In BodyTalk, we work “in the zone” with our clients. That’s a metaphor for how our “left and right brain functions infuse one another in a way that allows for lateral or ‘outside the box’ type thinking.” I’ve been reading the revised Fundamentals manual which has added much to the discussion on healing through references to quantum physics, connected consciousness, and the idea that we are all involved in each other’s healing process.

We conduct BodyTalk sessions by paying full attention to what’s happening in the present moment, rather than diagnosing, prescribing or treating a client. Sessions help the body balance itself for better health, but we’re taught not to give thought to outcome. Instead, we bring priorities for balancing to the client’s attention (to their brain) knowing that their innate wisdom is responsible for making any changes in their bodymind. The practitioner’s role is to act as an intermediary and to observe.

That’s what I was able to do yesterday and what evolved was a different quality of session than I’d had with my client previously (because I was “trying” too hard). Instead, I “joined” with her by simply trusting the BodyTalk protocol as I moved from priority to priority, moment to moment, focused only on questioning (through right/left brain integration) and unearthing the links for communication. We both ended the session feeling relaxed and in union.

Intrigued? Learn more about BodyTalk and how it might help you. One way to begin this journey is by watching a video that will teach you an easy balancing technique you can use every day, on you and your family. It’s called “Cortices”.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Akashic Classes
February 6-8 (Austin)
February 15 (Online Intro)
February 24-25 (Houston)

Sometimes though I get tripped up by whether or not what I’m doing is “against the rules” or particularly effective. My mind starts to question and doubt. Am I channeling when instead I should be listening to the Holy Spirit? Have I really reached the Akashic Records or am I making this up? Is what I’m hearing actual wisdom and does any of it really matter? Is ACIM a bunch of hooey or am I, in fact, making progress toward seeing the Truth? The mind can be relentless.

So here’s the thing: that’s just the nature of the little ego mind. It pulls out all the stops to turn my attention away from relationship with God. Yet none of its wily ways hold any lasting sway. I keep exploring…I keep going within. More and more all the time.

What does it matter how I choose to connect, as long as I do connect? All of these avenues make up my potpourri of gifts. Each has its unique fragrance but the combination infuses my being with its heavenly scent.

What are your ways? How do you combine them into a potpourri that delights and lifts your spirit? As we say in the Akashic Records class: What are your unique talents, gifts and abilities? And how do they serve?

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist
Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Akashic Classes
January 20-21 (Austin)
February 6-8 (Austin)
February 15 (Online Intro)
February 24-25 (Houston)

As we unravel the knots of our story, speaking the words aloud, slowly but surely over the course of the reading, what seemed an impossible situation that has left us feeling cut off and hurt, very gently becomes an opportunity to return to love.

Sometimes it’s the information our Masters, Teachers and Loved Ones (MTLO’s) share about past lives we’ve had together that reveal how we’ve traded roles (victim in one lifetime, victimizer in another, and on it goes). Sometimes it’s the last question we ask as the reading’s winding down and we finally get to the heart of the matter because we express our greatest fear. That then, through the support of the MTLO’s, quickly shifts us into the healing phase, to the point of resolution in our mind with the person we thought was “the problem”. Separation is revealed for the illusion it is and unity takes its rightful place.

A Course in Miracles says, “Miracles are natural signs of forgiveness. Through miracles, you accept God’s forgiveness by extending it to others.”

Through forgiveness, we are made whole.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist
Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Akashic Classes
January 20-21 (Austin)
February 6-8 (Austin)
February 24-25 (Houston)

I’m used to looking at whatever I deem positive as “good” (and to enjoy or be happy about it), but things I deem not so positive (challenging, painful, etc.) are unacceptable somehow. Yet it’s always a judgment call. Whether something’s good, bad or indifferent, the teachings from ACIM help me to see with the vision of my higher self, my Holy Spirit, and regardless, to extend love.

Sometimes that happens quickly and other times not, but from this higher perspective, peace joins with me and invites more of the same.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist
Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Akashic Classes
January 20-21
February 6-8

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful morning to be out in the woods. Missy and Hazel, the dogs, were having a fabulous time off-leash, running with abandon and playing in the pools of water that were everywhere (thanks to the recent rains). About an hour into our trek, the dogs ran up an embankment and disappeared for a bit before coming back down…at least Hazel came back down. Missy was suddenly nowhere to be found. While Caitlin wasn’t really concerned, I don’t know the dogs the way she does and I was immediately worried about Missy. Nevertheless, we kept on walking ahead for some time until we were now both concerned that Missy hadn’t returned, despite our calling out to her.

As we began asking people on the trail if they’d seen her, we got reports that she had been seen heading back to the parking lot, and so we eventually turned in that direction. We’d also heard that she had run from people in the parking lot (unusual behavior) and even went out onto City Park Road (egads!).

When we made it to the parking lot there was no sign of Missy. Driving up and down the road didn’t lead us to her either, and so we decided to walk back to the mid point of the trail in hopes that we would find her that way (and because someone thought they’d seen her going back into the woods). The minutes were ticking by and before we knew it, two hours had passed since we’d last seen her (and there’d been no new sightings). I hoped that perhaps someone had picked her up and taken her home, but calls to the shelter and searches on Craigslist didn’t reveal any news.

Because a man on the trail mentioned that dogs sometimes head to the lake (a couple miles away), we decided to try that before giving up our search and heading home. Sure enough, a couple miles from the parking lot, there was Missy in the middle of that busy road, heading in our direction back toward Turkey Creek.

I am grateful to the angels I was silently asking to help find Missy, and I know that Caitlin was offering her own prayers as well. How wonderful to be reminded that prayers are indeed answered.

Here on the eve of 2012, I wish you and yours happy endings. The ups and downs along the way may appear stressful and scary at times, but don’t give up hope. There just might be a happy ending ahead, right around the bend.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist

Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

It occurs to me that her ordeal is the same as anyone else’s on the planet…that everywhere at every moment, someone is experiencing something equally awful. My heart aching for Nina touches that part of me that knows we are One, and that her experience is my experience is your experience. Compassion is a unifying emotion.

As a student of A Course in Miracles, I am doing what I can to filter my response to Nina’s difficulties through the wisdom and peace the Course offers. But I’m not consistently successful. At the moment, I just feel sad…and I know that’s OK.

Still, I trust that Peace will return because I feel it beckoning as I write these words. And as the Course so beautifully expresses: “You have never given any problem to the Holy Spirit He has not solved for you, nor will you ever do so.”

What could be more compassionate than that?

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist

Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

I’m struck by how similar that is to what I have taught students of my classes, and what I have said in readings: “The purpose of the Akash is to help us remember that we are not separate from God.”

The stories of our life (times) are the effect of temporary amnesia and clouded vision. They often leave us feeling disconnected and rudderless. As we explore ourselves through the Records, our True Sight is restored and we remember our Unity with Source.

I teach so that I may learn.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist

Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Nina Ferrell Medical Costs

Your kind donation will go directly to the hospital to pay expenses. PayPal makes it easy to help.

I’d like to tell you a bit about Nina. I met her a few years ago when she was introduced to me by a fellow channeler here in Austin. We ended up presenting at a conference together in San Francisco and got along like the old friends we clearly were. I met many wonderful people at that event, but our particular connection became one that grew very quickly, deepening through many Skype conversations, phone calls, and Facebook notes. Much of that inspired laughter.

Nina is one of the most generous people you could ever hope to meet. As a coach, medium, Reiki Master and animal lover, she has given so much of her time to those in need, regardless of whether there was any compensation in it for her. She never wanted to turn anyone away…that’s just who she is. But now, she really could use our help. 

You can get the flavor of who Nina is by going to her Facebook page. The outpouring of love and kindness that’s being posted there is extremely comforting to her family and friends. It’s overwhelming, in fact, so thank you all for that. But that’s the kind of response one would expect, given who she is.

So will you help? Even in these precarious economic times, you can make a difference. No donation is too small (or too large!), and every dollar is greatly appreciated. If you would, please forward this donation link so that others may come together on behalf of someone who has given so much to so many.

Nina’s son, Pieter Van Reenan, is working on a website for those of you who would like to keep updated on Nina’s condition and journey. It won’t go “live” until Wednesday, November 16th, but please have a look when you get a chance.

Nina loves flowers, and especially roses…

Thank you ALL from the bottom of our collective hearts!

After doing a lot of research, I chose to work with the good folks at the Austin Wellness Clinic to get some control back. I hadn’t been to a doctor in six years and felt it was time to get lab work done, so I went all out. I had my hormones checked, I did all the usual tests one does, and I had a comprehensive food allergy screen, all of which helped determine a plan of action.

The most radical thing I did was commit to exercising seven days a week (that’s not a typo!). I started with two days of strength training (using 3-pound weights), upped my cardio workout to include interval training on the treadmill, bought a bike and started riding again (which I thought I’d never be able to do), and added yoga and one day a week of endurance training. To be able to do all of this, I got up early and completed my workout before I had the chance to talk myself out of it.

I also kept track of everything: the food I ate, the exercise I did, how I felt, and my daily weight. My stepmom, Judy, told me about this great online tool (and of course, there’s an app) called My Fitness Pal, and you can learn more about it by clicking the icon below. It reminds me of when I used WeightWatchers online, with some added bells and whistles.

I cut out all the foods that weren’t really helping my health or my weight: sugar (as a lover of milkshakes, the biggest adjustment!), dairy, gluten, and for a while, oils. I ate protein, veggies, and fruit. I’m now having three meals a day (paying attention to portion size, what a concept!), plus three mini-meals including protein (nuts make a great snack). My skin is improving, there’s much less swelling in my body, and my energy is enviable.

After a few weeks on the program (I had to check in weekly), I was encouraged to up the amount of strength training and so I went from two to four days of that. No doubt, it’s what’s had the biggest impact. In the early days, I felt terribly weak and wimpy, but day by day I’m getting stronger. I have increased the weights I’m using and I get through my workouts more quickly. What’s really fun is watching muscles start to appear (oh, so those are what abs look like!), and seeing my clothes fall off me. I had done a bit of weight lifting in the past and really appreciated Joyce Vedral’s books, so though out of print, I found them online and highly recommend Weight Training Made Easy as a great one to start with.

I also have a wonderful support system, being blessed to have my Dad and Judy cheering me every step of the way. They’re my role models anyhow: they’re in their 70′s, they go to the gym several times a week, they are the poster children for retirement as they travel the world, and they’re hard to keep up with! I’d like someone to have that complaint about me when I’m their age.

Around the time I got serious about this, I started re-reading Disappearance of the Universe and A Course in Miracles. I began communicating more concertedly with the Holy Spirit throughout the day and took time in the mornings and at night to simply feel the presence of God. I realized that there is no need to separate my spiritual self from my physical self (even it is all an illusion! ). I feel more on track than I have in ages, and I intend to keep this up.

If you have lost hope, if you think it’s too late for you, I hope this encourages you to just start somewhere…with small steps. If I can turn this around (and surprisingly quickly, I might add), perhaps you can as well. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. What have you got to lose (except perhaps a size or two!)?

I wish you peace.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Wellness Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist

Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Upcoming Akashic Record Events
Nov. 2: One-hour Akashic Introduction, Austin, TX
Nov. 9: One-hour Akashic Introduction, Online
Nov. 18-19: Beginning/Certification, Austin, TX

I recently became a member of Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E., as it’s fondly known) and one of the benefits you receive as a new member is a course called “Discover Your Mission in Life”. It includes a workbook and 12 video lessons as concrete steps to discover your life’s path.

Membership in the Association is very affordable and is even cheaper if you opt for the online version (plus it’s more ecologically friendly). So perhaps this will be of interest to you. This question is one Edgar Cayce answered repeatedly, and as I said, I hear it all the time.

UCOH Holistic Fair Oct. 22nd

From 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. next Saturday, Unity Church of the Hills in Austin will play host to over 70 Austin-area holistic practitioners as they offer very affordable sessions for $20, to help raise funds for the “Love is Building” campaign. In addition to providing sessions, there will be information and education booths, as well as three free presentations every half hour on a myriad of holistically-themed topics.

Parking is plentiful, it costs nothing to enter, and this is a golden opportunity to sample a very broad spectrum of wonderful modalities at a really rare price. Doors open to the public at 9:00 and sessions are on a first come, first serve basis. Yummy food is available at a moderate price as well, so you could easily spend the day with us and make a contribution toward a worthy cause.

I’ll be giving Akashic Record readings all that day (I filled up quickly last year, so come early and secure a slot).  My free presentation about the Records is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Backstage. I hope to see you there.

©Maria K. Benning, M.Ed.
Healing Facilitator & Teacher
Licensed Pastoral Therapist

Sliding Scale Sessions $75-150

Upcoming Akashic Record Events
Oct. 22: Akashic Readings, UCOH Holistic Fair, Austin, TX
Nov. 2: One-hour Akashic Introduction, Austin, TX
Nov. 9: One-hour Akashic Introduction, Online
Nov. 18-19: Beginning/Certification, Austin, TX