"Real Vampires"-how can this be anything but a contradiction in terms? We all know about vampires. Stock characters of fiction, guaranteed box-office draws, the media vampire has been familiar to us since childhood. Generally speaking, our blood-suckers appear with a tongue planted firmly in one toothy cheek-from Bela Lugosi hamming it up in the 1950's, to last summer's teenage "vamp" movies, to Count Chocula breakfast cereal, the media seldom treat the vampire as truly fearsome. The stereotyped vampire traits are familiar to any child: vampires have big fangs, sleep in coffins, are instantly incinerated by sunlight, and are best dispatched by a stake through the heart. But the most important "fact" that we all know of course is that there are no such things., Of course, in terms of the mythical, literary and cinematic conventions, we are correct: there are no "legions of the undead" stalking the unwary. We have explained the folklore with politics, misunderstood diseases, and hysteria, the literary and cinematic images with psychology, history, and sociology. We of the 20th century are confident that vampires could not really exist. But then, most of us are never forced to think otherwise. For a number of people, the concept of vampires becomes a critical and often lifelong concern. To live with, love, or befriend a real vampire is to encounter a set of problems which may demand expanding the boundaries of one's accepted reality. To come to terms with being a real vampire oneself is to face a lifetime's karmic challenge., Some people reading this article already know this. The rest are probably thinking, "Real Vampires, give me a break! Sure, there are some pretty weird people out there, but all they need is a good therapist." Yes, there are people who take on all the trappings of a gothic novel: dressing in black, claiming or pretending to be "vampires" in the supernatural sense, wearing capes, sleeping in boxes, even getting their teeth capped. There are more frightening people who seek to torture or kill animals or human beings in order to gain power, emotional release or sexual thrill, and who sometimes call themselves (or are called) "vampires". But most of these individuals are troubled people who have been attracted by the cultural myths about the vampire: supernatural powers (because they feel powerless), overwhelming sexuality (because most of them have sexual issues and no true relationships), immortality (because they fear aging and death). Individuals like these are the most recent "explanation" for humanity's persistent belief in vampires. But beyond and behind all the folklore, the psychological theories, the role playing, even the traditional spiritual assumptions, lies the real truth about vampires., The field of vampirology is complex and mysterious. There are many aspects to the vampire phenomenon, and they would require several books to fully explore. One aspect of vampirism which frequently troubles magickal, spiritual and other small groups, the most common form of vampire, is found among living people who share with us the benefits and disadvantages of physical existence on this plane, yet are not quite human. These people appear on the surface to be somewhat eccentric members of society, yet their outward idiosyncrasies only hint at how different they are from those around them., Each of us incarnates for a lifetime with a certain way of relating to the physical world through the vehicle of our physical body. A vampire is a person born with an extraordinary capacity to absorb, channel, transform, and manipulate "pranic energy" or life force. She also has a critical energy imbalance which reels wildly from deficit to overload and back again. This capacity for handling energy is a gift, but the constant imbalance of her own system is the cause of the negative behavior patterns and characteristics which may be notable about a vampiric person., Real vampires do not necessarily drink blood-in fact, most of them do not. Blood-drinking and vampirism have been confused to the extent that for the average person, a vampire is defined as something that drinks blood (such as a "vampire bat"). But when we look beyond casual assumptions to the details of common beliefs, we find something quite different. Throughout both folklore and literature, there is an understanding that vampires require energy or life force. Many old folktales accept that vampires suck blood, yet never describe this actually happening. The victims slowly decline and waste away, and the survivors assume that some evil fiend is draining them of blood. They know that the Bible says, "the blood is the life", and anyone who was losing their life force must be losing blood. Yet, in many instances the vampire's "attack" does not even involve physical contact. In others, it is clearly sexual energy which is exchanged.1, Fresh blood is the highest known source of pranic energy (life force).2 Human beings have practiced blood-drinking for many reasons throughout history, but drinking blood alone does not indicate that a person is a vampire. Only real vampires can directly absorb the pranic energy in fresh blood, and for this reason some real vampires are attracted to blood and find different means of obtaining it.3 However, it is a rare vampire who cannot absorb energy in much more subtle ways. This is the mechanism that causes real vampires to inflict harm on others and themselves if they fail to recognize what is happening and do conscious work on transforming their inner natures. Vampires are no more likely to be either malicious or spiritually aware than the general population, but without awareness, they can spend their lives making themselves and others unhappy, and will continue to incarnate in this pattern until they take action to change it., There are a number of external symptoms of vampirism, but it is important to realize that some of them are found in ordinary human behavior. Real vampires are identifiable partly because they have a majority of the symptoms, not just one or two. But more significantly, real vampires are distinguished by a certain quality to the energy. While anyone reading a description of the symptoms and behavior patterns might find a few that apply to people he knows, or even to himself, real vampires have a way of standing out vividly to everyone who interacts with them. There are few people who do not know at least one vampire., Physically, vampires are usually "night people"" on a biochemical level. They have inverted circadian rhythms, with body cycles such as temperature peaks, menstrual onset, and the production of sleep hormones in the brain occurring at the opposite time of day from most people. They have difficulty adjusting to daytime schedules and frequently work nights. They tend to be photosensitive, avoiding sunlight, sunburning easily, and having excellent night vision. Their vitality ranges widely, and they can be vigorous and active one day, depressed and languorous the next., They frequently have digestive trouble. Even those with cast-iron stomachs have many issues with food that are rooted in their constant hunger for energy. Contrary to the image of the vampire as thin, many real vampires are troubled by obesity because of a hunger that makes them food addicts, and a system that is sluggish in processing physical food. They are also sometimes troubled by other substance addictions for the same reasons, but since their systems are tuned to pranic energy more than to processing physical substance, they may not be as sensitive to drugs and alcohol as an ordinary person would be., Emotionally and physically, vampires are unpredictable, moody, temperamental and overwhelming. The major distinguishing characteristic of real vampires as opposed to ordinary people who share those qualities is the vampire's intensity. Vampires are extremely intense people. They are frequently given nicknames such as "the black hole." When others talk about them (usually to complain about them), vampires are often described by such terms as "needy, " "attention-seeking, " "grandstanding, " "manipulative, " "exhausting, " "draining, " "monopolizes the conversation, " "jealous, " "huge ego, " and so on. A vampire's emotions are deep, fervent, and powerful, and she usually displays great psychic ability and has uncontrolled magickal and psychic experiences. Vampires are also empaths, and while they remain unconscious of their natures, they are frequently "psychic sponges" who simply absorb vibrations from everywhere, with the expected emotional instability resulting., A "hungry" vampire -- one whose energy level is imbalanced to the deficit side -- becomes an involuntary psychic vortex, drawing all pranic energy in the area towards her. When the energy does not flow in fast enough -- and it is typical of vampires that the energy never flows fast enough for them -- she will begin manifesting behavior patterns to increase the amount of conscious attention she gets from others. For this reason, some vampires develop a pattern of being aggressively confrontational, or of constantly antagonizing people with whom they have relationships. Nearly all vampires, whatever ploys they use, have a talent for attracting (or distracting) the attention of everyone present., Once a vampire overloads on energy, she reverses her behavior patterns. She may become morose, silent, withdrawn and introverted. Some vampires become maniacally cheerful when they are satiated, but even their good moods seem to annoy others, and it is more typical for vampires to be infamous as wet blankets. "Hungry" and "overload" phases can occur within a few minutes or last for days at a time. Vampires are commonly loners, in part because they feel so different from those around them, but also because they have a need to control the degree of contact they have with sources of energy., Real vampires are not the demonic fiends of Christianized folklore, but as long as they refuse to accept their inner nature, their bad reputation is not undeserved. Unconscious vampires have a tendency to reach adulthood with less than the average level of social skill and general finesse, and tend to be selfish and self-centered. The demands of their own energy systems are so distracting to them that it is difficult for them to pay attention to the needs of others. Their relationships tend to be disasters. Different vampires develop different patterns according to what works best for them in their life situation, but several patterns are common. The "femme fatale" or "lady-killer" vampire forms a continuous series of sexual connections with one partner at a time, dropping each unfortunate lover as they become too exhausted (or defensive) to support the vampire's energy needs. Other vampires form a long-term relationship with a single person: either another vampire whose energy cycle complements their own, or a person who derives satisfaction from being a psychic servant or martyr. A common pattern, especially in young adults, is to continuously join social, religious, political and magickal groups and either blow them apart or end up being thrown out. Vampires may go through roommates, housing situations, magickal groups, jobs and lovers like so much Kleenex., Many people find that they feel "creepy" or "weird" around a vampire. This is usually due to the effects of one's own life force being drawn towards the vampire's vortex. Most people feel uncomfortable and distracted when their energy is pulled away from themselves. In addition to this, a common result of such an energy drain is for the aura to pull in tightly towards the body, and this causes a prickling sensation on the skin -- the "creepy-crawlies.", It is no more common for vampires to be psychopaths or killers than it is for any random person on the street. However, a prolonged, or very involved, relationship with a vampire can put a severe strain on the emotional and psychic energy systems of an ordinary person. Folklore suggests that victims of a vampire become vampires themselves. In reality, people who have been seriously "drained" -- that is, have had their own energy pulled off balance into a deficit -- also become psychic vortices which pull life force away from other living things. However, they are never as powerful as a true vampire, and unlike vampires, quickly recover and stabilize. True vampires are born the way they are -- no one can be "turned into a vampire." However, years of energy depletion can lead to health problems ranging from depression and malaise to a suppressed immune system and susceptibility to serious illnesses. Most people will break off the relationship before it gets that far., Many vampires are attracted to magickal paths. In a magickal working group, their ability to wreak havoc is increased because of the psychic openness and trust that exist there. But there can be a benefit, as well. Some vampires become aware of their true natures and choose to undertake serious work to transform themselves. As soon as they begin doing so, they become more acceptable working partners and companions. Once in control of their capacity for handling energy, they become extraordinary magicians and healers. Their ability to hold the attention of others gives them the potential to be fine leaders and teachers. Ultimately, the purpose of vampires is not to plague the universe but to facilitate its healing. Vampirism is the dark, or unfocused, side of a certain kind of psychic talent, one which has been developing for many lifetimes. It is destructive only when a vampire either refuses to face the truth about herself and work with her abilities, or when she chooses to play out a sinister role because of the illusion of power it gives her., Because of this, many of the vampire characteristics described above are far less evident in the most powerful vampires, the ones who have done considerable work on their inner selves. Many of these are poised, pleasant, competent individuals, with great personal power. They have come to terms with who and what they are, and no longer exhibit the negative qualities associated with "psychic vampirism." 4 Unfortunately, unconscious vampires are far more common than evolved ones, and it is these troubled souls who more usually appear in magickal groups., There is no "generic advice" to give those who believe they may be dealing with a real vampire. Those who are so inclined might try to help a friend or fellow group member explore their inner nature and come to terms with their destructive behaviors. Those who feel victimized can choose to end the relationship. Each case is different, and can only be judged by the individuals concerned. But it is important for anyone involved in magickal or psychic work to understand that vampires are a real phenomenon, and that, like all perils, they should not be greeted with fear or anger. Nothing is evil by nature -- only by choice. Terror of discovery (followed by ridicule or rejection) inhibits the self-development of many real vampires. When they reach out for friendship, they are often reaching out for help., A person who believes she may be a real vampire herself has a long and difficult process ahead of her. The most important step on her path is complete self-awareness: of her relationships, patterns, energy levels, and all other personal qualities. The most challenging work may often be summarized in the simplest of terms. Knowledge, awareness, and control are the lessons real vampires must learn in order to harness their abilities. If real vampires are not the immortals of fiction, they can at least be confident of one thing: for better or worse, they will keep the qualities they develop for many lives to come, I am a Pagan. The last of my crops are in. I've preserved, dried, salted and stored every last ounce of food I can find to prepare for what might be a long deadly winter. Many of us will not survive to see the sun return. Everything around me is dying. The colors are fading. I know what lies ahead. I pray to my winter gods for kindness, but it's hard not to feel fear., I live in harmony with nature. I know the cycles of the year and the cycles of life. The dead feed my crops. I work toward a better life and I know that I am not alone. The Divine is within me. I am a part of the life force in every living thing, that which has come before and those yet to come., At this time of year there is so much death around me. The spirits of relatives and friends seem so near, or perhaps the memories and tears return more easily. There are ghosts I must face, the emotions of loss - anger, confusion, sadness, and even joy for those no longer suffering. It is a comfort to know that life never ends and that I am a part of the circle., In another reality this is 1988, 1 live in the city, and I've checked my supplies of frozen fish sticks and microwave popcorn. I do not have to worry about physical exercise until the spring. I have time to sit and think about this past cycle and the year to come., I started to write this before the sudden death of a brother. Now as I finish it, death is very near and very real. in my grief, I faced my adversaries - my fears about death, my need to be in control, my anger that some things make no sense, my attachments in life and my fear of changing the status quo., Most deaths make no sense to us. Unless someone dies in old age. we ask "Why did this have to happen?" I know a women who for fifteen years believed God had taken her daughter from her because she hadn't been a "good" mother. Death as God's punishment for our faults? Being kinder or more considerate will not delay anyone's death. it makes no more sense to believe someone died when he did because he was happy, but in our grief we need for things to make sense. We need a rational explanation, to feel we have everything under control. We never will., Most of us believe we'll live fairly long lives and do most of the things we want to do before it's over. Our egos take a real blow when we realize we have very little control over the most important "decision" about our lives-its length and its ending. I'm ' not afraid of death itself. There are too many unknowns. What I really fear is that death may come before I'm ready., I looked at the man in the coffin and I remembered him talking two days before his death about the book he thought he had 30 years left to write. Tears came easily, not just for his book and dreams, but for my own., I'd rather not think life will end too soon. if I had only six months more to live, what would I do differently to make each day more rewarding, more fulfilling? Some of us would make temporary changes, then quickly fall back into old safe patterns. With sadness we wonder what it would take for us to really want to change., The irony of living to a ripe old age is having to lose the ones we've loved along the way - not just by death but sometimes by choice. Frequently we outgrow the people or things we've become attached to. But letting go is hard. We tend to stick with the known even when we know it isn't the greatest. Anything seems better than nothing. What if our friends do reinforce our negativity? If our job leaves no room for growth? If our love needs something we can no longer give?, In his interviews with journalist Bill Moyers, mythologist Joseph Campbell repeatedly talked of man's need to find his "bliss", to create a personal heaven here in this life. The ideal heaven of eternal pleasure after death cannot be counted on. Infinity is a concept of time and space on the material, physical plane, Since matter Is energy (Einstein) and matter cannot be destroyed, only transformed, physical death reduces us to pure basic energy forms. Our energy may live eternally, infinitely, but after death our ability to feel time and space will end. We'll never know we're in Heaven. Even if we believe in reincarnation, that our energy form will come back into another physical life, we have no guarantee that life will be better, only different. our only guarantee of heaven is to have the courage to change our present lives, find our bliss now, here on earth and help and allow those we love to find theirs by letting go., I create change, and change is loss. As a magician, l am learning not only to change my reality at will but to also change the way I perceive my reality, it is easy to see that one man's beach weather is another man's drought, it is much harder to watch the beauty in the flames burning down your house and look forward to the new and different home you will create. It is hardest yet to willingly put a torch to life as you now know it, to your very being, your personality, your perceptions of self and the fears you hold on to that keep you from changing. Once I expressed to a dear friend my frustration with his seeming unwillingness to change certain patterns of behavior. He replied that he was forty-two years old and this was the way he probably always would be. He seemed comfortable and secure with his definition of self. He had a comfortable, if not blissful, daily routine, a sense of security in the known, and he saw no reason to change much of anything. But within a year, the lives of loved ones around him had changed so drastically that his own sense of self was shattered, out of control. To quote Helen Keller, "Security is mostly a superstition ... It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of human beings as a whole experience it ... Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.", Traditionally, the approach of winter, the autumn of life, has been the time of year to face our physical fears. We put on the costumes of death, ghosts and goblins, the skeletons of hunger and the creations of our worst nightmares, and say "You don't scare me!" We also expose a part of ourselves we are normally too afraid to show the public. or even admit to ourselves we want to feel. We shift our shapes and extend the boundaries of who we are., So after agonizing for six weeks about what to wear to the costume party, some of us remove our izod sweaters and put on something really tacky with fringe, or we cross-dress. We paint our faces as clowns, and maybe it actually feels good to be brazen and to make others laugh. Maybe we become a little less afraid of being thought a clown, of not being what we think others expect us to be. To shape shift, to put on the costumes and act out of character (yet act out a part of ourselves we wish we could be) allows us to push past the limits we set for ourselves. A shy person who dresses as Groucho Marx, who talks to everyone, who makes wisecracks all night and gets laughs, can never fully go back into her shell once the make-up is off. The transformation has started., When I was a teenager, I wore red a lot. People said it was my favorite color. Yet now I tell myself I can't wear red. When did this happen? And why? I know when I started believing I couldn't sing. I'd warble away and my mother would say, "Sherry, surely you can't feel that bad!" But a part of the adult me wanted to believe I could sing. knew I could sing. So the shaman in me faced my fear and decided to lead a three-day chanting workshop. True, I may never be Linda Ronstadt, but no one ran screaming from the room, and by the third day, I was singing a cappella with a voice from deep within me I never knew I had. Once I've worn red, and like the way I feel in red, I will have pushed my limits one step further out, and I will have come one step closer to removing the words "I can't do that" from my vocabulary, I can cross the boundaries of reality. I can become my spirit animal. I can fly, or become one with a rock. I can love and be lovable. I can pursue any career. The old me will no longer exist. The dance will have begun., Number XIII in most tarot decks is the Death or Transformation card. This rarely signifies physical death, but usually total change (voluntary or involuntary) and the sometimes sudden and unexpected, yet logical conclusion of existing conditions. Transformation is the end of a cycle, a releasing, letting go, a surrender to rebirth and new beginnings. In the Crowley deck. Death is dancing joyfully, his scythe releasing bubbles of new life. At the bottom of the card is the scorpion, who when trapped, stings itself and dies. This lowest level is the person who can't deal with major change and just wants to curl up and die, or becomes passive and waits for someone else to come along and make things better. At the top is the soaring eagle, the person with the courage to free himself, willing to consciously surrender to the unknown of death and transformation to change and to grow., Early in my shamanic training, I looked forward to the Death card appearing in a spread. Now I know how hard it is to surrender to and truly accept the loss of anything and everything I may hold dear-not just my life, but my job, independence, friends, family, lover. looks and/or my sanity. Hardest of all is to lose one's faith at the same time. No one else can go through this with you. You alone must feel out of control, in pain and confusion, and fearful of the black hole that exists before rebirth., To step into this void knowingly, willingly - to change careers, or to leave a long marriage of convenience which has been killing your soul. and to do this with no back-up plans - is to accept that within you is a part of the life force of the universe that will see you through. You surrender your judgments and preconceived notions of what is best. good or bad, and open yourself to all possibilities. Your new life has no limits or boundaries. You are totally free to find your bliss., The dance of death is the realization that you will survive the loss of who you thought you were, who and what you thought you needed, what you thought you could control. You smile with the sad excitement and anticipation of who or what you will become., I am a Pagan. Just as the world around me changes with the cycles of the day, the season, the years, I too am flowing, ever changing. I have my times of growth, my times of dormancy and rest. I weather all storms because I allow myself to bend The winter approaching may be harsh and seemingly unending, but within me and within the Earth I have planted the seeds of change that will blossom as new life in the Spring., Psychic vampirism is alive and flourishing in the world today. It exacts a heavy toll-it demands life-force energy and in some instances, it literally destroys lives. At a personal level, it wastes our energies, dampens the immune system, and undermines the body’s natural defenses against illness. At a global level, it can literally drain the earth of its survival resources and interrupt its harmony and balance. It follows that finding ways of preventing psychic vampirism, or successfully counteracting it, must be among our top priorities., There are several forms of psychic vampirism, each of which demands a host victim., One-on-one Attacks, In the one-on-one vampire encounter, the psychic vampire taps into the energy system of a selected host victim for the express purpose of extracting energy. Typical one-on-one psychic vampires are not agents of evil bent on the destruction of their victims. Furthermore, they possess none of the supernatural powers attributed to folklore vampires. They function instead from a position of profound weakness. Deficient in energy, and with their own energy system usually impaired, they seek other energy options-the energy system of a host victim., Almost everyone has experienced the common vampire interaction that left them both mentally and physically fatigued. Unfortunately, the psychic vampire’s energy system is only temporarily replenished, thus requiring repeated attacks. For the host victim of recurring attacks, the consequences can be extremely harmful., In the group setting, psychic vampirisrn can involve multiple vampires and victims. It can occur within groups and between groups, with power, wealth, and control being among its major goals. Highly competitive groups whose goal is to subdue or defeat the opposition, along with heated political campaigns, seem particularly vulnerable to group psychic vampirism. In its most dangerous form, it can include the organized activities of predator gangs, criminal groups, and drug trafficking networks., Welcome to Castle Enron, Even major corporations have been known to stoop to psychic vampirism. Any organization that exploits human beings has clear fingerprints of psychic vampirism. Big Tobacco with its long history of predatory marketing practices, some of which targeted children. Enron Corporation’s vampirization of its beleaguered employees are examples of corporate psychic vampirism on an alarming scale., The globe itself is vulnerable to psychic vampirism that recklessly exhausts its natural resources, pollutes its environment, threatens its species, and erodes its potential for progress. Psychic vampirism’s consequences can span centuries. It can affect everyone and in some instances, it literally puts the future of the planet at risk., An internal form of vampirism, parasitic vampires are twice the victim-they are both vampire and host. Examples are phobias, obsessions, compulsions, and an array of self-defeating stress reactions-each of which is like a blood-sucking vampire with a demonic appetite. The more they devour, the more they demand. By attacking from the inside, they drain their host of essential energy, and eventually grid down the energy system itself., What Is a Vampire?, Anyone who preys upon others can be seen as a psychic vampire. A person who exploits or ruins a lover is a psychic vampire. On a global scale, ageism, sexism, racism, abuse of human rights, international terrorism, and so-called “ethnic cleansing” are among the many faces of psychic vampirism., Fortunately, we now know enough about psychic vampirism to halt it in its track. Step-by-step strategies specifically designed to confront and overcome the threat of psychic vampirism are now available to everyone. Psychic Vampires: Protection from Energy Predators & Parasites details scores of totally new strategies and psychic tools, each laboratory tested, that can effectively empower the potential victim of psychic vampirism. We can prevent a one-on-one psychic vampire attack or promptly end it. Groups can effectively inoculate themselves against the onslaught of psychic vampirism. We can effectively counteract parasitic vampirism and break its vicious cycle by unblocking corroded internal energy channels and opening up new ones. We can act decisively to erase the effects global vampirism and protect the earth from future harm., Understanding psychic vampirism is critical in our quest to realize our growth potentials and achieve our highest level of personal and global actualization., How to Keep the Energy Sucking Vampires Away From You, Step1The first seems so simple, but people, without practice, have a difficult time doing this task. Simply walk away from the energy zapper. The other person might start off making a great conversation then it quickly turns negative. You can feel the energy changing. Well, politely excuse yourself from that conversation and step out of that zapping energy field., Step2The next step is a method of how to create a mental shield that will bounce those zaps off you and back to the other energy zapping vampire. If the situation is where you can’t walk away, take a deep breath, center yourself, and engage your shield. I shield myself by imaging a field of sunflowers or I recite my favorite poem in my head. Always create mental happy points that you can go back to when you feel the need to rejuvenate. The lack of enthusiastic that you project might anger the opponent, but that is just their own zapping bouncing back at them. You can also send them your own zap of positivity, like, “Nice talking with you, I have to go.” Or, this one is always a great zapper. “Have a nice day, now.”, Step3The real enemies of energy zapping are allowing anxiety and hopelessness to be spread in your zone. Politely express to the zapper that negativity is not accepted in you zone of tranquility. Another great thing to have around is positive messages, wither in forms of needlepoint, poems, bookmarks, and signs. This can make the zapper feel off balance and maybe you can later convert him or her into a positive person., Step4The last step is to recharge your center. Stay strong and smile. The positive energy that you project will help you knock out anxiety. Take a few minutes to rejuvenate your center with a quick mediation, or smell a burst of fruit, or simply force yourself to laugh. Maybe, others will ask you what you are laugh about or laugh with you. It is contagious., InstructionsDifficulty: Moderately Easy, Step1Perform the self-chakra charge. This exercise can be done in bed before rising in the morning. Simply hold each position for one minute while focusing on healing energy flowing into your body. The positions are as follows: foot to ankle, ankle to knee, knee to hip, (repeat with other leg), hip to hip, groin to stomach, stomach to heart, shoulder to shoulder, elbows, hands, heart to throat, throat to forehead, forehead to top of head, top of head to area 6 to 12 inches above the head., Step2Stretch your muscles to enhance further the flow of energy throughout your body. See the resource section for a list of websites concerning total body stretches., Step3Move your joints by flexing and extending your fingers, toes, ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. In addition, perform neck rolls, trunk twists, deep knee bends and arm circles to get energy moving through your body's meridians., Step4Meditate before to enhance positive energy and focus. Sit in a comfortable position and center yourself. Visualize energy being pulled up from the earth through your spine and spreading throughout your body. Next picture a beam of healing energy flowing down your head and through your body. Continue for 15 to 20 minutes or until the exercise feels complete., Step5Practice your breathing. Sit in a comfortable position and concentrate on your natural breathing rhythm for about five minutes to quiet your mind. When you are ready, send the mental command "Get Out!" to anything negative that you are holding in your body. See your negative emotions being carried away as you forcefully exhale. Repeat until all unwanted emotions are cleared from your body., Step6Focus on your client for one minute prior to treatment. According to Brennan, you should spend at least 60 seconds holding your mind on your patient, without other thoughts, while drawing in energy in preparation for healing., Step7Meditate on your intent. Energy follows thought, therefore, before beginning your healing, focus on the purpose of your session. Some examples of inner phrases include, InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate, Step1Tell the universe what you want. For example, if you are learning a new language proclaim, "I want to learn a language." Once you have made this statement, believe in your heart that God has answered the request and begin your learning with confidence and clarity., Step2Use your imagination and believe you are an expert in the field. Spend 10 to 20 minutes each day channeling positive emotions. "The Secret" emphasizes attracting your desires through feelings. Therefore, when you are visualizing, see yourself as a genius who learns effortlessly., Step3Monitor your feelings not your thoughts. Pay attention to how you are feeling in the present moment. If the subject you are studying overwhelms you, shift your focus to pleasant thoughts until you're back in the learning groove., Step4Write down several positive affirmations for confidence. For example, "I am an expert in biology, " or "I am learning physics effortlessly." Read your list periodically while studying to attract positive feelings., Step5See the wonderful qualities that you possess. According to "the Secret, " the more you focus on your positive traits the more you will see them. Know that you are a competent learner and you will become one., Step6Radiate joy and confidence in your learning. Being self-assured does not mean you are conceited. Confident people are secure in who they are and attract positive energy into their lives through their thoughts., Step7Let go of negative emotions. Holding onto insecurity will derail any positive learning experience. Learn how to attract positive emotions through confident thoughts., InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate, Step1Spend some time alone. It will give you a chance to tune into your body and find out what it's triggers are and what helps you to relax. Some people like to stand bare foot outside with their feet firmly in touch with the ground. Thats' nice, but you probably won't want to be doing it in December with snow on the ground. You can do this almost anywhere, at any time, when you get good enough at it., Step2Visualize. A friend of mine visualizes herself standing tall with her arms outstretched. She visualizes roots stemming from her feet and taking hold in the ground. As she continues on, and moves her hands upwards, she imagines silver cords shooting up towards heaven. She maintains this stance and takes several deep breaths. As she breathes in, she pulls in energy to support her and strengthen her. As she breathes out, she releases stress and any negativity that has collected around her. She holds this stance for three to five minutes and is ready to resume her activities., Step3Take several deep breaths. When inhaling, I pull in positive energy and pure white light. When exhaling, I allow all the negative energy out. Whenever you release energy, remember to put something back in its place. Think of things you love and care deeply about. They will give you strength., Step4After a few times of doing this alone (so you know what to expect), you will be able to do it pretty much any where. The first time I did it, I relaxed so much, I fell asleep. Like I said, know your body and know what it will do in certain situations., Step5When you're done, take a final deep breath. Regroup your thoughts. Make sure you have pulled in any roots or cords you have sent out., When you have got things in order, go out and tackle whatever needs to be done