Barbara DeLong - Spiritual Empath

Everyone has passions in their lives that fuel and energize them. Our passions often alter over time to reflect our direction and the destiny that calls to us. These passions are what provide us with joy and the creative outlets that open us to the spiritual energies that move our lives along. These are the areas of life that give us joy and solace, a place to go within ourselves for strength when we need it and healing when it is appropriate. Everyone is different and their passions are unique to their level of consciousness, spiritual awareness and destiny pathway. We enter each lifetime

pre programmed with passions that will lead us into the most appropriate directions for evolution and abundance. As very young children these are the directions that call to us, giving us hints as to what talents and skills would be the easiest to draw upon. Sadly, often teachers, parents and culture direct us in ways that are not as spiritually or emotionally supportive of our spiritual growth. Those who find their passions and allow them to open the creative channels for the spiritual energies to flow through and manifest within reality are those who have full and abundant lives that are blessed by the eternal light ever seeking entrance to the physical reality.

         Below I have listed some of the passions that are present in my life at this time. They comfort me and give me the channels I need to grow, be creative and expand my understanding of life and my purpose for being here. Some you may relate to … others not so much. But take a look and it may remind you of one of your passions that has perhaps not been acknowledged or used a great deal as of late.

       1. Family and Friends
       2. Pets
       3. Garden and Home
       4. Creative Interests - crafts, needlework, painting, writing
       5. The Spiritual pathway
       6. Poetry
       7.
       8.
       9.
       10.

         I always leave room for more passions, you never know when a new one is going to pop up and you want to make sure you have room for it when it does.

Family and Friends

         There have been many constants in my life. As far as passions go, my family has always been a primary focus. My son, who now lives in Nashville, Tenn., has always been first and foremost. It has been a lifetime of joy growing up with him and continues to be to this day, I hope neither of us ever completely grows up though. For years I thought there was never going to be a more magical moment than when I held him after he was born, but I was wrong as I was blessed to hold both of his children shortly after their births … There is absolutely nothing that matches the magic of being a grandmother, that is the greatest miracle I have experienced so far, possibly great grandchildren will to Everyone has passions in their lives that fuel and energize them. Our passions often alter over time to reflect our direction and the destiny that calls to us. These passions are what provide us with joy and the creative outlets that open us to the spiritual energies that move our lives along. These are the areas of life that give us joy and solace, a place to go within ourselves for strength when we need it and healing when it is appropriate. Everyone is different and their passions are unique to their level of consciousness, spiritual awareness and destiny pathway.

         As my mother grew older she required constant care and I was honored to be there for her. She became my best friend. Though there were times that were difficult, her sense of humor and the grace with which she dealt with all circumstances made my life richer on all levels. We often joked about how, when “the marbles” start to roll, life becomes very interesting and challenging. I often threatened to write a book about our experiences. The process of her journey was a celebration of light and laughter interspersed with occasional tears. She gave me more than words can ever express and helped me to understand more about the spiritual relationship we have with one another and the other side. She will always be one of the most important spiritual and inspirational teachers I will ever have. She was very worthy of at least one book and it’s in the works.

         I have a sister who has taken her own unique path and, much to our surprise and amusement, we find that we are more alike now than we ever could have imagined when we were young. She has followed the pathway of an Indian Shaman. She has traveled and continues to travel the world visiting mountain tops and breathing the air of the ancients. She has assimilated her experiences into her unique and very personal way of expressing her spiritual talents and healing methods. She has written a book called, The Magic Garden, which is truly inspired. Through our Mother’s passing we have become much closer and have found a footing for friendship that surpasses that of just being sisters.

         Friends – last but surely not least. They are golden and precious and I have been blessed with a few of the most wonderful friends ever. You never know the true depth of a friendship until the chips are down and you look around and see who’s left to help you pick up the pieces. I am truly honored in that not only were there several there when my life was going through transition, but they also helped me pick up pieces, find humor in everything and cheered me on to create a richer reality for myself. To those who were not required to be there during times of trauma and change, but chose to be there because of friendship and love, what can I say? They taught me a priceless lesson in unconditional love that I will always treasure and share whenever appropriate. Thank you, one and all.

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I have a cat major with a dog minor. I have always had a cat or two around because they give me joy and pleasure. For me they are mystical creatures who listen without comment and agree with everything you say (as long as you feed them on a regular basis and remember to scoop the litter box in a very regular manner). When my mother was ill and a bit

depressed I found that adding two five week old kittens to the then one-cat house seemed to pick up her spirits. Who can watch kittens without laughing and even forgetting problems, for a time? It worked so well that, two years later when things took a turn for the worse, I figured if two were good, three would be better. This time they were about four weeks old and had to be bottle fed every two to three hours. You could hold them in the palm of your hand and it was love at first sight. By then there was also a dog that had sort of slipped in unnoticed. I think my mom threatened to evict me if I added to the menagerie, but I was counting on her marbles rolling and losing count before she realized how many four-legged critters were actually living with us. After mom’s passing, I moved and declared that seven was plenty and that I was done. It only took four months before we were eight -- I had rescued a beautiful female who had been pregnant and abandoned. She had been in a cage for three or four months and it broke my heart, so home she came with me. It isn’t as easy to introduce a new adult to an already formed pack. At this time, we are six months into the process; she is my closet kitty, but slowly getting used to everyone. She doesn’t hiss at all the cats now and given a few more years I’m sure we’ll be fine. They are my friends and companions and a warm fuzzy when I can convince one of them to sit still for a moment. They give me love and joy, what more can I say? One would think that the zoo was complete with six or seven cats, but not so. I did declare that I wouldn’t collect any more but those kinds of declarations to the Universe aren’t really the wisest and I should have actually known better. As of 2010 the number of cats in residence has expanded to nine. Three amazing babies from California arrived in June and have blended with the rest … I’m seriously considering applying for re zoning as a cat shelter, only problem is once they cross the threshold, they’re here for life.

They were born on my birthday - how could I not bring them home. They are ten weeks old and inseparable. I had forgotten how little and soft kittens could be.

Leo - As soft and sweet as he looks, He snuggles and likes to get as close as he can no matter what you are doing. He is sweet and gentle and has fit into the pride so well it's hard to remember that he and his sister are the newest to the bunch. He is the calm one, though I think I may have a gentle giant on my hands. Though part Siamese he doesn’t talk much and when he does it’s just a squeak.

Sweet Pea - Named well, she is sweet but the pea part may have been a misnomer. When we get over childhood infections I'm sure we'll be fine. She is a ball of fire and never still for a second … then she drops wherever she is. The smallest of the small, often called the itty bitty of the crew, she ends the night snuggled at my side under the covers as if she was always there. Both she and her brother are true gifts of spirit.

Polly – The Queen of the herd – she’s a polydactyl (extra toes on all of her feet). She loves to show you her tummy (just don’t be foolish enough to touch it). Polly has lived in denial ever since another cat came into the house. I think her theory is that if she ignores them, they’ll go away. It hasn’t worked yet, but she hasn’t given up either – you have to admire her determination.

Angel – Don't let the name fool you, or the innocent look. If cats can be bipolar this one fits the bill. He can be so sweet it melts your heart, and then he turns into an attack cat in the blink of an eye. When I got the small kittens he was the one who groomed them and protected them. He was wonderful. I guess he still thinks he’s on

duty because he is protective of everyone. When I sold the house we all grew up in, he jumped on the table and sat on the broker’s sign-in sheet and refused to let anyone sign in. We actually had to put a separate sheet in another room to limit the bloodshed. And yet, at night he gets into bed, puts his head on my shoulder and sighs as if it has been a very trying day…and melts my heart.

Yoda – When I got her she would sit in the palm of my hand – she wasn’t more than three or four weeks old and was the runt of the litter. I worried she wouldn’t make it. Well, here we are five years later and at fifteen pounds she’s here to stay. She got her name because when I got her she was all eyes and ears – Yoda – the name stuck. She is wise and wonderful and the only one who likes to cuddle, so far.

Baby – He is just that. Taken away from his mother before he was done nursing, we found that he would knead and nurse on any available skin when he was tired. As a kitten it was cute, today it is painful, but still cute. He is the most outgoing of all my cats. He is loving and friendly and adores strangers. When Mom was in the nursing home before she passed I took Baby in to visit her. When she no longer recognized us we made the rounds to others who loved cats and missed theirs. He purred and talked to

everyone and spread a very special kind of love in a place where there aren’t many “warm fuzzies” walking the halls.

Bandit – Brother to Yoda and Baby – earned his name honestly. Any piece of jewelry, or better yet yarn, he can put a claw on is his. I have found him wandering around the house with skeins of very expensive yarn around his neck. I finally had to give him his own yarn so he would leave mine alone – it worked for a very brief time. He just loves open closets, purses, bags, or anything he can find a treasure in. He is also the best hunter of the gang, though all inside cats he still manages a dozen or so mice every winter, imagine my thrill.

Gia – Earth mother – it sounded good at the time I rescued her from months in a cage. Now if I could just get her to stop spitting at everyone it would be nice. She called to me, what can I say? For the longest time I didn’t take her because I was sure someone would want a white cat with gray eyebrows. I finally gave in and we are still working on the assimilation process. Gia had been loose on the streets so, although she’s the smallest of the herd, she is by far the toughest. I keep my water sprayer handy and we will blend…if it’s the last thing I do!

Boo-Boo – If you have a lap, Boo-Boo is in it. She will curl up and let you know you are loved even if you are a perfect stranger. She is just a little skinny though she eats like a horse and the sheer mention of food has her in the kitchen before your thought is complete. We’re still trying to convince her that she will not starve and that there will always be food for her, a losing battle I fear.

Schitzy- She was born in a barn and literally wild. She would have been put away if she had not been rescued with Boo-Boo. Time has quieted her, that, and a great deal of love. She still is very leery of sudden movements but she will get on a lap and sit with you once she gets to know you. A sweet precious fragile spirit.

Baby Too or Floppy Cat to her friends – This little bit of fur has an attitude that belongs to a lion. She puts the larger boys in their place and lets them know who is in charge. Poor baby, when she arrived she had not been altered and with her first heat she discovered that though she was surrounded by many very handsome males, none of them had the slightest idea of what all the howling was about. She is dainty but with an attitude and full of love, she just loves to cuddle.

When a Beloved Pet Passes

The Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

I had the sad occasion to receive this poem, whose author is unknown, twice in one year. Smudge and Chelsea both passed away and it has left a void in my heart and life. I did a lot of thinking about the enormous role pets play in our lives. When they join us there is an unspoken covenant formed, they love us unconditionally and we promise to care for them, to love them and to make sure they have the best quality of life we can provide for them. It is the last of these that is so very hard, for the time comes, often when we least expect it, that we have to make a choice for them that is painful and tearful. We have to make the choice when it is time for them to move on and be free from pain. My two pets filled their part of the bargain thousands of times over, the joy and laughter, love and caring they gave to me carried me through some of the saddest times in my life, and they did it without words, with unspoken love that was poured onto me without being asked.

When our pets pass away they take a part of us with them and we keep a small part of them, in memories and photographs and often a shredded chair or two. They are a very real part of our families and provide so much more than we ever realize until they are gone. I believe that they each have an individual soul and that they will indeed meet me when I cross over. Until then I will miss them, tell stories about how they brought laughter into my life and taught me about unconditional love in the most profound of ways. They lived it and they did to so well the lesson was recognized and registered in my heart forever.

Chelsea – my only dog – is a Sheltie and he is often species-challenged so he fits right in. He thinks he’s much bigger than he is, so often he insults larger dogs who try to befriend him. He runs well and herds me around the yard every day. I don’t own a pair of pants or socks that he hasn’t left his teeth marks in. He is a big help around the garden, digging up whatever I plant – a game we play over and over again. Our plants live in spite of us not because of us.

Chelsea 4/19/95 - 9/19/06

Smudge 5/8/99 - 4/28/06

Smudge – One of the sweetest, softest cats ever. A bit hesitant but once he knows that all you want to do is worship him he’s just fine. He has an addiction to woman’s hair when it’s in a braid or pony tail – his eyes glaze over, his pupils get real big and he looks like he just saw Santa for the first time. Lucky for us that the times he has spotted a braid or pony tail and tried to drag it off to a corner, my friends have been very understanding. No we didn’t get it on video, we were too busy laughing.

I have a love of flowers and everything connected with them (except for worms). I spent decades working on the gardens at the family home; building the soil, defining the beds and lovingly planting thousands of flowers. The magical part of it all was that everything grew … even the stuff that wasn’t supposed to grow in the kind of soil I had. I think it was because I was out there every day cheering them on and begging them to grow. My mother and I did the rounds every day and everything, even the weeds, got talked to. My philosophy is, if it flowers and you like it, leave it alone. As a result, my garden was a combination of formal roses and old English garden along with pretty weeds.

The family home had been an anchor both physically and emotionally for much of my life. We built that house so it was very special. It provided shelter through storms of weather and emotion, and protected us from all manner of growing pains. For over twenty years I conducted meditations there so the positive energy continually grew. It was built near an Indian burial ground and often you could feel that presence, especially during the meditations. I also gave thousands of readings in the house as well as painted the mandalas for The Cosmic Deck of Initiation. There are close to 500 personal Mandalas that I painted, now scattered around the world, which also attracted great spiritual energy. Both the house and garden were full of joy and light and sheltered my family for fifty years.

With the passing of my Mother in 2003 the Universe made it clear to me that it was time to take my small zoo and move on to new territory to create a new center - a new home and new gardens. It was a massive undertaking, but one that in retrospect flowed rather well. The Zoo and I ended up in Connecticut, in a wonderful house with lots of room and property that goes on forever…almost. When I was done with the unpacking, I rolled up my sleeves and began to plan my garden -- there was nothing that even remotely resembled a garden and I soon found out why. There was no dirt, no soil, just dust and rocks. Talk about a clean canvas. I was sent back to the drawing board a bit frustrated. In the first year I removed overgrowth, carved away a hill and put up a rather impressive retaining wall, started several small gardens on the side of the house, put up about forty hanging baskets to have flowers for the summer, and laid the ground work for raised flower beds in the front yard.

The best part I left for last. The house sits on the north end of a huge pond and the view is breathtaking. I saw the view and bought the house; I don’t think I even walked through it first. The sun rises over the pond and it is magical. Every morning there is something new to discover. Over the winter there was ice skating on the pond along with crazy people who ice fished. I hear that they catch some big ones but that has never been one of my passions. The land and the pond are inspiring and mystical. I feel very blessed to be here and I know that in some way I was led to this house for a greater purpose.

         It is my belief that all of us are creative and that the creativity within is the key to our growth and enlightenment. I have a few activities that give me great joy and though not a master of any of them, I do get pleasure from practicing them. For years I have loved working with my hands. Whether crocheting or knitting or needle pointing, I find that it’s a method of meditation that gives me pleasure and at the same time I have something to show for my efforts.

         While in a class for spiritual development I found I often used painting to express myself. Though I have no formal art training, I liked the results I got and derived a great deal of pleasure out of the process. One of our assignments involved creating a Mandala for a classmate. From that assignment I went on to paint over 500 personal Mandalas for people around the world and a deck of cards that was published. The original paintings for the cards are part of the largest private collection of original artwork for tarot cards in the world. Not bad for someone with no training in the field. I still don’t call myself an artist but the results do speak for themselves. Today I prefer painting flowers and other still life - I’m still working my way up to people – maybe next lifetime.

         I have found that channeling through writing has given me greater insight into myself and issues surrounding me. Writing, while never one of my greater talents (or lesser ones for that matter), seems to be an area where I’m spending a lot more time than I would have thought; but then, we never know where we are going – it would spoil the purpose of the lifetime. When I sit down to write, it never ceases to amaze me what is drawn out of the inner recesses of my consciousness. Never, I might add, do I get what I expect … but it’s always right on the money. It teaches, enlightens and lightens my heart, while at the same time exposes a gift that I never knew I had. Go figure!

The Spiritual Pathway

A pathway through time, ever guided by light
Weaving lifetime to lifetime, improving our sight
Gathering wisdom and insight, letting go of the fears
Expanding our vision and drawing us near
To the Infinite Spirit, Creator of all
To a oneness with creation, beyond the last wall.

         Life is a journey, and at some point in our lives we realize that there is a pathway we have been following. Gently guided and directed by the situations and lessons that the Universe has put in our way. It took me several decades to realize that in order to be on a spiritual pathway you didn’t need to put on a white robe, sandals, or go to a mountain top, eat roots and pray. We all are on a spiritual pathway, in our own unique and original ways, suited to the level of evolution and awareness that we bring into each lifetime. On your spiritual pathway you shouldn’t be focused on what you do, but rather how you do it.

         The more I learn, the more I experience, the greater insight I get into this whole process. My pathway isn’t like anyone else’s; no two are ever the same because we all bring different tools and understandings to each lifetime. We have to discern what direction we need to take using just what we brought into this lifetime from lifetimes past and what we have gathered this lifetime. To follow another is to try to walk their pathway and it doesn’t work. Each lifetime we seek within and apply what we carry with the lessons and hurdles we climb over and do our best to follow the Golden Rule and not hurt another in the process. I have to admit I wanted it all spelled out for me along with a road map so I wouldn’t make any mistakes. However, if we don’t make the mistakes we don’t learn and we don’t move along our pathway. The lessons open doors for us. They bring light into areas that have been in shadows and they awaken memories of lifetimes past along with the talents and creative gifts that were gathered there. I have, reluctantly, learned that there is great truth in that old saying that we are never given more than we can handle, and that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and wiser.
The lessons we encounter along our pathways were put there in order for us to reach within and find the wisdom, strength and gifts we brought into this lifetime gathered over countless other lifetimes. They are the way we grow and add onto the experiences of this lifetime. Without them we make no progress in either wisdom or evolution. The pathways lead us to our final destinies, but what those are we only discover when we get to the end of the pathway. If we knew where we were going there would be no purpose in the trip or the lessons encountered along the way.

         I have been following a spiritual pathway for many years now; it has brought me great joy, many surprises, unusual, experiences and often bruised knees. No pathway is always downhill and easy. There have been times when it has been difficult, but always doable. I often realized, after a painful time, that there was always purpose in the road block and that had I trusted the Spirit within me I most probably would have had an easier time of the whole process. That little bit of ego we all carry sometimes gets me into greater difficulties than if I had trusted that small voice within that would have directed me in another direction if I had only listened.

         The pathway is a journey, one that we take each lifetime. Unique to that lifetime and the spirit we carry within. We both flow with it and gather much along the way, or we paddle against the cosmic current and get lots of blisters. Speaking as one who has had many blisters in countless lifetimes, including this one…. I recommend going with the current, follow the inner light within and allow the Universe to open the doors. It makes for a lot more fun and joy and that just fuels the energy and improves the journey that much more. It is a celebration of life … the pathway leads us to greater oneness and joy … it is a dance of creation and wonder … join in the dance with your own unique steps and rhythms, it only expands the wonder of the universe for without everyone, the universe is not complete.

Poetry

One of the pleasures of writing is that sometimes we surprise ourselves. I Have found over the years that poetry of sorts seems to slip in where I least expect it and often holds wisdom that is unexpected. I have included some of these surprises to share with you what spirit can do when we least expect it. Enjoy.

Poetry Through Time