requests by email (I told you it was a retreat to a slower pace!) To request a copy of this year’s program snail-mailed to you, call the office at 716-595-8721 and tell them “Lauren sent me!”


3.  CHOOSING WISDOM WISELY

The following article is adapted from a longer piece I wrote for Holistic Living magazine.

Choosing Wisdom Wisely: Selecting the Appropriate Intuitive Professional  
© 2000 Lauren Thibodeau, Ph.D.

Calling on the intuitive wisdom of another person to help you interpret events in your life is a key turning point in your spiritual growth and development. But choose your wisdom resources wisely.

Generally, counseling and psychological professionals must be licensed, which protects consumers by providing recourse if a problem should arise. But for consumers seeking information about intuitive practitioners, no such “benchmark” standards exist. The responsibility to check out the backgrounds of the intuitive consultants you’re considering hiring resides with YOU.

Some practitioners may have education related to the work that they do, such as an astrologer who has a background in mathematics, or a medium who is also a social worker or counselor. Still, some of the best intuitives are the old “kitchen table psychics” whom our parents and grandparents may have consulted. Only you can decide what, if any, experience or education standards you would like those you consult with to meet.

If you choose to book a consultation with an intuitive practitioner, make a list of general areas you’d like to cover in your session, perhaps even specific questions. Take notes, but also be sure to ask the intuitive if a tape of the reading will be supplied, or if you may tape it. If an intuitive practitioner won’t tape or allow you to tape the session, be careful; reputable practitioners do not mind you having full access to the information, now and later.

Relaxing or meditating before your consultation is smart, as nervousness does not enhance the interaction between you and an intuitive. Neither does a “testing” attitude (e.g., “I’ll believe him if he tells me I drive a green Lexus”) While expecting some details is reasonable, expecting a consultation to go exactly as you imagine works against you. Approach your session with open-mindedness and curiosity. Shut off beepers, cell or digital phones, and call-waiting, if you opt for a telephone consultation.

Afterwards, listen to the tape of your consultation on a periodic basis. Use any exercises suggested in the reading, such as a new image to use in meditation. Actively apply the insights you’ve garnered. Keep the spiritual energy from your reading alive and flowing in your life by recalling—and using—the information. After all, you’ve invested time and money—from $50 to $300 or more—in the process. Now invest the results back into your Self.

4.  WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

NOTE: SOME OF THESE LINKS MAY NOW BE INACTIVE AS THIS MATERIAL WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN SOME TIME AGO.

I’m an inveterate surfer, yes, I admit it. Here are some sites I’ve discovered, or been led to, that you may also enjoy:

Like to keep track of and interpret your dreams? A helpful online dream dictionary is found at http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Reef/8564/Dreams.html

This “oracle” may remind you of your old 8-ball toy. It’s a little silly, but what’s wrong with having a little fun?   http://idealist.com/bananas/psychic.shtml

Featuring lots of articles by a wide range of writers, it’s got just about anything and everything about metaphysics linked to it. Visit http://www.spiritweb.com and see for yourself.

If you’ve ever wanted to get a professional astrology chart printed, this Zurich-based site is a great way to do it…free http://www.astrodienst.com/homepage/index_e.htm


5.  NATURAL HIGHS

My thanks to Hans for sharing this with me, so I could share it with you. It’s bound to brighten your spirits a bit.

* Falling in love
* A special glance
* Getting mail
* Taking a drive on a pretty road
* Hearing your favorite song on the radio
* Hot towels out of the dryer
* Walking out of your last final
* A good conversation
* A care package
* The beach
* Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter
* Laughing at yourself
* Midnight phone calls that last for hours
* Running through sprinklers
* Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
* Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
* Laughing at an inside joke
* Friends
* Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you
* Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
* Being part of a team
* Making new friends or spending time with old ones
* Sweet dreams
* Hot chocolate
* Swinging on swings
* Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love
* Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid
* Making chocolate chip cookies!
* Riding a bike downhill
* Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time
* Hugging a person you love
* Watching the expression on someone's face as they open much-desired present from you
* Watching the sunrise
* Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day

6.  WISE WORDS & SAGE SAYINGS

OK I’ll admit it’s a little odd…but I collect books of quotes. They’re great reading when you don’t want a plot or some heavy-duty nonfiction (I’m still recovering from grad school!) This month the focus is angels. Enjoy!

Every visible thing in the world is put in the charge of an angel.  –Saint Augustine

To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic. 
                 –Alphonse de Lamartine

Music is well said to be the speech of angels. –Thomas Carlyle

Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. –G.K. Chesterton

If I have freedom in my love,
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that soar above,
Enjoy such liberty.  –Richard Lovelace

I continue to offer private intuitive and mediumship consultations by telephone or in person, as well as email readings. I’m also available for public speaking and seminars. To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about speaking and seminar services, just email Lauren@drlauren.com or call 1-888-Drlauren .

Best & Blessings to You & Yours,

 Dr. Lauren Thibodeau
--Leading you toward Knowing your way in the world.