Essential Energy Blog
The Unseen World – of Energy
October 24, 2009We like to imagine what our life would be like, “if only.” If only we had a lot of money. If only we were thin, more successful, or had a better car. Have you noticed how you felt when you … Continue reading
The Sacredness of Scripture
August 1, 2009One of the little known facts about my background is that I attended a seminary to work toward a master’s degree in divinity. I loved the year-and-a-half of intense study. I felt whole when immersed in history, theology, and questions … Continue reading
The Search for a Guru
July 1, 2009In my field, one of the more commonplace concepts is that of the guru. A guru is a guide or teacher. We usually associate gurus with spiritual or religious sects, although a guru can also present intellectual ideas or understandings. … Continue reading
The Search for a Guru
July 1, 2009Essential Energy Column, July 2009 In my field, one of the more commonplace concepts is that of the guru. A guru is a guide or teacher. We usually associate gurus with spiritual or religious sects, although a guru can also … Continue reading
Misery Needs a Rule
June 1, 2009When perusing a book last month by Dr. Henry Cloud, a Christian psychotherapist, I was struck by the following phrase. “Misery Needs a Rule.” I had been conveniently ignoring much of the book, which outlined all the cheery ways to … Continue reading
The Dog That Bites
April 1, 2009My son Gabe’s dog is a pacifist. He has to be. If he so much as snaps at the hand that feeds him—mine—he’d not only be minus a tail, but also all dining rights for the next few years. It’s … Continue reading
Grace in the “Big Bad World”
March 1, 2009The other day, I was puzzled, having to choose between two very important tasks. Should I help my son with a report on civil rights that wasn’t due for a week, or work on this column? The report would require … Continue reading
When It’s Cold—Outside or Inside
February 1, 2009Winter in Minnesota is offensive enough. February throws me over the edge. Can you imagine living in a state where, nine months of the year, a woman’s idea of “dressing up” is to choose between grey and black wool pants … Continue reading
Resolutions and the Power of the Law
January 1, 2009A few days ago, my son Gabriel was brainstorming ways to make money. Apparently he didn’t think he would receive enough for Christmas—not an amount adequate to purchase that mighty amazing electric guitar, anyway. And so, he was establishing various … Continue reading
The Mirror of the New Economy
December 2, 2008Imagine that you are handed a mirror. A voice speaks, telling you to look into the shiny surface and there, you will see your future. You are excited, if a bit puzzled. How can a mirror show you what is … Continue reading
The Music of Life
November 1, 2008A few days ago, my precocious nine year-old looked at me and said, “Mom, without music the world would be a really sad place.” This comment needs to be taken in context, before expanded upon. This nine-year old is a … Continue reading
The Cat and the Weary Attitude
October 1, 2008September, the back-to-school month, leaves me breathless, jagged, and clamoring for a vacation. By October, I’ve figured out that the alleged, hoped-for “spring break” is at least six months away and there are infinite numbers of chores and winter snow … Continue reading
Carving Poetry out of Life
September 1, 2008When kids pack up their backpacks, it’s time to get serious about life again. No matter how hard we think we’re working during summer, we’re really not. There’s something about “school’s out” that makes us think that “work’s out.” Friday … Continue reading
Singing Your Song
August 1, 2008Despite their ten-plus-year difference in age, my two sons agree on a couple of topics, one of them being that they hate my singing. Oh, and my taste in car music. I think I have a fairly good voice. It’s … Continue reading
Freedom AND Responsibility
July 1, 2008Since I was a small child, I’ve treasured freedom more than anything else. Perhaps it’s because I was born on the Syttende Mai, Norway’s Independence Day. Being all-Norwegian, it was natural for me to be fiercely independent since “day one.” … Continue reading
Visions in June
June 1, 2008A few days ago my son Gabriel, who has advanced to age nine chronologically but at least forty-two spiritually, made a remark about my cooking. I don’t mean to mislead you. My cooking (or attempts toward) merits daily commentary from … Continue reading
May Flowers
May 1, 2008I have always loved May. It’s really the only time of year in Minnesota that is fairly predictable and pleasant, an oxymoron if there is one. The “I can’t believe it’s snowing again” comments of April are packed away, next … Continue reading
April’s Call
April 1, 2008Spring has a magical quality, probably the reason we invest it with almost supernatural powers. The grey and soggy grass (or in the case of Minnesota, blackened snowbanks) yield to light green shoots. April’s showers invite forth flowers, including tulips, … Continue reading
The Gift of The Stars: September 2007
September 1, 2007Two eclipses invite an astounding opportunity. What if you could see the world—and yourself—through the eyes of the Divine? I can testify to the revelatory nature and joyful outcome of this approach to life, for I was taught how to … Continue reading
The Gift of The Stars: August 2007
August 1, 2007What inspires you? To be inspired means to be “in the spirit,” or filled with your own spirit. Many of us are able to accomplish numerous feats of labor, every day, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that these are inspired … Continue reading
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