The world today

Now isn’t that a huge topic to bring up? There is so much going on in the world right now that it is enough to make your head spin – if you let it inside your space. We’ve got wars, an unhappy economy, people being hurt and terrorized, political parties vying for power, the environment crying out for attention…and on it goes. What to do?

I have always subscribed to the ideas of the woman named Peace Pilgrim. She gave up everything in her life and spent many years traveling the United States eating when she was offered food and sleeping outside unless she was offered a place to sleep. It was her belief that if everyone found their own inner peace, we would have world peace.

Can you imagine a person truly at peace with him or herself starting a war? Being mean to others? Being greedy? No. If we can spend time getting ourselves in order we can have more impact on the world than if we participate in pushing against the system. Once we push against the system it only wants to push back at us.

Is this being selfish? I don’t think so because once we get ourselves in order the first thing we want to do is be a positive influence on those around us. As we impact others, they find their peace and then they impact someone else and so it goes.

The world will benefit by the time and effort you are spending taking care of yourself and finding your inner center and peace. As you radiate this to your world, the ripple effect will be enormous.

Love,

Krysta

Great class last night!

We had a great class at East West Bookshop in Seattle last night. There was a great group of about 30 people, many of who have been students of the tarot for many years. I took them on what I call a “romp” through the major arcana of the tarot. That is all you can do in a hour and a half – romp!

The major arcana are 22 images in the tarot deck. The images correspond with archetypal energies we all embody. Each card has multiple meanings and tons of symbology. When I give this particular presentation, I share how we can use some of the meanings of the cards to support us in our everyday spiritual lives.

Last night I asked the group to think of a particular thing they are trying to change in their lives and to apply the meanings of the cards to that particular project as we went through them during the evening.

Afterwards one woman came up and said she has no projects in her life right now and doesn’t want any! She suggested that in the future I let people know they don’t have to have a project in order to use the energies of the tarot. And, of course, she is right. So, if anyone is reading this who went to the class last night – the energies can be used simply for the joy and fun of using them, even if you are not trying to make changes in your life right now!

It was fun that among the people there, one had just returned from Australia, another from Bali, and two from Barcelona. We are truly sharing our energies with the rest of the world!

Today, I turn my attention to getting ready to distribute the August issue of New Spirit Journal which is being printed tomorrow. Publishing the newspaper is like giving birth once a month – and then having the kid grow up right away and leave home. Most satisfying.

Love to all,

Krysta

My first Spanish lesson

Hola! Since I want to be able to speak Spanish really well by November 2009, I have signed up for a personal tutor service over the internet and I had my first sample lesson today. I am really going to like it. My tutor is Silvia and she is from Argentina. She is trained as an instructor as well as in Spanish. We had fun with the class and I already learned a lot.

I decided to start as a beginner so I can fill in any holes I might have in my background. I am looking forward to getting out in the community and practicing my Spanish as well.

If you want to learn a language, check our My Personal Language Tutor at www.myplt.com. It costs $20 an hour and you take the lesson using a free internet program called SKYPE which is available at www.SKYPE.com.

I am going to start offering consultations with SKYPE as well. One can use it with or without video. I  will use it with the video so the client and I can see one another as well as hearing. Technology is wonderful!

Love,

Krysta

Spiritual Pride?

This morning I was a guest on the Conscious Talk Radio (www.conscioustalk.net) show which is hosted by Rob Speers and Brenda Michaels, two of the nicest people I know. We were talking about my upcoming internet class for business owners. I was explaining why I feel so committed to teaching holistic business owners how to succeed with their businesses and an interesting comment flew out of my mouth!

I said that I think there is a danger for spiritually-oriented business people to have spiritual pride. There are people who are very proud that they are “above” having to do things such as market or advertise their services. They seem to feel they are able to build their businesses without using third-dimensional tools. 

Although it is true that these folks might be building their businesses this way (and I totally support using all methods available to us), I wonder how many more people they might reach if they used all methods available to them?

As Rob said, maybe the realized beings don’t have to work in the third dimension, but the rest of us must have to because we are here!

The entire conversation got me to thinking about the whole issue of spiritual pride and doing some self-reflection to be sure I don’t let myself fall into this trap!

Love,

Krysta

Great to be home!

Ahh, yes, no matter how great the big world out there is, home is still the place we all yearn to be. Feels great to be back in the Pacific Northwest. I must get this jet lag thing mastered, though. I thought I had it covered but, alas, once home I came down with a nasty cold so had to spend three days in recovery. If anyone out there does a lot of international travel and has some tips, please leave them in the comment area! I used Flower Essences and did fine going to Spain. It was the return trip that did me in.

I am, however, doing great today. We’re gearing up for our next ad deadline which is this Saturday and I am getting ready for my first internet class on the 19th. It will be for those who want to know more about how to market and build their businesses. I can’t promise a trip to Spain for you, but I do promise you will learn a lot and get yourself on the right track to giving the gifts you came here to share. You can attend online or in person in Lynnwood. Go to my webpage to register! www.krystagibson.com

I have many thoughts to share in future blogs…and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Love,

Krysta

Two contracts signed

Monday, we met with José and Adrianna and I signed book contracts for “22 Steps” as well as for “The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox” which is the next book they are publishing of mine. José also brought out a copy of my very first book which was published back in 1992 or so and asked me who the woman was on the back cover. I think it was an earlier version of me!

I am going to rewrite this book before he publishes it. Because of my ongoing work and processes, there are ideas in there that I want to deepen and expand on. I will be working on that so you can expect a new version of “Comments on Leading the Spiritual Life” to be out by year’s end – or sooner. It might even have a new title.

Today is Tuesday, July 1st. As I write this, it is 9:20 a.m. our time and 12:20 a.m. Seattle time. This is our last day here so we have packing to do, straightening up the apartment, as well as finishing up a tiny bit of sightseeing plus a quick visit to the school. Then it will be early to bed as we get up by 2:00 a.m., and leave the apartment at 3:00 a.m. to head to the airport for our long journey home.

We fly to Amsterdam at 6:00 a.m., arrive about 8:00 a.m. and then don’t leave again until 1:05 p.m. That sounds like a long layover, and it is. But the process for boarding the international flight home is a long one. The customs people talk to each person individually before you can board the plane. We didn’t understand this the first time we came here and wondered why they were talking to each person. It seems a little intimidating but actually goes very smoothly. Last time we did see some folks having trouble and felt sorry for them.

Because of the nine hour time difference, we land in Seattle at 2:15 p.m. Makes it look like we only fly a little over an hour when it is more like 10 hours in the air! Then we go through US customs and immigration, get our dogs, and go home!

We planned this trip so we would have the long weekend to recover from the time change. Last time we found ourselves getting up at 3:00 in the morning until we could readjust!

I will write more once we are home. For now, signing off in Barcelona!

There is a fountain on La Rambla – it is said that if you drink from this fountain you will return to Barcelona. Yes, I drank from it the last time I was here and did so again. I will be back, Barcelona!

Love,

Krysta

Day Two of the Seminar

This is Jose, Adrianna, and Rhonda and me taken on the patio outside the room where the class was held.

I couldn’t believe that Saturday night offered us more partying, more fireworks, more singing and partying until 3:00 a.m.! We overslept by about 45 minutes but still had plenty of time to make it to the Hotel by 9:30 or so. Neither of us felt very good and skipped breakfast – not something I recommend before giving a full day seminar in the 90 degree heat. I have to admit I felt challenged to do my best without more sleep. Thank goodness for meditation which I feel gave me the balance I needed to proceed with confidence.

Some of the class had done their homework assignments and felt good about it – others had not and I encouraged them to give it a try. Then I told them a story about something that had happened to Rhonda and me on our way home the night before.

We were waiting at the bus stop. A bus pulled up which was not ours. Sitting in the first sear by the window was a beautiful old woman. She had to be in her 80’s or 90’s. Her open and wrinkled face was framed by gorgeous full, white hair. She looked at Rhonda and then at me – and then just kept looking at both of us. Slowly, her face smiled and then she took her hand, kissed it, and slowly threw us a kiss – still smiling as the bus pulled away.

As I told the story I began to feel very emotional, as I do now. I can see that woman in total detail and I will for the rest of my life. I told the class that I had no idea who the woman was. I would never see her again, I am sure. And I wondered if she wasn’t an angel sent to bless us. I told them how that simple act of kindness on her part had deeply impacted me — and, to my embarrassment — I began to cry, on stage, in front of a roomful of students. I managed to compose myself and then told them that this is the effect they might have on someone when they perform a small act of kindness. I think they totally understood the assignment I had given them and how much of an impact they can make on their world.

After that, it was a little difficult to continue but I eventually got control of my voice and emotions and continued. The rest of the day was superb with the students asking great questions and enjoying the work we did together.

This is me with Alex and Nina. Alex was my translator for both this class and the one last year. During the second half of the second day of this seminar, Nina did the translating with Alex sitting beside her to help. She is studying to be a professional translator and this was the first time she did it for a group. Nina did a fabulous job and I told her so. I just love Alex – he is one of the nicest, most sincere, intelligent and gentle men I have met – and, ladies, as of right now he is single!

At the beginning of our last break, we all went outside to take the photo I posted yesterday. I am going to hang it on my photo wall at home so I can see these special souls every day!

At the end we all got in a large circle and said all the things we are thankful for. I had brought a small candle with me to give to each person. One I had lit from a candle I have at home that my friend and colleague DaKara gave me – lit from a candle that was blessed and lit by the Dalai Lama. After I had said my final words and said Adios, no one moved. Then someone began humming a song that sounded familiar- like “For Old Acquaintance…” but I need to find out what it was.

After the candles were finally blown out, everyone began clapping for me – and wouldn’t stop! It went on and on and felt so great. The students has appaulded at each break already so I surprised to get even more. I asked Nina to tell them that they were doing their homework assignment for the day by making me feel so good.

For another half an hour or so, I signed autographs in books people had bought, posed for photos, and mostly especially received thanks and hugs and kisses that made me know the students had gotten a lot out of the class. One woman whose back had been hurting her had no more pain after we did the session on letting go of guilt and forgiving those who have harmed us.

One of the many wonderful hugs I exchanged with the students.

One woman told me she had been “stuck” before coming to the seminar and now felt totally clear on her path and what she needed to do next. Several people came up and told me I am an angel, like the woman on the bus. And some shared what they had done for the homework and how fabulous it made them feel.

We went back to the apartment where we watched the soccer game between Spain and Germany and WE won! We were so proud of our adopted country! There was more screaming and fireworks as everyone celebrated but I was able to hit the sack and get a great night’s sleep.

Love,

Krysta

Day One of the Seminar

 

(This is a photo of most of the people in the class and myself. Rhonda is missing – she took the photo!)

The first day of the seminar began quite nicely. Even though we had not gotten much sleep due to the neighborhood partying most of the night, we were up on time and we got out of the apartment on time and caught the right bus to take us to the Hotel Gran Via which is right across the street from the school that sponsored the seminar. The class was to begin at 10:00 a.m. and we got to the building at 9:00 a.m., plenty of time to set up and get a feel for the room and to be focused when it was time for me to “go on.”

Although we only had one floor to go up, we were carrying our heavy computer bags (with computers) and decided to take the elevator. The first time, it took us too many stories up so we got back in and told it to go down. Instead, it went up where the doors opened and two women from France got on with us.

The elevator started to go down and then it stopped. We punched buttons. Nothing happened. The elevator would not move! If you have been to Europe, you know how small the elevators are. Rhonda likes to say they are the size of a casket built for two!

One of the women hit the emergency button and after awhile a voice came over the intercom. The voice didn’t know English and our Spanish wasn’t quite enough for her to understand at first. The voice also didn’t know French and our new elevator-mates didn’t know hardly any Spanish and only a little English. Eventually, we were able to tell the Voice where we were and that the elevator wouldn’t work. The voice said she would send help. We had no idea where the voice was – certainly not in the hotel.

One of the women started to get panicky and began to pound on the door. A voice on the other side said, “Un momento.” We heard him trying to open the door and then heard him say in Spanish, “It won’t work; I can’t open it.” YIKES!!! 

We waited some more. The two women took of their sandals and began to use them as fans. Did I mention it was already 80 degrees outside and that there was no air or fan in the elevator? Did I mention how hot it was getting? I decided the best action was to continue breathing and knowing that we would get out in plenty of time for my class. Even if they had to cut the doors open, I was sure we would get out in time. And I thought to myself what a great story this was going to make.

Then the lights went out. Do you have any idea of how black black is in an elevator with absolutely no light? It is very black. The absence of all light. Our new friends began to panic a little more. We could hear that the technician had arrived and eventually the elevator moved and we could see a slice of light. Before much longer, the door opened and we could feel fresh air and see light. We were free!

We had been in there for 30 minutes! I still had plenty of time to get upstairs and prepare for the class. I thought to myself, “This will make a great story for my section on ‘dealing with challenges.’” Indeed, it made a great story to which I could allude many times during the seminar. I admit this is not the way I would have consciously chosen to begin the first day of my class in Barcelona, but what we can’t control we must accept!

The students were wonderful. Many of the 60 or so people had been to the Kabbalah Congress where I spoke last November and it felt great to see them again. When I was preparing the class I had tuned in to these particular people so that I would cover the material they would most enjoy. I must have tuned in pretty well because they truly enjoyed the class and the material I presented.

My book “22 Steps to Success” was available in the Spanish edition and many of them were buying the book and having me sign it — plus getting and giving kisses and hugs. These people who came to my class are so incredibly special and I told them so. The room just buzzes with love. I don’t think it is possible for me to convey the feeling they exude. Sometimes I had them do exercises together and then the energy was over the top. I allowed myself to bask in it. Both teacher and students were benefiting, that is for sure.

The first day ended with my giving them a homework assignment: to do or say something positive to a person they would not normally do that for – such as a clerk in a store, a waiter, a stranger on the street. It could be as simple as smiling at someone who appeared to be sad. They were eager to do this!

Day one ended with hugs all around and everyone being happy, including José Luis and his wife Adrianna, the people who brought me to Barcelona. They are at the far left in the photo above. I will include a better picture of them in the next day’s blog.

Love,

Krysta

 

 

The Seminar is over

Have you missed me the past few days? It is because I have been giving the two-day seminar that brought us here. I just got back to the apartment and I am going to kickback and think over the experience I just had. At the end I received numerous hugs and kisses and thanks and I am now going to go and bask in the warm feelings. Tomorrow, I will write more and post some photos Rhonda took.

Love,

Krysta

Video session and my first bilingual consultation!

I think this video taping session is best summed up with the word “Wow.” They have a room all set up with video and audio equipment and they have a young man who knows how to use it. First we worked with the lighting and right before starting I added a layer of makeup — with the heat, what I had put on had been blotted off!

They did not tell me about the questions they would ask except in very general terms. This was so my reactions and statements would be unprepared. They began with the easy things like what are your current spiritual practices and who has been most important to you on your path – and moved through issues such as spirituality and sexuality; what do I think of death and am I afraid of dying; to what is God!

Here they are during the taping:

And here we are taping together:

And here is one of the many close-ups Rhonda took during the taping.

And here are the three of us discussing the taping:

José Luis is the man with the tied-back pony tail and Enrique you have met in earlier posts.

After the taping I had a very exciting thing happen. José’s wife had asked me if I would do a consultation for her and I had said I would. I had wondered if we would use a translator because she does not know a lot of English and my Spanish is not that great yet either. She decided not to use anyone because she wanted the reading to be private.

So we went up to her office on the third floor (she is a healer) which was delightfully air conditioned. Believe it or not, I was able to give her a reading! Between my Spanish, her English, and some sign language, we communicated. I was very proud of both of us. And she loved her reading.

During lunch with José, Adrianna, and Enrique, we decided that when I return in November 2009 for the next Kabbalah Conference I will offer two or three days of consultations for people. We also agreed I would not use a translator for privacy reasons. This means I have a year and a half to get bilingual enough to do readings for people here. And I am committed to doing it. Most of what I have been learning so far gets me around fine as a tourist. Now I will learn to speak Spanish in a consulting role. It will be fun!

While I was at the school, I picked up a deck of angel cards and book that is totally in Spanish. As part of my learning practice I am going to pull at least one card a day and read about it — dictionary in hand, of course. This will help me learn some of the more spiritually-oriented words that might not be used so much in daily conversation.

This was a very fulfilling day for me and I am looking forward to Saturday and Sunday when I give the seminar. I ran into a few students today and they are so gracious and excited for me to be here. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

Love,

Krysta