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

Dr. Lauren's eNews 5
--Leading you toward Knowing your way in the world
©2000-2004

"Set up as an ideal the facing of reality as honestly and cheerfully as possible.”  
--Dr. Karl Menninger

Greetings!

Many blessings to you as you enjoy the energy of autumn. And if you get a chance, don’t miss the new film, Pay It Forward—that young actor will astound you, as will the power of the message.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. The Least of Us
2. Book Pick: A Theory of Everything
3. Websites to Check Out
4. Wise Words & Sage Sayings
5. Happenings

1. THE LEAST OF US: A TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER
by Lauren Thibodeau, Ph.D. ©2000

My sister Pamela died recently, alone and unremarked by anyone but family and the professionals who helped her battle schizophrenia. She was found by the manager of the apartment she rented from a social services agency, having died in her sleep, peacefully, of natural causes. Homeless at times, she was one of those people we’ve all passed by on the street, looking straight ahead while we quicken our steps. Pamela was one of the least of us, or so it seemed at a glance.

But from her, I learned about courage. The courage of a soul who would willingly choose to experience a sad, lonely life, tormented by unrelenting mental illness, humbles me. She hung in there, working hard to fit into a world that treated her as powerless, invisible, crazy. Pamela was impressive in ways that most people would never see, for they only saw her outward form and her confused mind, not the shining presence within. And shine she did—and does now, even more brightly.

I miss her flashes of insight when the voices abated briefly. I miss the twinkle in her Irish-blue eyes. I miss her passion for bubble-gum pop music, heavy eye makeup, movies (when the voices were quiet), and the National Enquirer. I miss listening to her stories about volunteering at a nursing home, on the Alzheimer’s ward. I miss hearing her proudly promise to pay me back when I’d treat her to lunch at Two Sisters—a place she liked because we were, after all, two sisters.

Last Friday, about a month after she died, Pamela literally paid me back. I found a $20 bill as I left a store and knew instantly that she’d sent it to me. I never doubted her when she said she would pay me back, someday. I’m glad that she’s able to have some power in the spiritual world she now inhabits, something she never experienced here on earth.

Having Pamela in my life has shaped me in ways I don’t fully understand. But one thing I do know is that I am a better person for having known and loved her. And I also know that, because of her, I can never look at those who seem to be the least of us without acknowledging the bright, shining souls within.

2. BOOK PICK

Some of you may know what a passionate fan I am of Ken Wilber’s work. His newest book, just out last month, is A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science, and Spirituality. Wilber isn’t kidding when he writes about a theory that explains, well, just about everything. And his witty style is fun to read. My psychic impression is that Wilber will, decades from now, be seen as one of the most influential voices of this era.

3. WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

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

If you’re boning up for Jeopardy or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, this site is one you won’t want to miss. World Rulers lists the past and current leaders of nations all over the world. Also included are links to sites containing further information about the countries. http://www.info-regenten.de/regent/regent-e/

If you’d rather read the comics or do a crossword than bone up on world leaders, visit Uexpress at http://www.uexpress.com/ The Web site of Universal Press Syndicate is a one-stop source for some of the most well-known comics, columns, puzzles, and other content appearing in newspapers today. Highlights include "Doonesbury," "Dear Abby," and the "Universal Daily Crossword Puzzle."

And if you’re more interested in how things might go today, visit http://www.façade.com for your choice of readings. You can try Tarot, Runes, I Ching—even a Legal answer to the question, What is the meaning of life? (My answer was, Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear…how insightful! But moderately amusing, at least.)

4. WISE WORDS & SAGE SAYINGS

This month I've found some thought-provoking quotes on truth to share.

Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself - and thus make yourself indispensable. --Andre Gide

The advice of friends must be received with a judicious reserve; we must not give ourselves up to it and follow it blindly, whether right or wrong. --Pierre Charron

Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.' --Kahlil Gibran

Chase after truth like hell and you'll free yourself, even though you never touch its coat-tails. --Clarence Darrow

5. HAPPENINGS

With the beautiful fall season upon us, I’m glad to be back from my recent spate of travels, settled in Princeton again, for the time being anyway. After a relaxing and romantic week in Paris with my husband, I had a great time enjoying the powerful healing energy of the Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health conference in Albuquerque, NM, where I presented a keynote called Weaving the Tapestry: Integrating Body, Mind, and Spirit for Health and Wellness. What a great group of women, and the Balloon Fiesta made it even more special. If you’d like to sponsor me come to your area to conduct seminars, let me know. I have a variety of programs I can offer, and will work with you to customize the presentations to meet your audience’s interests. Just email me or call my office at 1-888-Drlauren  to discuss details.

Over the next few months as the year winds down I’ll be teaching Connecting With the Other Side: An Introduction to Mediumship and settling into my part-time practice in New York City, where I’m now seeing clients in person, as I do at my Princeton office. Of course telephone consultations are also available. Just a reminder: with the holidays upon us, let me know if you’d like to order intuitive consultation gift certificates. Email me and I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Maybe it’s that I keep hearing (and sensing) that we’re in for a tough winter, and I’m planning ahead! Lily Dale revamped its volunteer-run website and you can learn how to get on the mailing list for next year at http://www.LilyDale.org Comprehensive brochures are mailed in February. Last year presenters included Wayne Dyer, James Van Praagh, and a wide range of folks with expertise in all sorts of interesting topics. My husband calls it psychic summer camp, which actually is a pretty apt description. It’s a beautiful place, and the strong healing energy is impossible to ignore.

Thanks for reading--and
sharing--this newsletter. Your feedback is always welcome.

Best & Blessings to You & Yours,

Lauren Thibodeau, Ph.D.
--Leading you toward Knowing your way in the world.