Author: Susan Hanshaw

dreams begging for attention

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I woke up this morning from a dream that I had run out of money. I’m not one to take dreams literally, yet this one came with a particularly strong desire to translate its meaning. I figured a storyline as drastic as this was just begging for my attention. So I sat down on the floor and meditated on it. And as usual, as I tuned into my inner guidance I was able to reach some powerful insights almost immediately.

One of the things I’ve learned lately is that I can think that I believe in something, yet unless I totally walk the talk, I can see that I don’t truly believe. This dream I had today forced me to take a look at how I was approaching my work. This reflection enabled me to see that I was holding myself back from truly claiming the role I want to play. I see now that in order to claim a new role, I have to let go of the one that I want to grow from. This is a mental shift I need to make. I can’t claim my success and doubt my aspirations at the same time. These two states cannot co-exist.

As I looked more closely at what was getting in my way of claiming success, I recognized some fears about reaching for the brass ring. What if it doesn’t work out the way I envision? Then what? Yet this was exactly the thinking that kept me clinging to my corporate job for so long. That is, until I was able to see that if it didn’t work out, I could always go back and get another job. You wouldn’t believe what a revelation that was! So today I told myself that if my work dream doesn’t pan out, I can always let go of it knowing that at least I’d tried.

My dream today led me to the awareness that I need to look at my life differently to make this shift. I must commit to my success from my heart, breathing it in so that it becomes my state of being. While I’m hoping this will be an adjustment I will make overnight, I suspect that this will require some practice before I’m totally there. But that’s okay. At least I know that the ability to do this lies completely inside of me.

Thank you for visiting. I’m wishing you an amazing journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

The Divine Matchmaker

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It is a spectacular morning as I write this. The sky is clear blue and the air, blessed with warm sunshine, is carrying the smell of freshness in the slight breeze that is greeting me through the open windows. I feel so lucky to be alive. It’s times like this that I feel moved to reflect in awe about the magical nature of life. It’s magic because it is so perfect. I look at my own life with grateful wonder about how perfectly the pieces have all come together, even if it didn’t seem like it when they were in motion. And since we were all created equally, I have to imagine that your life has unfolded in the same way. After all, I don’t really think that the universe favors me.

The perfection that I feel particularly grateful for today is the gift of love that has been bestowed upon me. As I sit here thinking about it I wonder if this gift is a product of fate or the law of attraction. I know that it doesn’t really matter, yet it does make for a good debate over some key spiritual principles. You see, I’d been a dating gal for almost twelve years before I met Dean. I rode through this time first healing some deep scars that were left from a painful divorce and then trying to date with an open mind and a more evolved soul. Then as I became aware that my soul wanted more from me than sitting at my corporate desk, I began to sense that it also wanted me to cooperate before it would introduce me to Mr. Right. Although I continued to casually date an assortment of men, the idea stuck with me that I wouldn’t meet the right one until I settled a bit into my real life’s work. I don’t remember exactly when I first felt this. It just seemed to show up one day and it made sense.

I met Dean almost six months ago on Yahoo personals. I had dabbled on and off with those dating sites for a good three years, but this time I went in with a different attitude. Rather than it being an exercise of just going through the motions, this time I signed up with the belief that I could possibly meet a great man. Lesson #1: You have to believe that something is possible before it can become your reality.

I will never forget that first email that came over from Dean. It was the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and I was wrapping up business at my desk. Dean’s was one of about six profiles that I received in that delivery. Yet when I clicked on to his, I felt a burst of energy. And it wasn’t just because I thought he was cute. Lesson #2: Pay attention to your instincts.

I emailed him back and the rest is history unfolding. We are in the process of moving in together. I haven’t lived with anyone for twelve years so to say that this is a bit of an adjustment for me in an understatement.

I look at Dean as being a gift with intention from the universe. By that I mean that I can see all the reasons why he has come into my life at this time. It seems like the universe came through with what it knew would best support me to do the work I’m doing as well as provide me with a fun and loving companion to share the hours of life with. Lesson #3: The universe always provides you with what you need.

Sure, I had to wait for a long time to find a great love. Yet I suspect that I would have never pursued my calling had I been delightfully distracted by the companionship of love. I suppose the universe figured this out long before I did.  Lesson #4:  The universe knows better than you do about what is best for your higher good.

Thanks for visiting. I wish you an amazing journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

Life: A Magical Thread of Purpose

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Imagine watching a movie with the understanding that all the scenes were connected in the unfolding plot. Wouldn’t that cause you to watch with an eye for looking beyond the surface for meaning? My video post here invites you to look at your life from this perspective of belief that life has a higher purpose.

For those of you reading this through a feed which doesn’t deliver the video, click here to connect to my blog site.

Thank you for visiting. Wishing you a soulful journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

hope: it’s never too late

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It was one of those rare San Francisco squelching hot days where sanity suggested I wait until evening to head out for my run. In less than five minutes my feet had taken me past the neighborhood high school where graduation exercises were being held on the stadium grass. I could hear music playing. Looking closer I could see students in red robes in the periphery of the crowd. As I watched the scene I wanted to be a part of it, if only for a moment in time from the top of the hill.

I remember so vaguely wearing that robe on the night of high school graduation. I remember feeling sentimental about the chapter of my life that I was closing, the classmates and the memories that were being left behind. I remember the joy I felt in knowing that I would no longer HAVE to do anything, that my choices on how I would spend my time would now be my own. I remember feeling full of hope and anticipation for the life that was now fully in front of me.

As I looked down on that grassy field I wondered what those students in red were feeling. For a moment I felt envious, wishing I could feel that sense of hopeful anticipation and excitement about the unknown adventures that would lie ahead. But then I reminded myself that I could have that feeling every day if I choose to. The only thing that has really changed in the thirty years since I wore that robe is my understanding of life. And for that I am much better equipped to meet each day with a sense of hope. For now I know that the only thing standing in the way of my dreams is me.

I thank God for this awareness whenever I count my blessings. For when we acknowledge the unlimited love, abundance and opportunities that are available to us, we experience how brilliantly beautiful is the gift of life.

Thank you for visiting. I wish you an amazing journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

Sipping Coffee With Your Soul

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Two years ago I made the decision that I was not going to live my life in machine mode any longer. First I stopped punching my corporate time clock in exchange for a piece of security. Then I started to make an effort to wake up each new day to the idea that I am so much more than just my body. I am a divine spirit whose soul has chosen to be here for a purpose. I try to tune in each morning to that essence so that I can give myself the chance to live that day from that perspective.

How many of us have allowed an alarm to usher us incoherently into the shower where our minds busy themselves visiting all the tasks ahead on our to do list? How often do you dart off to Starbucks or to that job that doesn’t really matter without even a thought about why you are really here? Why is it that seeing what’s happening around town this weekend is more often top of mind that what’s meaningful for the rest of your life?

I am convinced that it is all conditioning. Imagine how different our world would be if we all woke up to the understanding that there is a soul beneath the cells that make up our bodies. Imagine if we were all trained to start our mornings by touching our souls in the silence of our minds and hearts, and feeling the connection that we have to the divine creative energy that surrounds us. What if we were all to believe that there is personal guidance available to us within that divine energy? What if we each perceived that guidance as more credible than even Oprah, and used it as a directional light for the actions we take in our lives?

I believe that as humans we share the common desire of wanting to be happy. I also believe that we have that desire because that is the spirit in which we were created. Our lives are supposed to be happy. And we have already been given the wisdom and the where-with-all to be happy. We just need to learn how to use it. The thing is, though, that this is an inside job. And most of us have been trained to work in the outside world. That’s okay. You’ve been trained to take on new roles before, haven’t you? Here are some everyday tips for creating a happier life from my user’s manual:

  1. Tell yourself that you are a significant being on this planet.
  2. Recognize that you have been given unique skills and attributes for a purpose.
  3. Believe that the wisdom to lead you to your passion and purpose lies within you.
  4. Believe that you have the ability to access this wisdom. It’s just not something that other people can do.
  5. Make a daily habit of tuning in to this wisdom by giving yourself some silent time to go within.
  6. Absolutely trust what comes to you.
  7. Take notes on what comes to you. You will build confidence in this information by discovering that you are receiving common messages.
  8. Develop the trust to follow this inner wisdom. Have the faith that it will lead you to where your heart and soul want you to go.
  9. Trust that your soul has the where-with-all to attract the opportunities you need to follow your heart.
  10. Recognize the opportunities that come as confirmation that you will be taken care of.
  11. Express gratitude for the gifts in your life. Gratitude attracts more of the same.

Thanks for visiting. Before I sign off I want to mention that I have provided you with a link here to my email address. If there is any support you might want outside of the public comments box, I would love to be of service to you. So please feel free. I’m not doing this for the paycheck.

Wishing you an awesome journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

Accepting Your Divine Purpose

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I have talked a lot here about my belief that life has purpose. Yet where does that purpose come from and where does it begin? Consider first that we were all created from a divine energy that many of us call God. That means that we each began as a spark from the divine. If you can see yourself as a divine spark, you then accept the invitation to see that there is something that God wants to do through you.  This is your divine purpose.

If you have read much of the bible, you’re aware that one of its primary messages is that we are to serve God. I suspect that many of us have misunderstood this idea. I know I have. With my childhood roots in the teachings of a judging and punishing God, I associated serving God as obeying a grand figure of authority. Let’s face it, how many of us are turned on to the idea of obeying? It wasn’t until I started thinking about why this idea might exist that I was able to understand what serving might mean.

I began to think about this idea in partnership with the idea that God is a loving energy. It then occurred to me that perhaps serving God means doing your part in making this the beautiful world that was intended for us to experience. Perhaps serving God means to honor and follow that spark within. In following your heart, you allow yourself to become all that God wants to express through you. You serve God when you are serving your brothers and sisters by the sharing of your gifts that you were uniquely given. By sharing your unique gifts, you contribute what God knows the world needs.

What are your unique gifts?  How might you contribute them to lend a hand?

Thank you for visiting. I wish you an amazing journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

believe in yourself

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Phew! The party’s over. My parents’ surprise 50th anniversary party, that is. For over two weeks my boyfriend, Dean and I have been painting, staining, planting and cleaning, all to prepare for thirty five of my parents’ closest family and friends to descend upon my home. Yet every moment of stress and sweat was made worth it as my mom and dad entered my home in complete shock as the word “surprise” was shouted at them. It was one of the most beautifully satisfying moments of my life to watch the shower of love that poured out towards them. Digital photos now mark the event a cherished memory as I catch up with everything that has been neglected.

This morning as I settled into meditation I was reminded of how easily we can lose touch with who we really are and what we are here to do. Last week my life centered around my “to do” list. I needed to be like a machine executing tasks to complete its work. With that project now behind me, though, I consciously choose a different mode. I seek to align with the voice of my spirit. So I sat in silence this morning conscious of my connection with God and asked for guidance. I asked for a reminder of what I am supposed to be doing with my life and for direction on what I can do today to fulfill that.

As someone who feels pretty tuned in to my purpose, I expected to receive messages that would be more of a reminder than a hand leading me in a new direction. After all, I’d been on hiatus for awhile. I supposed I had some catching up to do with my spiritual presence, like I needed to pick up the ball where I last dropped it. Low and behold, something different came to my attention. The guidance that came helped me to see how I’ve been holding myself back from truly being what I believe I am here to do. It’s the difference between giving it lip service to giving it a chance to come alive.

In yesterday’s video post, Trusting the Unknown, I shared some key beliefs which support the courage to leap into new territory. I talk about believing in the universe to nurture and sustain you. Yet I was led this morning to see something that is missing from that message. It’s about having a belief in yourself about where you feel the universe wants to take you. I now see that there is a difference between showing up for something and embracing it. It’s the difference between going through the motions to living it fully from your heart. The difference may be very subtle, yet the shift in energy is significant to the law of attraction.

Is there something that you wish to be or accomplish that you believe you’ve surrendered to on some level? Be honest with yourself. Do you really believe you can manifest it or are you just giving it lip service? If you see that you don’t fully believe in yourself, ask yourself why and then mentally break down those obstacles until you are able to see yourself truly standing in your vision. You can make it possible if you believe you can.

Thanks for visiting. I wish you an awesome journey.

Susan Hanshaw
susan@susanhanshaw.com

your package is no accident

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One of the most frequent questions I am asked is how to get in touch with your life purpose. I believe that this question is such a challenging one simply because we are not conditioned to explore purpose in the way that will  enable us to touch it.  Discerning that particular role requires you to let go of any tendency to analyze your life through your human mind. It requires that you surrender to a faith that your soul knows its purpose here. Beyond that, you need to believe that your soul has the where-with-all to attract whatever is needed to fulfill its purpose. Trust that your soul has been preparing you for who you were meant to be even before your birth. Trust that long before you got to this point, you have been attracting knowledge and skills which will help you when you are ready to begin your true life’s work.

Take a look at your adult life. Consider the jobs that helped to mold your skill sets and the people who came into your life. Might you see that the skills and knowledge you’ve developed so far will complement what you’re really here to do in the most perfect way?

How easy it is for us to shrug off the idea that there could possibly be much meaning or intent behind the unique qualities and characteristics that we possess. Through our human perspective we tend to accept our unique selves as coincidence, rather than explore the idea that there may be a reason why we are the way we are. What if you took a look at yourself in a soulful way? What if you were to look at yourself with an eye for what your soul may have been up to when it attracted all the pieces that make you who you are?

Take a look at pieces of your essence that may provide clues as to what kind of work you perfectly qualified to carry out. Perhaps there is something about your physical presence that people often comment to you about. Perhaps you have a strong presence that seems to capture attention when you walk into a room. Perhaps you are a very creative type who expresses yourself easily through your style of clothing or accessories. Or maybe you have beautiful piercing eyes which easily draw others to you. Think about the tone of your voice, the look of your face, the gestures you use to communicate, and all the parts that make up how you show up in expression.

When you consider that your soul has intent for your life, you must begin to accept the idea that the make-up of who you are is not just an accident. Have confidence that your soul will continue to support you as you surrender to letting your calling have its way. Trust that your soul is not going to leave you high and dry, struggling to force things to come together so that you can do your real life’s work. Remember, this is your soul’s calling. Your spirit is far more powerful than your brain and your muscles will ever be. Let your soul take the lead.

Wishing you an amazing journey,

Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

secrets of a wedding officiant

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Have you ever landed in a role that you didn’t consciously choose yourself yet it turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences in your life? I have. A few years ago I came to recognize that I was being drawn to perform ceremonies. So I got myself ordained as a non-denominational minister and now I am an active wedding officiant. Ten years ago if you told me I’d be doing this I would have laughed. Yet now I see the divine perfection of the universe in this little assignment of mine.

I’m going to come clean here by sharing that I have been a bit jaded about the idea of getting married. You see, I’ve been divorced twice. My second husband left me for another woman. You might say that it left me holding on to the limited belief that a wonderful man who wouldn’t run from commitment might be out there for me. So I find it pretty interesting that I now get up front and personal with couples who are about to be married. What’s the message here? I think the universe is playing with me.

I’ve learned a lot from the couples I’ve worked with. In numbers they’ve provided me with an intimate look at our culture. Individually they’ve shown me how I might change some of my own beliefs so that I can find true love, too. I’d like to share some understandings that have come to me through this work:

  1. It is possible to find the love of your life on the Internet.
  2. Most of us are afraid to cry in public.
  3. We all want to be loved and accepted.
  4. Nearly everybody lives together first.
  5. Hearts can be open-minded about race, religion and gender if you let them.
  6. Differences can be seen as balance.
  7. Your heart can know in an instant.
  8. Love can show up in a very different package than you expect.
  9. Friendship is the cement of the relationship.
  10. Men can be just as sentimental as women.
  11. Even the most bitter of exes can get along if they choose to.
  12. Love can come even to those who have lost hope.

If you’re in love right now, remember what it is that brought you together and say a prayer of gratitude for the gift that has come to you.  If you’re not, trust that it is all in divine timing.  Your turn will come.  And I bet it will be even better than you could imagine.

Thanks for visiting.

In peace and light,
Susan Hanshaw
susan@sanctuaryforchange.com

getting comfortable with being real

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Expressing your authentic self is a topic I write much about in my space here. And while I’ve done quite a lot of work in this department on my own the last couple of years, I sometimes see examples of how I need to feel more comfortable about shining my true light. What is that statement…we teach what we need to learn?

My journey has shown me that it sometimes takes time to find the courage to show up and speak from your heart. By this I don’t mean just being honest with the words that fly out of your mouth. I’m talking about forging an alignment with your inner and outer expressions. It’s when who you are on the inside is what you represent on the outside; when there are no masks to remove or costumes to put on. You’re one hundred percent bona fide real.

Perhaps like me you’ve had the experience of playing a role that doesn’t really fit you. Maybe it did once, yet you’ve grown out of it over the years. Or maybe it never really fit you, but you played it anyway just because it seemed like the proper thing to do. And now as uncomfortable as it may feel, at least it is familiar. You’re confident that you will continue to be accepted so you don’t worry about what others are going to think. You’re experienced so you don’t have to push yourself out of your comfort zone too often. So you grab that worn coat and walk out the door, all the while thinking how you can’t wait to return so that you can hang it back up in the anticipation of just being yourself in the privacy of your own castle.

I spent 20 years building a reputation of being a skilled direct mail marketer. Then as I got into my forties I got uncomfortable with the realization that I was spending my days filling people’s mailboxes with offers to buy stuff. After all, I’m not exactly the material girl. And I finally got uncomfortable enough to quit. What I didn’t realize until afterwards was just how much I had hidden who I really was from the outside world. I was so inexperienced with showing up authentically that it took me well over a year to start speaking at depth publicly about my spiritual beliefs. I feel like I now have some sense of what it must be like to come out of the proverbial closet.

I got another taste of this as I just launched my work into the video arena. I couldn’t figure out why I was so darned uncomfortable watching myself on screen when it hit me. I was feeling vulnerable. There I was exposing myself in a new way for anyone to see. I found a lot of comfort in discovering what was up with me. I recognized that I was merely dealing with a learning curve. I needed to give myself time to adjust to showing up this way. It was just another new role. Just like getting over the stage fright I felt when I first officiated ceremonies or teaching my first few classes.

The key to feeling comfortable with being real is accepting first that what you want to show on the outside is the authentic expression of who you really are. It’s your soul wanting to sneak out of hiding. And just like everything else that you do for the first few times, it may seem uncomfortable and maybe even a bit challenging. Yet when you break through your learning curve you will experience the bliss that cannot be achieved anywhere else than through feeding your heart’s expression. That’s passion at its finest hour.

Is there something that you’ve been holding back in your heart? Is there something that you long to be or an understanding that you desire to share? Is there a habit that you wish to leave behind so that you can express a new way of being? If you’re holding back because showing up in a new way feels so uncomfortable, tell yourself that it won’t always feel that way. Love yourself like the baby who learned to crawl before you took your first upright steps. Where would you be now if you hadn’t tried?

Thanks for visiting. I’m wishing you an amazing life.

In peace and light,
Susan Hanshaw