More About This Blog and Blogger

Yes, this is a beauty blog.

However... it is different from all the other ones which are classified under the same heading.

What sets this beauty blog apart from the rest is how it goes beyond discussing beauty products and makeup application techniques. Beauty in its familiar and more recognizable forms will certainly be touched upon in some of my posts, but so will metaphysics and spirituality. After all, inner beauty has a lot to do with one's spiritual practices and beliefs. Not to mention that metaphysics is a very huge part of who and what I, the blogger, am about.

Now I know I've already mentioned a little bit about my makeup artistry in the past. This time I am going to talk more about metaphysics in case any of you who follow my blog want some kind of background on it or my work with it.

Aside from being a writer and artist, I am also a professional intuitive who gives private readings and facilitates workshops on the subject. The journey that led to that is a pretty lengthy one to document here, so you'd be better off reading it in its entirety in my book once it gets published.

In a nutshell however, I grew up with a heightened intuitive perception, which includes being able to read people's energy. "Read" means just that: I knew things about people just by coming into contact with them.

From a young age, I also knew or dreamt about things that proved to be true. Some of these related to events yet to happen, others were more of an indication that things were a certain way, such as someone possessing a particular personality trait, for instance. This has been helpful in confirming what I already felt or knew to begin with, or in at least keeping my eyes open to something I may have been blind to.

This ability has always been such a part of me. I never looked at it as a so-called supernatural skill, and only realized much later that others weren't quite as sensitive to energy, hence the need to label such a manifestation as something else, be it "weird" or "awesome."

I finally began educating myself on extrasensory perception and the like at great lengths once I started college, co-founding the first paranormal society at my university in the process. In my second year of college, I was the founding president of the organization. It was also at this time that I began officially giving other people readings. I taught myself how to use tarot cards, which I found hindered more than helped because the symbolism on the cards would pull me one way while my visions or sense of knowing would take me in another direction. I'm not saying the cards were wrong or misleading--I'm saying that what was making itself known to me came at a clearer and much more rapid rate than I could ever interpret the cards based on what they traditionally stood for.

That was in 1996. Since then, I have continued to learn everything I can about spiritual--aka "psychic"--abilities and metaphysical concepts. Other than reading all the books on the subject I could get my hands on, I've worked as an assistant to a prominent psychic researcher and have attended several workshops and seminars--such as Doreen Virtue's Angel Therapy Practitioner® course--on further developing these soul abilities.

(The word "psyche" in Greek means "soul" or "mind." Hence "psychic" is "of the soul" or "of the mind," whichever you favor. It's not as mysterious or scary once you begin breaking it down into bite-size pieces.)

I've also studied healing, and am a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. It's only one step away from being a Reiki Master, but I do not currently feel called to further this aspect of my spiritual studies.

Instead, I have worked on fine tuning my interpretation of energy and my ability to hear helpful and uplifting messages from Spirit. I do my best to put into words what I pick up so that my clients can understand the information I see and sense in all other ways.

If you are unfamiliar with metaphysics, suffice it to say for now that it's a branch of philosophy that explores the true nature of reality. Hence, when you're probing beyond what is visible, you're delving into metaphysics. When you wonder about your purpose in life, your soul's blueprint and other related matters, you're treading on metaphysical ground as well.

If you are interested in understanding yourself and your life better, or are committed to feeling more fulfilled, try looking outside of what you've believed all your life or were taught when you were little.

You just might discover that a much larger Universe exists outside of the one you've always known.

As for my story, there's a lot more to it, but I'll give us both a much needed break for now. In the meantime, you can look for me on Twitter but do check back here as the best is yet to come...!

What about you--in what ways have your God-given spiritual abilities and intuition played a role in your life?


~Lea

Transition

Before you read any further, let me warn you that this entry may seem rather cryptic. If you look back in time to it from the future however, you will understand fully what I am talking about here.

That said...

As I write this, I am nowhere near famous, not even as an "internet celebrity." Probably the only people who read my blog entries--aside from my two friends who signed up to follow it--are other friends and people I already know.

...Which makes this an ideal time to post this particular entry, as you will find me at a more vulnerable place than usual. I am also an intensely private person, regardless of all appearances to the contrary.

Currently, I am on the edge of a life so familiar that I have journeyed to the furthest point I can possibly go without falling off of it into an entirely different world. You can bet your bottom dollar I am making the leap, but I just want to breathe in and center myself prior to what is coming.

The next chapter of my life is like a double-edged sword: It will serve me in some ways, but may wound me in others, which is the reason I am taking my time before I dive off of the edge. Life in that next world will be rewarding in terms of reaching more people and making a difference in many more lives, but it won't be without its challenges.

I have waited my whole life to get to this point, but now that I am finally here, I am bracing myself for the impact of what is to come.

After all, where I am going, everybody who is in the know will be familiar with me and my work. There's no such thing as invisibility in this other world. You may wonder--especially if you're a "Leo" type who loves putting on a show and being showered with attention--what could possibly be so wrong with such a scenario.

See, I enjoy it too, but since I am an empath and can be rather sensitive (though my sensitivity is nowhere near what it was when I was younger, thank goodness), I have to make a conscious effort to remain down to earth and surround myself with positive energy; this way, I remain grounded and clear-headed, especially in a reality so far removed from that of most others that it's practically a fantasy.

Basically, I don't ever want to be swayed from the purity of my intentions, despite the hurdles and temptations that wait for me along the way. Instead, I want always to stay in touch with who I am deep down inside... who I am on a soul level.

...And so I hold that intention.

Thank you for joining me at this moment in time.

For now, I will be sitting here between these two worlds a little while longer before finally plunging headlong into the inevitable.

Awakening to Your Dreams

Do you downplay your magnificence?

Not to say you should make it a point to tell everyone in sight how great you are--but do you engage in false modesty or see yourself as less than worthy of a life filled with blessings?

Regardless of what you have to say to that, take a look at your life to discover what the answer is. How you're living is testimony to what you think you deserve.

The good news is: It's never too late for change.

As the Henry Ford quote goes, "Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right." In other words, even if the most wonderful opportunities are available to you, you won't see them if you aren't open to them.

Admiring the good fortune of others does not have to be as good as it gets. You can improve the quality of your life, but you have to act on it rather than just dreaming about it. Don't let what others think of you stop you from moving forward with your life. Do you really want to continue being defined by names you've been called or opinions others have of you? Do you want to give your power away just like that?

Keep in mind that only you and that higher power known as God, Goddess, Source and the Universe (among other things) hold any power over your life. If it appears that others have any hold over you, it's because you've handed them the controls to some facet of yourself. If you're not happy about this, take back your power now. If you feel challenged as to how, look up exercises on cord-cutting and start living a more empowered life today.

After all...

"Man is free at the instant he wants to be." ~Voltaire


;)
~Lea

Phoenix

Whoever said, "To teach is to learn twice," was spot-on.

My new blog is only in its baby stages but I can already feel my empowered self rising from the ashes.

See, when I was younger I was so excited to be on this Earth. I couldn't wait to be a grown-up and live a thrilling life that wasn't based off of someone else's template but was my own creation. Fast forward 25 years into this lifetime, and I guess you could say that the novelty of being on the planet this time around had worn off for me. I went from living an abundant life that I had indeed manifested to my delight, to living instead like many others seemed to be--struggling, hard up for food and money... I even went through a homeless phase, sleeping in the car and not knowing where to use the bathroom or take a shower next.

What a contrast that experience was from all my childhood and teenage dreams. For a few moments there, I felt incredibly broken because this was me--ME!--of the grand plans and the refined tastes going through some arguably unsavory times. You could say that my ego took one heck of a beating.

The process of both literally and figuratively getting back on my feet and retrieving my bearings took roughly 5 years, but you know what? I don't wish that any of what I went through never happened. While I have gladly reclaimed my birthright to all things wonderful--which is yours as well, if you want it--I wouldn't rather not have grown into who I am today and who I'm growing more and more into every day as a result of those experiences. That time in my life has given the service I offer the planet a flavor of understanding firsthand what it's like to be in such a challenging position.

With this post I am basically sending love and appreciation to all who benefit from what I do. Thank you for being part of my life. Without you, I wouldn't be putting my thoughts out into the world and hearing myself think out loud in the process. I am reminded of my Divinity with each moment I encourage you to remember yours.

Many blessings your way, dear friends. I'll talk to you again soon...!


Much love,
~Lea


P.S.
If you want to take a look at my old blog, click here. Even if all it's good for is to serve as an example of how people grow, take from it what makes sense to you and leave the rest behind. Keep in mind that not everything in it is aligned with who I am today. xoxo, ~L

REALLY Creating Your Best Life

What moves you?

What prompts you to get out of bed every morning?

If you're set to "automatic" and start--or live--your day pretty much the same way on a daily basis, you aren't alone; it's easy for humans to fall into a rut and not even realize they're stuck. We have to make a conscious effort to not get too comfortable in any one spot, or else we hinder our growth as we no longer seem to be moving forward.

To avoid the trap of staying in what becomes a comfort zone, we have to take the time to center and ground ourselves... to stop and smell the roses, if you will. This helps us maintain a fresh perspective... a sense of detachment that prevents us from getting overly caught up in drama that can paralyze us.

Simply put, we sometimes give too much importance to matters that otherwise wouldn't have such a hold on us. (Maybe there isn't anything exciting going on at times that we choose to make mountains out of mole hills?)

Wouldn't you prefer to live a life filled to the brim with what brings you joy rather than focusing mostly on the troubling, the mediocre and the mundane?

I know that in this age of The Secret, many are already aware that what you focus on expands, but...

How many of us actually apply this rather than just knowing it?

We have to do the work that leads to the results we want. While I believe in so-called "effortless effort" where the elements that make up a goal or dream seem to flow smoothly into place, I am also telling you:

Reading as many spiritual and metaphysical books as you can get your hands on isn't enough. No wonder some people who've read a book that worked wonders for many others claim it did nothing for them...! For starters, how about at least trying the written exercises the authors give in the books?

I'll be leaving you with that for now, but I'll be back soon!


~Lea

On Makeup and Creativity

Even if you have no plans of becoming a professional makeup artist, makeup application can be valuable in your daily life. Aside from any personal reasons you can think of or come up with on why this is so, applying your makeup is an opportunity for you to get creative.

If you don't paint or draw, or simply never thought of yourself as an artistic person, why not have fun creating new looks as your very own makeup artist? Those who don't have a steady hand needn't worry, as there are techniques so your makeup is flattering regardless of how skillful--or not--you initially are with brushes and pencils.

Rest assured, makeup does not always have to look so finished and polished to the last detail for it to appear more than acceptably attractive. Unstructured makeup is one of the looks even the most skilled pros create on the faces of top models on elite designer catwalks.

I'll share numerous makeup application tips and tricks with you in future posts. In the meantime...

Cultivate your creativity no matter what uplifting and empowering methods appeal to you. If you do, life will be more infused with color and texture than if you resort to the same old approaches every time.


Have a beautiful life!
~Lea

Seeing What's Beautiful

I have a secret to share with you.

I used to trivialize beauty.

I've had phases where I'd go out in old, ratty clothes and my house slippers (even when I had more money than I ever had) because I had issues about putting my best self out in the open for all to see.

This wasn't because I didn't know there was anything of real worth or value in beauty; on the contrary, it was because beauty has always mattered to me immensely but I felt "bad" somehow for being wired that way.

Growing up, I was exposed to ways of thinking that minimized beauty's importance. Having Art as a college major was frowned upon for instance, and being open about wanting to look nice was seen as vain, like some kind of sin almost. You could look good of course, but heaven forbid it didn't come effortlessly.

My people-pleasing self back in those days felt like it could only survive in such a world by catching the least possible attention. If I was noticed for something most everyone else seemed to value, such as academic accomplishments, that was all right--I just couldn't let on that I liked anything other than what that society deemed worthwhile. What kid doesn't want to just fit in and be accepted, or at the very least be left alone rather than bullied or questioned?

Now that I have been on the planet for 30 years however, I have lived long enough to discover that there is more peace in accepting who I am. Following my inner compass is what leads to my personal bliss, which in turn gives joy to those who are meant to be helped by what I put out into the world.

We all have different missions on Earth, so there is no need to attempt to fulfill a purpose not your own. Someone else will take care of that.

You don't ever have to be what you're not.

Your beauty as an individual comes from your unique configuration, which is where your particular strengths lie as well.

As for me, I've finally come out of the closet where I was hiding my love for beauty (among other things, which I'll probably blog about at a later time). Tangible beauty after all is one of the most amazing parts of the human experience. To begin with, Mother Nature is filled with such stunning sights for all to partake of!

Besides, even if beauty isn't one of your priorities in this lifetime, I'm sure that many won't deny how it helps to have clean and pleasant surroundings to work in and sleep in. To give another example, when we consciously pick friends, we want those who have traits we consider beautiful and appealing.

To become more of a genuinely beautiful person from the inside-out, acknowledge all that you find lovely in life.

What's beautiful in your world today?

~Lea

A Quick Word on Beauty

Me with no makeup

As we don't all find the same things beautiful, you may very well define "beauty" differently from the way I do. While I think beauty is too broad a concept to accurately capture in so few words, I would at least like to share where I am coming from when I talk about it.

Beauty, to me, goes beyond what is pleasant to the physical senses. Although beauty in its material form can certainly be uplifting, beauty is never only skin deep. There is that intangible inner beauty that one takes with her (or him) wherever she goes regardless of whether she is dressed in the finest clothes or has any makeup on.

I will be posting entries here on both inner and outer beauty; along with being a professional makeup artist, I am also a metaphysical practitioner in love with all that is gorgeous in the Universe. Know that, despite how much I enjoy playing with cosmetics, I am not promoting makeup as a way to cover up anyone's low self-esteem issues. Makeup application is an art to have fun with; choosing the most flattering makeup is the same as picking out the clothes, shoes and hairstyles that help you feel your best because you've put in an effort to take care of yourself. If you happen to be one of those people to whom none of those matter, that's fine. If you like getting glammed up and dressed up on the other hand, that's okay too.

Different strokes! ;)


~Lea

A New Beginning

Who are you and how can you make the most of your time on the planet?

These are only two of the questions you may find the answers to if you pay regular visits to this blog.

I’m actually putting this blog out into the world for selfish purposes. In order to create or attract what I want more of in my life, I am making available to others what I desire to experience most. What that is exactly varies from day to day, but you can expect to see posts on topics such as The Arts, Beauty, Creativity, History, Metaphysics and Spirituality. If you benefit, I am glad. If you feel like there isn’t anything for you here on the other hand, it was nice to at least cross paths with you, but don’t dilly-dally; your true calling awaits somewhere else so you better head in that direction rather than waste your time here.

While I will be writing about a variety of topics that both genders can benefit from, be forewarned that some entries will be geared more towards the ladies, or at least those who wear makeup or want to learn how to apply it. Makeup Artistry is one of my loves in this lifetime so--among many other things--I will be sharing some cosmetics tips, tricks, techniques and product reviews through this blog.

That said, welcome to my world.

Are you ready for the ride?

~Lea