Divine Wisdom From Michele Livingston

Hi Michele!
I’ve been to a few of your seminars and have really gained insight about the spirit realms. I have also had both grandfathers pass away within the past year. One of them was really feisty and outspoken, and would always pinch me on my cheek while whispering that I was his favorite granddaughter. He was the one I was closest to. The other day I was in my hallway frantically trying to get the kids and dog out the door, so I would not be late for work (and at this point I didn’t have my coat on). But as I was trying to get everyone moving, I was literally “pinched” on the back of my arm! I turned around and of course no one was there and there wasn’t anything that I could have hit my arm on. Now I have one heck of a bruise and a small lump. Is it really possible for those who have passed to be able to do this as kind of a wake up call to tell me to “slow down” in life? I just don’t understand how else it could have happened and this was one of my first thoughts. Any input would be appreciated.
Tonya P.

Dear Tonya,
The consciousness of human souls retain their mind, personality and memory bank, so if a person was feisty in life their soul can retain that trait. The departed will never physically hurt us, but do try to get our attention here and there. We might feel a brush on the arm or cheek, a stroke on our hair, feel warmth, chills or just have a knowing that a presence is close by. The fact that your one grandpa was frisky and always pinched your cheek, tells me that he's probably the one who gave you the hard squeeze (probably harder than he should have). Souls who have crossed go to great lengths to communicate, and there are many ways they can do so. Watch what time of day, what day of the week and months that you receive a communiqué. It could be a significant date that relates to you or to them. Spirits work telepathically and if your first thought was "slow down" then you are to heed that. This would include slowing down while driving in your car, staying in the moment and focusing on what you're doing at the time. You experienced clairsentience (clear feeling), which is a physical touch occurrence. It's great that you are aware of the spirit realms, and because of your awareness you will have many more "hellos" from them in the future.

Dear Michele,
I wasn't raised in a religious environment and my parents didn't believe in the afterlife. As an adult I have read a lot of books on the subject of spirituality and meditation, but my question is how important is prayer? Is prayer just for certain religious people who need help, or do you think I should start to pray? In other words, what's it all about? Any help would be appreciated.
Doris C.

Dear Doris,
First, in my opinion, spirituality is different from organized religion. Religions are human developed belief systems based on the teachings of certain prophets or ascended masters. From those teachings, rituals and practices have been formulated to enhance service to God. Religion teaches traditional concepts of faith in a Higher Power and the difference between right and wrong in a particular society. It keeps mankind in a unified semblance of social order, and in that way it is very good.

Spirituality is seeking to find answers in your own way through love, regardless of what others believe. You need to keep an open frame of mind to all belief systems with an attitude of compassion.

A person can be very religious, but not necessarily spiritual and vice versa; and a religious person can also be seeking their own spiritual truths. Every soul is on their own unique journey, not to gain perfection (your soul already is perfect!), but to consciously become aware of compassion for others and to learn to honor oneself and the Creator. The Creator (as far as I know) is an energy source of pure unconditional love, light and divine wisdom. We as human souls were sparked out from that energy source eons ago.

With meditation, you are going within and stilling your mind. (I personally try to balance meditation with prayer.) Prayer is communication and a powerful form of reaching out to the energy of a Higher Power (what ever you perceive that to be), in reverence and communion. Prayer can be said at any time, anywhere. It can be given as an informal expression of praise or a request for an urgent need.

It's wise to count your blessings daily, to create an "attitude of gratitude," and it’s good to pray for those who are disadvantaged, abused or underprivileged. Don't despair if you feel your prayers are not answered immediately. Be patient and have faith, for no prayer goes unheard or unanswered (your requests are known before you even think of them). A simple childlike prayer, said in true sincerity can be more potent than the recitation of prayers done halfheartedly.

There have been many positive scientific studies done on the power of prayer, from the ability to heal the sick with miracles, to the growth of plants in a garden! Therefore, Doris, it's a very personal choice. From my perspective, prayer brings me unshakable faith, inner peace and a deeper feeling of hope; and I think in this chaotic world it's an integral component of what life is all about.

Michele Livingston is a spiritual clairvoyant and author who uses her special gifts to guide and counsel those seeking answers about their loved ones (both living and deceased), about their health and even about past lives.

Readers can prearrange one-on-one phone sessions or in person readings with Michele. She also presents "Messages from Beyond" seminars throughout the northeastern USA, and she has authored four books that are available on-line at her website or by calling 717-737-3888.

In this column she answers questions from selected readers about angels, loved ones who have passed, spirit guides and many other interesting subjects. Only first names are used in this column to protect the privacy of clients. All questions submitted may be used at Michele’s discretion for inclusion in this column and other publications by Michele Livingston. Questions may be sent to Michele at Divine Inspirations, P.O. Box 383, Camp Hill, PA 17001 or e-mailed to Michele@MicheleLivingston.com. To learn more about Michele and her work, please visit her web site at www.MicheleLivingston.com .