January 2020

Editor's Note: I began writing this newsletter before hearing of the tragic fires in Australia. Like so many of you, I am saddened by the destruction and suffering. Although I did not address any world news topics in this month's ramble, I wanted to just take a moment to join you in sending loving prayers and healing energy to those who are struggling...in every corner of the world. If you're concerned, but feeling powerless to help those in crisis, you can always send love. It may not feel like much, but sending loving energy helps to raise the overall energetic vibration of the world, of mankind, and can help to ease suffering. Another thing that helps is to release worry, fear, shame, anger, or guilt, if possible, as those energies are equally as impactful...only in an opposite way. Our thoughts and words are so powerful. Sending love.

In peace, love & light

- Juli

Greetings and HAPPY NEW YEAR Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling loved

I also hope that you're feeling hopeful about jumping into this new year. Beginning not only a new year, but also a new decade, really gives me a sense of stepping into a new chapter of life. This is particularly refreshing and exciting as I wave a big fat farewell to 2019. Although it was a rough one, I am grateful for last year's experiences and all that they taught me. And I am still working through the healing process. But I feel stronger every day because I am honoring my need for rest and recovery...and giving my heart a chance to mend. It's a process but I'm finding my light again and that's pretty cool. Who knows what this year will bring but I am stepping into 2020 with an open heart, some pep in my step, a renewed sense of purpose, and on a mission to get stuff done....personally and professionally. Yeeeaaah buddy!!!

These past several weeks, I've been working on putting together a mediumship class (finally!). It's something I've wanted to do for quite some time but found myself dragging my feet and questioning my qualifications. And then last year happened (we lost a beloved senior dog and struggled with a very sick puppy) and everything was put on hold. So after the dust settled, I gave myself a few months to grieve and then I decided it was time to get this class together. This project is very near and dear to my heart for a few reasons. The more obvious reason is that it's what I do for work every day and I'm madly in love with my job. But the other reason is that it brings me tremendous joy to witness others stepping into their purpose and knowing that the ripple effect of their work will touch many lives in the most loving and magical ways. So I'm beyond stoked to finally be teaching it.

When thinking about what I wanted to write about this month, I figured I would write about mediumship since that's where my brain's been lately. I had a couple of ideas about what I was going to babble on about, but I decided to pull a card for inspiration/direction. And this is what I pulled:

(from the Doreen Virtue "Angel Therapy" deck)

"The angels want you to trust your feelings. Your heart is wise, and it's calling for you to make important changes. Trust this wisdom, as it won't let you down. Every time you defy your inner feelings, your heart breaks a little bit. Repair your heart and your relationship with yourself by honoring your emotions. For instance, if you're unhappy with a situation it means that something is wrong and action is necessary. Ask the angels to give you courage and support to make healthy changes at home and work. This card also calls upon you to open your heart to love. Perhaps you've been hurt in prior relationships and are guarded against additional pain. The angels assure you that they'll protect you and your heart, so it's safe for you to feel love and other emotions."

Hmmmm...not what I expected. However, this card is pretty significant. Not only because I am actively working to heal my own heart, but because mediumship is all about working from the heart and helping others to heal theirs.

So I guess that's what I'll talk about - what it means to be of service and the importance of operating from a place of love. In the "Messages from the Light - Mediumship 101" manual, I touch on this subject when discussing why one might want to become a medium:

"Mediumship comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s a sacred practice and should be treated as such. Before you take on the role of becoming a medium, it’s important that you ask yourself, “Why? Why do I want to be a medium?” And there is really only one answer. And it is quite simple...

TO BE OF SERVICE

If there is any other answer, this may not be the right profession for you. If your primary goal is self serving (to achieve fame/fortune, to impress your peers, to feed your ego in any way), you will only get so far in this line of work. Why? Because in order to do this work and to do it well, you need to be operating at a high vibrational frequency [because Spirit vibrates at high frequencies and to connect with them, we must tune in to their energy]. LOVE is the highest known vibrational frequency that we experience here in the physical world. Love, compassion, gratitude, kindness, nature, humor – all high vibrational energies. Fear, hate, jealousy, judgment, guilt – all low vibrational energies. If your only motivation is to impress others or to get rich, you are not working from a place of love but rather from a place of fear (fear of not being or not having enough). Humility is crucial and it’s helpful to remember that you are simply the middle man in this equation.

So what does that mean exactly? To be of service? Mediumship is healing work. To do this work, it’s important that you have a desire to help others. You are working on behalf of God (the Universe, Source, Creator, or whatever word that resonates with you); you are working for Spirit and for those here in the physical world. The intention behind Mediumship is to deliver healing messages from Spirit to those who are in need – with kindness, compassion, non-judgment, and with love. It’s an important job that isn’t to be taken lightly. Choosing to live a life as a medium is choosing to live a life of service. It’s a serious commitment. Mediumship takes time and practice and dedication. No different than if you were to choose to become a nurse or a teacher or a minister or anyone who offers their time, energy, and skill set to help others to grow, to learn, and to heal. As a medium, you may choose not only to deliver messages, but also to teach or mentor others to help them to understand more about the Spirit world or to understand their own abilities.

I love the idea that our Souls came here to experience life in human form in order to experience not only great joys, but also very painful lows, so that we may grow. And it’s not always easy. So, it makes my heart happy to think that we are also here to help walk each other Home."

This theory applies to anyone who is in a position to help others, not just mediums. Being of service to others, in whatever capacity, is all about the heart. It's all about energetic vibrations. Working from a place of LOVE involves having compassion for your fellow humans, animals, plants...and for yourself. When you are being of service to others, the purpose of your words and actions are to help others to feel better - to create a safe space that is devoid of fear, doubt, and judgment. And it feels GOOD to release all that junk and to rise up into the energy of love. It feels good to vibe high. If you're not sure where you're operating, you can focus on that heart chakra and take inventory - am I treating others with love? are my words and my thoughts loving? am I loving myself unconditionally?

And just because love is the motivation for helping others, it doesn't mean you can't or won't achieve financial security. Quite the contrary. It's okay to do heart centered work AND be open to receiving abundance into your life. In fact, it's important to strike a nice healthy balance between giving and receiving. And operating from a place of love actually helps to manifest what you would like to bring into your life.

Think about the Law of Attraction - the idea that you attract in your life what you put energy towards via your thoughts, words, and actions. So if you are grateful for what you have and for all that you want that is coming your way, you attract more of the same into your life. However, when you focus on what you don't have or on your fear of not having enough, you attract more of what you don't want into your life. Gratitude is considered a high vibrational frequency. Fear is a low vibrational frequency. We attract what we are putting out into the Universe. So it's important to be mindful of your thoughts and your words....and your motivations.

I really believe that the key is to work from the heart....and allow the Universe to respond in kind. Let love, not fear, be your motivation in whatever you do. Then open your arms and your heart wide to receive...to allow love and abundance to flow back to you.

Sounds like good plan. I think I'm going to make this a regular part of my 2020 routine...and maybe up my meditation game and get out and walk a little more, too ;-)

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick off the year, I'll be teaching the first mediumship class on January 5th at "Messages from the Light" - Mediumship 101. In this 4 week course, you will take your connection with Spirit to the next level and learn the basic principles of delivering healing messages to others as an evidential medium! (Note: the January class is now full but I added a February class and it's posted on the schedule - if you're interested, here is the link to sign up - FEBRUARY CLASS)

On January 10th, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit!. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit for? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones to receive messages for yourself...and, yes, anyone can do it

Come join us for a day of manifesting at Manifestation Day - Co-Creating Your 2020 on Sunday, the 12th! Learn how to bring positive changes into your life by co-creating with your Spirit team and the Universe. It's a day filled with love, creativity, law of attraction, and good vibes that you won't want to miss. We'll enjoy a guided meditation, watch an inspiring film, create mini vision boards, and more! Meet new friends, have a laugh, and take an afternoon to focus on you and your next chapter. Your hopes and dreams ARE attainable when you set your intention, have faith, stay positive, and take the steps towards making them happen.

Next, I'll be joining fellow medium, Janis Boscarello, on January 17th for an evening of channeled messages at "Voices of Spirit - Mediumship Gallery featuring Juli & Janis!". Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

Enjoy pulling cards for yourself? Interested in learning more about using card decks for guidance or validation in your daily life? Well then you might want to check out Fun with Angel & Oracle Cards! on January 29th. We'll talk a little while about the different ways you can use card decks and then we'll practice pulling cards for ourselves and for each other. No experience needed - all are welcome!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

December 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling loved

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like the holidays! Even if you don't celebrate anything, it's really hard to miss, isn't it? Whether you're driving through the neighborhood, grocery shopping, listening to the radio, or (heaven forbid) you turn on the Hallmark Channel....you know it's happening. Ready or not.

And I'm ready! Well mostly ready. I'm always ready for the season that encourages spreading good cheer and giving to others. It's sort of my jam. I love the smells (and taste!) of the foods that remind me of happy times with my family and spending time with friends. I love celebrating traditions that remind me of our true spirit - love and kindness. The holidays are an opportunity to see the best in ourselves and others.

It's also an opportunity for cozy pajamas, curling up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, and watching "Elf" on repeat. These days, that's my idea of holiday heaven on earth. And up until yesterday, that's exactly how I was envisioning spending Christmas day this year. And I was actually excited about it!

For years (50 to be exact), my Christmas day looked something like this - wake up, cook a couple side dishes (or the entire turkey dinner), finish wrapping presents, and head to my parent's to spend the day with my brothers and sister and grandparents. Or they would all come to ours. We gather around the tree, open presents, eat, laugh, drink, and be merry. Of course, I did a lot less cooking when I was little, but you get the picture. We were an interesting bunch (imagine the Griswolds with fancy dishes). I cherish those times with my family and have wonderful memories. But over time, things have changed. My grandparents now join us in Spirit. My one brother lives in VA Beach with his fiance, my other brother moved to Maine with his wife and daughter, and my sister is in San Francisco with her partner. Once my grandparents passed, it seemed as though they were the glue that held the holidays together because we rarely are able to get the whole gang together at the same time anymore. It's a little sad because it meant our traditions were no longer traditions. They were beautiful memories.

I have come to terms with this. My mother has not. So every holiday, she still gets a little melancholy when everyone isn't home to gather around the family table. But she insists on having a big dinner with all the trimmings in the hopes that everybody will magically appear. My husband and I show up since we still live close by. Sometimes I host, sometimes Dad does (Mom is unable to cook or clean....but she's good at directing). Sometimes my niece joins, sometimes my brother comes home. Every few years, my other brother or sister come to town. But lately, holiday and birthday celebrations look a lot like an odd double date with my parents. Which is totally fine. It's nice to spend time with them. I don't, however, like feeling like we have to do things for the sake of tradition. My brothers and sister have branched out and are creating their own traditions. They hold our past Christmases close to their hearts but they have also embraced change. So why can't we? Well, surprisingly I can. My husband can. My parents? Not so much. One year, for example, I suggested that we not exchange gifts....and instead, donate to our favorite charities. That was shot down quickly. Another year, I thought it would be nice to cook a ham instead of a turkey. Nope. How about we eat out? That was not even up for debate. So, to keep the peace...I go with their flow. I know it means a lot to my Mom....and Dad, too (happy wife, happy life!)

This year, my brother announced that he would be hosting Christmas in VA Beach. We won't be able to go because my husband has to work. And since I recently hosted Thanksgiving, I was more than happy to pass the torch. I enjoy family time, but it can be extremely draining for me (physically, mentally, energetically). Shoot, I still feel like I'm recovering from last week! And I was also happy that my parents would be getting to spend time with my brother. Sure, I'd miss spending Christmas day with them. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't relieved. No pressure to clean or cook. No pressure to make sure there were plenty of presents to unwrap (that's another thing that's very important to Mom...she likes a lot under the tree no matter what). No pressure to stand in for the rest of the family that Mom really wanted to see, but couldn't be there. My brother was taking the reins and I was pretty stoked. I was actually looking forward to spending a quiet day at home with Paul. Takeout? Maybe. Visit with friends? Possibly. Volunteer? Also could happen. Go for a hike? Sure. Lay on the couch all day? Most likely Yes!!!! Merry Christmas to me!

It's not that I don't care to celebrate. I was just relieved of the pressure to recreate the idyllic family experience when the family gatherings just don't look the same anymore. I can celebrate in other ways and make new traditions. Between the Light Works holiday party, a few plans with friends, and my lazy day Christmas, I was looking forward to the upcoming weeks. In fact, I found myself whistling "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Life is good!

So where is all of this going, you ask? Well, as of yesterday, I was still unsure about what to write about this month. I decided to pull some cards for inspiration and here are the three I pulled:

“Round and Round” - Are you refusing to see your own personal responsibility for repeating lessons you don’t need to relearn? You have to surrender now to the fact that you are the common denominator in all these repeat performances. Be happy, for this is a wonderful spot to be in! You can now see the cycles that you wish to exit.

“Not for You” - Don’t chase after what flees from you. Don’t obsess over what eludes you. Don’t bang your head against the wall. There is nothing romantic about what is unavailable, no prize given for torturing yourself, and nothing to be gained by refusing to see the red flags that have been waving since you began your pursuit.

“MAIDEN MA GU” - Maiden Ma Gu, an immortal expression of the Divine Mother of the East, now brings you a special message from Kuan Yin. She guides you to trust that if you enter into the darkness of the unknown parts of yourself, you will emerge into light, reassembled and reborn once more. If you are going through chaos in your life, because you are allowing yourself to grow, Maiden Ma Gu also reassures you that the order and light will emerge out of the chaos in due course. Have faith and keep growing!

("Round and Round" and "Not For You" from the Colette Baron Reid "Wisdom of the Oracle" deck; "Maiden Ma Gu" from the Alan Fairchild "Kuan Yin Oracle" deck)

Nice cards, I guess. But I really wasn't sure what I was supposed to make of them or how they related to what was going on in my world. And I certainly didn't have any 'aha' moments about what to write. My Mom had called as I was pulling cards and I thought that maybe I got distracted, broke my energetic connection with my spirit team, and pulled the 'wrong' cards (I'm sure my team thinks that's funny...they just love when I second guess them). So I decided to put the newsletter aside for a while and give my parents a call back.

Turns out, they aren't planning to go to my brother's for Christmas after all. They don't feel comfortable traveling for various reasons. So now, Christmas in NoVa is back on and the question is whether they will come here or we will go there (which loosely translates to "we want to come to your house"). And while I probably should be excited about the news, the truth is that I'm not. And I feel guilty. As much as I love them, I was really excited about the freedom of having no obligation to anyone other than myself this time. And now I feel selfish. And now I know what the cards mean.

Some of the major spiritual themes for me this year are related to surrender, healing old wounds, releasing guilt, and exercising self care.

The Round and Round card speaks to "lessons" that keep coming up until we break the cycles. In this case, it's about putting myself first. There are times when it's important for me to do for others and there are times when it's important to honor my own needs and wants. Now is one of those times. I have to trust that when I do, everyone will be okay. In fact, everyone will be better than okay (as the little fearful voice inside my head screams....ooooh, Mom is going to be so pissed!)

The Not For You card speaks to my tendency to try and ram the square peg in the round hole. This means going against what my gut is telling me. Saying "yes" to something I don't really want to do. My internal compass is pointing to my Christmas couch day because I likely need that day for me...for whatever reason. If I offer to spend days cooking, cleaning, and hosting, I will most likely regret that decision.

The Maiden Magu card reminds me that growth only comes from looking at my shadows (judgments, good or bad, of myself) and recognizing the importance of working through them. And that others are presenting themselves and lovingly playing roles for me to work on my own unique life lessons. The message in this card also speaks to rebirth and new light once the lessons are learned. Traditions are great but sometimes things change. And sometimes life happens to bring an awareness to places within us that need healing.

So who knows what we'll end up doing. I'll probably meditate on this some more for clarity and ask my team for some assistance. Perhaps my parents will come over Christmas day, we'll eat donuts for breakfast, order Chinese for dinner, lay around in our pjs, and watch movie. Or maybe I'll take Christmas off and we can get together for New Year's. We shall see. As of right now, I think the moral of this story is for me to honor traditions when I can, give love and energy when I can, and that sometimes I will make memories with my family and friends....and sometimes I need a break. And that's okay.

I understand that my story my not speak to you and that's okay, too. As always, take what resonates and leave the rest. I also realize that there are many of you who are missing your loved ones this year, and would give your right arm to have another holiday with your beloved family members and friends. If you've experienced loss, have fallen on hard times, or are feeling disconnected from your loved ones, the holidays can be especially tough. If that's you, know that I am sending some extra love your way.

If you are planning on celebrating family traditions that are still standing the test of time, I think that is beautiful! If you are exploring new ways of celebrating this year, I am excited for you, too! Know that whatever you do or wherever you are, I wish you all a very happy holiday season!

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

First, to celebrate the holiday season, there are TWO specials this month that I want to share with you:

Special #1 - Speaking of holiday traditions....don't miss the Light Work's 4th Annual Holiday Party on December 7th! Come out and enjoy some food, drink, and some holiday cheer at Old Town Sports Pub in Manassas. There will also be door prizes and White Elephant gift exchange. Click here for more details and to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

Special #2 - Gift Certificates are a great way to gift someone a reading, a Reiki session, animal communication, or a class or workshop. And this month, when you purchase $100 in gift certificates...you receive a $25 gift certificate for yourself! Click here for more information!

Then on December 8th, guest psychic medium Theresa Tinsley will be visiting to teach us all about the energetic cleansing art of smudging at "Smudge Stick Make & Take with Theresa!" If you're looking for a fun and creative activity, and an opportunity to learn about the use of burning natural plant material to cleanse your space, look no further! We'll begin with an informational segment and then we'll create our own unique masterpieces to take home.

Are you a Reiki Level I practitioner ready to take your Reiki Level I training to the next level? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on December 14th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on December 15th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Enjoy pulling cards for yourself? Interested in learning more about using card decks for guidance or validation in your daily life? Well then you might want to check out Fun with Angel & Oracle Cards! on December 18th. We'll talk a little while about the different ways you can use card decks and then we'll practice pulling cards for ourselves and for each other. No experience needed - all are welcome!

And lastly, on December 21st join us a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

November 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling loved

Is it really November already? It feels like I'm still trying to remember to write 2019 on my checks for pete's sake. How is this possible? I guess a lot has happened this year and time flies when we're having fun...or not fun. Maybe it just seems to zip on by when we are armpit deep in life! In any case, I'm definitely not complaining about kissing this year goodbye. 2019 was a challenging year for many and I, for one, am super ready to see what 2020 brings. And for some reason, I weirdly like even numbers. So bring it on. Bring on the chilly weather (which I also like), bring on the holidays (another fave), bring on 2020, and bring on everything wonderful that is coming our way! I'm so stinking stoked.

Okay, okay.....I'm getting ahead of myself a little bit. I got excited for a minute about what the future holds. And while I am feeling positive and super hopeful about what is coming up, we've still got a couple more months to ride out, to reflect on the highs/lows, and to heal.

In a good place with nothing to heal? Sweet!!! It's not for me to tell you what you may or may not be carrying that's weighing you down. That's for you to determine. Hopefully, you're in a good spot right now which is awesome! But if you're having a tough time, or are working on healing old 'stuff', know that you are not alone. I've come to understand that nobody gets to live a purely unblemished life....without bumps and bruises along the way. And every time I think I've done all the healing work that I need to do, along comes that inner voice that calls bulls#!t and I'm faced with yet another life lesson. Isn't that fun? Don't get me wrong. I still think that Life is Good. Great, in fact. Amazing and beautiful and full of magic. I truly do. But I also know that the challenges we face in life are inevitable and chock full of opportunities for growth. So whether you are struggling with pain from long ago, recent grief or heartbreak, personal triggers, stress, anxiety, or depression...there is almost always some sort of healing work to do. It's just a part of that cycle of life here in the physical world - birth, growth through highs/lows, healing, releasing, and rebirth.

Raise your hand if you avoid doing your healing work like the plague. My hand is up. In fact, both hands and a foot are up. And to be honest, I didn't realize how true this was for me until this year. Sure, I knew that I was stubborn and self care was a challenge for me. I knew that I had a tendency to give, give, and give some more until I was absolutely shattered physically and mentally. Spirit has consistently had to take me out of the game when I refused to exercise self care and honor healthy boundaries in my work and personal relationships. I've had forced 'time outs' in the form of back/knee/foot injuries, car trouble, viral infections, and even cancelled appointments. All because I was exhausted and refused to take care of me first. And while I have learned to do better these past couple years, I'm still no expert. But I'm finding that it's much easier to take a day or two off to recharge my batteries than it is to deal with having to reschedule days worth of appointments because I'm laid out flat... or to have to go car shopping (ugh...put a pencil in my eye).

But this year, I really learned a hard (but valuable) lesson in self care and healing. After losing Shiloh (our beloved 11 year old boy) in March, I was absolutely devastated. I know many of you have followed our story so I'll keep the recap brief. I cried many tears, meditated, connected with him in Spirit, journaled, and cried some more. I worked through my emotions and allowed my feelings to be expressed in raw and painful ways. And over the course of a few months, I felt better. I felt like I had healed and I felt like it was time to bring in new life...to fill our home with fur again. So against my husband's better judgement and my internal compass that was screaming "don't do it!", we brought home two beautiful adult pups with the best intentions of giving them lots of love and comfort and a happy life with us. What started as a beautiful dream quickly turned into a horrific nightmare of having to rehome one of them.... and eventually assisting the other's passing. For four months, I gave every ounce of my energy trying to help Yogi to heal. I was determined to help him no matter what the cost. Until it became obvious that his health issues were not fixable. It was the longest, most mentally and physically challenging four months of my life. And probably one of the most heartbreaking experiences I've ever been through. Needless to say, I was beaten down. I was more than bruised. And I didn't realize the extent of the work that I would need to do to fully recover....not only from the experience with Yogi, but also from the loss of Shiloh. And I'm still not done.

You see, I've learned a bunch through my experiences this year - such as how to surrender guilt, that I can't fix everything or everybody, and more layers to the art of letting go. But now I am also recognizing a pattern for me that needs to be addressed. After losing Shiloh, I had an opportunity to really do some necessary healing work. Not only to heal my grieving heart, but to turn my attention back to me and learn how to put my oxygen mask on first. Because for 12 years, I had put our dogs' needs before my own. Shoot, I even put the dogs' needs before my husband's! After Shiloh passed, I was given the opportunity to mend myself, to put myself first, and to give attention back to my relationships. And to fully heal. But instead, I chose to dive right back into caretaker mode. And it backfired. I realize now that, in caring so intensely for this other Soul, I was neglecting my own physical and mental health. And I was also avoiding doing the repair work on myself that was so needed. Recently, I've been reflecting on this and it's become pretty clear that this is a pattern for me. In caring for others (dogs, family, friends...and even clients), I avoid dealing with some of my own crap.

So I've decided to make some changes.

While I still have a sincere, heart singing desire to help others and to be of service, it's important that I also give as much attention to my own needs and healing work. And not to avoid it by throwing myself into work or caring for fur kids or anyone or anything else. That's my plan. Hopefully, I can stick to it.

This morning, I did a quick meditation and I thought I would share a message that I received when I tuned in (which inspired me to write this mess today...):

"Healing. It is a journey to cherish. Not one to be easily discarded or ignored, but one of rediscovery. You must learn to appreciate the light once again, to embrace the beauty that never left...but rather laid dormant through your eyes. Awakening is not for a select few or for the chosen. Awakening takes place each time you are healed. That is the nature of being alive and in human form. So cry your heart out, shake your fists, and release! Soon you will be reborn and you will find love, true love, once more. And I will be walking beside you every step of the way."

It struck me that when we do allow ourselves to fully go through the healing process - to experience hardships, to express our emotions, to release, and to reflect - we always eventually circle back to a place of love. We truly do rediscover our joy and happiness every time. It may take time and it might look a lot like an upside down road map but I believe, like most things, that the reward is always worth the work.

I hope that sharing my crazy story helps in some way. As always, take what resonates and leave the rest.

And yes, I am absolutely still CHOMPING AT THE BIT to adopt a new four legged family member!! But for now, I'm exercising self control. I'm putting my energy back towards me, my connection to Spirit, my marriage, preparing to sell our house, creating new classes for work, and taking time to address the parts of me that need to be looked at and released so that I can be reborn again.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thanks for your support and love....and for being part of my journey.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, guest artist Ann King will be visiting on November 15th to teach us a new painting technique at "Meditate & Create - Alcohol Ink Art with Ann King!" If you're looking for a way to channel your creative side, look no further! We'll begin with a short meditation to ask for guidance and inspiration from your Spirit team and then we'll create our own unique masterpieces to take home!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on November 22nd. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out this month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

And lastly, on November, 26th I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

Also, you don't want to miss the Light Work's 4th Annual Holiday Party on December 7th. So mark your calendars! Come out and enjoy some food, drink, and some holiday cheer at Old Town Sports Pub in Manassas. There will also be door prizes and White Elephant gift exchange. Click here for more details and to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

October 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling loved

"I still don't know what I was waiting for

And my time was running wild

A million dead-end streets

And every time I thought I'd got it made

It seemed the taste was not so sweet

So I turned myself to face me

But I've never caught a glimpse

Of how the others must see the faker

I'm much too fast to take that test

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...."

Ch-ch-ch-CHANGES....you weren't kidding, David Bowie. As I peer out the window at the fresh layer of leaves on the ground, I am reminded of the absolute certainty of change. Of life and death. And of rebirth. The highs and lows of life...and of the hard work that it takes to navigate through it all. To fall, to break, to heal, and to rise again. It's not easy but I truly believe that hard work pays off. And I believe that there is a certain magic in rediscovering the sun....over and over again.

I am particularly aware of the healing process at the moment, as we recently helped our 11 month old puppy to cross the rainbow bridge.

Many of you have followed our story, and know of the challenges that Yogi had....his extreme fears, his behavioral issues, his health issues. We worked on building his confidence and trust. We trained him, ourselves, and others to create a safe environment for us all to live in. We worked hard to eliminate known allergens from his life....and to strengthen his weak immune system. The poor guy was allergic to the freaking WORLD. And in the last few weeks before his passing, he began having seizures and exhibiting clear signs of brain malfunction. My days (and nights) were spent focused on helping to heal my sweet guy ....researching and observing and making changes and trying different things to ease his discomfort. He was my special needs boy and I was determined to 'fix' him so that he could live a happy and healthy and long life with us. I was willing to sacrifice my work, my health, my sleep, and my sanity for his well being. And I did. For four months, I gave everything that I had. But no matter how much I tried to love him into a healthy dog, it wasn't meant to be. We were told that his brain would never be 'normal' and that he would essentially be a patient (and science experiment) for his remaining days. Ultimately, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and to let him go.

And I am still coming to terms with that.

What I am learning from this experience is not so much about grief and working through the waves of sorrow. Of course I miss Yogi. Of course I mourn the loss of what I had hoped his life would be. But what has taken me hostage are the overwhelming feelings of GUILT. In my mind, I have wrestled with the most excruciating thoughts - "Did we do enough?", "Did we give up too soon?", "Why did we remove him from his environment and subject him to the scary new surroundings?", "What kind of person murders an 11 month old puppy...WHO DOES THAT?????" Yea, I went there. My mind was tortured. No matter how much I did to help him, I felt that I surely could have done more. No matter how much I loved him, I felt that I had played a huge role in his stress and discomfort. No matter how many people reassured me that we did the right thing, I questioned our decision to free him. No matter how many people told me that he was lucky to have received the love that I showered him with, I felt in my heart that I would never be able to forgive myself for his short and difficult life. I pulled cards and I sought reassurance from friends who sat in the trenches with me from the day we brought Yogi home. I meditated and had some intense conversations with God and my Spirit 'team'. Yet, I kept replaying the guilty thoughts like a broken record. It was not a comfortable place to be and I knew that the answer was to forgive myself. But I couldn't seem to find a way off this unhealthy carousel. So I did what I do. I asked Spirit for help ....and then I Googled. I began researching guilt associated with euthanasia. I was led to the articles that I needed to read. The ones that validated what I was feeling. But also the ones that reminded me that carrying this burden was not going to do anything except cripple me and keep me from moving forward. It would be impossible for me to heal if I did not release the guilt. And how can help others if I can't heal myself? Crap. Here we go again. Another exercise in self love.

Now I consider myself to be a pretty strong Soul. I am a fighter, a warrior (and a worrier....but that's a subject for a whole other ramble)...and I can usually tap into my Divine power within to get through tough times. But I am also humble enough to know that sometimes I need assistance. I knew that it would likely take a very long time (if ever) to find forgiveness for myself at the rate I was going. So, I turned to Spirit and I asked for help again. This time I called on God, the archangels, ascended masters, my guides, my loved ones...even Yogi. I asked for them to help me to release any emotions, thoughts, and feelings that were no longer serving me. I asked them to take all of that from my head and my heart and to send that low level energy off to some heavenly laundromat for some deep cleaning.

And they did. Or maybe I did. Who knows for sure? But I like to give Spirit credit because I'm fairly certain it wasn't me.

Within hours, I felt some of the heaviness in my heart lifted. My old thoughts were replaced with a more accurate picture of what really took place. I was able to see things from my Soul's perspective....to remember that Yogi was not a victim, and neither was I. We merely met in this lifetime to give each other this experience so that we might grow as Souls. I was able to feel sad and to miss him....but to accept, without guilt, that I did not miss the struggle. I did not miss the constant stress....his or mine. I did not miss knowing his pain and frustrations. I did not miss the worrying and the feelings of helplessness. I was able to finally see that we did release him from a body that was not serving him at all. And to see that he was truly not meant to be here in the physical world any longer than he was here. It wasn't meant for me to 'fix' him.

Not long ago, I found myself watching Brene Brown on Netflix. It is supposedly one of the most viewed Ted Talks of all time. I don't remember what the subject was but there was one thing that really stuck with me. She talked about "the stories we tell ourselves". When life happens, we often create a narrative that becomes that "story we tell ourselves". It becomes our truth....whether the story is 100% accurate or not. And sometimes, those stories can be positive and nourish our sense of well being. But most of the time, especially in times of discomfort, the stories that we tell ourselves are not true. And they can cause us unnecessary pain and suffering. And, as in my case, despair. Fortunately, I didn't stay in that place too long....and I was able to see, fairly quickly, my story from a different and healthier angle. From my Soul's perspective.

Am I totally healed from all of this? Ummmm....no. I've still got work to do. My body is recovering from the stress of the past four months (seven if you count from the day we lost our other boy, Shiloh). My mind still wrestles with the guilt every now and again. But then I remember the real story and I find peace, knowing that Yogi is still with me...and no longer suffering in his beautiful, yet severely flawed, body. I spend time outside walking the trails, reflecting, shedding tears, talking to my favorite trees, and closing my eyes so that I can feel the energy of my tremendous support system. And I feel their unconditional love for me....and mine for them. I know that I do not need to forgive myself when I love myself the way that they love me. That is how I know that I will be okay and that my heart will heal with time.

And when I have the energy, I reach out and connect with friends and family. I do the work that makes my heart sing. I watch shows that make me laugh. I listen to music that lifts my spirits. And I give myself permission to have a happy life.

I do long for the day when our home is filled with fur again. But for now, I will focus on me and getting back to to my joy. I look forward to this next life chapter with curiosity and, honestly... a bit of excitement. It's been quite a year so I'm ready for that amazing sunrise!

So....wherever you are in the book of YOU, I hope that you are telling yourself the most true and honest stories. If you need to forgive yourself, I hope that you can love yourself completely, and that you are able to let the past go, so that you may move forward with a full heart and with hope for a bright future. And if you need some help, don't forget to call on your Spirit team. All you have to do is ask. They're amazing. If I could give them 5 stars on Yelp, I totally would.

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween, ya'll!

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

On October, 16th I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on September 15th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out this month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

And lastly, join us on the 26th for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

September 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling loved

I'm sure you all were starting to wonder whether you were going to see a September newsletter! Well, maybe you weren't wondering. But I sure was. Things have been hectic and I was hoping to write about overcoming some of the recent obstacles. But I guess I'm supposed to write about where I'm at right now. Good grief. You may want to buckle up.

These days, my world is consumed with more and more dog related challenges. So much so that I sometimes forget to eat. Food not only fuels my system and feeds my cells, but it's one of my best friends. So you know life is crazy when I miss meals. Ugh. We're dealing with severe allergies, possibly mites, yeast, and/or God only knows what. Sleepless nights and constant bedding changes, Reiki, vacuuming, researching, and spray baths....that's pretty much what my world looks like right now. It's all consuming. It's also by my own design.

You see, I'm a fixer. And I'm tenacious. I don't give up easily. I am great at taking control. And in some areas of life, these are helpful attributes. In fact, it comes in handy when things need to get done. Hand me a project and put me in the driver's seat and you can bet that if there is a way, I will plow through and make it happen. Whether it's 10 loads of laundry or managing my grandparents' estate or planning a white water rafting trip for a group of 30 or navigating the care of my husband or dogs. I'll get it done. At least that's how things have worked in the past.

Lately, it seems, no matter how much I research, no matter how much I think and think (and THINK) about the possible causes of or ways to relieve my dog's horrific symptoms, I can't seem to fix this. It's heartbreaking and it's taking its toll on my health and energy. It's not a great place to be. Right now, my mind is in a rather constant state of fear and I'm doing everything I can think of to try and get this dog healthy. It's a vicious carousel ride in my head. And if I'm to be honest with myself, it really comes down to me desperately wanting to control the situation. My very dear friend even lovingly pointed out that my behavior and thoughts are a bit OCD. I can't argue with that. Not one bit.

In my work, I am reminded day in and day out that we are powerful spiritual beings. We may have human weakness and struggle with fear, doubt, and frustration (among other things) but at the end of the day, we truly are Souls having a human experience. That when we work together with Spirit, we are able to overcome obstacles with minimal difficulty and recovery time is shorter. So when I am working, I am able to detach from my crazy OCD thoughts. When I'm in nature, walking the trails with Yogi, I feel connected with God and my spirit team and I regain hope that we will get to a good place again. I am also reminded that we have come a long way from where we began back in May (he's gone from a fearful, reactive, aggressive guy to a more confident, stable, sociable boy). And I feel gratitude for the successes. In these moments of clarity, I remember that this is all temporary and that I do have the power to manifest a calm and peaceful resolution with the help of Spirit. And I wave my white flag and give thanks for the help that they are bringing to me. I find peace in these moments.

But no sooner do we get back at home, and he is constantly itching and biting his poor raw hamburger looking legs and feet, scratching his ears, and corn cob biting his body, I resume my frantic thinking once again.... do I spray him? which spray will help? did I feed him something or expose him to something from his LOOOOONG list of allergens? are the TCM herbs working or not? this supplement or that supplement? how much quercetin can I safely give him? is this an allergy problem or a yeast problem or a bug problem? I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

I am constantly toggling between my chaotic state and my acceptance state....but mostly residing in my chaotic state.

Pulling cards and asking for answers when I'm in that heightened state is nothing short of a joke. I want to know what to do. And I want to know now. I want the fix it handbook for this problem and I want to know when it will be over. But I know Spirit doesn't play like that. I ask, "Should I fast Yogi?" and the card I pull is "Ask Your Angels". That's when the cursing begins. Pretty sure THAT'S WHAT I AM FREAKING DOING by pulling cards.

So I sit in meditation and ask....what am I supposed to be learning from this? Surrender. Release the need to control. Detach from the situation. Ask us for help. Love him and yourself through this process. And I feel like things will be okay. More cards validate that everything is going to be okay. And then it dawns on me....no matter what happens, it will be okay. I don't need to control the outcome. Heaven forbid we aren't able to get Yogi healthy and he declines and we have to say good bye to him, then I trust that's exactly how things were supposed to play out. I won't like it. But I will be okay and so will he. And that's the worst case scenario. The best case is that he is just going through a tough time as his immune system strengthens and we will all get through this soon enough. My thoughts need to be positive, I need to enlist Spirit's help, and I need to accept that if he is meant to regain his health, he will. We have the ability to co-create our lives and to attract what we think. So living in a constant state of needing to fix, I am likely attracting more to fix. But boy, oh boy. Flipping the switch on the worrisome thoughts is a tall order sometimes. Especially when you're watching your furry kid suffer. But I know that it's the only way.

And here's the card that I just pulled from the Collette Baron Reid "Wisdom of the Oracle" deck...(it was upside down so it has a specific meaning)

Here's the message...

"Now is the time for a real change in consciousness as you are incited to revolt. Challenge the structures that are limiting authentic progress. It is not enough to rebel in small ways - this is a call to revolution! Focus on what you really want to achieve, regardless of whether it feels so far outside the box that the established order may reject it. Genius, invention, and transformation are rarely comfortable, and less likely to be accepted by the mainstream. It may be time for you to say no to the way of your group, take a stand, and make real changes. It could be that the structure of your inner world is alerting you to the need for a complete overhaul. This is a time for transformation, so let go of the fear of change. Your intuition will lead you through the darkness. There is no turning back now. Trust that light will dawn. Epiphanies will surely lead to miracles."

Well, shoot. I can't say that I am there just yet. I have a lot of work to do. I'm also reminded that this is a repeat performance. Back in 2012, our other dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and given 2 months to live (with chemo and amputation). I chose to go the holistic route. And my day to day head spinning and frantic energy was the norm. I was driving myself, and my dog, nuts. Spinning my wheels and getting nowhere fast.....researching like a maniac and throwing remedies and anticancer treatments at her like our lives depended on it, I made her sick. She got so that she wasn't able to keep her food down. All the doctors could do was give her antinausea medicine and that wasn't working. I was terrified and at my wit's end. A friend suggested I contact an animal communicator. I did. She was amazing and was able to pinpoint some major pieces of valid information. But I wanted her to tell me how to help my kid. She basically told me that I needed to meditate and ask my spirit 'beings' for help. WTF? (this was before I knew anything about meditation, spirituality, metaphysics, etc). She told me to sit outside, clear my thoughts, ask for help, and pay attention to my thoughts. So I did it (with a bit of an attitude and a healthy dose of skepticism....but I did it). My question was...should I give her raw goat's milk, should fast her, or should I give her bone broth? Spirit showed me the Whites (a family I'd known growing up) and a barrel of water. I gave up pretty quickly, thinking that neither was the answer to my question, and headed back into the house. And then it dawned on me...."Whites" and "water". White water? Goat's milk? I didn't know for sure but I decided to give her the goat's milk. Within two days, her belly was healed and I was able to reintroduce her food without any problems. That dog went on to live two more years. During that time, I learned to listen to my intuition and to be at peace with whatever the outcome was to be. I surrendered. It wasn't easy but I did and we got through it.

I know that we will get through this, too. I guess I needed to brush up on releasing control. Dammit. (Thank you, Yogi, for showing up to help me on my journey...and thanks for waiting patiently for your breakfast this morning while I wrote this newsletter). Wish me luck, ya'll!

Hopefully this rant helps in some way. Even if it helps you to find gratitude for the good in your life. Sort of like how watching reality television puts things into perspective for me. Haha! Now to go feed the boy and then get ready to be of service today.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

We've got a lot going on in September! To start things off, we have a couple Reiki classes....

Are you a Reiki Level II practitioner who wants to learn more, and possibly become a Master Teacher? Take your Reiki training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level III/Advanced Reiki Training Certification class on September 7th & 8th. This is a two day intensive class where you will learn advanced techniques to enhance Reiki healing. This class is a prerequisite to taking the Reiki Master Teacher course (coming in October!)

Are you a Reiki Level I practitioner ready to take your Reiki Level I training to the next level? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on September 14th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on September 15th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Join us on the 21st for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

Want to learn how to raise your vibration and manifest the life you desire? Joanne Broomer will be offering "Intuitive Self Healing Block Clearing with Jo!" on September 25th. She'll be sharing her tools and experiences to help us to live our best lives. Then we'll participate in a guided meditation to put it into practice!

If you're looking for a way to channel your creative side, look no further! Guest artist, Ann King, will be visiting on September 27th to teach us a new painting technique at "Meditate & Create - Alcohol Ink Art with Ann King!" We'll begin with a short meditation to ask for guidance and inspiration from your Spirit team and then we'll create our own unique masterpieces to take home!

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out this month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

And lastly, we'll be getting together for an exciting day of learning Reiki for animals. Join us on September 28th for Animal Reiki Certification class. This special day will combine classroom learning with hands on experience at a nearby farm. Whether you're interested in learning how to deliver Reiki to your beloved pets, wish to share Reiki with sheltered animals, or want to begin an Aninal Reiki practice....this is a great opportunity to jump right in!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

August 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and choosing LOVE!

Happy Summer everybody!! I hope you all are doing well, staying cool, enjoying your vacations, and getting to spend time with your family and friends. I feel like it's been ages since I sat down to write and I feel excited to catch up with you (although it sort of feels a bit one sided!). A lot has transpired since the last newsletter that went out in May and I guess it's time to talk about it. It's been quite an emotional roller coaster and a tremendous period of learning for me. I've cried a lot. I've prayed and meditated a lot. I've given up. I've found hope. I've operated from a place of fear and worry. I've forgotten who I was and where I came from. And I have found myself again...and remembered that I am love and that's the only thing that matters.

And all of this took place because I met a dog named Yogi.

Well, actually there were two dogs. So maybe I need to start from the beginning....

As many of you know, we lost our beloved Shiloh back in March. We were devastated. But we grieved (well, I grieved....Paul kept busy). By May, I felt ready to fill our home again with new pups and I convinced Paul that he was ready, too (poor Paul). I wanted to rescue. Paul reminded me that we both have very busy careers and that we didn't have the time to dedicate to a dog that would likely come to us with problems that might require a lot of extra attention. So we checked out the website of our previous dogs' breeder and saw that she had adult puppies. That seemed like a perfect fit! Potty trained and able to sleep through the night? Sign me up! And these were dogs that weren't likely to be purchased because they no longer looked remotely like puppies. I convinced myself that this was like rescuing...but we would have well adjusted grown pups. After all, we got two sweet, beautiful dogs from her 12 years ago so it just seemed to be right.

Except it wasn't.

On Memorial Day weekend, I drove 8 hours to pick up a 5 month old girl and an 8 month old boy. We decided to name them Halo and Yogi. It was supposed to be an exciting and joyful new beginning and yet I felt sick to my stomach and sadness washed over me in waves. I wrote it off to residual grief from Shiloh's passing. This was the first red flag that I ignored. When I first met the pups, they both seemed rather timid and shy. Excited enough to run up and see who I was, but quickly retreating when I moved towards them. Red flag #2. I chalked it up to excitement and they were loaded up into the car. Once home, it became clear that these two had had very little socialization. And Yogi had never been indoors. He was terrified. Of EVERYTHING. The ceiling fan, the doorway, the TV, ...every indoor sound you can think of. And Halo had typical puppy issues - not potty trained, separation anxiety, cried all night long. The first week was a total nightmare with the two of them. After the second week of no sleep, arguments, pure chaos and frustration, and it all getting worse....Paul was done. They had to go. In my head, I knew he was right. But my heart was broken. I cried rivers of grief every day. We found a loving home for Halo straight away but giving her up was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

With Halo gone, we were able to concentrate on Yogi and, after several offers from people who didn't fully understand Yogi's special needs, we decided it would be best if he stayed with us. We worked day and night with him to overcome his fears. But his fears turned into my fears. Would we ever get him leash trained? Would we ever be able to get him in the car again? To the vet?? He barked ferociously at anyone who came anywhere near him (other than us). I was in a constant state of stress. My adrenal glands were screaming at me 24 hours a day. I wasn't sleeping much. To say I was operating from a place of fear and worry is a colossal understatement. But I began making progress with him. Slowly but surely we were able to walk the neighborhood without incident and graduated to walking the trails. It no longer took hours to get him back inside. And the TV wasn't a source of terror any longer. But no sooner did we begin to see progress, the biting started. He didn't bite me. But he bit Paul because he thought Paul got too close to his empty food dish. Twice. Unprovoked. After the second time, Paul said Yogi needed to go back to the breeder. We couldn't keep a dog that bites. What if he bit someone else?

My heart was broken....again.

Fearful of the consequences of keeping Yogi, we made plans to take him back to where he came from. We knew that he would likely be euthanized by her if we did but we didn't see any other option. He would be further traumatized in a shelter. And who would adopt a 130 lb dog with fear aggression issues? Either we take him back or we make the decision to send him home to be with the angels ourselves. I literally had to consider what would be the best way to send this dog to heaven. What an f'd up choice to have to make; and one I never dreamed I would ever be making in this lifetime. I walk spiders outside for God's sake!!! More oceans of tears...

But as we were making plans to get him back to TN, nothing came together. Paul couldn't get off work to go with me and he didn't want me to make this horrific journey on my own. The breeder had scheduling issues and wasn't returning emails or calls. Each person I asked to drive with me was unable to make the trip. This all went on for a few days.

And during those days, Paul and Yogi had another chance to bond. Paul's fear of being bit subsided and he decided Yogi could stay. But he would be on probation. If he bit Paul again, we would be scheduling an appointment with Lap of Love.

We hired a canine behaviorist to help us with training, but I worried myself sick about Yogi. I had mini panic attacks daily...worried that Paul would make a sudden movement or fail to recognize Yogi's warning signals. I was afraid to leave them alone together. I was terrified that a jogger might run too close to us when we were walking. I was worried that we would never have a 'normal' dog and that we'd never be able to have guests in our home....or that we'd never be able to leave him with anyone else. The inner turmoil was killing me. And my emotional state was definitely heightened....which means I was unable to communicate with Yogi like I am able to communicate with other people's pets. I was operating from a place of fear just about every minute of every day. It's all I could talk about. It's all I thought about. The only time that I could keep it together was when I was working. Spirit got me through my appointments. But the rest of the time, I was a hot mess. I felt completely under water with no sight of a lifeboat.

Until one day it finally clicked.

I was listening to my music and the song "Stand In Your Love" came on. One of the lines of the chorus is "my fear doesn't stand a chance when I stand in your love" ....and in that moment, I remembered. I remembered that I am the co-creator of my life. I have the ability to turn this around when I put myself in the driver's seat and I operate from a place of love. My thoughts are co-creating my reality and all of the worrying I was doing to control the outcome was actually creating what I was worried about! I decided in that moment to operate from a place of love.....and to surrender. I began to express gratitude each day for the small victories. I began to envision Yogi's health and balanced state instead of the nervous and fearful guy that we brought home. I began to release the need to control every movement my husband made and just allow them to work out their relationship on their own. I surrendered the need to know how things were going to pan out and just wake up every day with hope and love in my heart for Yogi...and of course for Paul and I. Once I did these things, I was finally able to calm my mind long enough to sit with Spirit and ask for guidance and for a peaceful resolution....regardless of what that looked like.

THEN, soon after I waved my white flag, I was researching eye goo in dogs (I was constantly removing gunk from Yogi's eyes) and stumbled upon a traditional chinese medicine article about liver qi stagnation. Turns out that dogs with this energy issue tend to have the following symptoms - eye discharge, extreme itching/allergies, digestive issues, and......fear aggression. Yogi had every symptom.

We are now about 4 weeks into Yogi's TCM herbs and he's doing great. We are 6 weeks bite free and Yogi has improved in ways I couldn't possibly imagine. We are not out of the woods yet. We have a lot of training to do. Yogi is still triggered from time to time...scary noises, scary people, scary situations. But his recovery time is shorter and his confidence is improving. And this gives us hope.

I have no idea where we'll end up or if we are meant to have Yogi with us for a short time or for years to come. I just know that it's my job to manage my fears and continue to operate from a place of love....and trust that if he's meant to stay with me, everything will work out exactly the way it's supposed to. In the meantime, I will continue to choose love above all else....I will choose to love Paul, to love Yogi, and to even love the breeder. And in doing so, I also choose to love myself.

Thank you, Yogi Bear, for showing up to remind me who I am and what we are capable of when we choose love.

Love you, buddy.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on August 10th/17th . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

This month's special is all about your furry, feathered, scaly, and fishy friends. Did you know that Animal Communication and Animal Reiki can be done remotely? In fact, often times it is easier for the pet to receive energetic healing, or to communicate with me, from a distance. Without all of the distractions of having a visitor or being in a strange place, animals are sometimes better able to focus on the energetic/psychic connection this way. If you have a pet that you would like to treat to an Animal Communication and Reiki session, take advantage of this month's special - Animal Communication & Animal Reiki Session Combo for $100 ($50 savings!) . For more information and instructions, see below.

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on August 18th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

And finally, we'll be getting together on August 30th to "Meditate & Create" - Mini Vision Boards! Vision boards are a great tool for setting goals and intentions for ourselves by bringing our thoughts and dreams to life in the form of photos, words, and art. Come join us for a fun afternoon of creativity, affirmations, and manifesting!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

May 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved...and CONNECTED!

Happy Spring everybody!! I hope you all are finding ways to enjoy the warmer temperatures and nature's wonderful botanical season show. I've been trying to spend extra time outside, enjoying the breezy weather, admiring the greenery and reawakening flowers, and soaking up all of the sun I can before we turn the corner and find ourselves drenched in the sweaty sauna of summer (gross). My outdoor time isn't super adventurous...nor does it require too much physical exertion. I simply enjoy walking the trails near my house. I feel at home there and it's one of the places I truly am at peace....with myself, with the world, and with Spirit.

Maybe because I love the trees and the animals and the water, they love me back. Or maybe I just happen to be strolling through their magical home and am experiencing that loving energy by simply immersing myself in it. Either way, it feeds my Soul. I try to give back to nature by offering Reiki to the woods and the creatures that live there. And yes, I talk to trees. Not all of them....just my favorites. Weird? Probably. Do I care? No. Well maybe. When a jogger comes flying up out of nowhere and catches me off guard, it can be a bit awkward. But I do it anyway.

Last month, I shared with you a few of the signs that I received after our dog's passing. And since then, the nature signs have kicked up a few notches and I figured it might be fun to talk about signs & symbols this month

Lately I've experienced what can only be described as a Disney-esque following of birds, butterflies, deer, squirrels, turtles, snake, and even bugs. It's almost too wild to believe. The butterflies dance around my head (no joke) as I walk the trail. The squirrels dart back and forth across the path and jump from tree to tree above me. The turtles are out, laying on the wood plank, sunbathing with their babies. A water snake sashayed across the path, making it's way back into it's river home. Pairs of cardinals and robins fly about and then rest on a rock or tree and watch me as I walk by. These small green beetle bugs land in front of my feet, hop up and land in front of my next step...following me the entire way through the woods. An owl flew in circles above me and then a blue heron whizzed past. And in the past two days, on two separate occasions, a single young deer (not single as in unwed, but single as in solitary) stood in my path long enough for us to have a short conversation. The first one stood 20 feet away and allowed me to send it Reiki before it ran off. The second one actually walked towards me and we talked for a few minutes before it went back to snacking on whatever deer snack on.

Now sure, these animal encounters could all be explained away pretty easily. I'm in the woods after all, right? What do I expect to see in the woods? A Starbucks and a Metro station? But I have walked these trails soooooo many times and most days I am lucky to see a couple random squirrels and some ants...maybe an occasional butterfly or family of deer (that always bolt out of sight as soon as they hear me approaching). And I've never seen a snake. And I've never seen two lone deer, in two days, in two different places....stand so close to me and entertain my conversational advances. So these sightings of late, along with the animals' odd behaviors, are pretty unusual. And that's awesome because I know when these things happen, they are signs from Spirit. Nature signs!

How do I know?

Well for starters, I know that our loved ones in Spirit are around us all the time. I know this because, as a practicing evidential medium, I communicate with them regularly. Often times, during a reading, they will mention the ways in which they are reaching out and giving signs to validate things that we have been experiencing, including signs they're giving us. They send us signs to let us know that they are still with us, that they are okay, and to help us heal. So I know that Spirit is working hard to give us signs and the odd animal behavior is just one of the ways they give them.

These signs and symbols can range from a subtle thought to a physical sensation to a very obvious synchronicity. Spirit works with our energy and the energetic properties of thought, nature, sounds, electronics, and sensations. Often times, they are working very hard to get our attention or to have us focus our attention on an object or something that they know we will relate to them.

Here are some common signs & symbols from Spirit:

Dreams/Visitations – When our loved ones appear in our dreams, and the dream is extremely vivid (it feels ‘real’;), we call them visitations. They are coming in to your awareness while your conscious mind sleeps. Sometimes they speak to us…sometimes they simply show up to help you to feel close to them. One way to help you remember and keep track of these dreams is to keep a dream journal next to your bed.

Repeating Numbers – Spirit will bring our attention to repeating numbers, such as 111 or 555 when they know we will take them as a sign from them. You might find yourself looking at the clock at 11:11 or 1:11 during the day. Or perhaps you see 4's everywhere and consistently look at your phone at the exact moment your battery is at 44%. Repeating numbers can appear just about anywhere (receipts, addresses, license plates) and the numbers that you see may correspond to something significant in your life or in theirs – such as birthdays, date of death, favorite number, or a lucky number.

Physical Sensations – This could come as a feeling that someone is actually touching you (as if someone is tapping your shoulder, kissing your face, or lying next to you) OR it could be more like a tingling sensation (the chills or goosebumps). Chills for me is like a high five from the other side! You may even experience temperature changes when they are trying to get your attention.

Scents/Smells - Ever smell perfume, flowers, or cigarette smoke when there is no logical explanation for the scent? It could be that your loved ones are pushing a fragrant energy that reminds you of them to let you know that they are there!

Sounds/Voices - Some people have reported to hear their loved one’s voice calling their name. I don’t think that's very common, but it does happen. More often, people will hear a ringing in their ear or hear a sound, or have a sudden thought, that is related to their loved one (such as hearing a motorcycle or coughing). Also, Spirit might bring your awareness to other people’s conversation nearby. Perhaps they are repeatedly saying your loved one’s name or talking about something related to them.

Finding Small Objects - These are usually a fun way for Spirit to get your attention! They might leave pennies, coins, buttons, or other small objects where you will likely find them. You may begin to notice heart shaped rocks, tiny feathers, or other unusual objects in strange places.

Moved Objects - Spirit has the ability to move objects (remember it’s all energy) so you may find that a picture or other knick-knack keeps getting knocked over, with no reasonable explanation for doing so. You notice wall hangings tilted after you’ve adjusted them time and again. Some Spirits have claimed responsibility for hiding ‘lost’ items!

Actual Signs - You might suddenly find yourself drawn to a particular street sign, store sign, license plate, or vehicle/truck signage…..only to see the name of your loved one or a word or phrase that you relate to them! These are wonderful signs as they leave very little to interpretation. These signs are pretty straightforward!

Animals/Nature – Spirits will often use the energy of animal world (such as a butterfly, bird, ladybug, dragonfly, or other creature) for a very short amount of time to get our attention. If an animal does something out of the ordinary - like land in front of or on you, stare at you through a window, or show up in swarms - this could be a sign. Keep an eye out for bluebirds, jays, and cardinals…as colorful birds are typically used (willingly!) because they are easily noticed. I tend to notice cardinals when my grandparents are trying to get my attention....and the butterflies are definitely my dogs!

Electronics - We are all made up of energy and energy runs through all things, including, and especially, electrical devices. For those on the other side, not only is it fun to learn how to use energy to connect with us, many of them learn that the energy in electrical devices is quite easy to manipulate. You may experience any number of malfunctions or unusual activity with your small appliances, televisions, lights, computers, and phones. Phone calls from your loved one’s old phone number, flickering lights, televisions turning on or off, and appliances switching settings are just a few examples of how Spirit can give us a “hello” from Heaven by messing around with electronics. Music is another wonderful way (and probably my favorite) for Spirit to let us know that they’re around. When you hear a song that reminds you of them, particularly when it’s a song that wouldn’t normally be played on the radio station you’re listening to, it’s likely them! I’ve found that I’ll hear my special songs (those that are connected to my loved ones) while I’m shopping at the grocery store or on a commercial on tv. Also, trust that when you find those tunes playing over and over in your head, that is also them trying to get your attention!

Signs may be from your loved ones in Spirit. Or they might be from your Spirit team of guides and angels. Trust that your interpretations of the signs, or your thoughts about who you believe is sending them, are likely spot on. As we receive signs, we also receive intuitive signals about them!

Not seeing or noticing signs?

Signs are often missed when we are in a heightened state of emotion (grief)…or if we are expecting a specific sign and not noticing ones that are being given. That happens a lot. But the good news is that our loved ones never stop sending them. So if you’re having trouble noticing signs from them, have patience. When you are open to signs, and the various ways in which Spirit may send them to you, you will begin to notice them. And once you do, you’ll find that the signs can become a very regular part of your life…a beautiful way for you to feel connected to your loved ones in spirit.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on February 9th/16th . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

Join us on the 15th for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

This month's special is all about your furry, feathered, scaly, and fishy friends. Did you know that Animal Communication and Animal Reiki can be done remotely? In fact, often times it is easier for the pet to receive energetic healing, or to communicate with me, from a distance. Without all of the distractions of having a visitor or being in a strange place, animals are sometimes better able to focus on the energetic/psychic connection this way. If you have a pet that you would like to treat to an Animal Communication and Reiki session, take advantage of this month's special - Animal Communication & Animal Reiki Session Combo for $100 ($50 savings!) . For more information and instructions, see below.

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on May 19th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

And finally, I'll be joining angel messenger, Beth 'B' Carleton, on May 25th for an afternoon of channeled messages at "Voices of Spirit - Message Gallery featuring Juli & B!". Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A message gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

April 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling LOVED

(WARNING: Before I go any further, I wanted to just give you a quick heads up - this month's message may be a little heavy. As many of you know, I'm usually pretty upbeat and like to keep things positive. But life happens and talking about it helps sometimes. This month's message deals with grief. If you're not up for it, you're welcome to skip to the events section down below. I won't be offended in the least. And if you're in for the ride, you might want to grab a few kleenex.....)

So, if you remember last month's newsletter, you might recall that I wrote about some of the weird feelings and energy shifts that I was experiencing back in February. I wasn't the only one but I also wasn't quite sure why I was feeling the way that I was. I talked about having extreme highs and lows with diet and struggling to find the energy to do basic things one day ...and ready to hike miles the next. Some things I did not mention were sudden, but brief, hits of nausea and grief....as well as shortness of breath. There weren't any logical reasons for these sudden bursts of discomfort. And they left just as fast as they appeared. My intuition told me that it wasn't a physical health issue. But there was definitely something strange going on. I was told to have faith that things would calm down soon enough. Considering that I am usually pretty grounded and consistent, this was all a pretty big mystery to me until.....

it wasn't.

On Saturday, March 9th, we lost our dear boy, Shiloh.

I now understand that my body, my heart, and my mind had known what was coming. It was as if the Universe was almost prepping me for the sucker punch that would strike my head, heart, and gut all at once. Every sensation I had experienced the month before returned in full force. I couldn't breathe, I felt the sickening pain in my heart, my appetite was gone. And all I wanted to do was sleep....as it gave me some reprieve from the intense grief that I could hardly bear. The only thing new was the wailing, the ugly cries, and the uncontrollable waves of intense pain.

I know many of you can relate.

The reason I felt compelled to share this Debbie Downer of a story with you is because I suspect that there is someone reading this that needs to be reminded that they are not alone. Maybe that's you. Or there is someone who is in a different place with their grief that needs to be reminded of how far they've come. Perhaps that's you. It's possible that you're reading this and now you feel the urge to hug your loved ones a little harder today. Give them an extra squeeze for me! I don't always know why Spirit has me word vomit in this way, but I do trust that there is always good reason.

Years back, I had a precognitive knowing that when Shiloh died, it was going to come quickly. We weren't going to have years of treatments, stressful doctor's visits, and intensive protocols like we'd had with our sweet Chalali (my cancer warrior). And my intuition was accurate. Shiloh woke up early that morning, was acting out of sorts, and was gone shortly after noon. There had been no warning signs. He'd been on several hikes the week before his passing. His annual checkup indicated a clean bill of health outside some achy joints and a few minor age related issues. The day before he died, he played like crazy maniac with a puppy in our neighborhood. It was as about as unexpected as it gets. And my husband and I were DEVASTATED. We still are. I am grieving the loss of my 11 year old furry son and it's beyond painful. But I am healing.

Each day, the waves of emotions become a little less turbulent. I am gifted with more and more gaps of time where I feel 'okay'. And in those moments, I am able to find lots to be grateful for....including all of you. I'm also able to see the amazing blessings in that horrible day - that he suffered minimally, that he was able to pass at home, that I had an opportunity to give him Reiki and permission to leave his body if it was his time, and that I was able to remain calm for him when he needed that from me the most. We can all wish to be so lucky when it is our time to go. I am also so thankful that I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is still with me every day. It may not be how I want for him to be here....because what I WANT is to be able to love on him and kiss his precious, smooshie face. But I find peace in loving him with my heart and knowing that he's with me 24/7. He's even helped me with a few animal communications recently!

I'm also grateful for the outpouring of love from friends, family, colleagues, clients, students, and even from people I don't even know. Each kind word and gesture is like a tiny stitch that helps mend my broken heart. There is definitely beauty to be found in dark times.

This has been a real learning experience as it's been a while since I've had to mourn the loss of a loved one. I think each time it happens, we grow a little bit as a Soul. This time, I learned to allow the waves to knock me to my knees and to experience every tear and gasp for air...and to trust that a calm will return once I do. In the past, avoidance (usually by throwing myself into work) was my painkiller of choice. And interestingly enough, I'm now finding myself grieving the loss of my grandparents and my other dog, too.....as if I never fully did before. Weird how that happens. Or not weird at all. Sort of makes sense, right? I've learned that my tools of music, meditation, writing, gratitude, prayer, and humor are my lifelines. As are dear friends who are strong enough for me to lean on and to listen to me (and for me) when I can't even think straight and have forgotten where I put my light. And I've learned that when I ask Spirit for help, they will get me through the day so that I may continue to be of service to others.

If you're having a tough time right now, know that I am sending a special hug to you and I hope that you are finding the tools you need to help you to heal. One of the things that has helped me is to write my feelings in my journal. And to write a special letter to Shiloh. If you're interested in reading those, here are the links (if you're not...again, I totally understand!!)

To read my journal entry, click here

To read my letter to Shiloh, click here

On a lighter note, I have received a number of signs from my guy!.....

* Paul and I were both flying out (same day, different destinations) and as I was waiting for the plane to take off, I ask for a sign from Shiloh and pulled a card.

I feel like he was letting Paul and I know that he would be traveling with us both that day.

* A after his passing, I was talking to my sister on the phone. She and her partner were on a road trip. Ten minutes after we got off the phone, she sent me this photo:

* Last week, I took a walk along our favorite trail and asked Shiloh for a sign, preferably a butterfly. Right away I thought I was being silly since it seemed too cold for butterflies to be out...so I said any sign would do. Then I stumbled upon this:

Hopefully me sharing my story has helped in some way. I look forward to a happier topic next month! SERIOUSLY.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To get things started, Joyce will be offering a cool FREE workshop to share her knowledge of essential oils and to talk about the wonderful technique of AromaTouch on April 4th. Sample the oils, ask questions, and learn how beneficial and relaxing a session can be @ Intro to AromaTouch Technique!

Are you a Reiki Level II practitioner who wants to learn more, and possibly become a Master Teacher? Take your Reiki training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level III/Advanced Reiki Training Certification class on April 6th & 13th. This is a two day intensive class where you will learn advanced techniques to enhance Reiki healing. This class is a prerequisite to taking the Reiki Master Teacher course (coming in October!)

On April 7th, we'll be getting together for an exciting day of learning Reiki for animals. Join us on October 7th for Animal Reiki Certification class. This special day will combine classroom learning with hands on experience at a nearby farm. Whether you're interested in learning how to deliver Reiki to your beloved pets, wish to share Reiki with sheltered animals, or want to begin an Aninal Reiki practice....this is a great opportunity to jump right in!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on April 28th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

And lastly, I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! on January 23rd. Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

March 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling connected

So, I don't know about you guys but lately I've been feeling like I'm riding on some sort of crazy energetic roller coaster! White knuckles and all, I'm trying to hold on tight and keep as calm, cool, and collected as possible to get through the dips and twirls and sharp twists and turns. To be honest, I hate roller coasters and I'm sort of ready to switch over to the lazy river ride if you know what I mean. You feel me?

You may or may not be experiencing some of these weird energy shifts. I've had several conversations with others who are going through something similar, if not exactly the same. However, if you're reading this and thinking....."What's she babbling on about? Everything is pretty chill in my life right now.", that just means that you're in a good space right now. You're riding the lazy river ride and that's pretty awesome. And I can't wait to join you!

But at this juncture, I am finding that almost every day is either really high or really low. Or some insane combination of both. For instance, one day I'll be working - delivering messages all day and feeling super connected and my energy is super amped - and the next day all I want to do is sleep and hibernate. I don't feel depressed or down in any way. I can't even say that I feel irritable. I simply have no energy. One day I'll spend an hour walking my dog through the woods and the next day I can barely find the energy to open the back door to let him out. One day I am drawn to foods that nourish my body and my soul ...and the next day I want to eat nothing but cinnamon rolls and Nutella. Last night I pulled a muscle in my back and then pulled another in my shoulder/arm. I could barely stand or lift the crock pot lid. What the heck?? Thankfully, today both are feeling much better. So weird. As you can see, it's not anything major....I just feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone lately. These fluctuations are just super inconsistent... and I've got things to do! And yet...

I'm sure there is a logical or spiritual (or both) explanation for what's going on right now. Maybe the moons and the stars and the mercuries and the retrogrades are acting up. Or perhaps right now I'm just extra sensitive to the emotions of those I'm working with. Who knows. But the good news is that I don't believe it's permanent. I trust that everything will level out soon enough. I've been through worse, that's for sure. And even the hard days really aren't all that bad. So what's wrong with a nap day? Sometimes maybe that's exactly what my body, my mind, and my Soul really needs. I trust that Spirit is giving me signals to slow down when I need to and the energy that I need when it's time to go work. Even on the wonky days, I simply ask Spirit to give me what I need to be of service. And they haven't failed me yet.

It's times like these that remind me, once again, that life is a series of highs and lows. We didn't come here to experience heaven on earth 100% of the time. We're here to face challenges, to learn, to overcome obstacles....as well as to bask in the sun, to celebrate, to party our faces off, to know love, and so on. So how do we get through the tough days? For me, it's a process of removing myself from the feelings to become an observer (like taking myself out of the movie and sitting in the audience for a minute). So, first I honor what I am feeling (tired, cravings, irritable, whatever). Then I ask myself how much attention it needs (am I supposed to take action? am I simply supposed to rest? do I need to make a change?). Feel like a good cry...then cry! Need to get some rest? Grab a nap! Feeling stuck? Move! You get the idea. Depending on what's going on, you might need to give a lot of attention to how you are feeling...or to what is upsetting your apple cart. Or maybe you just need to stop and take a breath. I find that it also helps to look on the bright side.

And yes, there's always a bright side.

It might take me a minute (or days) to find it, but I know that once I do find it....I almost instantly feel better. Gratitude prayers help a lot. Humor helps a lot. Faith helps a lot. Getting outside helps, too. And MUSIC. Uplifting music will take me straight to church...it raises my vibration, encourages movement, and helps me to put everything into perspective. These are all ways we can tune in to the positive energies of the Universe and rediscover our light...even on the crappiest of days. Positivity is a choice and it's a choice that helps to get us back on track when we're struggling. To be clear, positivity doesn't prevent or eliminate our challenging times (and the tough emotions that come along with them). Nor is it a good idea to use positivity, or spirituality, to avoid necessary healing. Suppressing emotions just leads to a long list of physical and psychological discomfort. So I'm not talking about escapism. But having a positive outlook sure does help the hard times pass a little easier. Sort of like olive oil to kidney stones.

I decided to pull a card today for us and this is the card we got...

And yes, it was upside down (which changes the message a little bit). Here's what the card says:

"Perhaps you felt almost certain that serendipitous events were meant to lead to something better. It was supposed to be the perfect business, or that person you gave your heart to was supposed to be ‘the one’ – yet it all fell apart! Consider this: Sometimes synchronicity and serendipity come together to lead you directly into difficulties in order to deliver an important lesson you need to learn before you hit the jackpot. Don’t get caught up in the drama of disappointment. There really is a silver lining in this cloud. Spirit always knows what you need and is guiding you to where you are meant to go. Pay attention to the signs presented to you.”

Some of you might be feeling disappointment about how things have played out in your lives. Or frustrated that something isn't quite working out like you had hoped. If so, I know how lousy that can feel (been there, done that...bought the t-shirt). My heart goes to you and I hope you are soon able to find peace with whatever flip flopped. Trust that you're in good hands with your Spirit team of guides/angels, that this is all part of your Soul's plan, and everything does have a funny way of eventually working out. Hopefully you're able to see an opportunity for your own growth and learning in the process. Although I'm not personally feeling as if anything has fallen apart, I can certainly relate to feeling jacked up in the energy department...and that is frustrating. So for now I will simply acknowledge that things are shifting. I'm shifting. And I will continue to have faith that everything will work itself out and I will find myself floating down the lazy river again soon. In the meantime, if you see me looking like this....

....know that I'm just having a moment. Wave and smile, if you feel like it. This, too, shall pass and I'll be okay. And life is STILL good.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

This Sunday, March 3rd, I'll be delivering messages with Dino Calabrese @ "Voices of Spirit" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli & Dino!. Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

Join us on the 9th for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on March 24th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

On March 27th, we'll be getting together for "Let's Play" - Animal Communication! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Well, here's your chance to learn how. Our pets are tuning into our energy all the time and would love for us to understand what they have to say. It's easier than you may think!

Last month's special was super popular so I decided to do it again for March. Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out this month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

February 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and feeling LOVED!

I also hope this letter finds you toasty and WARM. Pretty sure this photo sums up the past week for most of us:

Wooooweeee it's been chilly! Even for me. But I love winter. I really do. I love sweatshirts, cozy blankets, a good fire on a cold day, and a big fat mug of hot cocoa. And I love, love, love the snow. There's something quite magical about it to me. When it's falling in beautiful sheets of powdery puffs, I can become absolutely mesmerized. I love the stillness in the air as it begins to cling to the trees. At night there's a particularly peaceful quiet that I can't quite explain, but makes me feel centered and calm. Magical.

Mother nature in itself is quite magical, I think. Sort of in a Disney movie kind of way. In it's stunning scenery, thunder clouds that morph into rainbows, carefully woven musical notes and sounds, twists and turns, quirky characters and creatures....Magical.

And nature isn't the only place where I experience magic. And I'm not talking about the witchy magic of spells, incantations, and potions. I don't really resonate with all that, although I respect those who do (shout out to my witchy friends!). And I'm not talking about the sleight of hand tricks and pulling the rabbit out of the hat kind of magic, either (shout out to all of the talented magicians out there!).

I'm referring to the magic I experience in my work with Spirit. The magic in the love that I feel from God, the angels, and loved ones in Spirit during meditation. The magic in the mind blowing validation and synchronicities that never cease to amaze me. The magic that is the Universe in it's Divinely orchestrated perfection.

The other day, as I was listening to my music (on shuffle) and getting ready to settle in to a nice meditation, I decided to set my intention for the session. I asked my Spirit team to give me some inspiration for this month's newsletter. No sooner did I set my intention, the song, "Magic" (from Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time") by Sia came on. I thought well....maybe that's what I'm supposed to write about. I decided to enjoy the song and really LISTEN to the lyrics. For those of you who haven't heard it, it's all about finding magic in the ordinary. About how we are constantly looking for big, mind blowing moments in life but the magic is happening around us all the time. Like, right this second. We just need to pay attention. And that reminded me about how it feels when I disconnect from my day to day and really sit with my thoughts and tune in to Spirit. How a simple shift in consciousness can improve my mood, heal old wounds, and remind me of who I truly am as a Soul and where I came from. How love is who we are, even in our darkest times. And how Spirit gives us signs and symbols every day to remind us that we are not alone. Oh...and the things I see, feel, and know. No words. It is truly magical.

I decided to look up the word and one of the definitions (there were several, but I liked this one) of "magical" is - 'beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life.'

Nice. Made sense with where my thoughts were going. So I proceeded to meditate and connect with Spirit. I had a lovely conversation with my Grandpa and received messages from Archangel Ariel. She talked about having faith and some other things. And then she said, "Seek the beauty in all things and you will find the beauty in all things". Hmmm. I liked that message and it tied in nicely with the song lyrics. But my analytical brain questions whether the message really came from Spirit (and yes, even I doubt my messages...all the time! why do you think I like validation so much?) So, I shuffled some cards and pulled - "A Father's Love" (thank you, Grandpa!), "Synchronicity", and "Believe". Well, alrighty then.

But even though the meditation was great, I still wasn't sure what I wanted to write about this month. So I took a break and started scrolling through Facebook posts.

Hand to God, this was the first post that popped up (names scribbled out for privacy reasons so it looks a little messy but hopefully you'll notice the important part):

Followed by this (seriously??)....

Okay, okay Spirit. I'm a little hard headed.....so thank you. And if that wasn't enough, the next song that came on was "Hello, You Beautiful Thing" by Jason Mraz. Here are the lyrics:

"Fall out of bed and catch a fading star

Fancy I woke up before my alarm

Rub my mind through my eyes

It's the best I can do

Before it's automatic, habit of returning to you

Though I smile when it happens, almost as if it was MAGIC

It means there's a God somewhere and he's laughing

And I shuffle my slipper less toes to the kitchen

Still low to the ground, but high on living

And I know, I know, it's going to be a good day

Hello, hello, you beautiful thing"

Okay, okay, OKAAAAY! Daaang. I'll write about magic. Magic it is!! Geez. So here we are

There are so many ways to experience spiritual magic...

Perhaps you, like me, enjoy meditation and have had indescribable visions, feelings, or knowings. Or maybe you're noticing any number of signs (feathers, pennies, birds, butterflies, music, rainbows, etc) that your deceased loved ones or angels/guides are sending you to let you know that they are with you. What about coincidences? We call them coincidences but are they really? Is it possible that Spirit lines up people, situations, and even Facebook posts, in order to remind us of our Divine connection to all things? I believe so. When this happens, we call it synchronicity - "the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (such as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality (Merriam Webster)" .

The only thing is...I just don't believe that these occurrences are coincidental at all.

And let's not forget the magic of connecting with Spirit. There is nothing quite like tuning in to the energy of Spirit for messages. The process itself is quite magical. But then there's the validation. It's the confirmation we get about the information that Spirit is giving. From that validation comes the knowing that continuity of life beyond the physical body....is real. Now that, my friends, is magic. Loving, insanely beautiful, incredible, MAGIC.

Many of you might notice repeating numbers - 111, 11:11, 444, etc. You see them when you look at the clock or in license plates or on your phone. People who notice repeating numbers tend to see them everywhere. Spirit pulls our attention to them when they know we've applied meaning to seeing them. For me, the number 4 represents the angels. So, when I'm on the road I notice 44, 444, and 4444 on license plates, mile markers, exits, phone numbers on the sides of 18 wheelers. It's as if an unseen force is pulling my eyes towards whatever I'm supposed to look at. I've come to understand that this is my angels' way of letting me know that they are with me and that I'm okay. This happens ALL. THE. TIME. Like magic.

One time, my husband and I were driving to Ocean City. We were sitting in traffic and I was aware that his Nana was in the car with us and I told him she was there. He wanted to know what she wanted. I told him that I didn't know. Maybe she just wanted to say 'hi'. Who knows? Ten minutes later, a truck came onto the highway and pulled up next to our car. Immediately we noticed that the word "Mona's" was plastered in massive letters across the side of the truck. I suspect you can probably guess what his Nana's name was. (yes, her name was Mona).

Magic.

Listen, for many years I had no idea that any of this was happening around me. And frankly, I'm not sure I would have believed it if someone had told me. But I know now. Even though I might doubt myself or my connection sometimes, I absolutely believe 100% in the magic of the Universe....in nature, in our human experiences, and in our connection to Spirit. Because it happens to me personally every single day. And I know that the more we pay attention to the signs and symbols and subtle (and not so subtle!) messages that Spirit gives us, the more we get. All we need to do is tune in, be open to signs and synchronicities, ask for them, and trust that there is something bigger at play going on that maybe we can't see, feel, or fully understand.

Hopefully you are enjoying the magical moments, and that you're feeling connected and loved. And whether you take a moment to sit in meditation, spend some time outdoors with your thoughts, do something creative, or just to enjoy a good daydream....I encourage you to do it whenever you can. Because I believe that it is in these moments that we are most likely to experience true magic.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, I'll be joining fellow medium, Janis Boscarello, on February 6th for an evening of channeled messages at "Voices of Spirit - Mediumship Gallery featuring Juli & Janis!". Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on February 9th/16th . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, we've got a special LOVE day planned! Feel like you've been looking for love in all the wrong places? Been wanting to connect with your heart center? Or maybe you just like the idea of spending the afternoon connecting with the angels, your higher self, and other like minded people for a loved filled day. Join us on February 10th for "All We Need Is LOVE" Fun Day! We'll be doing a Self Love Guided Meditation, watching "Journey of the Sacred Heart", creating channeled Love Notes and Heart Centered mini vision boards, and more! You'll also receive a mini Angel Card reading. This would make a great Valentine's Day gift to yourself or someone you love!

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $35! . See below for more info!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on February 17th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

January 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, ...and feeling excited about the NEW YEAR!

PHEW! I don't know about you guys but closing out 2018 sort of felt like I just finished a really long marathon....a marathon that I had not adequately trained for. I'm pooped. But I'm also so grateful for all of the incredible experiences and lessons learned and for stretching all of the muscles I didn't even know I had. Reflecting back, I am reminded of all of the challenges, the growth, the accomplishments, and the incredible moments for which I am truly grateful.

But boy am I glad it's over. I am SO ready to start fresh and excited about the possibilities for 2019!!

What is it about that last tick of the second hand each year that seems to get our engines running again, ready to start fresh and make positive changes? I supposed it doesn't just apply to our yearly anniversary but also to new months, new weeks, new days....especially Mondays. Seriously, if I had a dime for every time I said, "I'll start my (insert diet, exercise program, meditations, random lifestyle changes, book, whatever....here) on MONDAY", I'd have a few pennies in my pocket. What is it about these first days that gets our goal setting juices flowing? I don't know. Maybe it's how the moons and stars are aligned. Or maybe it's just a tradition or mind game that we've adopted over time. Whatever the reason, I know that I'm not alone. And like many of you, I do like to take the opportunity each year to give some thought about changes that I would like to make in my life. Each year I try making ....resolutions. And this year was no different.

So what was on my list, you ask? Probably some of the same things that you have on your list.

I resolved to reduce my sugar and carb intake significantly, exercise more, and talk nicely to the image I see in the mirror. I vowed to be my body's greatest cheerleader instead of it's worst critic. I resolved to give myself more rest and relaxation and to make a point to take time off to spend with Paul and to see my family more. I resolved to Skype with family and friends who live far away at least once a week. And I resolved to up my meditation game to at least once a day. Sounds pretty good, right?

This was me on January 1st:

And this is me now:

Today is January 7th and I have yet to do any of those things.

So now what? I mean I'm still excited about the prospects for this new year. I have some things that I'm working on and I have a really good feeling about 2019. Not just for me but for everyone. But what about those blasted resolutions??? How is it that I am able to accomplish amazing things in my life and yet I feel like a big, fat failure at my health commitments to myself and keeping better contact with those that I love? I'm sure we could dig up some self love issues that need to be healed, as well as some Psych 101 reasons that would explain my resistance to these changes. But I think there's more to it. After all, I am perfectly capable of achieving other goals that I set for myself. And I'm certainly not afraid of hard work. So why do my new year's resolutions feel so out of reach?

I started thinking about the differences between my successes and my failures and it dawned on me.

My successes begin with a strong desire or 'pull' towards something. When I feel this 'pull', I've learned that my Soul is speaking to me and that I simply need to begin taking steps towards achieving that goal. I don't wait for January 1st...or Monday. I just start moving in the direction I need to move in. I don't worry about whether or not it will happen, nor do I need to know exactly how it play out. I just trust that I will be guided and led and supported, provided that I take action and put in the elbow grease. I make sure that my thoughts, my actions, and my words are in alignment with my goal. And I enlist the help of my Spirit 'team' of angels and guides, releasing all creative control to them. Time and again, the Law of Attraction proves to be more than just the 'power of positive thinking' and my team proves to be super reliable.

So in thinking about my new year's resolutions, I have to ask....what's the difference here??

Well, first of all...some of my resolution goals are contradictory to my thoughts. Even though I dressed it up in a positive way, at the end of the day my goal says "NO cookies" and "exercise more". But my thoughts and actions say "MORE cookies" and "I don't want to exercise". Hmmmm. Could I be sending mixed signals out to the Universe? My thoughts and actions and words are clearly not in alignment. And what about enlisting my Spirit 'team' to help? If I'm to be honest.....I'm not sure I want them getting in the way of my guilty pleasures! And I'm certainly not visualizing myself healthy and happy and bendy and dancing around in the body that I dream of. My thoughts are absolutely hyper focused on how lousy I feel in my skin. The Law of Attraction clearly states that we attract what we are focused on. It makes perfect sense now that I am attracting LOTS of sugar and LOTS of weight gain and LOTS of negativity surrounding healthy changes in my life. OMG. No wonder!

SO now what?

Well, I've decided to reconstruct my 2019 goals. I asked myself, "What do you really want?". I answered, "To be healthy and happy and physically able to do the things I enjoy doing". And I feel like that's what my Soul wants, too. I just need to get my brain on board and begin re-training my thoughts. Instead of focusing on what I don't want or what I can't have or the areas where I'm falling short of my own expectations, I need to really focus on where I would like to be...without judging myself for where I am today. This means I need to set positive goals, keep my thoughts focused on where I want to be, and to ask my team to help me get there....without trying to dictate how they do it. I also need to take things one day at a time.

So, now I'm ready to try again. New year, new goals, new approach...new day. I asked myself the question again..."What do you really want?" This is what I've decided to shoot for this year and it feels a lot better. This year, I would like to:

1) (Again) Be healthy and happy and physically able to do the things I enjoy doing

2) Work on becoming a better version of myself - be open to learning, healing, and growing

3) Find a healthy and comfortable balance between work, family, friends, and "me" time

4) Focus on work, people, and activities that make my heart sing (including meditation!)

5) Seek out the beauty and love in all things, including myself

6) Share God's (the Universe, Source, Creator) love and healing with others

7) Be open to receiving abundance

(Sending a huge THANK YOU to my angels and guides in advance)

I think that'll do it. And I feel like I can truly commit to these. Does it mean I'm going to stop craving sweets or that I will be bikini ready by August? Maybe. Or not. But wherever this year leads me, and no matter how I get there, if I have achieved everything on my new list...I know that I will be totally fine.

Wishing you and yours an amazing 2019...and a kick ass day today. I hope that you achieve all that you set out to co-create in your life this year.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

We're kicking things off with a bang! Come join us for a day of manifesting at Manifestation Day - Co-Creating Your 2019 on Sunday, the 13th! Learn how to bring positive changes into your life by co-creating with your Spirit team and the Universe. It's a day filled with love, creativity, law of attraction, and good vibes that you won't want to miss. We'll enjoy a guided meditation, watch an inspiring film, create mini vision boards, and more! Meet new friends, have a laugh, and take an afternoon to focus on you and your next chapter. Your hopes and dreams ARE attainable when you set your intention, have faith, stay positive, and take the steps towards making them happen.

Join us on the 19th for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

Next, I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! on January 23rd. Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

And lastly, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on January 27th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

November 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved, and feeling GRATEFUL!

Yea, I know...not super original. Talking about gratitude in November. Definitely was not planning to chat about gratitude today. Not because I don't think it's a wonderful, high vibin' practice. Gratitude is awesome. But because it seems like we can easily get overloaded with messages about 'giving thanks' this month. Sort of like pumpkin spice. It's pretty tasty, and I welcome it in moderation, but.... let's not get crazy! Too much of anything and it loses it's lustre.

So why did I feel compelled to jump on the gratitude train this month? Well, I sat down and started reflecting on the past few weeks, searching my memory bank for inspiration to get my writing juices flowing. October was a pretty cool month. Busy, but nothing stuck out really. Except that I saw Andy Grammer in concert (again!) and it was amazing, as usual, and the experience stuck out as a pretty sweet highlight. So I started thinking that maybe I should write about music and creativity and how I believe it's all connected to Spirit. But that didn't feel super right. Then I decided to pull a card for inspiration and this is what came up:

from the "Messages from Spirit" deck by John Holland

Interesting, I thought. Well, the "Seek" card talks a lot about remembering that we are all connected and that it's important to look for the good in all things. Since all cards have multiple meanings, I sat with this for a moment and asked my team, "What is my take away here? What am I supposed to talk about?" (because it certainly doesn't feel like the music theme that I thought I was going with). And the answer I received was "gratitude". Huh? If I'm supposed to talk about gratitude, why didn't I pull the "Gratitude" card?? Then I understood. I wasn't just supposed to talk about being grateful for the good stuff in our world or using gratitude as a manifesting tool. They want me to talk about being grateful for the yucky stuff.

Ok, got it. But before we start talking about all that, here is what the card says:

"The power of Spirit exists in all things. Everything is made of energy, and every single thing in your physical world contains a fragment of Spirit - including you. We are all one with Spirit and always will be connected to one another.

The Spirit World is sending you this card because we feel you may be forgetting that you're a multi-dimensional being, so we want to remind you that you're a spiritual being as well as a physical being. Now is the time to stop seeing everything on a limited physical level, and to seek out the spiritual in all things. Learn to see from you heart and soul. Seek out the spiritual beauty in all things, as well as in the people around you. If you're having some difficulty understanding someone, try looking beyond what you're seeing in front of you. Layer upon layer of life issues may be disguising the goodness that's inside that person, making him or her seem mean, resentful, or spiteful. Equally, some individuals may appear aloof or distant, which is a form of protective armor, often due to past hurts. It may be hard at first, but know that a divine spirit exists within those people. Pray that the goodness in you honors the goodness in them - and that the goodness in them honors the goodness within you."

Pretty powerful message. What a great reminder to look beyond the words and actions of others and to just see their Souls. And to be grateful for the roles that they are playing for us.

Spirit often comes through to remind us that we are really here to have a human experience so that we may learn and grow as a Soul. As humans, we forget our true identities, and where we came from, so that we may identify with our human selves. If we subscribe to the idea that we have come to exist here in the physical world so that we might experience the extreme highs, the extreme lows, and everything else in between, ....we can perhaps see that humans aren't always going to be their best selves. Including me. Including you. I believe that we forget for good reason....how else would play our roles for one another? If we remembered who we truly were 100% of the time, we'd never get on each others' nerves. We'd never cause harm. We'd be good neighbors and it would be a perfect world. But where's the challenge in that? Why not just stay where we came from, where we see each other as nothing but loving Souls?

Now I don't know about you, but it took me quite a long time to realize that this was maybe how things worked. When faced with challenging people (and by challenging, I mean [excuse me while I put on my "Judge Juli" hat] - JERKS), my natural instinct would be to take on the role of the victim. That person said this and hurt my feelings. That person did that and pissed me off. That person is lying, cheating, stealing, abusing, nasty, etc and I won't stand for it. Them, them, them. They are doing x, y, z and I want resolution and justice.

But when I began to look at our human experience from a Soul's perspective, things changed. I began to look at challenges from my past with gratitude. I could see how each of the experiences taught me something valuable. Sometimes I got it in that moment, sometimes I didn't. But looking back, I am now grateful for each person who showed up in my life to shake things up, as well as those who showed up to give me comfort and to bring me joy. Super grateful. Because those difficult people taught me about creating healthy boundaries, compassion, self love, forgiveness, unconditional love...and so much more. What a gift!

That's great, you say. Hindsight is 20/20 and it's easy to be grateful for life's nasty lessons, and the people involved, now that the crap storm is over. So, what about when you're in the thick of it? You may be going through a situation now where someone is causing you stress, anxiety, inflammation, or even pain. How the heck are you supposed to see the beauty in that person in those moments? And maybe some of you are still struggling with coming to terms with your past. I get that, too. It's a process. And it's not always black and white. But I have learned that my happiness and peace of mind and my joy are directly related to the lens I choose to look through to view my experiences...past and present. So, what to do? How do we get to our place of finding love in our hearts for others when they are causing us discomfort??

First, we honor our emotions. If you're mad, express it. If you're sad, express it. If you're hurt, express it. Feel what you're feeling. Get it out safely through words, writing, or physical activity. And then take a moment to sit and ask yourself, "What am I supposed to learn from this?" and "What in me am I supposed to be looking at?" Because at the end of the day, it really is about our experiences. It's not about the other person. Perhaps it's about standing up for yourself or maybe it's about surrendering. Maybe it's about creating healthy boundaries or letting go of a relationship, job, or situation that is no longer serving you. Whatever it is, the sooner you figure it out and honor the lesson, the sooner you find peace for yourself. And the easier it is to see how the other person, or people, were all part of the Divinely orchestrated plan to help you evolve. Then it's easier to look beyond their words or actions to see the beautiful Soul that exists, beyond the roles they're playing....for us (instead of to us)...and to be grateful that they showed up.

It's not easy. I know. I struggle with this every day like everyone else. But I find that the more I ask myself these questions and look at things from this perspective, the easier it gets. Some days it just takes a lot more deep breaths, affirmations, and centering exercises....

As you prepare for the holidays, I hope you find something in everyone, and every experience, to be grateful for. Wishing you all a wonderful, love and laughter filled time with your friends and family as you celebrate whatever you celebrate over the next few months. And I hope that are able to embrace each other with kindness....even those with whom you may not see eye to eye.

To those who celebrate.....Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Oh, and if you disagree with my thoughts about Earth school, no worries. If you don't believe we came here on purpose to experience hard times, I'm okay with that, too. Like I always say, take what resonates with you and leave the rest!

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

We're kicking of November with a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! on the 7th. Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected! Enjoy the sounds of singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and much more. A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey.

On November 15th, we'll be getting together for Movie Night! to watch...."Science of the Soul" . This documentary takes a deep look at the concept of the Soul and consciousness...from a science-y perspective. Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Take your Reiki Level I training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on November 17th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on November 18th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

If you've never experienced vocal toning before, you'll definitely want to check out this month's Guided Meditation & Vocal Toning Journey with Lolita on November 18th. Lolita Hanna-Nnawuba is an intuitive massage therapist and energy healer who uses toning in her healing practice. Feel the vibrations of her voice move through you as she sings you through a unique meditative experience.

Need a quick message from your angels & guides? Then check out month's special - Life Path Readings - 30 minute phone sessions for $55 (normally $75). See below for more info!

On September 20th, I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

And lastly,

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

October 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved...and in the FLOW!

Not sure about you guys, but I am soooooo ready for those crisp Fall mornings and fire pit evenings. So is my dog. My sweatshirts are on standby and I'm pretty much over our summer time electric bill.

(Seriously, October?....you have two jobs, chilly temps and Halloween. Not to mention, you really only have to step it up once a year. Soooo let's get cracking, shall we?)

Do I seem a little impatient?

Yea, okay. I know. I can be a bit tenacious. But, I like to get things done and I tend to push others (including the month of October apparently) to do the same. I'm a worker, a do-er, a forge right through-er. I stick to a project until it's finished and have a hard time relaxing until it's done. And yes, I'm a Taurus. And while this trait has served me well in many ways over the years, it is also one of my greatest challenges. It makes it hard for me to be in the 'flow'.

What does being in the flow mean?

"In positive psychology, flow, also known colloquially as being in the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting loss in one's sense of space and time" (Wikipedia).

However, we often talk about being in flow with the Universe. I love this passage from an article called, "Attuning to the Flow of the Universe", by Fiona Reilly:

"Do you feel the support of the Universe and guidance in your daily life? Are you aware of the energy field that is moving and continually creating around you? There is a natural flow of energy that moves through all things. It creates and shapes the current moment. You are a significant part of this flow and an intricate part of life’s web that is perpetually being woven.

The Universe continually invites and supports us in aligning with this Divine Dance. We are a necessary part of this interplay. When we pay attention and attune to this rightness, then remarkable miracles occur in our lives! It is not always easy or straightforward. Sometimes the flow may take us into challenges, so that we can unravel distortions and let go of that which no longer serves us and at times we don’t align with what is right for various reasons such as fear, past experiences or conditioning. Our world at this time can be a dense and complex place and we are likely to resist and get lost on occasions. The wonderful thing about the flow, is that it is always there waiting for us, we simply need to tune back to it again."

Some people are great at being in flow with the Universe....living life in the moment, making choices based on intuition and feelings, and getting into that creative zone. Not me. I mean I can be. I am in the flow a lot - in the zone, feeling connected with Spirit, understanding where I need to be, doing what I feel called to do - and life feels pretty easy. But there are plenty of times in life where I fail to listen and I try to take the wheel and, as a result, hit my fair share of potholes.

In taking on projects, making plans, or committing to stuff, I often say "YES" first and listen to my intuition later. Sometimes it works out fine. But many times, I find myself plowing through a situation that I clearly was not meant to plow through...and I end up really struggling. When I fail to listen to my gut when it tells me "say NO", I am no longer in the flow. And my energy begins to feel as if I am rowing upstream without a paddle.

A few weeks ago, I learned (another) hard lesson about being in the flow and how important it is to honor my inner voice. My Dad was experiencing excruciating pain and had called 911. He's had several heart attacks, a quadruple bypass, and several stints installed. So when he says he's having pain, we jump. While he's waiting for the ambulance, he calls to say he needs me to come get my Mom. Of course I say yes. She has mobility issues, doesn't drive, requires 24/7 full time care, and relies on my father for everything (including medications and insulin). But something didn't feel right. As I drove to get her, I felt a surge of anxiety and a heaviness that I couldn't describe. And I remember thinking...."What would happen if I wasn't here? What if I was out of town?" I'm the only sibling in the area. Thankfully, my Dad wasn't having a heart attack. But he was screaming in pain so he needed to stay in the hospital overnight. After getting all of my Mom's medicinal instructions, we left the hospital, swung by their house, packed her bags, and headed back to our house. I won't go into all of the dirty details but let's just say it was a 'crappy' couple days. Mom was ill (from the stress). The dog was ill (from the stress). No sleep, rescheduling client appointments, canceling workshops, no time to eat. But I kept pushing through. I mean...that's what you're supposed to do, right? The entire time, I felt off. I have cared for her before. I have cared for my grandparents. I have cared for my dog with cancer. It wasn't easy, but it always felt like I was where I should be. But this time was different. Although I couldn't see any alternative, my mind and my body were telling me that this was too much...even for a strong, able bodied soldier like me. I remember thinking, "What's wrong with me? I can do this. I'm the oldest. It only makes sense that I handle this." But yet I felt conflicted....like this wasn't something I was supposed to be doing. But who then??? They can't afford in home care. My brothers and my sister are hundreds of miles away.

By the time my Dad was discharged and I taxi'd my Mom back home, I was depleted. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. I ended up needing to take a few more days off just to recover. The best way to describe what I was feeling is that... it was if I had been TASERED. I was buzzing. But not in a good way. I felt sick and jittery. Then I got the phone call. Dad said he was heading back to the hospital. I cannot explain the tremendous amount of worry, guilt, and fear I felt in that moment. It took every ounce of courage to say, "Dad, I don't think I can help today". I didn't want him to think that I didn't care or that I didn't want to help. But I was faced with a choice in that moment....honor my feelings or risk ending up in a hospital bed next to his. You can imagine my relief when he said, "No worries. It's not as bad as before. I can drive myself and I'll take your Mom with me." Later that day, I apologized and tried to explain why I said what I said. He said, "You always try to fix everything. You don't have to do that." I thought..."But if not me, then who???" But then it clicked. I'm not the one in control. If I wasn't home or was unable to help, the situation would play out exactly as it was supposed to play out. I can't say for sure what would have happened if I hadn't stepped up to care for my Mom. And I'm still not sure what I would do if I could go back in time and make the choice again. But I trust that the Universe is working behind the scenes and it's not up to me to save the day or to fix their situation each time just because I am the oldest and because I live the closest. To be clear - I wanted to help. I also felt obligated to help. But more importantly, I felt like I ignored my intuitive nudges and then suffered as a result. How can I be of help if I am laid out flat?

In that moment, I was also reminded of a message I received from God a couple years ago after my Dad had his last heart attack. I was in worry mode, quickly depleting my energy, trying to find affordable care for my Mom. During a group meditation, I asked for help and was told (short version)..."Step away from the situation. This is not your burden to carry. Help where you can. Help is on it's way. Send love, not worry." I remember thinking, "That sure was self serving" and I doubted my messages. It felt like I had just given myself a free pass from my family responsibilities. But then a fellow medium (who knew nothing about my Dad or his health condition) delivered the exact same message to me...almost verbatim. Okay, fine. Sometimes I need to hear it twice (did I mention I'm a Taurus?!). But once I did what I was told, and got back into the flow with the Universe, everything fixed itself. I'll spare you the longer story, but things got better very quickly.

Listening to our intuition takes a tremendous amount of trust. Especially when we are in a heightened state of emotion and when we're worried about how our choices impact others. For many of us, it is hard to put ourselves and our needs before others. If I'm honoring my feelings, will it be at someone else's expense? And is that wrong? Not if we are being honest with ourselves and our motives. Being in the flow doesn't mean that we succumb to laziness or avoid difficult situations because it's the easy way out. Being in the flow means that we make choices to do difficult things, too....but only when it feels right to do so.

So lately, I've been trying hard to listen to that voice (in my head and in my gut) and to honor my feelings....and trusting that when I do, I am in the flow and on the right track. It's not easy! I have to make a very conscious decision to put the brakes on when my first inclination to plow through things. Then I have to take a moment to listen. This requires me to sit and ask myself questions such as, "How do I feel about what I'm doing?", "What do I really want to do?", and "Does this really feel right for me?" In this way, I am tuning back into the flow, matching my energy and purpose with that of the Universe. Or my higher self. Or the Divine Order of things. Or whatever we want to call it.

I'm also learning that it's really about releasing control and waving my white flag and knowing that my feelings are often Spirit's way of pointing me in the right direction. I just need to pay attention - especially when life get crazy - and stay in the flow.

So October, take your time. I'm good. I have plenty of t-shirts and I trust that you're bringing the heat for a reason. Maybe November will take care of business

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, we'll be getting together for an exciting day of learning Reiki for animals. Join us on October 7th for Animal Reiki Certification class. This special day will combine classroom learning with hands on experience at a nearby farm. Whether you're interested in learning how to deliver Reiki to your beloved pets, wish to share Reiki with sheltered animals, or want to begin an Aninal Reiki practice....this is a great opportunity to jump right in!

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on October 9th/16th . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

Can't make it on the 9th and 16th? This month I'll be teaching a second Reiki Level I Certification on the 21st and 27th!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on October 14th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Can't make it on the 14h? This month I'll be teaching a second Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! class on the 26th!

Join us on October 18th for Movie Night! to watch...."Keepers of the Light" . At a time when women feel frustrated, trying to hold their families together alone, burdened with financial and spiritual chaos, feeling like victims in an uncontrolled environment, through these interviews, we learn about the rise of the feminine energy on the planet and how this energy is now impacting each of our lives, both male and female. You will learn from our ancestors messages that are not only relevant to our lives today but necessary for every woman to embrace and tap into! Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

This month's special is all about your furry, feathered, scaly, and fishy friends. Did you know that Animal Communication and Animal Reiki can be done remotely? In fact, often times it is easier for the pet to receive energetic healing, or to communicate with me, from a distance. Without all of the distractions of having a visitor or being in a strange place, animals are sometimes better able to focus on the energetic/psychic connection this way. If you have a pet that you would like to treat to an Animal Communication and Reiki session, take advantage of this month's special - Animal Communication & Animal Reiki Session Combo for $100 ($50 savings!) . For more information and instructions, see below.

Animals are so super good at being in the flow. I have so much admiration for animals and their intuitive ways of existing. Going with the flow is just one more cool thing we can learn from them. On October 24th, we'll be getting together for "Let's Play" - Animal Communication! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Well, here's your chance to learn how. Our pets are tuning into our energy all the time and would love for us to understand what they have to say. It's easier than you may think!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

September 2019

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved, and enjoying the long weekend!

So, I have to tell you....

Today I sat down to start working on this month's newsletter and I thought, "What on earth am I going to write about?" I haven't been in reflection mode for some time. It's been another crazy busy month and this past week was bananas! Yes, I am grateful that I get to do work that I LOVE....but you know how you feel when you need a vacation after you get back from vacation? It's like that. So, my energy is a bit tapped out and I just haven't had much time to ponder life...or think about interesting things to write about. And when I do have a free second to think about stuff, I find myself thinking an awful lot about my ever growing plate of To Do's - prepping for classes, getting through the 3 books I started last month, finishing up the Connected Kids training, and a bazillion other things I need to get done. Not to mention the mountains of laundry growing downstairs. It's starting to look like a small bungalow community in our basement and I'm praying nothing has taken up residence.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed that I don't even know where to begin. Think I could use a mindfulness intervention? Pretty sure the answer is yes.

As I said, I really do love my work. And I'm really not complaining. I just haven't much time to sit and ponder. So when I sat down this morning I had no idea what I wanted to write about. Then I realized that maybe some of you may be feeling a little overwhelmed, too. With the summer coming to a close, kids returning to school, and whatever else you got going on....I imagine that some of you are in the same boat as me. So, I decided to pull a card for some guidance and maybe a little inspiration. Here's what came up....."CHOP WOOD".

(from Colette Baron Reid's "Wisdom of the Oracle" deck)

At first glance, it might seem like a silly thing to write about since that's one thing I don't have to worry about (Paul LOVES his chainsaw). But this card is a great reminder for me in that when things start piling up, I need to chill out, get grounded, focus on stuff I've been neglecting, and take things one step at a time so I can get things done. Here's what the card says:

Essential Meanings

Being grounded in everyday experience; humility

The Oracle's Message

There are times when the big dream is meant to lie dormant in your consciousness so that you can pay attention to the simple chores in your life. Consider why pruning a tree is the forerunner of delighting in the beautiful blooms when it is in full blossom. The mundane act of pulling off dead leaves, watering the soil, and then leaving it to be to let nature take its course is an important step in manifestation. Taking your attention away from your goal brings you into a state of receptivity. This is the deeper purpose for releasing attachment. When you engage in everyday tasks in a meditative, contemplative way, you clear your energy to receive your 'Aha!' moments, which brings you ever closer to what you seek.

Prosperity Message

Now is the time to take small steps, rather than larger leaps, on the journey to creating your most prosperous life. Move your focus off your big dream and attend to the mundane chores. Focus on the little things that may have piled up while you've been mapping out the greater plan for the life you aspire to see manifest into reality. "Chop wood, carry water," as the Zen proverb advises - or wash dishes, walk the dog...While you're doing all that, Spirit will have a chance to move mountains and set wondrous miracles in motion for you. Remain humble and aware of the present.

What a perfect reminder. In order to achieve what we want, it takes work. And after we achieve what we want, we need to continue to do work to maintain what we've accomplished....and to move towards our next goal. Life is a series of working towards this or that. But in order to keep up, it is also important to stop and work on ourselves and take care of the small things. So, for me....it's time to buckle down and get on my meditation train, read some of those books, and maybe do a load of laundry or two (as soon as I finish up this newsletter!). And then I'll be in a good place to pick back up where I left off.

Hopefully, you have some fun plans for the weekend....or are enjoying some much needed time off from work. And if you're armpit deep in work like I've been, I hope you will find (make) time soon to catch up on whatever you need to catch up on.

One last thought....

Anyone else find it interesting that I pulled the Chop Wood card on Labor Day weekend? Spirit makes me laugh. Well played, Team. Well played.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

Come join the block party in Old Town Manassas to celebrate 1st Friday on September 7th. Enjoy great food, live music, and local vendors after a long hard week!! Light Works will be open to the public so pop in to say hello! Juli will be in to show you around and to answer questions. There may even be cookies

Are you a Reiki Level II practitioner who wants to learn more, and possibly become a Master Teacher? Take your Reiki training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level III/Advanced Reiki Training Certification class on September 9th. This is a one day intensive class where you will learn advanced techniques to enhance Reiki healing. This class is a prerequisite to taking the Reiki Master Teacher course (coming in December!)

On September 12th, we'll be getting together for Movie Night! to watch...."iGod" . iGod traces how the various belief systems about God have evolved into what exists in the present day, and then delves into the many questions about God that so many people have asked throughout history. Perhaps through this exploration we can finally begin to understand what God really is, what God wants, why we are here and how we can create a better world both for ourselves and future generations. Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Take your Reiki Level I training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on September 15th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on September 16th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Need a quick message from your angels & guides? Then check out month's special - Life Path Readings - 30 minute phone sessions for $55 . See below for more info!

On September 20th, I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

And lastly, on September 22nd, we have a special guest joining us for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey. Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected!

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

August 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved...and enjoying life!

Well, July sure came and went like a blink. Filled with festivals, workshops, and lots of readings....it's been a busy (and rainy) month here! Pretty sure it rained nearly every day. SOMEbody, somewhere did a fancy rain dance! Hopefully, all of your vacations, and basements, survived the precipitation. Aside from a sump pump leak that we caught early, we fared pretty well. Thank you, Basement Angels! (I invited them to take up residence after our last flood and they're doing an amazing job.)

So, yea....it's been a wonderfully busy month and, as usual, I find myself feeling grateful that my Soul chose this path for this lifetime. Delivering healing messages and sharing loving guidance from Spirit is, hands down, the best job I've ever had. Whether it's connecting folks with their loved ones in Spirit, to their team of angels & guides, communicating with their pets, or teaching people how to do what I do.....I am humbled every day to be able to do this work, to be of service, and to make an honest living doing it.

There are so many people, like me, who are doing this work now and that is so profoundly beautiful to me. I really enjoy watching other mediums and light workers making a difference in people's lives. It's quite moving for me to witness. I have very dear friends who also connect with Spirit... many of whom work in the same town as me! We joke about Old Town Manassas becoming a spiritual mecca, much like the famed "Lily Dale" in NY. Who'd have guessed it? Weird, but very cool! Each practitioner brings his or her own personality and style to this work, giving people multiple options for finding someone they resonate with. As with the mediums on television, we are all different in the ways that we connect, receive information, and how we deliver messages. By the way, one of my new TV faves is Thomas John, whose show "Seatbelt Psychic" is now airing on Lifetime. (LOVE him - check him out!). He's not the Long Island Medium or Tyler Henry or Lisa Williams. But neither am I. We're all different and I love it.

What I have found, and I also love, is that Spirit works very hard to match us up. What I mean by that is ....your Spirit team and your loved ones are working behind the scenes to get you to the right person for you. You may have a friend who refers you or you pick up a magazine and see that readers face and feel drawn to him/her or any other number of signs or synchronistic events that ultimately lead you to me (or someone else!). Why do they do this? Because when you are looking for someone to connect for you, it's important that you resonate with your medium. No matter how accurate or 'gifted' a medium is, if you don't feel a connection or resonance...it is likely going to feel 'off'. But when your personalities are in sync and you feel comfortable with that person, it tends to be a much more productive and rewarding session - for both parties.

There is a lot that goes into a mediumship reading. To begin, typically a shift of consciousness takes place to 'tune in'. There are some mediums that are tuned in all of the time, but in my experience this is not the norm. If that were the case, we would be walking around sensing spiritual energy all of the time. It may work for some, but personally I would go nuts if I remained 'open' 24/7...it would be difficult to go about my daily life. And I would probably be an annoying dinner date. It's important for me to be able to go to the grocery store or to a party without feeling everyone's deceased ancestors and guides. But as I mentioned before, every medium is different. Spirit knows when I'm 'off duty' and usually honors my time off. Usually. Sometimes they catch me off guard in the shower. I know, right? This used to be disconcerting. Now I'm used to it. Thankfully, there is no judgement in the Spirit world.

My readings typically begin with my tuning in to your Spirit team of guides and angels for messages about things going on in your life. This comes in the form of guidance, advice, or support for you. They give me this information before we meet which is pretty cool. This is one reason why I prefer to know nothing up front about why you are coming to see me! This helps me (and you) to know that I have made a solid connection and that I'm not just reading your energy. After we discuss your messages, I adjust my energy again and invite loved ones to step forward. As an evidential medium, I go through a process of interviewing Spirit. I ask them to provide pieces of information (names, dates, occupation, memories, etc) that help us to know who we are talking to. Again, this helps us both to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am communicating with Spirit (and to know who I'm talking to). Once I know that I have a good connection, we can begin to have a conversation and see what they have to say. These sessions are typically very healing and comforting and, often times... life changing.

Again, all psychics and mediums are different. So this may not look the same as what others do, or how they connect. And that's okay. There is no one right way to connect with Spirit or to do mediumship readings. There are many!

If you have never had a reading (or even if you have), here are some things to consider if you're thinking about having one... as well as some tips for preparing for a session....

First, let’s talk about the difference between a Psychic and a Medium…

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A psychic has the ability to tune into your energy field and senses (or “picks up” ) information. A psychic reading is typically where someone taps into your auric field, or uses their intuitive ability, to read you to get information about you - past, present, and/or future. But a psychic may also act as a medium, or messenger, for Spirit. A medium uses their psychic ability to tune into different energetic "levels", or frequencies, to communicate with those in Spirit and to deliver their messages. A medium works with your Spirit team (angels & guides) to give you guidance, or with your deceased loved ones to deliver loving and healing messages. In a nutshell….all mediums are psychic but not all psychics are mediums.

You may have heard the phrase “We are all spiritual beings living a human experience”. Everyone has psychic and mediumship abilities. Some people simply have naturally stronger intuition, just as some people have naturally stronger athletic or artistic abilities. But anyone can learn to connect with Spirit.

Mediumship is not a religion nor does one need be religious to receive messages from Spirit. It is generally accepted by mediums that there is a higher source energy (the Creator, God, the Divine, etc) and that we are surrounded by spiritual energy at all times. Personally, I identify with God and am able to communicate with Angels and Spirit guides…as well as loved ones on the other side. I only work with Spirit that walk in God’s white light and have only loving and healing messages to deliver. There is nothing dark, evil, or scary in the work that I do.

So, how do you prepare for a mediumship readings? What can you expect? These tips will help you to understand how a reading generally goes.

Have a clear, open mind – The best thing you can do is to be open to receiving information and messages, and to be open to hearing from any spirit who may come through for you. All of them have valid and meaningful messages. And Spirit may have an important message for you to deliver to someone else. It is also imperative that you be alert, clear headed, and sober. It may sound silly, but it’s important not to mix spirits with Spirit!

Be thinking about what you would like to get out of your reading – Prior to your reading, be thinking about what you would like to know from your Spirit team. Feel free to ask your questions out loud or ask that Spirit bring something specific up during your session. Although I am not the boss of Spirit, they will typically work with us and do their best to deliver.

Be thinking about who you would like to hear from during your reading - Do you have someone you’d specifically like to speak with on the other side? If so, set the intention that they are welcome to join you at the reading. Although this person may or may not show up, the energy of your intention can make it easier for them to come through. Many times, Spirit shows up early and they are ready to get started!

Avoid “feeding” the medium! - An experienced medium will not want any information up front about your loved ones. When I work with Spirit, I ask that Spirit provide evidential information so that we can correctly identify him or her. These will be pieces of information that only you would know. Validation of this information is important… so a simple “yes” or “no” from you is perfect so that I know we’re on the right track. But please resist the urge to tell me all about that person until we have identified your loved one….we want to let Spirit do the work!

Spirit works with symbols and my frame of reference – I receive thoughts, images, feelings, and symbols from Spirit. Sometimes these make perfect sense and sometimes it is a bit like trying to solve a puzzle. It would be great if they were able to walk up to me, extend their hand, and say “Hello, my name is Imogene Parker. I’m here for my niece, Susan Jones, and I’m from Atlanta. My birthday is February 10th and I passed in my sleep. By the way, I liked to swing dance and tell jokes”. If only it were that easy! Instead, I might see her and be able to describe her appearance. Next she might show me an image of my aunt, a Georgia peach, a cartoon image of someone sleeping next to a gravestone, and a swing routine from “So You Think You Can Dance”. Then I might hear February and see the number 10. She may say something funny so that I understand she had a great sense of humor. This is how they communicate with me so that you know who it is. Then we can chat with them. Pretty cool, huh?

Be open to any spirit who may come through to communicate with you -. While I can create the optimal conditions for a spirit to come through, Spirit decides whether or not they are ready to take the step. Additionally, they decide when, for how long, with whom they visit! If you wanted to hear from your grandfather, but your father came instead, I highly suggest we listen to the message. If someone came from the other side to speak with you, their message is valuable. Spirits work very hard to contact you through me, often going to the trouble of assisting you in your decision to set up the appointment in the first place. Medium readings are a gift from our passed loved ones and spirit guides to confirm that they are with us always, and are assisting and guiding us from the other side. If you should have a reading, open your heart and mind to whatever it is they decide to communicate to you about.

What happens if you don’t hear from the person you wanted to hear from? - There are no guarantees, but I’m always happy to invite them to step forward at the end of the reading. Many times they will. However, it’s important that we trust that the messages we receive are the ones that we are supposed to receive and that they are for everyone’s highest good at that time. I am simply the messenger…..remember, Spirit is the boss!

Understand that we are working energetically with Spirit – What this means is that in order for me to connect with Spirit, I must work to raise my energy and Spirit must work to lower their energy so that we may meet somewhere in the middle. We can only hold this connection for so long so I try to get as much as I can while we are connected. During this time, it’s important for you and I to stay focused rather than engage in lengthy conversation. Also, sometimes Spirit will come through very strong and other times it is like shouting across a football field to one another! This is why some messages are clear as day and others take a lot more work to decipher.

Take notes or record your session – Receiving messages from your loved ones can be very emotional and overwhelming. It is hard to absorb all of the information being delivered during a reading. Being able to listen to your reading again will allow you to maximize your experience. Also, sometimes Spirit will bring up something that may not make sense right away. Having notes or a recording will allow you to go back and piece it together after your reading.

I'm not always sure why Spirit has me write about certain topics. This month is no exception (scratching head). Haha! But I trust I was guided to tap all this out for one reason or another. Hopefully, it was helpful in some way...or at the very least, mildly entertaining

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

For the full August newsletter, and to see what's happening at Light Works this month, click HERE!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

July 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy,....and feeling LOVED!

I also hope that you had a wonderful time celebrating the 4th - hanging with family and friends, catching some fireworks, or just enjoying a much needed break from work.

This week, I've been working mostly from home. It's nice to be able to work remotely sometimes, doing phone readings, distance Reiki sessions, or working on scheduling and things like...newsletters! Today is no exception. From the comfort of my living room couch, I have a terrific view of not only my laptop screen but also one of my favorite plants in our garden - our butterfly bush. Well maybe not so much a bush. At 10 feet tall, we should probably just start calling it a butterfly tree. Nevertheless, it's pretty awesome. Awesome because it attracts some of my favorite friends. It's like my own private window into a world of colorful butterflies, zipping hummingbirds, bumble bees, and an occasional dragonfly or two. Cardinals pay visits, resting on the branches and peering at their reflections in the window. It's quite a show, especially in the mornings... and I've got the best seat in the house!

For some reason, I've been feeling drawn to talk about Spiritual Transformation so I guess it's no surprise that my eyes keep getting pulled towards the butterfly bush (tree). I mean, what's a better example of transformation than a butterfly? As I marvel at these magical flying creatures, my thoughts go to the peculiar physical changes that must take place for them to become these newer, more colorful, more mobile versions of themselves. Their life stages are so unique and distinct - from egg to larva to chrysalis to adult butterfly. The most notable being the metamorphosis that takes place from caterpillar to butterfly during the chrysalis cycle. I mean, seriously?? Check it out on You Tube. It's crazy! Nature is so fascinating and bizarre sometimes. Why would a species...any species...need to go through such drastic changes to become a different version of themselves? I wonder if it's painful? It must be worth it or else they wouldn't go through it, right?

And then I think back on my life and think about the many transformations I have gone through - every decade, every chapter, every challenge, every experience - to become who I am today. Geez. Was it painful? Sometimes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I mean, we all go through these stages and life cycles in order to grow and to learn and to, hopefully, become better versions of ourselves. Sometimes we may take two steps forward and three steps back...but the ultimate goal is the same. To grow.

Like the butterfly, it's easy to see our physical transformations. Our bodies clearly change. Oh boy, do they change . Some things we have control over, some things we don't. Some parts of growing are exciting and fun...like, a baby's legs finding the strength and coordination to walk. And some are painful...like, when your knees crap out after 30 years of playing soccer. Regardless, it's safe to say that what you see in the mirror today is not likely the same as what you will look like in 30 years. And not the same as what you saw in the mirror when you were 5. But that's part of the life cycle. Aging is natural and life experiences play a role in changes of our physical appearance. I guess that part is a no brainer really.

But what about changes in your personality, character, and thinking? As we age, and experience life's highs and lows, how does that change us? Do we change for the better? I believe that every experience that we have - whether it be romantic, traumatic, successful, hateful, joyful, jealous, ecstatic, painful, or rich with love - helps us to grow. With each experience, we grow and evolve. We transform and become newer versions of ourselves. With each experience, we see ourselves, and others and the world, differently. We learn what to do or not to do next time. We learn how our actions and words can be powerful. We learn how to navigate life's ups and downs. They say, "With age comes wisdom". I would have to agree. What a great school life is.

So what about Spiritual Transformation? What's that all about?

Loosely translated, a spiritual transformation is what happens when we begin to shift awareness from our physical, or human, selves to our spiritual selves. Our spiritual selves are that part of us that connects with energy that is in and around us at all times. No matter what religion or faith, it is the energy that exists to give us life force. It's the energy of our higher consciousness. It's the energy that we refer to as God, the Divine, Source, Creator, Holy Spirit...(whatever name works for you...it's just a name). It is unconditional LOVE. Some call this transformation an "awakening", some call it becoming "enlightened". I'm sure there are a boatload of other phrases or terms that are used by other cultures or religions to describe this shift in awareness or perception. Spiritual transformation works for me.

How does this happen exactly? First let me say that I believe that we enter this human existence connected with Spirit...already plugged in. As newborns, we are naturally tuned in to the energies that we cannot "see", "smell", "hear", or "touch". Children seem especially aware of the energetic frequencies of spirit (i.e. imaginary friends, knowledge of information beyond their young years). As children, we communicate with spirit and with each other through creativity and imagination. It's natural! But as we age, the need to learn important analytic skills and logic (rules, math, social norms, etc) takes the front seat, often times putting creativity in the rear facing car seat. This isn't true for everyone..there are plenty of people who exercise their creative minds all the time. But many of us haven't in a long time. When is the last time you built a fort with cushions or colored or pretended your were a super hero...when you weren't playing with a child? In order to function in society, most of us needed to learn vocational and social skill sets so that we could date, find work, raise kids, secure shelter and food. Often times, we go through life so focused on life "stuff" that we become disconnected from the energies of spirit. It's always there, of course. And at times we may tap in by turning to our faith through prayer or by going to church or meditating. But I'm talking about when we are so distracted by our human experience that we are just not tuning in. For some people (like me), this can go on for years and years. It's not a judgement. It just is what it is. Life happens!

Spiritual transformation is what takes place when we make the conscious effort to reconnect with Spirit. Whether this is through prayer, meditation, yoga, or sitting with your feet in the sand and closing your eyes...it's about shifting your awareness from the body to your conscious thoughts with the intention of connecting to our higher consciousness, or Spirit, for guidance, for clarity, for peace, and for love.

I often think about how different my life would have been had I stayed "awake" for the last 3 decades. I sure would have avoided a lot of whoopsies! and painful experiences. I definitely would have spared myself a lot of disappointment, as I spent many many years exercising my 'free will' with lousy results. But then I am reminded how purposeful all of those experiences were. They helped me to grow and to develop empathy and compassion and to eventually learn self love and setting boundaries....and forgiveness. Had I been sitting in meditation all those years, asking for guidance and trusting my intuition, I may have avoided a few challenging relationships. But then I would never fully understand what it means to experience the heartache of a breakup. Or what it feels like to be cheated on. But because I went through them, I do understand. And these experiences not only taught me self love and forgiveness....but also that our hearts have the capacity to heal. Now those, and countless other memories, help me to be of service. I can empathize with, and show compassion to, those who are going through what I have gone through. And I am able to help them as a result. So I am grateful for the years that I was disconnected. I am grateful for my bumpy ride. But I am also so very grateful for the events that brought me to rediscover my connection with Spirit.

Many of you are familiar with my story so I will spare you the longer version. So here's the quick and dirty...

My spiritual awakening came on unexpectedly and involuntarily. My husband and I were going about our business of living what I considered a "normal" existence. We worked hard, partied on the weekends, played sports, got along most of the time, and enjoyed vacations with our dogs. Then one day my husband fell and broke his pelvis in three places while working in Queens. On that day, our normal lives came to a complete stop. And his fall was just the beginning of a 4 year spell of tragedy in our lives. In that time, one of our dogs was hit by a truck (he survived, but it was a long recovery), Grandma had brain tumor surgery and was in rehab for months until she passed, I looked after my Grandad for a year until he passed, then spent months wrapping up their estate, I ended up in the hospital for emergency gall bladder surgery, and then my other dog was diagnosed with bone cancer. All this while working full time. It was a lot...even for me.

It was during this time that I began reconnecting with Spirit. And it was through caring for my dog with cancer that I really began to awaken. I waved my little white flag and I began talking to God, to the angels, to my guides, and my grandparents....and it made me feel better. Clearly, it took a big fat handful of hard knocks for me to finally surrender and ask for help and to turn towards something greater than my human self for guidance. But I'm so grateful that I did because it led to the spiritual transformation that brings me to where I am today... and to doing this work.

I'm also grateful for everything I've learned through reconnecting with Spirit. What have I learned from my spiritual journey so far? Well...that I'm not the boss. I am co-creating my life and my reality with Spirit. I am responsible for my happiness. I've learned patience for myself and others. I've learned how to suspend judgement (most of the time....I'm human!) and to let go of thoughts and feelings about my past that no longer serve me. I've learned how to manage my energy and I've learned the power of my thoughts and words. I've learned that forgiveness is unnecessary when I love unconditionally. I've learned that I have a team of loving spiritual energies that are with me at all times and are working to help guide me every step of the way. I've learned to listen to them when they are giving me intuitive nudges. I've learned that I can see the beauty in all things and all people, to see their Souls...but I that it's okay to love at an arm's length, when necessary. I have learned that there is definitely continuity of life after we leave our physical bodies. I have learned to love myself, first and foremost. And I have learned that love is the solution...for everything.

And I've learned.... that I still have a lot to learn

So that's my story. At least that's the beginning of my spiritual transformation story. It may not look anything like your story and that's alright. In fact, that's the beauty of spiritual transformation. We are all in different places, learning different things, experiencing our own highs and lows... at the perfect times for each of us. If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be where I am today spiritually, I would have told them they were bat s&!# crazy! So I think it's really important for us to realize that we are all growing and learning in different ways and at different rates - that each person's spiritual connection and transformation is unique and personal. Others may not be where you are or you may not be where you want to be yet....and that's okay. Your story may be that you have always felt connected to Spirit and that is awesome! You may feel like your belief system is shifting and changing...and that's okay, too. You may be reading this and still wondering what the heck I'm talking about. All good!

Or maybe, like me....you are working your way out of the chrysalis so that you, with your beautiful new wings, can fly.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

Come join the block party in Old Town Manassas to celebrate 1st Friday on July 7th. Enjoy great food, live music, and local vendors after a long hard week!! Light Works will be open to the public so pop in to say hello! Juli & Joyce will be in to show you around and to answer questions. There may even be cookies

Discovering (or rediscovering) your spiritual connection can be exciting and life changing. To friends and family, it may be confusing. How do you grow spiritually when your partner, friends, and family members are not experiencing what you are? Join us for the two hour workshop to discuss, "Enlighten Me! - Nurturing Relationships During Spiritual Growth" on July 12th.

Also on July 12th, we'll be getting together for Movie Night! to watch...."Awake in the Dream" . Through lessons from visionaries and spiritual teachers as well as numerous exercises, Awake in the Dream gives us the tools to break down the walls of the person we have created for ourselves. Complete the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly! Tap into the potential that has existed since the beginning of time. And wake up to the wholeness that awaits each and every one of us. Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Want to set your intention for positive changes in your life? On July 18th, join us for a guided meditation to focus on just that at "Let's Meditate! Guided Meditation for Positive Change!". Relax and leave all of your stress behind as tap into the many health benefits of meditation!

Take your Reiki Level I training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on July 21st. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on July 22nd. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Lastly, I'll be joining fellow medium, Stacey Nichole, on July 25th for an evening of channeled messages at "Voices of Spirit - Mediumship Gallery featuring Juli & Stacey!". Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

June 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved...and having FUN!

Hello and happy June! I hope that you all are enjoying the warmer weather and getting geared up for the summer months. For many, this month is all about the pools opening, vacations starting, kids home from school, and a time for planning lots of fun activities. So far this year, it seems like it's been all about rain...and lots of flooding. At least around these parts. To be honest, I'm cool with the rain....it soothes my Soul and sets the tone for some awesome napping. And it won't be long before it's 100 degrees out and 150% humidity and we'll all be praying for snow again. But I digress....

Back to the fun stuff! What fun stuff, you ask? Well, to be honest...I'm not even sure. In fact, sometimes it's hard to put my finger on what "having fun" really means. I mean, in theory, I get it. Engaging in "fun" activities = having fun....right? Sure. Seems like a simple enough concept. And I think that I'm pretty good at having fun....I like to laugh, be silly, and work can be a lot of fun.

So, why is it that I find that lately so many people (including yours truly) are getting messages from Spirit about having fun? Seriously. If I had a nickel for every time this blasted card gets pulled....

(From the John Holland "Talking with Spirit" deck)

Okay, so it's a bright and happy card and has pretty colored bubbles. But for some reason, I always cringe when I pull this card for myself. Why? Well, because it implies that I'm not having enough fun. And then I feel pressured to make an effort to plan something fun to do or to visit a fun place. It doesn't take long to become exhausted just thinking about it all. And then I start to wonder if my husband is right about me being ...B-O-R-I-N-G

Okay, so maybe I don't like to party my face off anymore. While I loved that chapter in my life, for all of the shenanigans and crazy experiences I had, I can't say that I miss the hangovers and insane bar tabs. That kind of fun no longer appeals to me. I am not interested in conquering white water rapids, going skiing, or playing soccer five nights a week anymore either. Sure, I had a blast doing those things for years...and am grateful for the memories. But my idea of fun has definitely shifted over the years! Now, a fun night is to get takeout and watch a movie that makes me laugh so hard I cry. I know...I know. Boring. But it's fun for me!

Clearly, Spirit thinks that I'm not doing enough. Sigh.

What's the big deal anyway? Why is having fun so daggone important? I derive a tremendous amount of joy from doing the work that I do, connecting with (and for) so many amazing people and animals, sharing love, and teaching. They say when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. So, why can't that be my FUN?

Then it dawned on me. It may not feel like work. But what I do every day, whether it's seeing clients or updating Meetup and Facebook or teaching or designing brochures.....is still work. Fun work? Yes. But it's still work that requires my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. Work, no matter how great it is....is still draining. It can take it's toll physically, mentally, and energetically. This can leave me feeling like I'm running on empty... fatigued, worn out, and sometimes even irritable.

And that's where the FUN comes in!

Having fun actually helps to counter the affects of stress by reducing cortisol levels and increasing serotonin levels. Engaging in fun activities also helps regulate healthy sleeping patterns and boosts energy - even when the activities are chill! Just hanging out, relaxing with good friends and conversation can help increase energy levels. And the more you have fun, the better equipped you are to handle stressful times when they do come. So by having fun, we are actually refilling our empty tanks AND filling up the reserves. Pretty cool.

And if you were curious about what else that card has to say.....here it is:

"Have Fun - Stop! When was the last time you had fun? When was the last time you took a chance and did something silly - something totally unlike you, something just for the joy of it? It's long overdue for your to let go of your analytical mind and give yourself and your soul permission to have fun! We all have the need to play and leave the 'adult responsibilities' behind for a little while. Step away from your desk or what you're doing, and release your inhibitions. Feel free to shout and laugh or jump in the air, and feel the connection with your inner child again. By placing this card in your hand, Spirit is letting your know that you must engage in more hobbies and activities that are purely centered on having fun. If you've always wanted to learn to sing, dance, or play a new sport - then it's time. Maybe you've been drawn to the stage to act or wanted to try comedy; this is the ideal moment to Go For It! You are a physical being as well as a spiritual being, so having fun will balance 'all' of you. Have fun - you so deserve it!"

So why is it so hard for some of us to make time for this stuff? Well, I can't speak for everyone else but I can guess where my resistance comes from. As a kid, it was ingrained in us that we must always finish our work before we could play. Household chores and homework had to be completely done before we could go see our friends or play games in the neighborhood....or even watch our favorite shows on TV. Fun was the reward for hard work. Similarly, we were required to eat everything on our dinner plates before we could have dessert. It was a reward system that sort of worked.....if you wanted to leave the house, watch TV, or have dessert. Not a great system if you didn't care about such things (like my brother).

Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am an adult now! I can choose my own reward system. If I want to have fun before I finish my ever growing and never ending "To Do" list, why not??? Shoot, I've learned how to eat my dessert before dinner when I feel like it (no problem there!). Funny how easy that was. Perhaps I need to take the same approach with making more time for things that I love to do (besides work)...

Who says we have to wait 'til Friday or 'til we retire or 'til the dishes are done or 'til the cows come home? Only us! We create our rules about how we spend our time so maybe it's time we make a concerted effort to dedicate plenty of time for people, places, and experiences that make us happy.

Already got this technique down pat? Cheers to you!! Next time I see you, I'll be asking you for tips And for those of you who struggle like me....I hope you can take some time today for yourself. As soon as I finish this newsletter, I think I'm going to turn on my music, sing like I'm auditioning for The Voice, and shake - my - booty. It's going to be like Soul Train....in my kitchen. It might not be pretty, but it will definitely be FUN

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, we'll be getting together on June 13th for Movie Night! to watch...."Discover the Gift" . If you're looking to unlock your full potential by tapping into your unique gifts, you won't want to miss this film! Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on June 16th/23rd . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on June 17th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

On June 18th, join Joyce Hughes, for Essential Oils Make & Take Gifts - Roll Ons & Inhalers! Using the rollers and inhalers are great ways to enjoy the healing benefits of essential oils. Make a few for you and make a few to give away! Joyce will be focusing on oil blends that promote "Harmony & Gratitude".

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Well, here's your chance to learn how. We'll be getting together on June 19th for "Let's Play" - Animal Communication! Our pets are tuning into our energy all the time and would love for us to understand what they have to say. It's easier than you may think!

On June 21st, it's "Creative Meditation - Angel Inspiration Paint Night!". Come join us for a fun night of creativity and community. We'll begin with a guided meditation to set our intention to connect with the angels to receive inspiration for your mini masterpiece! I'll provide the canvas, paints, & brushes - you bring your sense of artistic adventure. Perfect for everyone...if you can hold a brush, you can paint!

Fellow Angel Messenger, Beth 'B' Carleton, will be joining us on June 24th for "Fun With The Fairies Day!". Experience a joy-filled day connecting with the fairies. We will CELEBRATE and MEDITATE with these wonderful light-filled nature angels. ...hope you'll join us!

This month's special is all about your furry, feathered, scaly, and fishy friends. Did you know that Animal Communication and Animal Reiki can be done remotely? In fact, often times it is easier for the pet to receive energetic healing, or to communicate with me, from a distance. Without all of the distractions of having a visitor or being in a strange place, animals are sometimes better able to focus on the energetic/psychic connection this way. If you have a pet that you would like to treat to an Animal Communication and Reiki session, take advantage of this month's special - Animal Communication & Animal Reiki Session Combo for $100 ($50 savings!) . For more information and instructions, see below.

And lastly, we'll be closing out the month with the "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli on June 27th. I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event. Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli <3

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

May 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved, and INSPIRED!

Like most of you, I become increasingly aware of the magic of nature at this time of year. It's that whole rebirthing of the plants and trees that captures our attention through the bright colors and fragrant smells (not to mention the thick layer of sneeze dust that gives my car that fancy yellow tint). It's hard to miss the spectacular work of art that unfolds each year for us to enjoy. You may need a powerful antihistamine to enjoy it (aachoo!), but it's still a pretty magnificent natural display of beauty.

What is it about art that captivates us so? What is it about art that appeals to our senses? Whether it's nature's canvas or a man-made masterpiece, why do we feel so connected and moved by certain pieces....as if they literally speak to us?

Perhaps it helps to start with the idea of CREATION. I’m not talking about THE creation… the beginning of time, how we came to be, or the day earth and all of life began. Great topic and pretty outstanding work (high five, God!), but that's not what’s on my mind today. What I’m talking about is creativity and the creative process…. as it relates to us humans and to art.

What is creativity exactly? Let’s break it down…

cre·a·tiv·i·ty

NOUN

the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

I love that. The use of the imagination. To think of all of the great works of art that stemmed from one person’s imagination - paintings, novels, symphonies, poems, lyrics, music, dance, movies, murals, sculptures, architecture, landscape design, plays, clothing, inventions….all imagined! And.....

im·ag·i·na·tion

NOUN

the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.

Ok, got it. So where does the imagination come from? Well, our brains of course…at least according to science. I mean, we’re told that our thoughts and ideas come from our brains. We understand that when we have ideas and thoughts, things ‘light up’ in different areas of the brain. There is also scientific theory that suggests that different parts of the brain are responsible for different types of ideas and thoughts. It’s said that left brain activity is associated with logical, numerical, and analytical types of thinking…and the right brain activity is more creative, emotional, and intuitive. Although there seems to be some argument about left and right brain ‘dominance’, there is still evidence showing that different parts of the brain are responsible for different tasks and thoughts. So in MY brain, I associate creative thinking, intuition, and imagination as stuff that happens in my right brain….and planning, calculations, and other analytical stuff stems from my left brain. But that also means that doubt and fear and other pesky ‘logical’ thoughts are coming from my left brain as well. Oh, left brain

So, where are you going with all this brain stuff, you ask?? Well, I have a theory, too.

I believe that when I am connecting with the Spirit world, for others and for myself, I am absolutely using the creative part of my brain. When I tune in to communicate with Angels, guides, and loved ones in Spirit for healing messages, I am literally using my imagination! I have learned, over time and from hundreds of readings, that Spirit works through my creative mind to give me information. Not just any information. Validated information. Specific and detailed information that I couldn’t possibly know about people. When I adjust my consciousness, by shifting my thoughts from logical to imaginative, I receive information. Information that comes into my head and into my awareness. Through. My. Imagination. Crazy right? Ok, maybe you don’t need to answer that. Haha! As I said, it’s my theory and it’s what I understand to be true. Take it if it resonates with you.

Now here’s where it gets interesting.

If I am connecting to Spirit through my creative thoughts and imagination, wouldn’t it stand to reason that when artists are using their right brains to create, they might also be connecting with Spirit? How often have you heard a musician say that they when they wrote the lyrics to a song, they were ‘in the flow’? Or an author needing to overcome ‘writer’s block’ (overactive left brain) in order to get the creative juices flowing? A painter talks about being in the ‘zone’? Sounds an awful lot like shifting into that day dreamy, imaginative space in order to tap into that creative part of the mind to me.

When I’m working, Spirit often uses my frame of reference and my life experiences and my emotions. In this way, I am able to better receive and express their messages that are meant to uplift, to give guidance, and to help others to heal. It’s often our experiences that inspire us to share pieces of our Soul…in order to connect with others. Art is also expressive and represents an individual’s personal experiences. And I believe that the reason art speaks to us in such a profound way, moving us to tears and touching our hearts so deeply, is because it is a way for Spirit to work through us to offer the world a little piece of “home”.

Regardless of your beliefs and whether you agree with my theory, I think we can all agree that art does have the ability to reach the core of our being to touch us and move us in powerful ways. My hope for you is that you find that deep connection through whatever medium (no pun intended) that speaks to you…that you feel uplifted and connected and loved. And if you’re feeling inspired to create, get to it! Someone in the world needs what you have to share.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, we have a special guest joining us on May 16th for a Sound Bath Meditation with Biansa! A Sound Bath can be an unforgettable sound experience for those who seek deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and an acceleration of their inward journey. Allow Ansa to guide you through a world of sound vibration for a deep cellular experience of alignment that will leave you feeling rested and connected!

Take your Reiki Level I training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on May 19th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on May 20th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Want to get YOUR creative thoughts flowing? On May 22nd, join us for a guided meditation to focus on just that at "Creative Flow Guided Meditation & Automatic Writing Night!". Learn the basics of automatic writing and give it a try. You'll even receive a journal to get you started. Relax and leave all of your stress behind as tap into the many health benefits of meditation!

On May 25th, it's "Creative Meditation - Angel Inspiration Paint Night!". Come join us for a fun night of creativity and community. We'll begin with a guided meditation to set our intention to connect with the angels to receive inspiration for your mini masterpiece! I'll provide the canvas, paints, & brushes - you bring your sense of artistic adventure. Perfect for everyone...if you can hold a brush, you can paint!

Join Lolita on May 27th for a Guided Meditation and Vocal Toning Journey with Lolita! Toning is an ancient vocal technique that is used to balance the human body and emotions, lift mood, decrease stress, and renew energy levels. After the meditation, enjoy a light meal and discuss your experience!

I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! on May 30th. Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

Need a quick message from your angels? Then check out month's special - Mini Angel Card Email Reading for $25! . See below for more info!

And lastly, join Rebecca Thompson on May 31st for TRE: Trauma Release Exercises with Rebecca. Learn about the benefits of TRE and how these exercises can assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. I've yet to learn about this modality but it sure looks interesting!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli <3

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

April 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and feeling loved!

It seems like Spring has finally sprung! Well....at least it showed up for a day or two, right? Definitely long enough for a few little flowers to re-emerge after a long winter's nap! As I marveled at their colorful beauty, I noticed a few other plants making their way up through the dirt and mulch, stretching themselves towards the heat of the sun. Also stretching themselves into the space where the flowers are trying to grow. Oh dear. It's that time of year again where I have to wrestle in my head about killing weeds so that the other plants may thrive. I mean...who am I to decide which living thing gets to grow strong and which one gets plucked up and thrown in the compost pile? Ugh. Then I start to wonder what type of natural system of boundaries do plants have? At first glance, there doesn't appear to be one. When they are establishing their root system and beginning their cycles of life, is there such a thing as personal space? In the natural order of things, it seems like it's all about the survival of the fittest. I suppose that makes sense, but it seems a bit rude for the stronger, more aggressive plants to just take over...I'm just saying.

I definitely haven't figured that all out but it did prompt me to start thinking about the way us humans interact with one another. About personal space and healthy boundaries and why do we need them?

For those of you who know me, it's no secret that I am a hugger. Not just a casual goodbye hugger. Like....a SERIAL hugger. A 'you may not know you need a hug but I'm going to give you one anyway' kind of hugger. I hug people, I hug animals, and I even hug a tree every now and then. I believe in the power of human contact and expressing love to everyone and every thing. And there have been studies to back me up about the power of hugs and how hugging is emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy. Hugging increases emotional bonding through the release of oxytocin in the brain, relieves pain, elevates mood, alleviates stress, reduces worries of mortality, balances nervous system, and more good stuff. Aren't hugs great?

But all of this leads me to sometimes wonder....does everyone I meet really want a hug? How many times a day am I encroaching on other people's energetic layers of personal space with hardly a smidge of permission? Doesn't everyone need and want love in the form of a hug? If I am to be honest with myself, the answer is probably no.

Sadly, I may need to adjust my philosophy, and my hugging practice, just a bit. After all, how would I feel if a stranger came at me with a gallon of green juice and poured it down my throat without permission? It may be good for me but I'm pretty sure I would prefer to have my green juice when I want my green juice (like... after I've eaten too many cookies). Perhaps the green juice example is extreme. But it does demonstrate that even a serial hugger needs boundaries.

So what are personal boundaries really? Is it just about physical contact or that funny imaginary line that we draw around ourselves with an imaginary sign that says "By Invitation Only"?

Nope.

When we're talking about personal space, we aren't just talking about our homes, our bodies, or possessions (an extension of our personal space). Physical personal space may be the most obvious, but not necessarily the most common. Personal space also includes our emotions (what we share, how we share, and with whom we share how we're feeling) as well as our energy (how we use it for ourselves and for others) and our TIME. I've been known to talk people right out of a room....so I'm pretty sure I'm a frequent offender on this one, too.

I think that it's safe to say that we all have our own levels of comfort with physical, verbal, emotional,and energetic interaction. We know that each person (and animal and plant) is made up of their own personal experiences and energy that makes us each unique. So it would stand to reason that each person has their own unique levels of comfort when it comes to their own personal space....and the boundaries necessary to maintain that comfort level. So, while there may be plenty of social norms and even boundaries backed by our legal system that most people follow (I said most), each person is unique when it comes to what does and doesn't feel comfortable.

Take my husband, Paul, and I, for example. We're at a party. He loves attention. Like, a lot of attention. He thrives in a room full of people, telling jokes and stories and having others tell him how great/funny/good looking he is. Me? I'm the one in the corner, playing with the dog. Or cat. Or my shoelace. Conversely, I am an open book when it comes to conversation content. When I do engage in chit chat, I have no problem talking to others about my personal life or bodily functions or my past or whatever. No topic is off limits. Paul, however, would rather keep his personal business private. He would be mortified if I told anyone about the time.....(haha! you didn't really think I'd go there, did you?)

Simply put....different people, different boundaries.

Since we're all so different, how do I know if I'm overstepping someone's physical, emotional, energetic/time boundaries? Will I offend my friend if I ask to borrow her car or if I ask a stranger "What's wrong??" when they've clearly been crying? How do I know if I'm driving my neighbor bonkers with my long winded texts and the endless favors I ask?

The answer is....a lot of the time I don't know. Unless I'm given a clear message from the the other person, I might assume we have a similar boundary structure.

And, yes, I am a psychic medium. But, no, I am not a mind reader. So in order for me to respect another person's boundaries, I might just need that other person to communicate what theirs are. Then it is up to me to adjust my behavior. And in order for other people to know what my boundaries are, I need to let them know as well.

It may not be easy, but it is important for us to communicate when our boundaries are being crossed. To be gentle, but firm, when we express our need for physical or emotional space. To be clear and direct and honest so that there are no questions about where we stand and what we will and will not do...or tolerate. And above all else, to be kind and loving in expressing our needs.

Does this mean that others will always honor and respect our boundaries even when we communicate nicely and clearly? Well, maybe in the fantasy world in my head. But in this world, there will always be challenging situations and people in our lives who push our boundaries (and our buttons). And we have no control over their actions or behavior. But what we do have control over is...ourselves. We do have the power to set healthy boundaries, to communicate them to others, and to make choices for ourselves that honor them.

With only 24 hours in a day, it's also important for us to find a happy balance between sleep, family, friends, work, rest, fun, exercise, and all the other stuff we need or want to do. To find balance and to operate efficiently, we must manage our time and energy levels carefully. Pushing too hard, or spending too much time with people or situations that are draining, can deplete our energy very quickly. This is why it's so important to establish energetic boundaries and to honor them. It's okay to say no when you need to. It's okay to take time for yourself to refuel. It's okay to choose not to spend time with people who make you feel lousy. It's okay to stay home when you feel like you've been pushing yourself too hard. It's okay to ask for help when you need it. It's even okay to say no thanks to a hug

The Universe doesn't stop when we take care of ourselves and seek to find balance in our lives. It keeps going. If honoring our time and energy means saying no to someone, it is likely that they will find a yes from someone who is in a better place to assist. We're not meant to give and give and give until we are depleted. It's all about balance. Lend a hand when you can. Give when you can. Make sacrifices when it feels right to do so. But remember that you'll be better equipped to help others when you've put your oxygen mask on first.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

Ranessa Porter is back on April 7th & the 15th to teach the beautiful healing modality of IET. On April 7th she'll be teaching "Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Basic Level" . Learn how to enlist the help of the angels using the beautiful technique of IET in this fun, interactive one day class. If you like the idea of working with the angels and you're interested in healing others...or receiving angelic healing, you won't want to miss this! Ready to take it to the next phase of IET? Ranessa returns on the 15th to teach "Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Intermediate Level" .

Next, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on April 8th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Need a little help with creating healthy boundaries?? On April 10th, join us for "Let's Meditate! Guided Meditation Night: Healthy Boundaries & Saying No". Relax and leave all of your stress behind as tap into the many health benefits of meditation!

I'll be joining fellow medium, Stacey Nichole, on April 18th for an evening of channeled messages at "Voices of Spirit - Mediumship Gallery featuring Juli & Stacey!". Come out and witness the amazing connections and loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection...hope you'll join us!

On April 19th, we'll be getting together for "Let's Play" - Animal Communication! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Well, here's your chance to learn how. Our pets are tuning into our energy all the time and would love for us to understand what they have to say. It's easier than you may think!

Have you been thinking about learning Reiki? We've got Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I Certification class coming up on April 21st/28th . Whether you're interested in learning how to give Reiki to yourself, wish to share Reiki with friends & family, or want to begin a Reiki practice....this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in! Looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your massage therapy license requirements? Receive 10 CE hours when you take this class!

Next, we'll be getting together on April 25th for Movie Night! to watch...."Sensitive - The Untold Story" . This groundbreaking documentary explores the topic of highly sensitive people (HSP), also known as empaths. The film is based on the findings of bestselling author-psychologist, Dr. Elaine Aron, who discovered the brains of sensitive people actually work differently. Learn about the science-y side of what it means to be an empath! Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Join Rebecca Thompson on April 26th for TRE: Trauma Release Exercises with Rebecca. Learn about the benefits of TRE and how these exercises can assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. I've yet to learn about this modality but it sure looks interesting!

This month's special is all about your furry, feathered, scaly, and fishy friends. Did you know that Animal Communication and Animal Reiki can be done remotely? In fact, often times it is easier for the pet to receive energetic healing, or to communicate with me, from a distance. Without all of the distractions of having a visitor or being in a strange place, animals are sometimes better able to focus on the energetic/psychic connection this way. If you have a pet that you would like to treat to an Animal Communication and Reiki session, take advantage of this month's special - Animal Communication & Animal Reiki Session Combo for $100 ($50 savings!) . For more information and instructions, see below.

You may have heard already but in case you haven't.....WE'VE MOVED!!! Light Works is now located at 9411 Battle Street in Manassas! It's taken a couple months to get everything in order but the new space is all done and ready to go. And to celebrate, we're hosting

Light Works Battle Street Grand Opening!

on the 27th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. I hope you'll stop in to check out the new space!

And lastly, we'll be closing out the month with the Animal Reiki Certification class on April 29th. This special day will combine classroom learning with hands on experience at a nearby farm. Whether you're interested in learning how to deliver Reiki to your beloved pets, wish to share Reiki with sheltered animals, or want to begin an Aninal Reiki practice....this is an opportunity to jump right in!

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli <3

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love

March 2018

Greetings Friends!

As always, I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, feeling loved, and MINDFUL!

Hey everybody!! It feels like it took forever to get this newsletter put together. Thank you for your patience. It's been a pretty eventful month with the move and a few wrenches thrown in for good measure. But the good news is that Light Works is officially up and running and feeling nice and warm and cozy in the new space. Finally!!!!! I can't wait for you to see it.

Now that I can take a deep breath, I am trying to take lots of them. In fact, I am realizing that in the midst of the recent chaos and excitement, I was so focused on what needed to be done or what hadn't gone as planned....that I may have missed out on the some of joy and the excitement of the experience. But isn't that always the case? We often get wrapped up in something that happened yesterday or last week that we can't seem to shake. Something that was said to us or how we wished we had done something differently. And if we're not consumed with the past, the future can sure take up a tremendous amount of valuable mind space if we let it. Planning, planning, planning.....or worrying, worrying, worrying. What shall we have for dinner? What's going on this weekend? Will my boss be happy with my project? Will I meet my deadline? Who do I call to book that vacation? I wonder if I should take the kids with me to my dentist appointment? Will he/she call? And of course, there's the perpetual mental "to do" list. Oh geez.

I never seems to end, does it? All this thinking about the past and worrying about the future...or even just thinking about the future....seems somehow efficient or productive when it's taking place in our heads. And yes, we definitely need to use our brains to plan things. Otherwise, we'd be eating frozen dinners every night. So I get it. Planning can be good. Thinking about tomorrow can be good.

But what about the NOW? How much time are we really dedicating to enjoying or experiencing the present moment? By trying to solve the world's problems (or just those in our immediate worlds) 100% of the time, we are often cheating ourselves out of the peace and happiness that we might experience if we just stopped to smell the roses....or a batch of cookies baking...or the air when it rains. Sometimes it's the smallest of things that we miss when our minds are somewhere besides the present. And what ideas might come if we allowed our minds to sit and rest for a minute (or two or three ..or sixty)? And what does that look like anyway? What does it mean to be MINDFUL and why bother practicing MINDFULNESS?

And yes, it's a thing.

I'm not sure where the concept of being 'mindful' originated. It seems to be one of those innate states of being that animals are great at and humans were once great at but then unlearned as we 'evolved'. Yet, like so many of our natural methods of treatment and natural ways of coping and navigating, the practice of mindfulness seems to be making a comeback. So what is it exactly? According to Psychology Today:

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.

So then I ask myself....what's the point? I mean, I meditate. Isn't that the same thing? The answer is ....kind of.

As we know, there are a bazillion ways to meditate and many known physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits to practicing meditation. You can sit by yourself in meditation, or in a group, guided or self directed. You can walk and meditate, listen to music and meditate, color with crayons and meditate. Meditate with the trees, the angels, or the dolphins. Often times, meditation is about focusing on the present and actively being in the moment...which would be considered a mindfulness exercise. But sometimes meditation focuses on specific subjects like....weight loss or sleep or manifesting or connecting with Spirit. All of these things require visualizing the future or focusing on a particular subject, which is awesome. But it's not practicing the art of just BEING. So, when we meditate and focus on the present and what is happening right in that moment, meditation can absolutely be a mindfulness practice. However, meditation in and of itself is not always a mindfulness practice.

And being mindful doesn't even have to involve meditation. It is simply the act of bringing your attention to the present, in a non judgemental form of observation. It's about accepting and experiencing emotions, thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they are occurring right...now.

So, again...why bother? What's the point? What are the benefits of this ancient practice?

Wellllll, besides being listed by Buddha as one of the Eightfold Steps to the Path of Enlightenment, here's the list of some of the known benefits of practicing mindfulness:

Helps to relax

Reduced rumination/less depressive symptoms

Stress reduction/decreased anxiety

Boosts working memory

Increases focus

Decreased emotional reactivity

Increased cognitive flexibility

Relationship satisfaction/reduced relationship stress

Enhances self insight, morality, intuition, and fear modulation

Increased immune function

Increased information processing speeds

Improvement to feelings of well being/positive thoughts

Reduction in psychological stress

No kidding. And believe it or not, all of these were determined from numerous studies by reputable organizations and science-y people. Seriously. Look it up. They are out there and documented and everything! One major benefit that I've found from practicing mindfulness exercises is that I am able to let go of junk faster and easier. I'm not talking about the junk in my garage. That's still an issue. I mean the emotional junk that weighs me down. Like, when my husband snaps at me and I want to punch him in the nose (would never, but it has crossed my mind). Years ago, his words would stick to me like glue for days...sometimes weeks. I would hold on to those words and replay them over in my mind as if somehow re-triggering my anger and hurt would somehow help me to get over it (or punish him in some way, right?). Of course we all know that I was only torturing myself and stealing my own joy from myself. But now, things are way different. It's much easier to let go. Sure, I get angry and feel bad initially about stuff sometimes. And I give myself permission to feel what I feel. But now I am able to feel my emotions and then recognize that I don't need to hold on to them...and I can let them go way sooner. It's not always a success on the first try (still human!), but it sure goes away MUCH faster than it used to. Through mindfulness, I've realized that I have a choice. And I've realized that holding on to 'junk' gets in the way of my happiness so I choose to ditch it as soon as I can!

There are tons of mindfulness techniques and most of them involve focusing on the breath, the senses, thoughts, and the body. My favorite mindfulness activity is sitting outside in the grass with my dog. Animals are mindfulness masters, I tell you. They literally are in the moment almost all of the time. They are not planning their next vacation or feeling sad because they didn't get to go in the car with you yesterday. Rather than hold on to the past or day dreaming about the future, they are focused on what is going on n their world right now. So, when I sit outside with my boy, I find it much easier stay focused as well.

Don't have a pet? Or maybe you have grass allergies. No worries! The most basic mindfulness practice is to sit quietly and simply focus on your breathing. Count your breaths. Pay attention to how the air feels passing through your nose and into your lungs. Focus on how your chest and stomach rise and fall with each breath. Then ask yourself, "How do I feel right this second?". If you are feeling awesome....AWESOME. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, tired, upset, or are experiencing a physical discomfort....take a moment to talk to that part of you. Ask yourself if the discomfort is still serving your highest good and if it's something that you need to hold on to. If not, give thanks for the awareness and ask for it to please leave. It might sound crazy and it may not work the first time, but I urge you to give it a try sometime. You never know what you might discover.

Want to learn more about mindfulness? Then check out a couple of the mindful things going on this month at Light Works - "The Mindfulness Movie" and a Guided Mindfulness Meditation.

Also, COMING SOON!... "Connected Kids" - Children's Mindfulness Programs!!!! Adults aren't the only ones who deal with physical, emotional, and mental stresses and pressures. Mindfulness is known to help kids focus, remain calm in stressful situations, improve sleep, minimize behavioral issues, increase kindness/compassion for others, and to improve cognitive abilities. Teaching children mindfulness techniques that they can use in every day life situations is something that I am passionate about and I'm so excited to be rolling out these programs in the next few months. Stay tuned for more information and be sure to let me know if you would like to be personally notified when classes are officially on the calendar.

Sending love out to all those who need/want it and prayers to those who may be hurting today. May you find peace in your heart and a smile on your face no matter what is happening in your world. And if you need a place to go to lift your spirits, I hope you'll stop by sometime

Here's what's happening at Light Works this month...

To kick things off, I'll be teaching Meditation with Intention...to Connect with Spirit! on March 11th. Want to learn how to connect with Spirit? In this class, you'll learn my method of connecting with the angels, spirit guides, and loved ones...and, yes, anyone can do it

Next, we'll be getting together on March 22nd for Movie Night! to watch...."The Mindfulness Movie" . The Mindfulness Movie is a fun and educational journey showcasing the worldwide brain research proving the benefits of mindfulness and the public’s increasing awareness and acceptance of the practice. The movie showcases those who have reshaped mindfulness into everyday, practical skills. Neuroscientists now tell us that the practice of mindfulness literally changes the brain in positive ways. And it’s as simple as paying attention! Throughout the film, you'll encounter inspiring people and ideas on how changing the way we see can change our lives. Come hang out with me and other like minded folks for a chill night at the movies ...popcorn provided

Take your Reiki Level I training to the next level with Usui Ryoho Reiki Level II Certification class on March 17th. Reiki isn't just a healing modality. It's a lifestyle that promotes self awareness...as well as physical, emotional, and Spiritual health. Become certified as a Level II practitioner to help others...and yourself!! Are you a massage therapist looking for a class that offers CE credit hours that you can apply towards your license requirements? Receive 6 CE hours when you take this class!

If you're looking to connect with your favorite furry, scaly, or feathered friend, be sure to take advantage of this month's special - $10 off an Animal Communication Session. Be sure to mention the discount when scheduling your session

On March 22nd, it's "Making Your Mini Vision Board Night!". Come join us for a fun night of creativity, affirmations, and manifesting. Vision boards are a great tool for setting goals and intentions for ourselves. They bring our dreams to life in the form of photos and words. Vision boards are meant to help us 'see' our goals and these mini boards are the perfect size to place in your home, office, or wherever you go! Choose a theme or themes that you want to focus on (relationships, career, health, travel, social, spiritual, etc) and design the perfect mini vision boards for you!

Want to put this mindfulness thing into practice? On March 27th, join us & the angels for a guided meditation to focus on just that at "Let's Meditate! Guided Meditation Night: Mindfulness Meditation". Relax and leave all of your stress behind as tap into the many health benefits of meditation!

And lastly, I'll be delivering messages in a gallery style event at "Love & Hugs from Heaven" Mediumship Demonstration with Juli! on March 28th. Come out and receive loving messages from Angels, guides, and loved ones on the other side! This is a great opportunity to witness how Spirit works with me to share messages of healing, guidance, and love. Those in the Spirit world are always around and want to help us to heal, to feel loved & supported as we navigate our way through life in the physical world. A mediumship gallery is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful connection.

So, these are just a few of the things happening this month at Light Works.

As always, new things are popping up on the Light Works Meetup page . Be sure to join the group to receive announcements. Stay tuned, stay connected, and stay in touch!

Sending lots of healing energy and LOVE to you all...hope to see you soon!

In love & light,

Juli

Juli Richardson

Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Medium, & Animal Communicator

Call 703-926-4499 or email [email protected] to schedule a reading or healing session for you or someone you love