​As part of our spiritual evolution our metaphysical senses will continue to sharpen and become just as active and efficient as our physical senses. Our third eye will see more clearly, our gut feelings will be easily identifiable, our higher knowing will integrate with our thoughts, and our ability to hear and communicate with other realms will increase exponentially. Channeling messages from non-earthly beings – from angels to galactic travelers – will be as easy as tuning in to our favorite radio stations and singing along with the latest hits. For many skilled intuitives, this is already the case. Across the world wide web you’ll find a plethora of offerings from light beings, star systems, parallel universes, and even the future.
 
At this time of expanding consciousness, many people are directly experiencing the art and gifts of channeling. Although it is an indication of heightened awareness, it is important to evaluate and assimilate that which is truly valuable.
 
Everyone is a Channel
Whether or not we have developed our intuitive senses, each of us has them. As with any skill – including walking or riding a bike – it merely takes practice to become proficient. Imagine if we lived in a culture in which using our metaphysical senses was expected and honored? “What’s your gut telling you,” mom would ask, and then she would validate your response.
 
As spiritual-human beings, each of us is an extension of God Consciousness. Therefore, whatever we say or do is also from the same consciousness! This does not condone behaviors that are misaligned or void of love, but rather reminds us of our inherent divinity. If we understand that the core of who we are cannot be separated from that Divine impulse we begin to realize that every action, thought or word is an extension of Source, in spite of our humanness.
 
As every expression of God is fully empowered to believe, act and say whatever desired because of free will, the challenge thus lies in aligning with Love.
 
Evaluate the Messages for Love
Connecting with realms that are less familiar to us can be uncomfortable or even frightening at first, and it is always important to evaluate the love that is present. Channeled messages from deceased loved ones can be based in fear, hate and anger just as easily as they can be brought forth to offer support, love and new perspectives. To be clear, transitioning to the “other side” does not mean a spirit has evolved or let go of its resentments. If grandma’s channel says she loved you better than your father and goes on to share her woes about unresolved issues, this message is not only of a lower frequency, it can dampen your own energy field if you give it unnecessary value. Empower yourself to evaluate the information received and if it is not from Love, feel free to delete that channel!
 
Spirit guides are just as diverse as the universe itself, ranging from the animal kingdom to star beings and beyond. It is critical to use discernment with these aspects and understand that – like passed loved ones – they may not be as evolved as you expect. The key, again, is to limit your interactions to those that align with Love. Whether you consider yourself a channel or simply feel connected to a particular spirit guide, it is important to note that it is not appropriate for spirit guides to urge sexual encounters, nor should they present themselves as being more “powerful” than you. As with people, do not give any spirit guide your power or authority.
 
Messages from the Pleiades, Archangel Michael, High Councils or other ascended realms are authentic when they are infused with Love Consciousness. Because these aspects are highly evolved they will not encourage separation consciousness or indicate a hierarchy based on “better than.” When connecting with refined states of consciousness, the energy feels unconditionally loving or, because we are emotional beings, can sometimes feel strangely neutral. The information presented helps us see our choices, experience the love that we are, and remember unity. More often than not, these messages are for your own personal growth and do not necessarily mean you need to share them with the world. This is for you to decide.
 
Advice or predictions channeled from Love Consciousness are offered simply to help us see and understand the larger picture in relation to our power and potential, often urging us to take an active part in our own evolution.
 
Pay Attention to Your Feelings
As a channel, we can receive information in many forms including physical sensations, visions, sounds, direct messages, and spontaneous knowing.  As a human, our body, mind and emotions are valid components to help us discern what feels appropriate and what does not.
 
Although fear can be an annoying alarm triggered by almost anything, it can also be a valuable tool. As we become more conscious, we can learn to differentiate “good fear” from “bad fear.” Thankfully, fears that are warranted can help us navigate away from people, situations and energies that are not in our best interest. Unreasonable fears, however, will make us feel paralyzed and uncertain about everything. Either way, it is extremely important to refrain from channeling if you are in a fearful state.
 
The whole point of channeling is to bring information that serves. When we ignore our own needs – whether we discount what we feel or give our power away to another form of “wisdom” – we are not acting in aligned service. The martyr archetype is not necessary, or even helpful, in our collective ascension. Always notice and validate your human needs when channeling.
 
Being anchored in neutrality allows us to clearly monitor our own experiences as well as evaluate the energy and information that is coming through when we channel. From this state, we remain in our power.
 
Assimilate Your Channel
We have reached a level of collective consciousness that enables us to integrate the highly evolved aspects of ourselves, including our beloved channels. Admittedly, we probably shouldn’t absorb grandma and all her issues, or may not want to assimilate an animal totem. However, there’s no reason why we can’t merge our heart and wisdom with the Love Consciousness that is palpable within the ascended masters’ and angelic realms.
 
By no means is this to imply that you should claim to be Mother Mary or the next savior! Not only are these inaccurate proclamations, they sprout from an egoic need to feel validated. Ascended Love does not need validation; it merely offers us continuous opportunities to merge with it.
 
Once you recognize the ease and unity you experience as a channel, it may be time to evaluate the reasons you continue to separate your human self from that which you channel. Remember, all separation comes from the ego, whether to feel valid or better than, or because of a belief in unworthiness. Yet, the main gift brought through high caliber channeling is the remembrance of Love and Unity!
 
When you integrate your highly evolved state – often referred to as something you channel – incorporating soul wisdom becomes second nature and is extremely powerful as it anchors on the planet as you.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As much as visualization, meditation, Reiki and other similar modalities are coming into mainstream awareness, they are still dancing along the fringes of society trying to get noticed for their worth. And, as they do, our personal impulses may be dancing right alongside them wondering if we are being led astray. Not just because we are beginning to notice our own “woo-woo” tendencies and worried what that might mean, but moving to the fringe – though it may seem wild and free – can also feel uncomfortably edgy.

Accepting others as gifted, or experimenting with guided imagery or holistic health care in the privacy of our own home or Naturopath’s office is one thing, but publicly dancing along the outskirts may be more than we wish to exhibit. Yet, the pull to see what lies beyond the boundaries can be undeniably alluring. Perhaps the fabric of our lives has started to wear thin and we are seeking ways to create it anew. Many turn to alternative support when convention ceases to have adequate answers. 

Whether we discover unconventional methodologies out of desperation, curiosity or our desire for growth, it often stirs in us our own supernatural abilities.

As the collective consciousness awakens, individuals awaken as well, and part of our evolution includes an awareness of our metaphysical capacities… and we all have them!  For some this can be exciting, and for others a bit intimidating. Although we may not necessarily want to become the next Medium or spook ourselves too much by inviting in unwanted Paranormal Activity, it may seem as if our Sixth Sense is evolving, whether we want it to or not.

Since our intuitive nature is still a mystery to us as a culture, our media plays on that uncertainty. It has mastered how to make millions off our fears, ignorance and addiction to drama. As well, when our full capacities are utilized, we become more conscious of our choices, which empowers us. At this point in our societal timeline, empowered people haven’t always been met with open arms. They rock the boat, change things that are “just fine” and lead people into uncharted territories… yeah, that edge! And, fortunately, each time one person empowers many, the framework in which a society comfortably lives expands.

In terms of metaphysics, we are broadening our peripheral vision, seeing more clearly – which is what clairvoyance actually means – and becoming acutely aware of realities beyond our physical senses.

Although the mystical is becoming more accessible, your personal interest is probably piqued by your own “inner woo-woo” desiring to come out! Whether for your own personal empowerment, or to expand your gifts to serve many, it’s probably no accident you are reading this article. Hmmm… serendipity, karma, an angelic message? Call it whatever you want, but keep reading if you’re ready to unfold to your potential!          

So how, exactly, does one discover, cultivate and embrace the “inner woo-woo”… and maybe even let it out to play amongst the fringe?

Learn more about your gifts.
It is important to note that our metaphysical gifts are so natural to us, and as they have been disregarded since childhood, they can be hard to discern. Yet, you can discover them in many ways. Seek insights from an intuitive. Invite your friends to share their thoughts and observations. Make a list of things that come easy to you. Pay attention to the physical sense you rely on most (it is likely your most refined metaphysical sense). Look behind your shortcomings to the opposite side of the coin. Ask Divine guidance to show you your inherent gifts. Seek and ye shall find!  

Play.
Like you would with any new interest, have fun with your discovery process. Think of it as a treasure hunt. Put on your coolest explorer’s costume and let your “inner woo-woo” be your enthusiastic compass! The more you stress about what you have or don’t have – or question the value of what you will find – the deeper your treasures will be buried. As the treasures are yours, no one else can retrieve them for you, but you can certainly invite them to help you excavate.    

Sharpen your skills.
Even if you haven’t discovered “your thing,” you can sharpen any skill of your choice. Take classes or read books that interest you. From Astrology to Zen Meditation, you can explore an array of written material and can often find local or online classes. You may be surprised to learn that Adult Ed isn’t just about watercolor or web design anymore! Your intention and pursuit will serve you.

Seek supportive environments.
Oftentimes when we are apprehensive about trying something new, we share it with those who will criticize it – don’t! Not only do you want to avoid having people burst your auric-bubble, you want to seek out others who will actually support your endeavors. Whether you fill your Facebook wall with like-minded friends, MeetUp with an ongoing group in your area, or instigate a gathering of your own, creating a supportive network can help ease the feelings of being too far off the beaten path. (By the way, the reception out there isn’t so great, so it’s best if you leave behind that restraining television.)

Play some more.
As your skills develop (or even if they don’t seem to) try to keep it light and joyful. If you get discouraged, accessorize your latest costume with some rosy-colored glasses. If you start to feel confined to one amusement, mix it up! As well, maybe you invite others to play along. Unless you’re worried about missing the next gypsy caravan, there’s really nothing to fret.   

Own it!
Whether you get intuitive hits, are a natural healer, talk to animals, or are great at manifesting, allow yourself to acknowledge and integrate your gifts. Bless your strengths and welcome the opportunities your weaknesses offer you. Write affirmative statements about your capabilities. Tell others you trust about what you can do and what you still wish to incorporate. Practice, practice, practice!  

Share your gifts with others.
Once you establish a talent to a point just past beginner, allow yourself to share and practice with others. Invite folks to an evening of energy healing. Offer free aura readings. Divulge your secrets of manifesting with your book group. Share your insights and wisdom about your topic on YouTube (you can even set your upload to “unlisted”). Whatever your gifts are, sharing them may feel vulnerable, but it will be incredibly freeing. Your “inner woo-woo” will be happy to be out!

In time, all of this worry about being too “out there” will dissolve along with everyone else’s mainstream fabric. Our collective awakening is happening because we are ready. The veils are thinning and our mystical senses are sensing it – some are simply tuning in sooner than others are. 

Before long, you’ll forget this was ever an issue. If a tinge of self-doubt creeps in, you’ll simply burn some sage to release any residual energies, maybe chant a quick mantra, and go back to your Feng Shui’ed office to write your next chapter in your book about how to open portals into the next dimension so you can transform into your true mythical self – the unicorn you so lovingly named Woo-Woo.

One way to help integrate ("into-great") the energies we perceive as "light" and "dark" is to stop labeling them as such. Notably, our language reflects our belief systems. If we can simply perceive things and notice what is without judgment, we open our consciousness to Oneness. The All That Is includes both "light" and "dark" energies, and it is typical (reactive) for us, as humans, to assume light is "good" and dark is "bad." Yet, take a moment to think of the numerous life situations where the opposite is true. (Mushrooms, sunburns, viewing stars at night, and so on.)

Nature herself honors, utilizes and accepts both "light" and "dark - as she is both - so why don't we?

When we can allow all energies to be loved within us (both our gifts, let's say, as well as our shadows), we can learn to allow them to exist in others. In so doing, our judgments of others' lives and choices begin to dissolve and we find compassion (which is not a righteous pity). Love allows seemingly "polar opposites" to find harmony and balance within and around us, and perceptions of duality disappear.

When we send anything Love, it raises its vibration to higher frequencies. Imagine sending all aspects of ourselves Love. Imagine sending everything outside of us Love. Judgment, on the other hand, is an aspect of separation.  We can choose, "Do I want to Love or do I want to judge?" Both are perfectly understandable options, so there's no "right" or "wrong" answer (unless, of course, you perceive one); simply neutral choices.

As duality shifts into neutrality, we free ourselves from worrying about the "dark" overcoming the "light" ...and vice-versa.

AND, if we choose, we can stretch our minds to perceive (actually allow our hearts to remember) that ALL IS LOVE. However, for now, most of us have a knee-jerk fearful reaction to such a bold statement... but, not to worry, it's perfectly human.