Psychic Medium Ed

As you awaken to your divine nature,

you'll begin to appreciate beauty in everything you see, touch, and experience.

-Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Independence Day, also called Fourth of July or July 4th, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Independence Day is celebrated on Monday, July 4, 2022 in the United States.

"Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden. "
- Robert Breault

"When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant."

-Unknown

The dharma wheel, or dharma chakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism. Around the globe, it is used to represent Buddhism in the same way that a cross represents Christianity, or a Star of David represents Judaism. It is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Similar symbols are found in Jainism and Hinduism, and it is likely the dharma chakra symbol in Buddhism evolved out of Hinduism.

A dharma wheel has three basic parts: the hub, the rim, and the spokes. Over the centuries, various teachers and traditions have proposed diverse meanings for these parts. Here are some common understandings of the wheel's symbolism:

The circle, the round shape of the wheel, represents the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching.

The rim of the wheel represents meditative concentration and mindfulness, which hold practice together.

The hub represents moral discipline. The three swirls often seen on the hub are sometimes said to represent the Three Treasures or Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, sangha. They may also represent joy.

The spokes signify different concepts, depending on their number:

When a wheel has eight spokes, the spokes represent the Eightfold Path. An eight-spoke wheel is the most common form of the wheel in Buddhism.

When a wheel has ten spokes, the spokes represent the ten directions—in effect, everywhere.

When a wheel has twelve spokes, the spokes represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.

When a wheel has twenty-four spokes, the spokes represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination plus the reversing of the Twelves Links and liberation from samsara. A 24-spoke dharma wheel is also called an Ashoka Chakra.

When a wheel has thirty-one spokes, the spokes represent the thirty-one realms of existence from ancient Buddhist cosmology.

When a wheel has four spokes, which is rare, the spokes represent either the Four Noble Truths or the four dhyana’s.

The wheel often has spokes protruding beyond the wheel, which we might imagine are spikes, although usually, they do not look very sharp. The spikes represent various penetrating insights.

"Turning the dharma wheel" is a metaphor for the Buddha's teaching of the dharma in the world. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is said the Buddha turned the dharma wheel three times.

The first turning was the sermon in the deer park, after the Buddha's enlightenment. Here, the Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths. The second turning was the introduction of the perfection of wisdom teachings on the nature of sunyata (emptiness). The third turning was the introduction of the doctrine of Buddha Nature.

Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best

Antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It

Attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the

Direct route to serenity and contentment.

-Grenville Kleiser

Humor and laughter are extremely important elements of a happy and healthy family. In fact, we regard them as one of the five characteristic marks of any genuinely thriving family along with; Conversation, time spent together, spiritual time, and regular family dinners. Laughter is one of the easiest and most fun ways to help the family thrive. Humor creates an atmosphere of joy and delight in the home. I Like to think that it promotes affection and fosters closeness by enabling family members to enjoy one another’s company. Since the best humor is based firmly in truth and flows out of keen observation of real life, laughter also encourages honesty and transparency. In the process, it chases away phoniness and tears down dividing walls. It creates freedom, eases tension and opens up a channel through which the healing balm of grace and forgiveness can flow from person to person. Families who laugh together are also less likely to experience burnout and depression. They have a much higher chance of enjoying life in general. That is because humor helps us cope, not just with trivial frustrations, but with genuine tragedy and permanent loss. It has been said that “to have a sense of humor is to have an understanding of human suffering.” Laughter deflects negativity. It provides a positive distraction from hardship and helps us let off steam.

During the summer families are more apt to take a vacation. Have fun while you travel with some humor. Laugh more and let the small stuff take a back seat for a while.

Don’t take yourself so seriously.

Resolve to laugh even when you don’t feel like laughing.

Look for humor around you.

Discover what makes your spouse and children laugh.

Learn how to poke fun at one another in a light-hearted, healthy, affirming, and non-derogatory way

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"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
-Satchel Paige

I love that quote. I sometimes ask people that question when out and about. Hmmmm…. how old do I feel? Physically. Emotionally.

The number, the actual number, is obviously just a convenience, a short-hand, not a judgement. A measurement created when humans decided we needed to work out the passage of time. It concerns the past, but not the future. And has nothing to do with who we are. Age is simply a way for us to generalize about maturity. When will most people be ready to drive? Drink? Get married? Get a flu shot.
How old would I be, if I didn't know how old I was? Probably somewhere in my late thirties. But instead, here I am at 50. I remember when Patrick turned 50 and I thought wow he is getting on up there…lol. Of course, he will be 57 in a month. I was thirty when we met and he 36. Patrick says age as a number is both meaningless and meaningful. He says it is a number that doesn’t define in anyway who he is, but does help define a lifespan. It is also a great excuse to look back and say if the higher power took me now, I would be a little disappointed, but would go with a smile.

With the month of July upon us we are already seven months into the year. We had a hot start to the summer in our region with some days reaching close to a hundred degrees. We headed to Stone Mountain for a few days circling back around the Atlanta area. We had fun touring the Coca Cola plant, CNN headquarters and of course the Atlanta aquarium. The ride is always a fun part for our family. We tend to stop a bit more than usual especially when we see something we think is interesting. Whether a simple stop for gas or some fresh peaches at a stand simply because the sign says the best peaches in Georgia.

Our son took on his first job last month. He was pessimistic at first with the mindset that it was going to take his entire summer break away. Then he realized it was only three days a week and five hours a day. Then the best part came when he received that first paycheck and opened up his own savings account. All the sudden work wasn't such a bad thing.

Our beloved Great Dane Sunna crossed the Rainbow Bridge last month. She was ten years old and tried to continue on with life but her body just wouldn't let her. She was a sweet girl who wanted nothing more than to make you happy. She is missed but we know she is now rolling in the grass and running in the fields in a body that no longer hurts. We said our goodbyes as we watched her cross over and the tears came to life in all our family. Our Belgium Springer Spaniel Trouble now lays where she used to lay. He misses her and for a few days searched for her. Godspeed sweet girl - we will see you again.

And that's the news. I've taken up more than enough of your time. You are so very supportive and it means so much to know you are there. I'll write again next month. In the meantime, I hope you are doing well enjoying your summer.

Love,

Ed

A Strange and Patriotic Coincidence

Did you know that three of America's founding fathers perished on a Fourth of July. John Adams (the nation's second president) and Thomas Jefferson (the nation's third president) died five hours apart on the same Fourth of July in 1826. James Monroe (the nation's fifth president) died on the Fourth of July in 1831, exactly five years later.

July is named after Roman dictator Julius Caesar (100 B.C.–44 B.C.). Caesar developed the precursor to the Gregorian calendar we use today.

July 1 is Canada Day, a Canadian federal holiday that celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.

July 3 brings the start of the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer!

July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S. Don’t forget to raise the flag!

July 14 is Bastille Day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution.

July 29 marks the Islamic New Year, which begins with the first sighting of the crescent Moon after the new Moon in the month of Muharram. This event signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

Here are a few more days celebrated in July: July 11 is International Town Criers Day; July 17 is World Emoji Day; July 22 is Spooners Day; July 23 is National Day of the Cowboy; July 27 is Take your Houseplants for a walk day.

The July birthstone is the ruby, which is believed to protect its wearer from evil.

July’s zodiac signs are Cancer (June 21 to July 22) and Leo (July 23 to August 22).

July’s full Moon, the full Buck Moon, occurs on Wednesday, July 13. It reaches peak illumination at 2:38 P.M. (EDT) that evening, rising above the horizon just after sunset. Plus, it’s the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year.

You can now order my book on Amazon.

I would love to ask a favor. Would you mind taking a few minutes to review the book. This can help others understand what to expect when purchasing the book.

This link will take you directly to the Amazon page.

Ed,

July is the beginning of The Lion's Gate Portal. You might have extremes in emotions. Be patient with yourself and have fun.

The three cards pulled are for the 31 days. The first card being the first ten days, the second card being the next ten days, and the last card being the remaining eleven days. (Faerie Tarot By Nathalie Hertz)

1st Card: The Star:

This charming young fairy, with her gentle face, is dressed in white as a symbol of purity, perfection, light, and wisdom. She provides hope, guidance, and inspiration as she shows us how to be become confident and virtuous. She helps us to be receptive to spirituality. The large shooting star above her is the symbol of our lucky star; she inspires our nights and guides us. The stars she holds tell us that life is filled with hope and joy. This card also symbolizes the unconsciousness, the balance between the material (her feet standing on the ground) and the spiritual, the celestial elements (her crown and the spangled firmament which surrounds it). Divinatory Meanings: Protection, positive influences, spiritual rebirth, divination, intuition, hope. Joy, communion with nature, peace, satisfaction. Tender and sincere feelings, sensuality. Accomplishment, creativity, a reward, prosperity. Beauty and refinement. Uncertainties, pipe dreams, idle daydreams, mistrust. Obstinacy, frustrated hopes. Coldness, insensitivity, lies, reciprocal disinterest. Bad luck.

2nd Card: Three of Cups:

The fairies have a rendezvous in a verdant flower garden. A baby fairy has just hatched in a flower, symbolizing revival, love and joy. The stars emerging from the three cups offer the newborn baby good fortune and well-being. The sky is mild and blue. The butterflies represent peace and serenity. Divinatory meaning: Solved problems, satisfaction. A union, a birth, good news, serenity. Good family relations, a celebration, optimism. A plan comes to fruition. Relief after sorrow, unfulfilled plans, a delay. Excessive feasting and pleasures. It is time to get back to serious and constructive matters

3rd Card: The Empress:

This fairy empress, gracious and dignified, incarnates beauty, charm, love, and generosity. She symbolizes emotion and embodies feminine attraction. Surrounded by barn owls, she represents Mother Earth and fertility. The scepter she holds is a sign of her inner power. She controls situations and dissipates doubts. Her authority is effortless. Divinatory Meanings: Changeable ideas, intelligence, creativity, harmony, serenity, stability, arts, poetry, maternal advice. In love, an enriching new relationship. Shallow intelligence, lack of communication, vanity, arrogance, subterfuge, weariness, apathy. Indecisions, canceled plans, coldness. A false friend.

Dear Katelyn,

When does grief end?

My dear friend,

It doesn’t.

Grief will put you in what feels like a perpetual state of loss. A state of being only those that have experienced it can understand.

When I lost my father, I remember wondering if it’ll get better, if what I was experiencing would get better.

Over two years later I can’t tell you if it’s gotten better, but I can tell you it’s changed. It’s not as debilitating as it once was. It once felt like an elephant standing in my way, and now it feels like a blue jay stopping by… so that’s changed. It’s changed me, it’s changed the way I approach life, approach relationships, how I connect to the people I care about.

Grief changes, but in what way is entirely up to you.

Endings aren’t real. There are no goodbyes, there are no ends, but there’s change.

Katelyn

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED BY KATELYN PLEASE EMAIL US AND YOUR QUESTION MAY BE ANSWERED ON ONE OF OUR NEWSLETTERS!!**

TRAVEL AS THERAPY

Nowadays we’re used to thinking of travel as the ‘fun’ bit of life, but enjoyment isn’t a reason why it shouldn’t also do some very serious things for us. At its deepest level, travel can assist us with our psychological education. It can – when approached the right way – play a critical role in helping us to grow into better versions of our normal selves. When it corrects the imbalances and immaturities of our natures, travel reveals its full potential to function as a form of therapy in our lives.

But in order to work a therapeutic effect, we need to change how we go about choosing our destinations. We should recognize that we’re badly served here by the travel industry, which cuts the world up into material categories almost entirely unattuned to the needs of our souls. It will lay before us options like ‘outdoor fun,’ ‘family adventure’ ‘culture weekends’ or ‘island hideaways’ – but leave it unexplored quite what the point of these destinations might be when considered from the point of view of our psyches.

Without anything mystical being meant by it, all of us are involved in one way or another on what could be termed ‘an inner journey’: that is, we’re trying to develop in particular ways. We might be searching for how to be calmer or how to find a way to rethink our goals, we might long for a greater sense of confidence or an escape from debilitating feelings of envy.

Ideally, where we go should help us with our attempts at these longed-for pieces of psychological evolution. The outer journey should assist us with the inner one. But for this to happen, we need to be clearer in our minds both what we’re searching for inside and what the outer world could conceivably deliver for us.

In part, this requires us to look at the globe in a new way. Every destination we might alight upon contains within its qualities, virtues one might say, that could conceivably support some move or other on a person’s inner journey. There are places that could help with shyness and others with anxiety. Some places might be good at reducing egoism and others might be good for helping us think more clearly about the future.

No one has yet written a psychological atlas of the world, outlining the so-called psychological virtues of places, but it’s a project that maybe, needs to be undertaken. Such an atlas would align destinations with their inner potential. For example, we’d see that the Utah desert is both a physical destination – made up of 200 million-year-old stones that stretch out as far as the eye can see in a soothing pink hue – and a psychological one: capable of functioning as a goad to perspective, an aide to shift away from preoccupations with the petty and the small-minded towards a terrain of greater calm and resilience.

In the future, we would ideally be more conscious travelers – aware that we were on a search for places that could deliver psychological virtues like ‘calm’ or ‘perspective,’ ‘sensuality’ or ‘rigor’. A visitor to Monument Valley wouldn’t just be in it for a bit of undefined ‘adventure’, something to enjoy and then gradually forget about two weeks later; travelling to the place would be an occasion fundamentally to reorient one’s personality. It would be the call-to-arms to become a different person; an 8,000-mile, secular pilgrimage that would be properly anchored around a piece of profound character development.

Travel should not be allowed to escape the underlying seriousness of the area of life with which it deals. We need always to aim for locations in the outer world that can push us towards where we need to go within.

Here are a variety of locations around the world that demonstrate the theory of ‘travel as therapy’ in action. Hopefully these will inspire you on therapeutic journeys of your own.

Monument Valley, USA - for Calm

Corner shop, Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama - for Shyness

Capri Hotel, Changi Airport, Singapore - for Thinking

Pefkos Beach, Rhodes - for Anxiety

Eastown Theatre, Detroit - for Perspective

Pumping Station, Isla Mayor, Seville - for Snobbery

Comuna 13, San Javier, Medellin, Colombia - for Dissatisfaction

Glenpark Road, Birmingham - for Boredom

Heathrow Airport, London - for Awe

The Western Desert, Australia - for Humility

Lunch, 30,000 Feet - for Comfort

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

~Leo F. Buscaglia

There isn’t any art behind it. Just that you were born to be happy, and you can show this happiness with that beautiful smile of yours. C’mon! Let’s see it. :) Okay, good.

To some extent, we all know how to spot a genuine smile, basically this formula:

Genuine Smile=Crinkly Eyes

A smile is so simple, yet so powerful. Some noticeable effects of externalizing your internal joy are: People will be attracted to you – people will feel drawn to your energy. When you smile more, you will carry an aura and poise that will draw people to you. People will look forward to being around you, knowing only that they feel great around you. People on the street, at work, your friends etc. We all like and want to be around happy and cheerful people, right?

Optimistic – You will feel more positive about yourself and the world.

Happiness & Joy – A smile is an expression of happiness and joy in you. Like an upward spiral, a smile will boost the happiness you feel.

Healthy – A smile can affect your internal state, which can have physiological impact on your physical and mental health.

Approachable – A smile is so welcoming and will make people feel more at ease.

Making Other People Happy – A smile has the power to make other people feel good about themselves. It is heart-warming and has the power to cheer up others instantly.

Smiles Are Contagious – Others can quickly and easily catch it and will experience the above side effects.

Take The Smiling Challenge!

Smile at Strangers -You know those times when we cross paths with a stranger or accidentally catch someone’s gaze, and we (both) would suddenly look away in awkwardness or pretend we are looking at something else? Well, the challenge is to give them a big smile. A genuine smile, showing teeth and everything. Deepak Chopra talks about giving each person you encounter a small gift. I do this with a smile. Why not? It doesn’t cost us anything. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than feeling awkward and pretending you’re not there. I also love to see people’s reactions when you smile at them, and they aren’t expecting it. Some blush, and others are surprised and smile back, which makes me feel all warm inside.

Smile Fully -You know that half smile we give people when we’re trying to be polite? Like on an elevator, bumping in someone at the front door, or waiting in line. Why not practice giving them a real smile? It’ll be less awkward, and you can potentially make someone’s day, or a new friend!

Smile at Work -Living under a routine, we can easily be in a zombie-like state when coming into work. We zip into work quickly following the same routines we’ve habituated. Our target is to get to work, and we can sometimes forget about the people around us, in other cubes/offices/departments. So, the challenge is to practice beaming with smile as you come into work. Smile genuinely with people you meet. Be completely pleased to see them. Make it a focus for the day, to bring more happiness into the lives of others. Ask them genuinely and infused with energy, “How are you?” “How was your weekend?” Watch the smiles surface on their face.

A Small Compliment with Your Smile -When meeting or encountering people. Look for things you admire or like about them, however small, let them know. A small genuine compliment can go a long way to lift people’s spirits.

I’ve found it useful to be conscious of things that make me smile. You might want to spend a few minutes making a list of things that brings a smile to your face.

Some Moments That Make Me Smile are:

• When Trouble (my thirty-five-pound Belgium Springer Spaniel) decides to chase the ball but misses and slides to a screeching halt on the hallway floor to turn around and retrieve it, or you wake up of a morning and he is laying there staring at you nose to nose waiting for one of us to get up.
• When I practice gratitude ‘sessions’
• When I reach mini goals throughout the day.
• When I read comments left by readers.
• When savoring sweet taste of Banana Pudding ice cream
• When I make friends laugh with my ridiculousness.
• When Eddie brings me food or chai in the morning prior to me leaving for work.
• When my mother-in-Law laughs

More Tips to Bring Smiles into Your Life

• Smiling Journal – For two weeks, record the moments that brought out your wonderful smile. If you are ever feel down, flip through this book to be reminded of things that make you smile. Experience those moments and notice your state shift to a positive one. You cannot be both angry and smiling at the same time. I learned through the years that if the physical action conflicts with that of your feeling, the feeling inside will shift to match that of your outer sensation. One way to shift your emotion is to change your physiology.
• Appreciation – Identify things that you are grateful for. Then focus on those things as much as possible.
• Humor – Make a point to watch a comedy movie. To go a comedy club. Hang out with people who make you laugh.
• Go On a Self-Date – When we feel more connected with ourselves, we feel more joy and tend to naturally smile more.
• Find Innocence – Observe a small child or a pet at play with total ease and freedom. Watch their innocence, enjoy their presence and yours. Are you smiling? Do you feel happy for them? That’s because you are connecting with the same innocence within yourself.

Patrick....

Ed and Katelyn will be in the office at Wise Wolf Wellness all month long.