The Magnificent Monarch Butterfly Migration Sanctuaries in Mexico

When was the last time you did something you weren’t sure would be worth doing? I had this experience a few months ago. Having heard fantastic things about the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries in Mexico, I was still on the fence about arranging transportation and a guide. When my son visited me, he said his biggest priority was seeing the Monarch Sanctuary, so we went.

The entire experience was a fantastic lesson in surrendering and trusting Spirit. We were speechless when my son and I arrived at the top of the mountain and saw the butterflies. Little tears of Divine Joy rolled down our cheeks as we took in this impressive, miraculous display of nature at its finest. I loved their beauty, but the most significant impact on me was the butterflies’ willingness and cooperation to surrender every year to this migration experience. What a beautiful example of agreeing to participate for the greater good of all.

It would be lovely to see that same willingness in the human realm. Our world has become so divided, with each side demanding their way is the best choice. Very little cooperation happens between opposing sides. I fantasize about making world leaders come to a butterfly sanctuary and stay there until they see we are all truly connected to each other and to the world.

It is estimated over 500,000 North American monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico every year. Some fly almost 3,000 miles to reach Mexico. The monarch butterflies have been around for nearly two million years. Some believe the Monarch’s migratory patterns are the most highly developed of similar species.

Watching the multitude of butterflies, safe in their sanctuary, brought me to a profound spiritual place. They weren’t questioning if they should be there; the butterflies were all playing their role. It takes four generations of butterflies to complete the migration each year, a perfect system that has been going on for years.

How can we embody the lessons the monarch butterflies give us?

Spiritually, butterflies represent rebirth and transformation. They have the characteristics of endurance, strength, trust, and evolution.

Cooperation: Is it easy for you to cooperate with others? Do you hold out until you get everything you want? Or, are you more likely to find solutions so that more people will join you? If the world is going to make it, we must cooperate. Practice cooperation whenever you can.

Surrender: Do you always want to have your way? Can you soften and lean into different ways of seeing and doing things?

Trust: Believe all is well. Know that Spirit has your back. Let your Spirit Guides know you want them in your life.

Willingness: Take a deep breath. Inhale the energy of letting go; exhale controlling energy. Continue this breathing exercise until you don’t have any resistance to let go of your attachments for a specific outcome.

If you can’t make it to Mexico to visit one of the Monarch sanctuaries, be open to finding other miraculous opportunities to experience. Spiritual and life lessons are everywhere.

Letting Go

It's that time of year when we look back at our lives to determine what we need to let go of and our intentions for the new year. Creating space for new things to flow by letting go of people, places, situations, or possessions that are no longer in alignment with our highest good, is a great practice.

What about letting go of something you love but don't need anymore? Do you find yourself resisting, thinking you might need it later? Sometimes I like to challenge myself to give someone a personal item that is very special to me. I want my energy to flow freely, and I do not want to be so attached to an article that I can't let go of it.

The fire in the above photo was burning 50 years of journal writing. Honestly, I never thought I would get rid of them. My journals were a significant part of my life; writing in them helped me to process and release so much! I used to enjoy rereading them to see and remember how far I have come.

So, how did they end up in a bonfire? I was in the U.S. doing book events; it was an excellent time to clean my storeroom. Most of the boxes were things I did not need anymore, and I had no problem releasing them. The journals were another story. Through tears and laughter, I poured my heart and soul into them. Even if I could have taken them with me, I didn't like the idea that they would be there for anyone to read after I left this life.

My son suggested I burn my old tax records in a bonfire. Then it dawned on me I could also make the bonfire a ceremony to honor and burn my journals. It was one of the most potent and meaningful 'letting go' ceremonies I have ever experienced.

Watching them burn was part of the surrendering process, as my writing in the journals had been such an essential part of my life. I knew if I started glancing through them, I might be unable to let them go. So, I took a deep breath, inhaling all the beautiful lessons I learned while baring my soul in my journals. As I exhaled, I thanked my journal-writing experience; my heart knew I did not need them anymore.

Having my son be there with me as a witness helped me release all those thoughts and dreams I had captured in my journals. It was a perfect reminder that life continues to move forward and bring change. Here sat my son, who has been a part of my life for 36 years, watching me let go of 50 years of writing. He knows and appreciates how vital my written communication has been throughout my life. What a poignant moment!

Push the envelope and let more go.

My son, who entered this life as a wise old soul, encouraged me to let go of more things I no longer need. The day before the bonfire, he suggested I ‘work smarter, not harder’ by focusing more on marketing my book online rather than pursuing physical book events. My son knows and is proud of my strong marketing and public relations background, so this caught my attention.

First, he reminded me how well it worked when I fully surrendered to my Spirit Guides to help me write the book. Then he asked some simple questions.

"Why are you still trying to direct all your marketing efforts yourself? Why aren't you letting your Spirit Guides lead the way? You trusted them to help you write the book, and you already have four awards to prove how valuable their input has been. Many people have found you and your book with little effort on your part. Don't you think that is a sign? It's time to lean back and give the marketing reins to your Guides. Surrender, trust, and have faith--aren't those the main components of your book?"

I had asked myself those questions many times.

Then my son did the sweetest thing—he bought four of my books for people to hand out as gifts.

He said, "This is how your book will continue to reach people. There is a natural energy that is bringing your books to those who need them. Trust the process and be open to receiving the unexpected."

Transformation is coming. There is still time to review what you want to release. Choose at least one thing in each area of life—your mind, body, spirit, and space—to let go. Write each of them on a separate slips of paper.

Next, choose things in each of those areas that you want to bring into your life in 2023 and write them down on a piece of paper. Please put them in a special place so they can remind you of your personal transformational goals.

Do a simple ceremony. Meditate, thanking Spirit for bringing healing and transformation to your life. Light candles and use incense or essential oils to enhance the experience. Inhale deeply, visualizing the new things you are ushering into your life. As you exhale, see yourself letting go of what is no longer needed.

Then, one at a time, read what you are releasing. After you read each item, please take a deep breath as you exhale and let it go. Afterward, burn the slip of paper. Feel the release wash over you. End the ceremony by reading your list of your intentions for 2023. Trust and remain open to new things that appear to replace what you released.

To help you on your transformational journey, I am offering a live Question & Answer session on Zoom. Anyone who subscribes to my Wisdom newsletter can participate in the session.

How Easily Do You Surrender to Spirit?

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Most of our parents raised us to think we are the ones who are in charge of our lives.

They taught us if we work hard enough, we will be rewarded. Usually, our idea of 'rewards' focuses on financial gains or notoriety—or at the very least, someone noticing our accomplishments. Looking outside of yourself for happiness can create an ongoing spiral where you constantly chase the next opportunity.

This behavior is ego-based. You may blame yourself when you don't capture the desired level of 'success.' What if you put your life in the hands of Spirit? It doesn't mean you do nothing; instead, you wait for your Spirit's guidance before you do the legwork.

Surrendering to Spirit takes a conscience and vigilant effort. I wrote my WISDOM KEEPER book in a constant state of surrender. It was a fantastic experience. Each day, my Spirit Guides would let me know what they wanted me to write about that day. I trusted them so much; I didn't even make an outline. Occasionally, I would question their suggestions but always followed their guidance.

When it was time to design the book cover, everywhere I turned, professionals were telling me there was a 'right way' and a 'right look' that books must follow to succeed. Fortunately, my Spirit Guides had another idea in mind. They told me to find a piece of art that would convey my book's ultimate feel and message. They guided me to pick a work of art that would be so intriguing that people would want to pick up the book just because of the art.

I also surrendered to my Spirit Guides' message on how the rest of the book cover needed to be. It was a little scary to go against what the book publishing industry suggested. But I trusted the process and took a leap of faith.

Last week, I received some fantastic news connected to my book. A judge for a book competition I entered loved the cover!

"Adored the cover art. The colors are so peaceful and appealing. I would pick this up in a random walk-through in a bookstore just to see what it was—very appealing book presentation."

The judge's reaction was the same as my Spirit Guides suggested. The art I chose makes people want to pick up the book.

The message and photos I received this week from a friend were even more astounding. His son is autistic and cannot speak. My friend saw my book was capturing his son's attention; he stops several times a day to look at it. The photos reveal his fascination with the art on the cover. My heart melted when I saw the images. I hope he receives spiritual connections when he looks at the book.

When I told the artist about this boy's reaction, she was also deeply touched. "Your email really touched me...thank you so much for sharing the lovely photos of your friend's son's connection with your book and my Goddess image on the front cover. How absolutely beautiful! This Goddess is the Goddess of Air. I feel she offers the gift of movement, fluidity, and connection. Perhaps this boy is receiving those gifts from the image and energy of your book? Isn't it a wonderful blessing for us to know that, in whatever way, the book pleases him?"

When I commit to surrendering to Spirit's guidance, it is not for the typical rewards. I didn't write this book for fame or fortune. My ultimate goal is to heal and save the world. For that purpose, I want as many people as possible to read the book. I hope they find something in the book that resonates with them profoundly, motivating and inspiring them to find their spiritual path.

I also have been clear from the start of this project that if I only help one person, that will be worth all the time and energy I put into writing the book and getting it out into the world.

Two months after I released WISDOM KEEPER, a young woman came to me excitedly, telling me how much my book meant to her. She told me she had been struggling with depression before reading my book, with strong thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore. When she told me my book lifted her spirits and gave her additional reasons to want to live, it moved me deeply.

With each of these, the autistic boy drawn to my book, and the young woman who is no longer struggling with her mental health, I knew they were my 'rewards' for surrendering to my Spirit Guides. How my book has affected them is way beyond any 'book success' I ever imagined. If nothing else happens with the book, this is enough.

So, how do you surrender?

It's okay to start slow. Pick one thing you are willing not to control. Commit to waiting and listening for Spirit's guidance before taking action. Even if you are nervous or scared, stay focused on listening for Spirit to lead you. When you receive messages, it may seem like it makes little sense at first. That is okay; sit with it. Trust that all will unfold with Divine timing.