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. 😂😉🎸

Your future is closer than you think: insights from Meditation

In the summer of 2011, my life shifted in ways I could never have imagined. It was the start of my meditation journey, a journey that would awaken my consciousness and open the door to a world far greater than myself. Looking back now, 13 years later, I’m struck by how profoundly I’ve changed—how much I’ve grown spiritually, emotionally, and in my daily life.

This morning, while scrolling through my phone (a habit I know I need to rein in), I stumbled upon a video on manifestation. The idea of pulling energy from 15 years into the future and anchoring it into your present reality captured my attention. Manifestation has always been a pretty strong suit of mine—checking off goals and dreams with what often felt like, Okay, I’ve got this. But this concept of working deeper with quantum energy stirred something within me, and I’m not sure I’ll even scratch the surface in this blog post. But, I do think it’s important to share what came through in my meditation.

As I meditated, I asked, How can I bring my future into my present with ease? The answer that came through was swift and clear: “The future is now.” At first, I could rationalize the idea in my mind. Okay, I get it. We are living in the past, present, and future simultaneously. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this message—something just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. What was I missing?

 A Vision Revisited: The Desert and the Sand

Meditation has always been a space where I receive insights, and today was no different. As I sat with the phrase “the future is now,” a vision unfolded. At first, I envisioned myself doing readings full-time—my calendar fully booked, being of service, and helping many people. This was what I was hoping to see. But instead—or perhaps in addition—I saw myself lecturing in front of a crowd, something I’ve always fiercely feared.

It was a far cry from the terrified person I thought I was, remembering a time when I needed to borrow half a Valium from a friend (yes, I was that nervous and desperate) just to speak on stage in front of a small crowd of people at a work meeting, fearing I might pass out or throw up. Yet what struck me wasn’t just the vision itself; it was what followed.

I suddenly saw soft sand running through my fingers, which triggered a memory from the summer of 2011—the very beginning of my meditation practice. I had attended a meditation class with my mentor, a psychic medium, who spoke about Christ consciousness during a morning chat before class. Back then, I didn’t fully understand energy, guides, or spiritual growth. But several months later, during another meditation class, the subject was briefly brought up again, and I didn’t think much about it. But, when I sat in meditation, an energy surrounded me that was so incredibly warm it felt like I was sitting in front of a fire—comforting yet really powerful.

In a quick flash, I had a vision of Jeshua (Jesus) standing silently beside me in a vast desert. He gestured toward the horizon, sweeping his arm from left to right multiple times, as if to say, “Look.” At the time, I didn’t understand the vision’s significance. Today, I finally get it. Laughing out loud.

Needless to say, whether I understood the message 13 years ago or not, I cried like a baby. Tears poured down my face from the power behind such an incredibly beautiful ascended master. All I can think as I’m typing this now is, How sci-fi is this ride I’m on?

I’ll admit, I had to look up the meaning of the desert and sand this morning, thinking, Why didn’t I do that 13 years ago? But before I did, my guides asked me to first discover what it meant to me first. The words unknown, resilience, opportunity, future not realized, spiritual testing, looking inward, growth, and divine guidance popped into my mind. It felt in sync with the researched meaning of both the desert and the sand, which hold deep spiritual significance. The pieces of the puzzle began to unfold:

The Desert: A place of spiritual growth, testing, and solitude. It invites us to strip away distractions and focus on what truly matters.

The Sand: A reminder of time, impermanence, and the importance of letting go. Just as sand slips through our fingers, life flows in ways we cannot control.

When Jeshua gestured toward the horizon, he was inviting me to expand my awareness—to look beyond the immediate and trust in the unfolding of divine timing. Now, with the sand running through my fingers, I fully understand the message: the future is not something “out there”; it’s something we create and embody in the present moment.

Talk about divine timing—learning the meaning behind a vision 13 years later. Mind blown. You can’t make this stuff up.

Manifestation isn’t about force or striving; it’s about aligning your energy with your vision and letting it unfold naturally.

Here are a few takeaways from this morning’s meditation in manifesting that I pulled from the experience

Embrace the Now “aka the future is now” Start by grounding yourself in the present moment. Ask, What do I want my future to feel like? Then, bring that energy into your day-to-day actions.

Let Go of Control Just as sand slips through your fingers, release the need to control every outcome. Trust that the universe is working in your favor.

Take Inspired Action Manifestation isn’t passive. Take small steps that align with your vision, but let them be guided by intuition rather than fear or pressure.

Be Open to Growth Fear often accompanies growth. My vision of lecturing reminded me that the things we resist are often where our greatest growth lies. Ugh, right?!

Thirteen years ago, I couldn’t feel the energy of Christ consciousness. I was the first year student, overwhelmed, curious and unsure. Today, I can look back and see how every moment—every struggle and triumph—was part of the journey to understanding.

How beautiful. That vision of the desert reminded me of how all the dots I’ve needed to connect for learning and growth over the years have come together. The sand running through my fingers teaches us to surrender, and the presence of Jeshua in the vision is a reminder to trust the divine guidance within and around me. And this morning, I was reminded that the future isn’t something we chase; it’s something we embody.

So, if you’re holding on too tightly or waiting for the “perfect moment,” let this be your invitation to let go. Your future is now. Trust it. Live it. BE it.

Dreams of Snakes: Uncovering Hidden Messages and Uncoiling Fear

The symbolism of the snake often represents a multitude of meanings, ranging from fear to enlightenment. It’s a creature that both frightens and fascinates us. In my dream last night, it was definitely a mix of both, as I found myself observing and experiencing what happens when we face fear head-on. Instead of running, I felt frozen in time—paused, reflective, and curious.

We’ve all experienced moments in life where fear grips us—times when it feels like we’re being suffocated by the weight of our own uncertainties, challenges, or past decisions. It’s in these moments that we can feel like we’re standing on the edge of the unknown, unsure if the next step will lead to safety or even deeper into the shadows.

In the dream, a massive yellow cobra appeared in my peripheral vision, coiling and lifting its head. As it neared, it wrapped itself tighter around me, and my instinct was to panic. Fear of being poisoned, suffocated, or consumed surged through me. But something unusual happened—I felt calm. Laughing now, out of the dream state, I thought I could sense the snake’s cleverness, as if I were predicting its next strategic move—like eating me! But instead, in its stillness, I found its face next to mine, and my fear stood still. In that moment, I realized this wasn’t just about the snake—it was about me. It was a reflection of my inner world, my worries, my insecurities.

I found myself desiring peace—not just survival from the snake, but peace within myself. My mind drifted into a space of deeper understanding—a realm where fear wasn’t an enemy but a guidepost to something greater. The snake, in this light, symbolized the very challenges I’d been facing lately, but it also revealed the strength I had in confronting them.

At that moment, I knew that facing the snake was part of my growth—and this was turning out to be a pretty interesting dream. Even if it led to the end of something—a “death” of sorts—it would only be the shedding of old skin (pun intended), a release of outdated fears that no longer served me.

Then, a presence entered. It wasn’t something I saw with my eyes, but something I felt—a calming and powerful energy, a spirit. The word “king” came to my consciousness, reminding me that I am protected and watched over. With that realization, the serpent, once a symbol of fear, slithered away. I was left standing, unharmed, empowered, and safe.

In spiritual traditions, snakes have long symbolized transformation and wisdom. Their ability to shed their skin makes them a powerful reminder that we, too, can release what no longer serves us and step into new versions of ourselves. The fears we encounter in life are often reflections of our own insecurities or unresolved emotions. When we look at them with curiosity instead of dread, they offer profound insights.

In moments of uncertainty, we often feel powerless, but it is in those moments that we have the greatest opportunity to connect with our inner strength. The key is to sit with the discomfort and allow fear to be a teacher, rather than an obstacle.

It made me reflect on the internal “snakes” in my life. Are there fears or challenges that I’ve been avoiding? Where are the opportunities for growth? These are questions I constantly ask myself. And what a beautiful message, delivered through dreams, to bring awareness that when we feel fear coiling around us, we should take a moment to pause. Breathe. Reflect. What is this moment trying to teach us about ourselves?

Is that inner strength—our inner “king,” our higher consciousness—wanting to guide us through? The journey of spiritual growth isn’t about avoiding challenges, but about facing them with courage, knowing that each one brings us closer to our truest self.

The most profound transformation happens when we stand in the presence of our fears, look them in the eye, and say, “I see you, but I will not be ruled by you.”