Hello, Monkey Brain, I’d Like You to Meet Inner Zen

Lately, my thoughts have been all over the place. You know the term monkey mind? It’s the perfect visual—thoughts swinging from one idea to the next like monkeys grabbing for branches. No pause, no time for reflection, just one chaotic scene after another, like a movie spliced with commercials advertising every little thing in life that needs attention.

I was very proud of myself this morning. I got up at 5:30 and thought, I have ZERO excuse not to meditate today—a habit I’m insanely inconsistent with lately, and I’m definitely feeling the repercussions of not sticking to it. So, I sat down to meditate, thinking I could rein in the chaos of it all. Ha! My brain had other plans. I caught a moment of peace, a small glimpse of silence, and then—bam—another thought barged in. Some were lovely, some were practical, and some were complete nonsense (like wondering what to eat for breakfast). It felt like my brain was hosting a town hall meeting I didn’t RSVP to.

 As a psychic medium and empath, I can’t help but analyze the why. A full moon this week? Check. Work deadlines? Yep. Unfinished creative projects? Absolutely. Add in the small stuff, like Trader Joe’s being out of my favorite coffee creamer (how rude! 😂), and you’ve got the perfect storm.

 But here’s the thing: most of it wasn’t urgent or even important. It was just noise—thoughts piling up like a basket of laundry waiting to be folded.

Right when I was about to give up on meditation altogether, my spirit guides chimed in with a solution: “Focus on sound, not thought. Just listen.”

At first, I’ll admit, I kind of rolled my eyes (because, of course, it sounds simple when they say it), but I decided to try—no quitters here! I hit shuffle on my playlist, picked some music, and let the sound wash over me. The shift was almost immediate. My thoughts didn’t disappear completely (I’m human, after all), but they softened. The music became an anchor, pulling me into the present moment.

But let me tell you, sometimes your music choices need something a little stronger than calming waves, flutes, and birds chirping in the background. And this should tell you where my current mental state is lately—I’m needing the extra shot of espresso kind of level of zen (I do love a good coffee reference). For me, this morning, it was AC/DC’s Back in Black. The beat, the lyrics—it works. Believe it or not, it brings me back to the present. Crazy, right?

Here’s the thing, It worked, not because I fought the thoughts, but because I gave them permission to fade into the background. Did it last for long? Uhhm, no. “laughing” But it worked. And even if it was just for five minutes, those five minutes were glorious.

So, where’s the lesson here? Is there one? Why, yes, there is—and that’s why it’s a blog post. Haha. This experience reminded me of something we often forget: the monkey mind isn’t here to torment us; it’s simply part of being alive. It’s our brain’s way of trying (and often failing) to process the millions of inputs we face every day. Instead of wrestling it into submission, sometimes the best thing we can do is shift our focus and let it settle on its own.

For me, sound became the bridge to stillness. For you, it might be the rhythm of your breath, the feel of a cozy blanket, or even the hum of the dishwasher. Stilling the mind doesn’t have to mean sitting in lotus position (and, if you’re like me, losing all feeling in your legs). It’s about whatever keeps you in the present moment. Finding that anchor—whatever it may be—can help you stop swinging from branch to branch and simply be.

Life is full of monkey mind moments, but they don’t have to control us. Instead of fighting the chaos, find your anchor—whether it’s sound, breath, or a good cup of coffee (preferably with creamer, if Trader Joe’s isn’t sold out). I can’t help myself.

If you’re like me and your brain feels like it’s hosting a thought parade, remember this: you don’t need to fix it. You just need to pause, listen, and trust that stillness will find you. And if all else fails, there’s always music. Sometimes, a little rock music helps. There’s something about the guitar riffs and drums that make your head bob and your shoulders move—bringing you right back to center. 😂😉🎸

False doors and open hearts

In a world where we often carry the weight of our past wounds, it’s easy to believe that our worth resides in the hurt we’ve endured. We find ourselves standing at a false door—a barrier created to protect our hearts but one that keeps us from truly seeing the depth of our potential and desires.

The path to self-discovery calls for balance and harmony with both our past and present. To grow, we must learn to walk away from the pain that no longer serves us, placing self-forgiveness at the forefront and releasing what binds us to the stories of who we once were.

We build walls around our hearts, thinking we’re shielding ourselves from harm. But these walls do more than protect—they isolate. While we may keep hurt out, we also block love, opportunity, and truth from coming in. Our journey is not about avoiding pain but about courageously facing it, knowing we are strong enough to endure and heal.

Harmony comes from understanding that our past does not define our worth. Every experience—joyful or painful—has shaped the incredible beings we are today. By reflecting on past experiences rather than clinging to them, we create space for new opportunities to flow into our lives.

When we stop guarding our hearts so fiercely, we begin to see clearly what we truly desire. Whether it’s love, purpose, or a deeper connection to our intuition, we allow ourselves to ask, “What do I truly want? What fulfills me?”

When we align with our inner truth and let our intuition guide our path, we find that desires born of fear fall away. What remains are the pursuits that light our souls on fire.

The most profound connections—both with others and with ourselves—come when we let down our walls and trust that the universe is guiding us toward our highest good. Healing is not about erasing the past but about integrating its lessons with grace and compassion.

Remember, your worth does not live in the wounds of yesterday but in the light you allow to shine today. You have the power to release, forgive, and align with your true self. The universe is waiting to meet you where you are, ready to co-create the life you desire.

Manifesting Essentials: Shifting from expectation to invitation

We all dream of manifesting a life filled with abundance—financial freedom, a fulfilling relationship, that perfect job. But often, as we pour our energy into these desires, we find ourselves hitting roadblocks. The secret isn’t just in focusing on the specifics of what we want, but in understanding the underlying energy behind our intentions. Last week, I received a message from my spirit guides that reshaped my approach to manifestation.
Their insight was a true aha moment—or more like an ohhh, that makes sense—revealing that it’s not about zeroing in on the target, but about aligning with the energy of possibility and inviting in the outcomes that serve our highest good.

It’s more than words: We’re often taught that manifestation is as simple as “thinking it, feeling it, receiving it.” While intention-setting is yes, important, the energy we carry behind our words, emotions, and thoughts plays an even more crucial role. Every desire, no matter how big or small, has a unique energetic signature that carries with it a frequency—one that can either attract or repel what we seek. My guides encouraged me to explore the energy of “inviting possibility” instead of narrowly focusing on a desired outcome.

Shift from expectation to invitation: When manifesting, it’s easy to get hung up on specifics—or to worry that you’re not being specific enough. For example, if you’re seeking a promotion or a new job but are unsure of which path to take, there is power in allowing a broader perspective. Try shifting your thought process to, ‘I am inviting career growth that brings fulfillment, learning, and financial abundance.’ This subtle shift opens doors for spirit to work in your favor, often in ways that are more aligned than you could have imagined.

Creating the feeling of enough: A common struggle in manifestation is the feeling of lack, which can unintentionally create resistance. If you’re asking for financial abundance, but deep down you’re feeling a sense of scarcity, the energy can create a block. True abundance starts with the energy of “enough,” which radiates from a place of gratitude. Take a few moments each day to reflect on what’s already going well, big or small. When you can feel content with what you have, you’re more likely to magnetize more of it.

Practice Gratitude: Start each morning with a five-minute “gratitude grounding” exercise. Close your eyes, place a hand on your heart, and breathe deeply as you think of three things you genuinely appreciate. This simple ritual aligns your energy with a state of appreciation, elevating your frequency to match the energy of abundance.

Feel the energy of what you’re asking for: One of the most profound messages I received from my spirit guides was this: “It’s not about the words; it’s about the energy of your desire.” If you want a relationship, envision how it would feel to share laughter, companionship, and mutual respect with someone. When you match your feelings to the outcome you desire, you start to embody the energy of that reality, inviting it into your life.

Visualize with Emotion: Spend time each day visualizing yourself living out your desired experience. If you’re hoping to manifest a fulfilling job, feel what it would be like to wake up excited for work, to feel valued by your colleagues, and to end each day with a sense of accomplishment. The emotions you cultivate in this exercise will naturally attract the reality you envision.

Invite your spirit guides to help: Manifestation isn’t only a mental exercise; it’s a collaboration with spirit. When we ask for guidance and stay open to signs and synchronicities, spirit becomes an active participant in our journey. My spirit guides often remind me to approach manifestation as a co-creation rather than a demand. This means allowing spirit to play a part in how and when things unfold.

As you work on manifesting, ask your spirit guides to show you a sign when you’re in alignment with your goals. This could be a specific image, word, or symbol that resonates with you. When you see it, you’ll know you’re on the right path. These signs are gentle nudges from spirit, affirming that you’re in sync with your highest purpose.

Manifestation is this beautiful mix between our desires and the universe’s wisdom. By focusing on the energy behind our desires, embracing the present moment, and inviting spirit into the process, we create a space for transformation that goes beyond what we can plan or predict. The next time you find yourself hyper focused on a specific outcome, take a moment to tune into the energy of opportunity. Know that every step forward, every moment of gratitude, and every sign from spirit is bringing you closer to a life that resonates with your truest self. You have everything you need within you to create a life full of possibility—simply by allowing the universe to meet you halfway.

No Going Back: Choosing Peace, Love, and Joy

There comes a time in each of our lives when everything we’ve ignored or brushed under the rug rises to the surface, demanding our attention. For me, that time came while standing at a clear crossroads—uncomfortable, unhappy, and feeling utterly stuck. You might often hear me mention that one meditation class that changed everything. I entered seeking peace of mind, yet I left with a profound reawakening to myself and the spirit world. That moment marked both the beginning and the end of my 16-plus-year marriage, serving as a pivotal turning point not only in my relationship but also in my personal and spiritual journey.

For years, I played the role of the fixer—non-confrontational and without any clear boundaries. I contorted myself into various shapes to make things work, all the while losing touch with who I truly was. I became like a doormat, hoping that eventually someone would recognize my worth. In the process, I buried my true self, and it weighed me down like a heavy cloak. I was like an ostrich, hiding my head in the sand, avoiding the truth. Looking back now, I can say, “Yes, I knew the truth, but I wasn’t ready to face it.” And for that, I extend myself grace, recognizing that I did my best given where I was on my journey. But, oh, that meditation class was the crack that opened a deeper connection to myself and the universe. It was time for transformation.

Spiritual awakenings are intensely personal and unique to each of us; they don’t follow a set plan or schedule. For me, it felt like shedding layers of skin, reminding me of the symbolism of a snake and its transformative meaning—something I shared in my last blog post. Over time, I’ve witnessed different versions of myself emerge. Up until my forties, I realized I had been fearless in many areas of my life, except in my relationships. I navigated through life absorbing everyone else’s challenges but was too afraid to make significant changes within myself. So, when my awakening struck, it felt like running into a wall. All the things I had tolerated or ignored became impossible to unsee.

My self-worth began to come alive, but it didn’t happen overnight. It felt like stepping into a new body and way of thinking, forcing me to unlearn everything I had known. The clarity was undeniable: I couldn’t continue living as I had before.

At 43, I embarked on a wild, beautifully twisting journey, and now, in my late fifties, I’m beginning to truly understand the art of self-love. But let me be honest—self-love isn’t about reaching a magical endpoint. It’s a significant shift for sure, but it’s an ongoing journey. Every time I think I’ve got it figured out, another layer of growth emerges, reminding me that this path is continuous—and I am incredibly grateful for it.

What I’ve learned over the years is that every person we meet acts as a mirror, reflecting back parts of ourselves—whether they show us kindness, indifference, or even cruelty. The important question to ask ourselves is always, “How am I showing up for myself in these situations?” The people we surround ourselves with either enhance our journey or detract from it. Today, I don’t even question this; it took a long time and hard work to evaluate my choices and opt for those who uplift me, aligning with the peace, joy, and happiness I want in my life. For those of us who have experienced a lifetime surrounded by a sea of negative influences, this was no small feat.

Of course, my internal fears and triggers haven’t disappeared. They still exist, but instead, I face them, take them by the hand, and guide them into the light alongside me. They’re part of my journey too, and embracing them has helped me grow in ways I never thought possible.

Loving ourselves means continuously showing up for ourselves, making choices that reflect our true values, and acknowledging that this journey is ongoing. Every encounter and relationship—whether loving or challenging—serves as a reflection of our inner world, challenging us, teaching us, and fostering our growth.

Our individual awakenings are processes that aren’t always easy; that’s an understatement. But if you asked me whether I would change it, my answer would be an automatic no. With every choice, I find myself moving closer to the version of me that is aligned with happiness. There’s no going back from that.

Each step we take toward self-discovery is a gift to ourselves, and it’s worth it—we are worth it. When we learn to trust the process, practice patience, and allow ourselves to be open to our own personal growth, we begin to connect with our authentic selves. We are all on this crazy ride together. Why not let it empower you?!

What is WalkingOM?

What started as a simple idea during my spiritual awakening has grown into my mission and a key part of my life. In the early stages of my awakening, I felt excited to create deeper connections with others on a similar path. So, I started a Meetup group. I envisioned a space where people could not only enjoy the physical benefits of being in nature, but also engage in open-hearted conversations over coffee about life’s challenges and the magic that comes with newfound self-awareness. But I needed a name. A dear friend suggested “WalkingOM,” and it just clicked. The name resonated perfectly with my vision. Done and done! I loved it.

Over the years, WalkingOM has evolved into something much more personal, reflecting my growth and abilities as an intuitive and medium. It has become my mission and my website. To me, WalkingOM means embodying the essence of peace, unity, and universal consciousness with every step. It’s about living life with awareness of your connection to everything around you, being present in the moment, having an open heart and clear mind, and allowing your actions to reflect the deep inner peace and spiritual alignment that OM represents. One’s journey becomes a meditation in motion—honoring the sacred sound of the universe, the sound of OM. It resonates through every aspect of life. You become a beacon of light and love, inspiring others to find their own path to harmony, healing, and personal fulfillment. This is what I hope to achieve, not only in my own journey but also in being of service to others.