"How do we reach higher levels of spirituality?" This is the question that I am asked most in my practice. In order to reach higher levels of spirituality we need to throw out limiting ideas and concepts of spirituality as well as the way we look at the higher sources- God/Goddess/Universe/All That Is.



Spirituality is not just a connection to religion, faith or beliefs. Rather, it is an actual way of living, of integrating goodness into our personal, professional and business life. Spirituality is treating other souls with compassion, kindness, respect, acceptance, integrity, and honesty.

When spirituality is integrated into our personal, professional and business lives and we actually live spiritually, our souls advance to higher levels. These levels include awareness of three gifts given by the Higher Sources or Universe. We are all gifted in these three areas and we all use these talents at one point or another.

These spiritual gifts are creative abilities, spiritual abilities in wisdom, knowledge and understanding as well as psychic abilities. All three of these abilities lie within each one of us. Many of us use them. Many of us don't realize we have them, so these gifts lie dormant within. Some of us are afraid or skeptical of these abilities, yet in time we often begin to realize it is normal to have these gifts.

As we advance in one of these gifts, the other two advances also. One will not advance without the other two. Many times we use these gifts but do not admit to them, or we call them by other names. When we use our psychic ability, for example, we often call it gut instinct or intuition. Whatever name we use, it is the same concept.

Many individuals won't use the word psychic because of the image, or stigma associated with it. Whether we choose to admit and accept it or not, being psychic, spiritual and creative is within each of us. We don't see individuals having problems with the word ?creative,? but they often do with the words ? spiritual? and ?psychic.? It is interesting what we often choose to accept or oppress.

In my workshops and lectures I tell students that spiritual development is the recognition, development and use of each of these three gifts in a responsible manner with understanding and wisdom.

The key to spiritual advancement is to advance all three of these areas and work in unity with other like-minded souls.

The time is coming when these gifts will no longer lie dormant and will be abundantly found and used worldwide. We can fully develop our gifts, being responsible for our actions, words and deeds.

Full development comes with practice and exercise. Prayer and meditation, connecting to the Higher Source, is our vehicle for advancement. Acceptance of abilities and gifts, along with trust in how to develop and use them in a responsible manner, is part of the key to growth.

Spirituality of being psychic is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not something that should be hidden away, for fear of ridicule. Those who don't understand this deep form of spirituality, creativity and psychic abilities.

If we allow fear to control us, we will not advance and may block connections to the Higher Source. Blockage in one area can also affect the chakras that are within and outside of our body. When these areas are blocked, we may experience bad karma, and we often go through a period of learning hard lessons.

We must accept these situations, learn from them and grow, going beyond to the next point of advancement. In this way we are helping to unblock the chakras. We must look deep into why we are carrying fear or blockage. Is someone trying to guide us and assist us to realize that our actions, deeds or words toward ourselves or others may be wrong or hurtful?

To advance spiritually, psychically and creatively we must take the time needed for advancement. I recommend setting up a specific time if possible at least two times a day, morning and afternoon, to practice, meditate, pray or even chant. Make sure your phone, children, etc. do no interrupt you. Going to a quiet spot outside in nature can be revitalizing. If you can't get out, go to a room that is reserved for your personal time and needs. Allow at least 20-30 minutes.

When you begin to open your chakras and connect with energy, you must allow time for the positive energy flow to come in and fill your body throughout, reaching every chakra, every organ and every nerve. As you allow this positive energy flow to fill you, and you open your body chakras, the higher and lower chakras outside of the body open allowing Higher Sources and universal knowledge to come through. It takes time and practice, but as you do this you will find your body, soul and mind responding in a positive manner. You will feel calm, at peace and energized. All blockages will be gone and you will be ready to take on life, its forces and situations with a positive attitude.

As you advance take time to be a teacher. Share your information, knowledge and expertise with others but never stop learning or being a student and accepting other information and knowledge that may be different from your own.

We can reach out; opening our minds and our hearts, letting our souls breathe. We can let go and allow God and the Universe assist to us in our development.

In our personal and professional lives, the Golden Rule applies-treat and respect others as we ourselves want to be treated and respected. When we practice our spirituality in our daily lives we find many answers to questions and problems in a timely manner. We will intuitively know the right information to assist us in each situation.